| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08453988B2 |
Track ceiling clip apparatus
A track clip hanger assembly is composed of two parts that are mated together in a slidable manner to attach the assembly to a hanging ceiling track. Each of the two track clip hanger parts include an arrangement for mating one part to the other and each of the two parts include an arrangement for attaching the assembly to a ceiling track such that the assembly hangs from the bottom of the track when the two parts are in the mated position and the two parts of the track clip hanger assembly are mated in such a manner that the two parts will not accidentally come apart or un-mate. The track clip hanger assembly is designed to allow an electronic device to be attached to it so that the device can not accidentally become un-attached. |
| US08453985B2 |
Mounting device for fixing peripheral device to server
A mounting device includes a clamping device, a spacing device, and a receiving device. The clamping device includes an upper clamping element and a lower clamping element. The upper clamping element includes a first side plate and an upper clamping plate, the first side plate defines a guiding element and a number of position holes thereon thereon. The lower clamping element includes a second side plate received in the guiding element and a lower clamping plate opposite to the upper clamping plate. The second side plate defines a spacing hole therethrough. The spacing device is positioned on the first side plate and extends outward a position pole, the poison pole penetrates the position hole and receives in the spacing hole for fixing the lower clamping element. The receiving device is rotatably connected with the first side plate and defines a receiving room. |
| US08453983B2 |
Electronic device with supporting apparatus
A supporting apparatus for an electronic device chassis includes a base, a supporting assembly fixed to the base to detachably mount the chassis, a guiding block, an operation member, and a latching member. The guiding block is slidably attached to the supporting assembly along a first direction. The latching member and the operation member are slidably attached to the guiding block along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A first protrusion with a first slope and a second protrusion with a second slope protrude from the guiding block. The operation member includes a first sliding block with a third slope abutting against the second slope. The latching member includes a second sliding block with a fourth slope abutting against the first slope. An inserting pin extends up from the guiding block, to engage in the chassis. |
| US08453980B2 |
Support apparatus
A support apparatus includes a support member having at least one thread, a collar attached to the support member that is moveable along the one or more threads of the support member and at least one arm assembly attached to or positioned on the collar. The one or more threads may include a ridge formed on the support member or a groove formed in the support member. The one or more arm assemblies are configured to hold an object such as, for example, a monitor, copy holder, liquid crystal display or light fixture. |
| US08453978B2 |
Cable system
A method for mounting a cable duct on a supporting surface. The cable duct includes openings for applying attachment elements, forming parts of the supporting surface into at least three hitches. The hitches are placed corresponding to the openings in the cable duct and the cable duct is mounted on the surface through the hitches. |
| US08453977B2 |
Neutral field tray system
A neutral field tray includes a base with a width that tapers from a proximal end to a distal end, and an instrument trough at least partially recessed relative to the base and sized and configured to support at most a single surgical instrument. The trough is obliquely oriented relative to the base so as to present the proximal end of the instrument substantially above the base and to shield a sharp of the instrument within the trough. The tray also includes supporting structure for supporting the tray relative to a supporting surface. |
| US08453973B2 |
Plug mounting
A plug mounting (50) is provided as a combination of a plug (10) and a mount (30), for the detachable mounting of an equipment part, such as an inner panel, to a supporting frame, such as an aircraft fuselage. The plug (10) has a mounting pin (12), which has an annular groove (25) on one end, which can be engaged with a slide (34) of the mount (30), which is under spring pretension. The mounting pin (12) can be connected to the foundation by a damping element. The mount (30) is fastened to the housing (32) on the equipment part. The mount (30) has an eccentric lever (42) for unlocking the plug (10) by displacing the slide (34) against the spring pretension. The arrangement is made so that only the mounting pin (12) of the plug (10) needs to be inserted into the opening of the housing of the mount (30). It is not important whether an opening in the slide (34), into which the mounting pin (12) is to be inserted, is precisely aligned therewith, because the slide (34) is pushed against the spring pretension by one end of the mounting pin (12), wherein the spring pretension subsequently ensures that the slide (34) is latched in the annular grove of the mounting pin. |
| US08453966B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft
An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for use on a small vessel, or a base with similarly limited space or irregular motion. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of a base apparatus. Continued translation of the aircraft may pull the cable clear of the apparatus, in which case it can continue in free flight and return for another retrieval attempt. Alternatively, the cable will be dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot or similar channel, until its free end is captured. The aircraft, having thus become anchored to the base station, is then pulled down by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, while directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture. Once mated to the fixture, the cable can be released and stored aboard the aircraft; the aircraft can be automatically shut down; and fueling or other servicing can be completed through appropriate connectors in the docking fixture. The aircraft can remain docked as needed, and when desired, be automatically started and tested in preparation for launch. It can then be released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle can thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus. It can be used with low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy. |
| US08453965B2 |
Double hook door mechanism
The present invention provides a double hook door mechanism for use in opening and closing aircraft landing gear bay doors. |
| US08453963B2 |
Amphibious large aircraft without airstairs
An amphibious large aircraft without traditional airstairs is disclosed. With its flat and oblong fuselage, said amphibious large aircraft has wing-in-ground effect in addition to generating elevating force in flight. Thus, said amphibious large aircraft has smooth takeoff and touchdown on the runway as well as on broad water area. The flight efficiency is increased by 30-40%. The fuselage has only one floor, wherein the passenger cabin is set in the front of the fuselage, and the cargo hold is mounted above the rear. The wings are extended towards two sides from upper side of the fuselage. A jet engine is mounted above the rear of the fuselage and adjacent to the tail wing. Passengers can go on and off the amphibious large aircraft directly without the need of airstairs and can escape from the aircraft directly without the need of an inflator slide during an emergency. |
| US08453958B2 |
Method of winding tape-like multi-layer film and wound article of tape-like multi-layer film
A method of winding a tape-like laminated film in a disk form, in which the winding tension force applied to the tape-like laminated film is so controlled as to be 0%/winding meters to +0.10%/winding meters to the tension value at the start of winding in accordance with the length of the tape-like laminated film wound around a core. According to this method, the occurrence of the deformation and the winding breakage of the tape-like laminated film during the transportation and storage thereof can be suppressed. |
| US08453953B2 |
Method to transform bulk material
The invention provides low-cost, non-thermal methods to transform and beneficiate bulk materials, including low rank coals such as peat, lignite, brown coal, subbituminous coal, other carbonaceous solids or derived feedstock. High pressure compaction and comminution processes are linked to transform the solid materials by eliminating interstitial, capillary, pores, or other voids that are present in the materials and that may contain liquid, air or gases that are detrimental to the quality and performance of the bulk materials, thereby beneficiating the bulk products to provide premium feedstock for industrial or commercial uses, such as electric power generation, gasification, liquefaction, and carbon activation. The handling characteristics, dust mitigation aspects and combustion emissions of the products may also be improved. |
| US08453951B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector that includes a sliding armature, decoupled armature, or flying armature movable between a pintle stop and a housing stop. Flying armatures are generally used to increase the total force applied to the pintle stop for lifting the pintle off a nozzle seat to open the fuel injector. When the fuel injector is turned off, a housing stop is arranged to absorb kinetic energy present in the flying armature so that the kinetic energy is not imparted to the nozzle seat. |
| US08453948B2 |
Inverted-sprinkler system: base and support
An adjustable inverted-sprinkler system for irrigation. The system includes a sprinkler support base fashioned to accept and retain plurality of sprinklers in a generally inverted orientation. The sprinkler support base is supported by a frame having adjustable vertical, horizontal and slanted support members to allow precise direct, efficient and uniform watering from above. The frame is coupled to a base which allows it to be securely grounded during use and quickly moved as needed by the user. |
| US08453947B2 |
Agricultural vehicle and system
An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying an agricultural material through a standing crop. The apparatus is capable of adjusting the height and width of the frame of the apparatus. A trailer is disclosed that is capable of adjusting trailer width to transport the apparatus. |
| US08453945B2 |
Spray nozzle, spray device and method for operating a spray nozzle and a spray device
A spray nozzle for two-componet flue gas cleaning nozzles. the spray nozzle includes an output or mixing chamber and at least two through bores which lead to the output or mixing chamber and are each connected to a fluid line. At least one through bore is embodied in such a way that it is self-cleaning and/or a cleaning device is provided for at least one through bore. |
| US08453938B2 |
Radio tag and method for manufacturing radio tag
A radio tag is disclosed that includes an inlet having a base member, an antenna pattern, and a circuit chip for performing radio communications, the antenna pattern and the circuit chip being provided in the base member and includes a spacer on which the inlet is provided. The spacer has a length in a longitudinal direction thereof twice or more as great as a length of the inlet in the longitudinal direction. The spacer has a flection part at which the spacer is foldable in such a manner as to form an attached surface to be attached to an attached subject of the radio tag. |
| US08453936B2 |
Switchable radiation enhancement and decoupling
A device capable of enhancing an electric field to drive an electromagnetic tag into operation is switchable between states to control operation of the tag. Enhancement is provided by a dielectric cavity structure defined between first and second conducting layers. Different states of the device may have different resonant frequencies and read ranges according to the characteristics of the enhancement. As such a container can be provided which includes a tag which switches states on opening, allowing improved tracking characteristics. |
| US08453935B1 |
Broadband RFID label (TAG) antenna for metal
The present invention relates to a broadband RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) label (tag) antenna that includes a base, a label chip, and an antenna module. The present invention is applicable in a surface of a metal object. Thereby, a microstrip antenna with a miniaturized label antenna is accomplished. Moreover, a dual mode is applied for conquering problems brought about by the narrowband of the microstrip antenna, and the antenna is bended and miniaturized. Accordingly, preferable impedance match is achieved between the antenna and the chip. |
| US08453934B2 |
Light emitting device and method for tracking object
A technique and a light emitting device that can smoothly read out data while tracking a position of the light emitting device (an object). The light emitting device expresses data with “a change in the change of a color (switching of changes)”. The light emitting device specifies an object and the position thereof with a first primary change and thereafter expresses data with, so to speak, a secondary change (switching of the primary change). The primary change means that G and B alternately turn on (indicated by G*B) and so on. The secondary change means a change from the condition (G*B), in which G and B alternately turn on, to the condition (B*R) in which B and R alternately turn on. Thus, since data is expressed by the change of color condition changes, it is easier to freely express data while the position of an object is specified. |
| US08453932B2 |
Commodity information reading apparatus and commodity information reading method
A commodity information reading apparatus includes: an image capturing section capturing a picked-up image; a first reading section detecting the code symbol from the captured image and reading the commodity information represented by the code symbol; a second reading section detecting, if the reading by the first reading section is not realized, a benefit label from the captured image and reading benefit information corresponding to the benefit label; and a third reading section detecting, if the reading by the second reading section is realized, the character string from the captured image and reading the commodity information represented by the character string. The benefit label is affixed to a position on the code symbol where reading of the code symbol is impossible. |
| US08453931B2 |
Barcode recognition method and computer readable medium
A barcode recognition method is applicable to a data processing apparatus. According to the barcode recognition method, after the data processing apparatus is turned on, a control module loads and initializes a barcode recognition program from a data storage device, and then switches the barcode recognition program to background execution. The control module continuously monitors whether a trigger event occurs to the data processing apparatus. When the trigger event occurs, the control module switches the barcode recognition program to foreground execution. When the barcode recognition program is in foreground execution, an image capture module captures at least one image frame, for the control module to recognize. The control module derives barcode information, so as to obtain a recognition result. After the control module outputs the recognition result to other application programs by simulating keystrokes, the control module switches the barcode recognition program to background execution. |
| US08453929B2 |
Producing a microtag identifier
A system for producing rugate tags comprises a processor and an etcher. The processor is configured to determine an identifying data value. The etcher is for producing an identifier. The identifier comprises a rugate phase tag. The rugate phase tag encodes the identifying data value at least in part using a calculated rugate phase information. |
| US08453927B2 |
Communication method between a handset device and IC cards
A communication method is between a handset device having a slot hosting a first IC card, and a second IC card. The method uses a plurality of commands based on a handset device-IC card interface and intended to drive a communication between the first IC card and the handset device. The method may include providing a second device, including a slot for hosting the second IC card, providing the first IC card and the second IC card with a wireless personal interface supporting a wireless communication, and inserting the second IC card inside the slot. A communication between the handset device and the second IC card is driven by forwarding a command received by the first IC card on the handset device/IC card interface to the wireless personal interface. |
| US08453926B2 |
Advertising and marketing method and device
The event souvenir bracelet and card comprises a bracelet and card displaying an identifying name or logo of an event inside a transparent package with an information packet containing information about the event. The card contains stored, retrievable data allowing it to function as a money card, such as a stored value card or gift card. In a second aspect of the inventions, a wearable bracelet contains a device allowing data to be transmitted to and from the bracelet. The data is stored on an RFID device allowing use of the bracelet as a wearable ticket, as an identification and location device, and as a gift card, credit/debit card or stored value card. |
| US08453924B1 |
Banking apparatus controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine of a banking system operates responsive to data read from bearing records. The machine includes a card reader operative to read card data including financial account identifying data, and causes financial transfers responsive to the read card data. The machine also includes a sheet acceptor that separates each sheet from a received stack of sheets. Each sheet is aligned with a sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices which include at least one magnetic read head, an imager, and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to be genuine are returned to the machine user. Sheets determined to be genuine are processed and stored in the machine. At least one surface area image sensor and at least one image data processor are used to determine sheet movement in the sheet path. |
| US08453922B2 |
Method for one-step document categorization and separation using stamped machine recognizable patterns
A method for separating and categorizing documents includes receiving a scanned batch of documents. The batch includes scanned documents to which document separator stamps have been applied before scanning. Each stamp includes machine recognizable patterns applied on a same page of a document, spaced by a designated field for receiving a user-applied category code. The scanned batch of documents is processed to identify pages that contain a document separator, including identifying at least one of two spaced patterns. For a document page for which a document separator is identified, the the corresponding designated field is located and the category code associated with the designated field identified. The document containing the is separated from other documents in the batch based the identified separator and a document category is assigned to the document, based on the identified category code. |
| US08453920B2 |
Carton handle with bottle neck avoidance
A carton is defined for packaging a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of carton walls at least one of which includes a slot handle that comprises at least one foldable hand flap. The at least one foldable hand flap has an article receiving section for receiving a portion of an article in the carton when the at least one foldable hand flap is folded inwardly of the carton. |
| US08453915B2 |
Solder return for wave solder nozzle
A solder return apparatus for a wave solder machine that collects solder exiting a nozzle and returns the solder to a solder reservoir while limiting the degree to which the solder can splash onto electronic substrates (e.g., printed circuit boards), components of the wave solder machine, and/or the like. The apparatus includes a mounting section that may be placed over an upper surface of the nozzle and a collection section that collects the solder and returns the solder to the solder reservoir. The collection section includes a trough having an opening in a bottom wall of the trough and a flow control member that can adjust a quantity of solder exiting the trough as well as the velocity of the solder exiting the trough. One or more deflection plates can be mounted so as to extend from the trough into solder in the solder reservoir to further contain the solder and limit the degree to which splashing solder can reach unintended locations. |
| US08453911B2 |
Surgical stapler
A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The shell assembly includes a pusher movable distally to advance staples from the shell assembly into contact with the anvil assembly. First and second alignment pins operatively associated with the pusher have distal ends positioned distally of the pusher, the alignment pins movable between a first non-engaged position spaced from the anvil assembly and a second position in engagement with the anvil assembly. |
| US08453910B2 |
Staple buttress retention system
A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge. |
| US08453909B2 |
Center cinch and release of buttress material
A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures. |
| US08453907B2 |
Motor driven surgical fastener device with cutting member reversing mechanism
A surgical fastener apparatus including a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners. An electrically activated reverse mechanism for moving the elongated member from a distal most position within the end effector to a proximal position, the electrically activated reverse mechanism moves the elongated member proximally after the elongated member has moved to the distal most position by moving the trigger to the open position, and wherein after activation of the reverse mechanism proximal movement of the elongated member can be stopped by returning the trigger to its closed position. |
| US08453904B2 |
Apparatus for supplying surgical staple line reinforcement
An apparatus for supplying surgical buttress material to a surgical stapler is provided. The apparatus has a pivotable area for attaching surgical buttress material. The apparatus may also have an adhesive and a release liner disposed over the buttress material. |
| US08453903B2 |
High-start spring energized stapler
A spring energized stapler includes a “high start” design wherein a striker has a rest position above the staple track. A handle is pressed to energize a power spring while the striker remains stationary. At a predetermined position of the handle, the striker is released to eject a staple. A subassembly of a cage and the power spring provides a preload to the power spring in the rest position. The subassembly is separately movable from the handle to allow a handle pressing end to move farther than the striker's distance of travel. The handle includes a movable pivot location to enable enhanced motion of the handle pressing end. Alternatively, an optional lever links the striker to the power spring to provide leverage upon the power spring. A release latch may be mounted in front of the striker to be engaged by the lever or the handle. |
| US08453902B2 |
Nail gun and safety device of the same
A nail gun includes a housing, a safety device, a gun barrel, a supporting part, a block, a nosepiece, a linkage, a contacting part, a protrusion, a front linking part, a rear linking part and an arm. The safety device is arranged on the housing. The gun barrel is located at the front end of the housing. The supporting part is arranged inside the housing and has an elastic element. The block is disposed on the gun barrel. The nosepiece and the linkage are slidably arranged on the gun barrel. The contacting part is located at the front end of the nosepiece. The protrusion is applied to against the block. The front linking part is located at the rear end of the nosepiece. The rear linking part detachably connects the front linking part. The arm is located at the rear end of the linkage and against the elastic element. |
| US08453898B2 |
Detachable pouch
An adaptor (1) for fitting to a waist band, the adaptor comprising: an adaptor body having first (3) and second (5) ends. The first end is adapted to receive and retain a pouch (4) and the second end terminates in a fastening assembly. The adaptor body includes a first face (14) and an opposing face (20); wherein the second end comprises at least one fastener (13), the adaptor body formed from a flexible material allowing a portion of the second end to be folded about the waist band. A portion of the second face folds back on itself allowing a portion of the first face to meet at least a portion of the second face in opposing engagement. |
| US08453896B1 |
Waterproof backpack with integral garment hangers
A backpack with integral garment hanging means is herein disclosed, comprising a large rear compartment that can neatly store clothes by means of folding hangers. To access the rear compartment, one would disconnect a pair of shoulder straps and open a zipper along both sides and upper surfaces of the backpack, thereby leaving the front cover hinged at the base. When disconnected it exposes a rounded “headstone”-shaped rear compartment having a plurality of folding garment hangers attached at the top. The hangers have a short neck and are hinged at their outward points to accommodate the small confines of the compartment. This backpack allows for the placement of several articles of clothing on folding hangers inside the backpack minimizing wrinkling. The hangers can be removed and used on a conventional closet rod. The exterior covering of the backpack is of a waterproof textile material to allow use in the rain as well. |
| US08453894B2 |
Carrier for use with both younger and older infants
A carrier for use with both younger and older infants, is capable of placing the legs of younger infants having a smaller build and older infants having a bigger build into a desired M-shaped leg posture. A means for opening and closing the leg space formed in a back support web body of the carrier, adapts the carrier for continued use as the younger infants grow into older infants. |
| US08453892B2 |
Method and system for the controlled dispensing of mercury and devices manufactured through this method
A method for a controlled dispensing of mercury by mercury sources that release mercury at a temperature Te, the sources being kept at a conditioning temperature Tc |
| US08453890B2 |
Product container
The product container, in particular for spices, is made of opaque material, wherein one wall (2) of the container (1) comprises a viewing window (3) made of transparent material. A dispenser (6) which is secured pivotably on a pivot axis (7) between two limit positions, is shaped and dimensioned so that in one limit position it completely covers the viewing window (3) and in the other limit position completely exposes the viewing window (3). The dispenser (6) is connected in a non-rotatable manner to an closing flap (8), which is pivoted at the same time as the dispenser (6) and closes an outlet opening (5) in one limit position and releases it in the other limit position. |
| US08453888B2 |
Wine preservation and dispensing apparatus
A dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a support platform upon which at least one bottle may be supported and a pressurized gas supply assembly for forcing a fluid from the at least one bottle. The pressurized gas supply assembly includes an inert gas output which is linked to the at least one bottle via a conduit arrangement and a dispensing nozzle selectively secured within an opening of the at least one bottle. The dispensing nozzle includes a connecting seal assembly for attaching the dispensing nozzle within the opening of the at least one bottle, the connecting seal assembly extends downwardly and substantially covers a downwardly extending substrate of the dispensing nozzle, and the connecting seal assembly includes a self-energizing seal. |
| US08453887B2 |
One-piece vented piston
A vented piston (1) comprises a plunger (2) having a front side and a rear side, a venting passage (4) extending between the front side and the rear side, and a cap (7) located adjacent the front side. The cap is resiliently-biased by a spring (8) towards an open position in which air can pass through the venting passage from the front to the rear side of the plunger, and is movable from the open position into a closed position in which the cap closes the venting passage. The piston may be used in a storage chamber (10) of a dispensing system whereby air can be removed from the storage chamber by moving the plunger in the direction of a substance (12) stored in the chamber. |
| US08453886B2 |
Device and method for discharging constant amount of high-viscosity material
A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, capable of accurately discharging the material even if the material is sent under high pressure. A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, provided with: a discharge unit (400) having a discharge opening which discharges the high-viscosity material; a holding unit (300) having a holding area which holds the high-viscosity material, a receiving opening which supplies the high-viscosity material to the holding area, and a delivery opening which delivers the high-viscosity material to the discharge unit; and a high-pressure supply pump (100) for supplying to the holding unit under a first pressure the high-viscosity material having been filled into a container. A liquid sending unit (200) having a pump mechanism and a valve mechanism is provided in the flow path for connecting the high-pressure supply pump (100) and the holding unit (300), and the liquid sending unit sends the high-viscosity material to the holding unit by a second pressure adjusted to a lower pressure than the first pressure. |
| US08453883B2 |
Personal defense spray device
A self defense spray device comprising a spray unit having a spray canister with an irritant spray, a nozzle operable to release the irritant spray, and a first connector attached to the spray canister. The device further includes a holder having a second connector adapted to releasably engage the first connector to releasably connect the spray unit to the holder, and a safety mechanism that prevents the nozzle from releasing the spray when the spray unit is connected to the holder, thus disarming the device. Once the spray unit is removed from the holder, the safety no longer blocks the nozzle thus arming the device. |
| US08453882B2 |
Rapid cooling apparatus and method for dispensed beverages
An apparatus for rapidly cooling beer flowing from a keg to a tap to be dispensed includes an insulated ice chest containing an open topped swirl pot in which is nested a cooling coil having an inlet connected to a keg and an outlet connected to a tap on a hollow upright structure fixed to the outside of an ice chest lid. A pump is connected to a stand pipe within the coil directing a flow of ice water under pressure to generally tangentially directed nozzles within the coil creating a swirl flow of ice water over the coil turns and overflowing back into the ice chest interior space holding ice to create a circulation therein maximizing the rate of cooling of the dispensed beer to minimize foaming when dispensed from the tap. A CO2 tank is also held in the ice chest interior space, connected to the keg via fluid lines and simplified hook ups to the keg are located on the lid mounted hollow structure. |
| US08453879B2 |
Beverage dispensing system
The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate. |
| US08453878B2 |
Liquid level measuring device
A liquid level sensing and reporting system for bar keepers is proposed, having a liquid level sensor in wireless communication with a remote computer having software algorithms for calculating and reporting volume. The sensor is substantially in the form of a liquor bottle spout, and includes a means for measuring the height of the liquid in a bottle, sensing inversion of the spout, and sending the data wirelessly to a receiver. The receiver is associated with the computer, and transmits the data to the computer which calculates liquor volumes based on the changing height of the liquid in a bottle from pre-pour to post-pour status. The software extrapolates this information to produce a variety of real-time beverage consumption reports, including error reports caused by over pours, under pours, and skimming. |
| US08453877B2 |
Automatic fluid dispenser with instructional output
The invention relates to an automatic dispenser for dispensing a fluid and for instructing a user, comprising a) a holder device for a replaceable fluid container, wherein the holder device has a sensor for reading an identification of the replaceable fluid container, b) a delivery device, which enables a dispensing of a fluid from the fluid container, c) one or more touchless proximity sensors for detecting a hand of a user, d) an output device for the time-controlled output of a plurality of visual and/or sound-based instructions of a sequence of instructions to the user, and e) a controller having at least one data memory, wherein in a first data memory sequences of instructions associated with multiple and different replaceable containers and/or the identifications thereof are stored. |
| US08453875B2 |
Dispensing device
What is being proposed is a dispensing device for a preferably cosmetic liquid and a manufacturing method. A first material is pretreated in areas through the application of a coating or embossing foil such that a second material which is injection-molded directly against it does not bond with the first material in the pretreated area but rather can be detached again. |
| US08453871B2 |
Vacuum release systems
Vacuum release systems that allow rapid, uninterrupted flow of a liquid through a first opening in a container when the container is inverted are disclosed. The vacuum release systems includes a holes punch and can be secured to the outer surface of the container. When the liquid-filled container is inverted, pressure is applied to the hole punch to form a second opening in the side of the container. The second opening releases the vacuum by allowing air to flow into the container, which, in turn, allows rapid, uninterrupted flow of the liquid through the first opening in the container. |
| US08453870B2 |
Drinking cup device
A device by a drinking cup (1) comprising a container (2) and a valve element (4), the valve element (4) being provided with, on at least a portion of its free edge portion (12), an abutment (14) for a sealing, actuable gasket (8), and wherein a user's lip is resting against the gasket (8) when the drinking cup (1) is in its operating position. |
| US08453867B2 |
Closure plug with improved gasket seat and retaining lip
An externally threaded closure plug for tightly closing off the internally threaded opening in shipping and storage containers such as drums, pails and the like. The plug is formed as a cup having a bottom wall and threaded cylindrical sidewall terminating in a circumferentially enlarged rim. Immediately beneath the rim of the plug is a gasket seat defined by the undersurface of the plug rim, the plug sidewall and an annular gasket retaining lip lying in a plane parallel to the undersurface of the plug rim. In use, the plug is screwed into and out of a container wall opening, having an internally threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, the sealing gasket being compressed between the unthreaded opening portion and the plug gasket seat and lying in close proximity to the internal thread. The gasket seat acts to prevent interengagement of the sealing gasket and the opening internally threaded portion. |
| US08453866B2 |
Closure with improved rotation-inhibiting projections
A package for carbonated beverages and the like includes a container, and a closure which can be threadably applied to the container by the provision of respective, cooperating thread formations. In order to facilitate release of gas pressure from within the package during closure removal, the present package includes at least one rotation-inhibiting projection, which can be positioned within a vent groove provided on either the container or closure of the package. Notably, a rotation-inhibiting projection in accordance with the present invention is configured vertically asymmetrically relative to a helix defined by a respective one of the thread formations of the container and closure of the package. The arrangement facilitates release of gas pressure from within the package, and further facilitates convenient manipulation and removal of the closure by consumers by minimizing removal torques for the closure. |
| US08453865B1 |
Beverage container with tamper resistant lid
A beverage container with a tamper resistant lid includes a cylindrical reservoir with an open upper end in communication with an interior beverage compartment. Formed about the open upper end is an annular rim. The tamper resistant lid includes a circular panel with an annular lip depending therefrom. Positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the lip are a plurality of juxtaposed, inwardly-extending flanges. The flanges are flexible but resilient such that, when the lid is pressed onto the open upper end of the container, the flanges initially expand to circumvent the rim, and subsequently contract to grip the lower surface thereof to retain the lid on the container. The lid includes any one of a plurality of secure dispensing means to dispense a beverage from the beverage compartment. |
| US08453864B2 |
Spill inhibitors for containers
A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container. |
| US08453861B2 |
Transport of goods
A collapsible container includes a base two ends and one or two sides. Two pairs of lifting element guide formations are connected to the base. The ends are displaceable relative to the base between an erect condition in which they extend upwardly from opposed ends of the base and a collapsed condition in which they are generally parallel with the base. The ends have a width which is less than the spacing between the lifting element guide formations in a pair such that when two or more of the containers are arranged in a stack, in their collapsed conditions, ends of one container are positioned between the lifting element guide formations of a container positioned immediately above said one container in a stack. |
| US08453860B2 |
Bottle with ratcheting base and inner bladder
The purpose of the invention is to remove the excess air in an opened, partially used bottle containing effervescent beverages. Further use of the invention can be employed when viscous substances are contained. This is achieved by rotating a base of a bottle that is connected to a tab at the bottom of an inner bladder liner that is contained inside a bottle. The invention shows a bottle system for dispensing and maintaining effervescent beverages fresher for a longer period of time after a bottle has been opened. The bottle also improves the dispensing of thick substances found in many products that have viscous properties. The system offers a more efficient, easy solution for the dispensing of such substances from their containers by employing a collapsible inner bladder liner contained inside a bottle. |
| US08453854B2 |
Foldable product display structure
A display structure has a base with non-rotatable sides and rotatable sides containing a first part with and a second part, the parts fastened by a rotatable fastener; a post containing a first and second face, the two non-rotatable sides fastened to the lower end of the posts, and the rotatable sides fastened to the lower end of the posts, a rotatable fastener specially located so as to allow rotation of the parts in regards to the post; and a top with non-rotatable and rotatable sides, the non-rotatable sides of the top fastened to the top of the post, the rotatable side of the top fastened to the non-rotatable sides of the top with rotatable fastener, said rotatable fastener of the top are specially located to allow rotation of the parts in regards to the non-rotatable side. |
| US08453850B2 |
Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism
A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of an exemplary embodiment includes a pusher surface and a pusher floor that extends forward of the pusher surface. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher mechanism and extend across a divider and to the front of the shelf In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the pusher floor. With this configuration, the pusher surface is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. In an alternative aspect, the end of the coiled spring may be mounted to a retainer, or alternatively, may be mounted to a divider. |
| US08453842B2 |
Semiconductor wafer container
Wafer protecting grooves (10) are provided on an innermost wall (1b) of a container body (1). The wafer protecting grooves have a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of undulations having bottoms (10b), which are most distant from an opening (1a), at respective positions facing the outer edges of semiconductor wafers (W), and having an opening width wider than the thickness of each semiconductor wafer (W). In a normal state, an imaginary line (Q) connecting together the tops of the undulations is inward of or at the same position as the outer edges of the semiconductor wafers (W) facing the imaginary line. Thus, it is possible to obtain superior impact resistance that makes the semiconductor wafers (W) in the container body (1) unlikely to be damaged even when a large impact is applied thereto by a fall or other handling errors. |
| US08453838B2 |
Syringe piston nest for the manufacture of pre filled syringe
A piston nest (10) is provided that includes a plurality of spaced apart single nesting units (12) interconnected by a web (13). Each of the single nesting units is configured a hollow cylindrical body having a first open end about a distal end of the body and a second open end about the proximal end. The hollow cylindrical body also includes a first (24) and a second (26) retention member for retaining a piston within the single nesting unit. The first and the second retention members are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical body. |
| US08453837B1 |
Electronic device enclosure
An electronic device enclosure includes a side plate, a fixing member, and a handle pivotally mounted on the fixing member. The side plate defines a depression portion therein. The fixing member is mounted in the depression portion. The fixing member includes two fixing portions and at least one elastically resisting portion. The two fixing portions are aligned in a line. The handle includes two mounting portions extending in the two fixing portions in a first direction. The at least one elastically resisting portion abuts the handle to prevent the handle from moving out of the two fixing portions in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. |
| US08453834B2 |
Apparatus for internal mixture of substances
A device for mixture of substances, whether in the form of a fixed or removable cap or in the form of emersion within a container, utilizing individual internal substance compartments, controlled by an external actuation mechanism. The system actuation mechanism can be placed in a locked position for storage, shipping or to ensure integrity of solutions. Multiple compartments may be utilized, as well as multiple compartments within an individual container to produce multiple mixtures. A further embodiment encompassing a pivotal actuator and removably attached mixing mechanisms is also illustrated. |
| US08453833B2 |
Apparatus for internal mixture of substances
A device for mixture of substances, whether in the form of a fixed or removable cap or in the form of emersion within a container, utilizing individual internal substance compartments, controlled by an external actuation mechanism. The system actuation mechanism can be placed in a locked position for storage, shipping or to ensure integrity of solutions. Multiple compartments may be utilized, as well as multiple compartments within an individual container to produce multiple mixtures. A further embodiment encompassing a pivotal actuator and removably attached mixing mechanisms is also illustrated. |
| US08453832B2 |
Container carrier
A container carrier which is made of a foldable flat material. The container carrier includes a box-shaped carrying container which is open at top and has a bottom wall, longitudinal walls, and end walls, a middle wall parallel to the two longitudinal walls in the carrying container that has a carrying handle at top. The container carrier also includes transverse webs parallel to the end walls between the middle wall and the longitudinal walls for forming compartments in the carrying container to receive containers therein, and outwardly inclined bottom slopes which are joined to the longitudinal-sided edges of the bottom wall at bottom and to the lower edges of the longitudinal walls at top. |
| US08453827B2 |
Modular plastic spiral belt
A modular spiral belt and method for molding belt modules for constructing a heat-resistant belt. The spiral belt is constructed of a series of hingedly interconnected belt modules. The modules have single hinge links at the outside of a turn and dual hinge links elsewhere. All the hinge links extend outward from opposite faces of a central transverse spine. The dual hinge links, which each have a pair of parallel legs joined at a distal end by a yoke, are separated by a transverse pitch greater than the transverse pitch of the single one-legged hinge links at the outside of a turn. When molded from a blend of a thermoplastic polymer and a nanoclay, belt modules are useful in heat-resistant applications without sacrificing beam stiffness. |
| US08453825B2 |
Belt conveyor with a modular intermediate drive belt
An intermediate drive system for driving a conveyor belt with one or more intermediate drive belts. The intermediate drive belt includes lateral rows of pivotable teeth spaced apart along the length of the intermediate drive belt. The teeth extend into the conveyor belt along a portion of the carryway to drive the conveyor belt in a conveying direction. The only component external to the intermediate drive belt that the teeth contact is the intermediate drive belt. Engagement and disengagement of the teeth with the conveyor belt is effected without the use of cams against the teeth. |
| US08453824B2 |
Connection arrangements for mine conveyor sections
Arrangements are for use with interconnected conveyor sections, such as push beams, commonly found in mining applications. In one embodiment, a mechanism includes an elongated dog-bone shaped coupler having a first and second end for insertion between the conveyor sections. A first end of the coupler is secured to a first conveyor section, while a second end of the coupler is received in a recess formed in a second conveyor section. A pivotally mounted cam includes a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by a free end of the coupler to allow it to pass and then pivots to capture it in place, thereby simply establishing a secure manner of connection. In another, the ends of the conveyor sections are specially adapted to form an articulating joint. |
| US08453821B2 |
Device for packaging articles
A device for transporting articles within a packaging machine is disclosed. The device includes at least one conveying system for the articles to be packaged or for the packaging units for the articles to be packaged. The conveying system includes a continuously circulating transport track. The at least one conveying system has several trays that can be connected to each individual transport track. Each conveying system is configured with an upper level and a lower level. A first lifting unit is associated with each conveying system at the beginning and a second lifting unit is associated with each conveying system at the end, said lifting units moving the trays at the beginning and at the end of the conveying system between the upper level and the lower level. |
| US08453816B2 |
Flexplate coupling for a wet clutch transmission
A flexplate coupling is disclosed. The flexpate coupling may be used as part of a transmission. The flexplate coupling comprises a flywheel, a damper assembly including a hub portion, and a flexplate. The flexplate includes a hub fastened to the hub portion of the damper assembly and a peripheral portion fastened to the flywheel. |
| US08453815B2 |
Friction clutch and drive system for cooling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle with a friction clutch
A friction clutch (5) having a drive side and an output side which can be used to drive a fan impeller (2), and a selectively engageable friction disk clutch (13), which in the engaged state connects the output side to the drive side, and a first eddy current clutch (15) for providing a slip speed on the output side, the first eddy current clutch (15) having an eddy current zone formed on a cooling ring (11), wherein an eddy current zone for a second eddy current clutch (18) is provided on the same cooling ring (11) on which an eddy current zone for the first eddy current clutch (15) is formed. |
| US08453809B2 |
Shock absorber having unidirectional fluid flow
A twin-tube shock absorber comprising an outer tube which houses an inner tube. The inner tube forms an annulus area between the outer tube and the inner tube, and includes a check valve for allowing a fluid to flow unidirectionally from the annulus area to the interior volume of the inner tube. The shock absorber includes a piston which is slidably disposed within the inner tube and divides the interior volume into a rod side chamber and a cap side chamber. The piston includes a check valve allowing the fluid to flow unidirectionally from the cap side chamber to the rod side chamber. A flow regulator is disposed about the inner tube for allowing the unidirectional flow of fluid from the rod side chamber to the annulus area, wherein the flow regulator provides a resistance against the flow of the fluid from the rod side chamber to the annulus area. |
| US08453806B2 |
Damping device for a two-wheeled vehicle
A damping device for a two-wheeled vehicle having a first and a second damper chamber which are coupled to one another through a flow connection. The flow connection includes at least one flow valve provided with a damping channel. A magneto-rheological fluid is provided in the damping channel of the flow valve wherein the flow valve includes at least one magnetic device such that the damping channel of the flow valve can be exposed to a magnetic field of the magnetic device. The flow valve further includes at least one spring device. The magnetic device of the flow valve is provided on a valve piston and the valve piston is received in a deflection chamber to resiliently deflect counter to a spring force of the spring device such that the magnetic field of the magnetic device effective in the damping channel depends on the resilient deflection of the valve piston. |
| US08453805B2 |
Automatic slack adjuster with ball detent clutch
An improved self-adjusting automatic slack adjuster for reducing slack in the brake of a vehicle is provided, in which an easily accessible external operating feature actuates a ball detent clutch to permit the automatic slack adjuster's adjustment mechanism to be readily disengaged, so as to allow smooth release and retraction of the brake linings of a vehicle brake without damage to the adjustment mechanism's components. When the torque applied to the external feature exceeds a predetermined torque, the balls of the ball detent clutch move out of their retaining detents, thereby disengaging the slack adjuster's worm shaft from the adjustment mechanism and permitting brake shoe retraction without resistance from the adjustment mechanism. |
| US08453804B2 |
Disc brake system
There is disclosed a disc brake system incorporating a split caliper having a first caliper half integrally formed with a mounting plate for mounting the caliper on a vehicle. A second caliper half is fixedly and removably attached to the first caliper half in spaced apart relation to provide room for a rotor to be disposed between the caliper halves. The joiner plates permit adjustment of the distance between the caliper halves to accommodate rotors of different thickness. The split design provides a slimmer caliper profile permitting the use of larger diameter rotors in the same space. A splined rotor carrier permits mounting of the rotor on to a wheel hub housing having a corresponding spline. The disc brake system of the present invention is particularly useful in retrofitting existing vehicles, especially light armored vehicles (LAV's). |
| US08453802B1 |
Cam actuated brake mechanism for adjustable beam trolley
A brake mechanism for a beam trolley on a beam has a body member on the beam trolley adjacent the beam. The body member has a recess and axially aligned bores and a rotatable lateral pin extends through the aligned bores. The lateral pin has a rotatable elongate cam portion extending across the recess, and a brake pad is in the recess adjacent to the beam and abutting the cam portion. A handle is connected to the lateral pin for rotating the pin and the cam portion to displace the brake pad against the beam. The brake pad frictionally secures the beam trolley on the beam and locks the rotatable cam in place. Rounded end portions on opposite ends of the lateral pin and sleeve-like bushings between the axially aligned bores and rounded end portions permit rotation of the cam portion by the handle. |
| US08453796B2 |
Trade based component case and ladder bucket
A ladder system includes a ladder having a ladder top, the ladder top having at least a first slot. A container having at least a first protrusion that engages with the first slot to hold the container to the top. A method for working from a ladder. The method includes the steps of filling a container with objects and engaging a first protrusion of the container with a first slot of a top of the ladder to hold a container to the top. |
| US08453793B1 |
Accoustic fabrication system
The invention describes a method for making a composite panel and the product made by the method. The composite panel is made from a soft septum treated with a composition containing silane and an organic acid. The treated soft septum is adhesively bonded between two honeycomb panels, forming a sandwich of the septum between the two honeycomb panels. |
| US08453791B2 |
Exhaust pipe part and exhaust apparatus for internal combustion engine
A tail pipe part includes a tail pipe to constitute part of the tail pipe, and has a hollow member connected with the tail pipe in axial alignment with the tail pipe to be positioned within an area covering a node portion in a sound pressure distribution of an air column resonance caused in the tail pipe, and a short pipe included in the hollow member and having a predetermined length to extend in the axial direction of the tail pipe, the short pipe having an open end at the upstream end thereof and a closed end at the downstream end thereof, the closed end being constituted by a bottom plate positioned at almost the same position as that of the node portion in the sound pressure distribution of a standing wave formed by the air column resonance caused in the tail pipe. |
| US08453787B2 |
Apex internal mounting arrangement for a V-configuration torque rod
A V-shaped torque rod includes an apex joint assembly that is attached to a component of a vehicle using only a single fastener. The apex joint assembly includes a housing, an inner metal, an elastomeric member disposed between the housing and the inner metal and a post that engages the inner metal. The single fastener extends through the inner metal and through the post to secure the apex joint assembly to the vehicle. The post can be a tapered post or the post can be a non-tapered post. |
| US08453785B2 |
Lift arm assembly for a power machine or vehicle
The application discloses embodiments of a universal pinning system for lift arms of a power machine or vehicle. In embodiments disclosed, the universal pinning system includes a universal shaft. Lift arms are coupled to the universal shaft to provide a common pivot axis for the lift arms. The universal shaft is coupled to a frame or support of the power machine or vehicle via a pinning assembly. As disclosed, the universal pinning system has application for radial lift arms operable along a radial path or vertical lift arms operable along a vertical path. |
| US08453784B2 |
Exhaust system protection device
An exhaust system protection device is described that can be installed on the exhaust pipe of a vehicle. The device is designed to protect valuable components of the exhaust system from unauthorized removal. The device has a first locking collar that is configured to be removably positioned around the exhaust system of the vehicle. The first locking collar is positioned adjacent to the first end of the component that is to be protected. A second locking collar is removably positioned around the exhaust system adjacent the second end of the component that is to be protected. An elongated member extends from the first locking collar to the second locking collar. The elongated member is positioned around the component in a manner whereby the component cannot be removed from the exhaust system between the elongated member. A security member can extend from the first locking collar around a chassis or frame member of a vehicle and be secured to the second locking collar to prevent the protection device and component from being separated from the vehicle. The locking collars and security member are all constructed from materials that are difficult to cut or alter and thereby makes it difficult for a thief to remove the protection device from the exhaust system of the vehicle. |
| US08453782B2 |
Electric vehicle having drivetrain and suspension
An electric vehicle includes a vehicle body frame; an electric motor; a swing arm pivotally supporting a rear wheel at a rear end thereof; a drive shaft for transmitting the driving force of the electric motor to the wheel; and a suspension connecting the vehicle body frame and the swing arm together. The electric motor is set in a longitudinal layout in which a rotating drive shaft is disposed in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; and is offset from a center to either of left and right sides in a vehicle width direction. The suspension is disposed under the electric motor and the drive shaft, and on the inner sides of the electric motor and the drive shaft in the vehicle width direction, and overlapping the positions of the electric motor and the drive shaft in the front-rear direction. |
| US08453778B2 |
Motor vehicle battery supporting structure
A motor vehicle battery supporting structure configured to be attached and fixed to the body structure of this vehicle, and to carry a battery in a form of a frame to surround the battery, the frame having in its center an opening suitable for insertion of the battery, and a first battery locking mechanism is provided on the frame so as to allow the battery to be locked to and unlocked from the frame. |
| US08453762B2 |
Regenerative drive mechanism for hydraulic feed cylinders in hydrostatic or hydraulic circuits
Methods and systems for storing kinetic energy in a fluid-base power circuit. A regenerative control valve manifold diverts fluid flow from a hydraulic device performing a first operation into an accumulator. The accumulator stores a fluid volume sufficient to perform a second operation. The regenerative control valve manifold connects the accumulator to the power circuit providing a fluid flow and charge pressure sufficient to perform the second operation. |
| US08453761B2 |
Resonance enhanced drilling: method and apparatus
The present invention relates to drilling apparatus comprising a drill-bit (1) capable of rotary and high frequency oscillatory loading; and control means for controlling applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading of the drill-bit, the control means having adjustment means for varying the applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading, said adjustment means being responsive to conditions of the material through which the drill is passing. The control means is in use provided on the apparatus in a downhole location and includes sensors for taking downhole measurements of material characteristics, whereby the apparatus is operable downhole under closed loop real-time control. The apparatus can determine appropriate loading parameters for the drill-bit in order to achieve and maintain resonance between the drill-bit and the drilled material in contact therewith. |
| US08453760B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling bottomhole temperature in deviated wells
An apparatus and method for reducing temperature along a bottomhole assembly during a drilling operation is provided. In one aspect the bottomhole temperature may be reduced by drilling a borehole using a drill string having a bottomhole assembly at an end thereof, circulating a fluid through the drill string and an annulus between the drill string and the borehole, diverting a selected portion of the fluid from the drill string into the annulus at a selected location above the drill bit to reduce pressure drop across at least a portion of the bottomhole assembly to reduce temperature of the bottomhole assembly during the drilling operation. |
| US08453757B2 |
Adapter part for a machine tool
An adapter part for a machine tool is designed to be inserted between two housing parts and includes an adapter connection element that corresponds to a housing connection element on a housing part. |
| US08453753B2 |
Fire fighting bucket suspendable from aircraft
Firefighting bucket (11) suspended from an aircraft by lines (15), has open top (12A) and a valve at base (13). The valve is attachable to the aircraft by remotely actuatable line (16) and independent movement of lines (15-16) may utilize the weight of the water to facilitate opening and closing of the valve. Dynamic sensing of a bucket attribute, e.g. weight, enables bucket (11) to be filled or discharged by a pre-determined volume by the pilot. Chemical fire retardant may be added by entraining it with water discharging from the valve. |
| US08453751B2 |
Methods and apparatus for extinguishing fires
A fire control system according to various aspects of the present invention includes an extinguishant configured to absorb heat from the fire. In one embodiment, the extinguishant is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the fire and inhibit reflection of thermal radiation from the extinguishant and/or other surfaces back into the fire. In additional and alternative embodiments, the extinguishant includes a thermal absorbant may be configured to transfer heat into the surface and/or interior of suppressant particles or droplets to promote activation of the suppressant. |
| US08453748B2 |
Subterranean well valve activated with differential pressure
A method of actuating a valve in a well can include storing energy as a result of a differential pressure across a closed closure device of the valve, and releasing at least a portion of the stored energy while opening the closure device. A valve for use in a well can include a closure device, a biasing device, and an actuator which stores energy in the biasing device in response to a pressure differential across the closure device. A well system can include a tubular string, and a valve which controls fluid flow through the tubular string. The valve may include a closure device and an actuator which actuates the valve at least partially in response to a pressure differential across the closure device. |
| US08453744B2 |
Downhole modulator apparatus
A modulator is disclosed for creating a pressure pulse in a fluid-filled well. The modulator comprises a tool body on which a plurality of extendable arms are mounted. The arms may be retracted into a stowed position substantially adjacent the tool body, or may be extended to meet the wall of the borehole. The arms are preferably resilient bowsprings that may be flexed outwards from the tool by means of an actuator pushing on at least one end of the springs. A flexible valve sleeve or bag is suspended between the arms and cooperates with a valve mounted adjacent the sleeve on the tool body. The valve sleeve creates a fluid-flow path through the valve, and in operation, the valve closes one end of the valve sleeve to create the pressure pulse. Sealing of the valve sleeve against the wall of the well is a result of the fluid pressure inflating the sleeve against the well wall. As a result, sealing takes place over an extended area of the bag and is dynamically responsive to changes in fluid flow or pressure. |
| US08453743B2 |
Methods of fracturing an openhole well using venturi section
Methods of fracturing a well can include the steps of: (A) obtaining a fracturing job design having at least one treatment interval; (B) running a tubular string into the treatment interval; (C) before or after the step of running, forming one or more tubular string openings in the tubular string, wherein after the step of running, the one or more tubular string openings are positioned in the treatment interval; (D) except for the axial passageway of the tubular string, blocking at least 86% of the nominal cross-sectional area of the treatment interval that is between one of the ends of the treatment interval and the axially closest of the one or more tubular string openings, and, except for the axial passageway of the tubular string, leaving unblocked at least 4% of the nominal cross-sectional area of the treatment interval; and (E) pumping a fracturing fluid through the one or more tubular string openings at a rate and pressure sufficient to initiate at least one fracture in the subterranean formation surrounding the treatment interval. |
| US08453739B2 |
Triaxial linear induction antenna array for increased heavy oil recovery
A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. An aspect of at least one embodiment disclosed is a linear radio frequency (RF) applicator. It includes a transmission line and a current return path that is insulated from the transmission line and surrounds the transmission line to create a coaxial conductor. At least one conductive sleeve is positioned around the transmission line and the current return path. The transmission line and the current return path are electrically connected to the conductive sleeve. A radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the transmission line. When the linear applicator is operated, a circular magnetic field forms, which creates eddy current in the formation causing heavy hydrocarbons to flow. The applicator provides enhanced oil recovery where steam may not be used. |
| US08453736B2 |
Method and apparatus for stimulating production in a wellbore
In an aspect, method for stimulating fluid flow in a wellbore is provided, the method including placing a fluid jetting valve in a tubular, conveying the tubular in a wellbore with the fluid jetting valve in a closed position and changing a pressure within the tubular to move the fluid jetting valve to an open position. In addition, the method includes directing a stimulation fluid through the open fluid jetting valve into a wall of the wellbore and moving the fluid jetting valve to a permanently closed position via a passive control device. |
| US08453730B2 |
System and method for improving operational characteristics
A technique improves the operational characteristics of a well device while the device is used in a wellbore environment. The well device benefits from a unique material, in the form of a negative stiffness material or a negative Poisson's ratio material, positioned to improve the operational characteristics of the well device. The material can be located to reduce vibration and/or other detrimental effects that can interfere with operation of the well device. |
| US08453728B2 |
Apparatus and method for depth referencing downhole tubular strings
An apparatus (100) for depth referencing tubular strings in a wellbore. The apparatus (100) includes a depth reference coupling (102) having a profile (112) that is positioned in a first tubular string. The first tubular string has a predetermined length between the depth reference coupling (102) and a predetermined reference point. The apparatus (100) also includes an indicator assembly (118) having a mating profile (128) operable to engage the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102) that is positioned in a second tubular string. In operation, the second tubular string is run in the first tubular string until the mating profile (128) of the indicator assembly (118) engages the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102), thereby enabling reliable depth referencing of the tubular strings. |
| US08453726B2 |
Corrugated settling cup and a multi-cup uniform flux gas anchor
A corrugated settling cup (5) is provided, wherein the cup has a cup body, an opening and a location step (52) are provided at the bottom (55) of the cup body, several location holes (53) are formed at the top of the location step (52), location projections (54) corresponding to the location holes (53) are formed at the bottom (55) of the corrugated settling cup (5), wherein the external profile of the corrugated settling cup body rises along the axial direction in a corrugated shape. A multi-cup uniform flux gas anchor is provided, wherein the gas anchor includes a central pipe (7), several corrugated settling cups (5), several settling cups protection bodies (6) and a well-flushing valve (9), wherein the external profile of the corrugated settling cup body rises along the axial direction in a corrugated shape. |
| US08453724B2 |
Tool for recovering junk and debris from a wellbore of a well
A downhole tool incorporates a junk catcher with full body casing drift. It is made of an inner tubular member that conveys the hydraulic power or circulating fluid to rearward and outward facing jet nozzles for directly flushing downhole junks in front of the tool (if encountered) into a junk collecting barrel equipped with individual magnets to retain magnetically attractive metal junks. The barrel is made of high grade steel material with outer diameter matching the full drift of wellbore casing. The front, or the lower end of the outer body is addressed with tungsten carbide cutters to effectively handle metal junks in case of milling action is required. The back, or upper end of the barrel has return flow ports equipped with a filter screen to retain small, medium and large size junks while fluid is pumped through the tool. |
| US08453721B2 |
Seals for a stacked-plate heat exchanger
A stacked plate heat exchanger includes a core having an outer periphery and a longitudinal axis, a shell having an inner periphery and at least partially surrounding the core to define a fluid gap therebetween. A seal between the shell and the core at least partially divides the fluid gap into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, and includes at least one core fin projecting generally radially outwardly and having at least one core fixed end proximate the outer periphery of the core and at least one core free end distal the outer periphery of the core, and also includes at least one shell fin projecting generally radially inwardly and having at least one shell fixed end proximate the inner periphery of the shell and at least one shell free end distal the inner periphery of the shell, and being interleaved with the at least one core fin. |
| US08453717B1 |
Micro-architected materials for heat sink applications
A heat sink comprising a heat spreader attached to a three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure material. The three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure material has dimensions that allow for large surface area to volume ratios. The three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure may be comprised of hollow truss elements and partially filled with a thermally conductive material or a fluid. |
| US08453706B2 |
Link assembly for an automatic door opener equipped garage door
An assembly for an automatic garage door including a slide bar, a motor, and a drive assembly connected to the slide bar, and a tie connected to the garage door; the assembly including a first “C” bracket having a lower web, the first “C” bracket receiving the slide bar and the motor and drive assembly being operatively connected to the first “C” bracket for longitudinally moving the first “C” bracket; a second “C” bracket having a lower web, the second “C” bracket nestingly receiving the first “C” bracket, and the tie being further connected to the second “C” bracket; a latching mechanism incorporated within the first and second “C” brackets' lower webs, the latching mechanism being adapted for resisting movements of the first and second “C” brackets away from each other; and a third “C” bracket having lower web, the third “C” bracket nestingly receiving the second “C” bracket. |
| US08453701B2 |
Fabric welding machine
Methods and other embodiments associated with a fabric welding machine are presented. The fabric welding machine includes a base, a welding machine body, and a support beam with a first end and a second end. A first roller is positioned adjacent to the first end of the support beam opposite the welding machine body. A swing arm with a body end and a roller end is attached to the welding machine body. The roller end is opposite the welding machine body and is configured to move to a first position and a second position. A heat element attached to the first end of the support beam. |
| US08453699B2 |
Method of and apparatus for molding glazing gasket onto multiplayer glass panel
A molding material 22 from an extruding machine 33 is fed by a molding material feed pump 34 to a molding material discharge pump 32, which discharges the molding material from a coating gun 31 to a peripheral edge portion 21a of a multilayer glass panel 21. The rate at which the molding material 22 is discharged from the coating gun 31 is adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the molding material discharge pump 32 depending on the relative speed between the multilayer glass panel 21 and the coating gun 31. An amount of molding material 22, which is commensurate with the difference between the rates at which the molding material 22 is fed to and drawn into the molding material discharge pump 32, is circulated through a flexible circulation hose 39 to the extruding machine 33. |
| US08453696B2 |
Automated edge wrapping of a panel
A self-contained, portable and automated apparatus and method for wrapping edges of a panel with a protective and/or decorative laminate material comprises conveying means for moving the panel from an entry end of the apparatus to an exit end of the apparatus, lifting means for transversely deflecting the flap upward to a position substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the panel as the panel is conveyed, adhesive application means for applying an adhesive to a back surface of the panel proximate the edge substantially throughout the length of the panel as the panel is moved past the adhesive application means, a folding bar positioned downstream from the adhesive application means at an angle of about 135 to 170 degrees relative to a trailing part of the edge to transversely deflect the flap downward toward the adhesive on the back surface of the panel, and a roller positioned downstream from the folding bar and arranged to spin inwardly over the flap at an angle of about 130 to 150 degrees relative to the trailing part of the edge to cause the flap to stretch inwardly and be secured to the back surface of the panel. |
| US08453695B2 |
Portable applicator
There is disclosed an applicator and method for applying transfers such as heat transfers, decals or labels to transfer-receptive materials. The applicator has a lightweight, T-shaped, sheet metal support or frame having an applicator station. A motorized supply roll unwind and a motorized take-up roll rewind are mounted on the support to hold supply and take-up rolls, to tension the transfer-containing web and to advance the web onto the take-up roll after the transfer has been applied at the applicator station. |
| US08453690B2 |
Tire chain tightening apparatus and method
A tire chain tightener for use on automotive, truck, or other vehicle traction chains and similar devices. The tire chain tightener has an length of elastic material with a hook attached to each end. Intermediate hooks are spaced along the elastic material between the two ends. One of the ends may be uniquely marked with instructions for correct installation of the tire chain tightener. When correctly installed, a tire chain tightener with N+1 hooks will form a symmetrical N pointed star inscribed in the circumference of the tire chains. The star is further centered about the tire. The tire chain tightener exerts a centering force on the tire chains. Since only one hook at a time is installed, the effort to install the tire chain tightener is reduced, enabling people of limited strength to install them. |
| US08453688B2 |
Kit and device for connecting and transferring fluid and the use of said device
The high-pressure output (2) of a donor container is coupled to a user system (11) by means of a main transfer tube (4) through a pilot valve (5) controllable by an auxiliary line (6) which is connected (12) to an auxiliary circuit of the system (11), extends along the main tube (15) and is fixed thereto by the reduced length thereof at several distinct points (Si). In such a way, the rupture or inflammable leakage of the tube (4) generates the tearing off or meting of the auxiliary line (6) in such a way that the output valve (5) is immediately closed. Said invention is particularly suitable for an inflammable gas supply to stationary plants. |
| US08453686B2 |
Method and apparatus for filling tubes in a tube-filling machine
Tubes are directed to a filling station (15) for filling the tubes (T) in a tube-filling machine, and, in the filling station, a liquid or highly viscous product (P) is poured into the tubes by means of a filling apparatus (16). Each tube is also weighed and the actual weight is compared with a desired weight. The filling apparatus is adjusted if the variance between the actual weight and the desired weight lies outside predetermined limits. In the process, the weighing of the tubes in the tube-filling machine occurs within 5 sec. after the end of the filling operation, either already in the filling station or between the filling station and an ejection station (22) for bad tubes (T′). |
| US08453682B2 |
Compressed gas dispensing method
A method for dispensing a compressed gas for reducing the amount of residual gas in dispensing station storage vessels before refilling is required. The method comprises transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a first series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from a first mobile storage device and subsequently from a second mobile storage device, transporting the first mobile storage device to a refilling station after the first mobile storage device has been depleted to a selected depletion level, refilling the first mobile storage device at the refilling station, and transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a second series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from the second mobile storage device and one or more of the first mobile storage device after refilling and a third mobile storage device. |
| US08453675B2 |
Rotary union with selectively controlled seal
A rotary union includes a non-rotating machine component having a receiving counterbore, a media channel opening, and a control channel. A housing is positioned within the receiving counterbore and has a bore and a control chamber in fluid communication with the control channel. A non-rotating seal member is slidably and sealingly disposed within the bore in the housing and has a media channel in fluid communication with the media channel opening and the receiving counterbore. The non-rotating seal member can be selectively extended or retracted within the bore of the housing, such that selective engagement of a face seal is accomplished under different operating conditions of the rotary union. |
| US08453673B2 |
Valve cage for a pump
A valve cage device is adapted for use with a subsurface pump or the like. The valve cage includes a housing and an insert. The insert includes a cradle, a plurality of angled ribs, and a base. In one embodiment, the insert may also include an extended nose region. A ball and seat may be positioned in the valve cage. |
| US08453670B2 |
Poppet valve with sloped purge holes and method for reducing a pressure force therein
A poppet valve is disclosed that includes a valve body, a poppet guide disposed inside the valve body so as to form a flow passage from an inlet to an outlet of the valve, a poppet shutter disposed inside the poppet guide, and a biasing member to bias the poppet shutter away from the poppet guide toward an inside surface of the flow inlet so as to block the flow passage. The poppet valve further includes at least one discharge hole placing an inner chamber of the poppet guide in flow communication with a region of low static pressure of the flow passage. A method for reducing a closing pressure force acting on a poppet shutter of a poppet valve is also disclosed. |
| US08453668B2 |
Vacuum relief valve
A vacuum relief valve includes: a housing with a central cavity, the housing having a system branch, a vacuum branch, a pilot branch, and an exhaust branch, each of the branches in fluid communication with the central cavity and having a respective port; a piston assembly comprising a first disk located in the pilot branch, a second disk located adjacent the exhaust branch, and a connecting member to which the first and second disks are mounted; and an actuator attached to a pilot seal, the actuator configured to move the pilot seal between a closed position, in which the pilot seal is positioned in and seals the pilot port, and an open position, in which the pilot seal is spaced from and does not seal the pilot port. When the pilot seal is in the closed position, the second disk is positioned on and seals the exhaust port, and when the pilot seal is in the open position, the second disk is spaced from and does not seal the exhaust port. In this configuration, often a smaller, less expensive actuator may be used to actuate the valve. |
| US08453662B2 |
Assistive walker apparatus
An assistive walker for assisting a user in going on foot and for reinforcing recommended walker use technique includes a walker frame including opposed leading and trailing ends formed between opposed handled and footed ends and that together define a user-receiving area extending from the trailing end of the walker frame to the leading end of the walker frame, and the walker frame is for supporting a user in the user-receiving area and aiding ambulation thereof. The walker frame is formed with a motion sensor apparatus including a motion sensor assembly to detect user movement at the user-receiving area, and a signal device operatively coupled to the motion sensor assembly to emit the signal in response to a substantial lack of detected user movement at the user-receiving area. |
| US08453660B2 |
Foldable pocket umbrella
A foldable pocket umbrella is proposed that includes a handle cover and a support element of a truncated cone-shaped tripod element having air ducts for ventilation of the interior of a handle cover. The support and a three point bearing achieves optimal conditions conferring minimal frictional losses between support element and inner wall of the handle cover and resilient stability to the umbrella. |
| US08453659B2 |
Outdoor AV display arrangement for outdoor shading device
The outdoor shading device includes a supporting frame, an awning frame, and an outdoor AV (Audio-Video) display arrangement. The AV display arrangement is coupled with the supporting frame of the outdoor shading device via a supporting arm and is connected with the portable electronic device by a connected unit such that the user is able to enjoy greater visual effects through watching relatively large display in comparison with the portable electric device but without sacrificing a portable controlling functionality of the portable electric device. |
| US08453658B2 |
Pressure progressing spray fitting apparatus
A readily expandable self-cleaning progressive spray system is provided. The system includes a fluid inlet and a series of spray fittings each having a self-sweeping spray nozzle, a timing mechanism, and a pass-through valve. The series of spray fittings are connected in fluid communication to the water inlet such that the fluid passes into and through the spray nozzle of each spray fitting until its timing mechanism expires which subsequently activates its pass-through valve which directs the fluid on to the next spray fitting. The spray fittings include a reset mechanism which resets the pass-through valves in order to allow the valves to iterate through the desired pattern again after completing one cycle. |
| US08453649B2 |
Apparatus for positioning a nasal cannula
A harness for securely positioning a nasal cannula on the face of a person for orally administering oxygen and other gases is described. A flexible chin strap adapted for placement around the chin of the person may be attached to adjustable, flexible straps effective for draping around the ears of the person, which are in turn attached to a central, cannula attachment portion disposed between the cannula and the face of the person. The gas delivery tubes of the cannula are also disposed behind the ears, essentially following the path of the flexible straps of the harness. Once placed on a person, the harness holds the nasal cannula such that the nasal prongs may disposed facing toward the mouth opening in the vicinity of the lower lip thereof, and may deliver gases to a mouth-breathing individual. Another embodiment of the harness may be utilized to position a nasal cannula for nasal administration of gas. |
| US08453648B2 |
Endotracheal tube with intrinsic suction and endotracheal suction control valve
An improved endotracheal tube providing a built in suction channel for the removal of excessive secretions from the lumen of said tube and the tracheobronchial system is disclosed. Control valves for regulating the suction feature are also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the endotracheal tube includes an additional suction channel, an above-the-cuff suction channel adapted to remove secretions above the cuff outside the endotracheal tube and within the trachea. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the endotracheal tube is configured for use with an endoscope for videolaryngoscopy, and the like. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, an improved technology for the administration of medications within the tracheobronchial system is disclosed. |
| US08453645B2 |
Three-dimensional waveform display for a breathing assistance system
An apparatus configured to display a three-dimensional representation of a waveform for a breathing assistance system may include a processor and a display device. The processor may be configured to receive signals from one or more sensors over a plurality of time periods and generate multiple instances of a waveform based on the received signals, each instance corresponding to one of the plurality of time periods. The display device may be configured to cooperate with the processor to display a graphical three-dimensional representation of the waveform over time. The three-dimensional representation may include graphical representations of the multiple instances of the waveform displayed simultaneously. |
| US08453642B2 |
Life style flow generator and mask system
A flow generator for generating a supply of pressurized air to be provided to a patient for treatment includes a housing, a blower provided to the housing, and a projection unit provided to the housing. The blower is operable to provide a pressurized flow of air at an outlet. The projection unit is operable to project an image onto a surface adjacent the housing. |
| US08453639B2 |
Automatic video instillator
An automatic video instillator that can accurately and easily administer inhalation into an airway of an animal by providing images of a throat is provided. An automatic video instillator includes a case defining a space, a guide unit that protrudes frontward from the case to secure an airway of an animal by being inserted through a throat of the animal, an image pickup unit that is installed on a front end of the guide unit to capture images of portions in front of the guide unit, an administration unit that is installed through the case and the guide unit to administer an inhalation, an administration switch for adjusting administration of a predetermined amount of the inhalation directed to the administration unit into the airway of the animal, and an image display unit that is connected to the image pickup unit to allow a user to see the images captured by the image pickup unit. |
| US08453638B2 |
One-piece pneumostoma management system and methods for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma. The flange is formed in one piece with the tube. |
| US08453634B2 |
Initial velocity accelerating tube
An initial velocity accelerating tube includes an outer pipe. Two ends of the outer pipe are connected with a stop member and a connection member, respectively. An inner pipe is provided in the outer pipe. Two ends of the inner pipe are inserted in the stop member and the connection member, respectively. When the initial velocity accelerating tube is mounted on a toy gun, one end of the inner pipe is against the front end of the barrel of the toy gun by the elastic force of the elastic member so as to tightly connect the barrel, providing an airtight effect. The barrel can be lengthened. To have a shoot with the long-barreled gun, the bullet can have a longer route to accelerate for getting a higher initial velocity. |
| US08453633B2 |
Spring-piston airsoft gun
A spring-piston airsoft gun includes a cylinder-and-piston assembly disposed in a barrel to force air through a muzzle end to make a shooting action, and a coil spring disposed to exert a biasing action to drive a piston head of the cylinder-and-piston assembly when changed from a compressed state to a released state. Front and rear anchor shanks are disposed for respectively mounting front and rear coil segments of the coil spring. A major shell and a minor ring are sleeved on the rear anchor shank to permit the coil spring to be sleeved thereon. The minor ring is in frictional contact with and angularly moveable relative to the major shell such that, when the coil spring is released to expand to the released state, the rear coil segment is tensed to drag the minor ring to angularly move therewith so as to minimize the frictional force therebetween. |
| US08453625B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes providing at least one gas exchange valve that is used by at least one of the working cylinders of the internal combustion engine as an exhaust-gas recirculation valve. In a predetermined operating state of the internal combustion engine, the exhaust-gas recirculation valve is opened at least twice within a working cycle of 720 degrees of the crankshaft, wherein an opening duration of the first opening of the exhaust-gas recirculation valve at least overlaps in time with an opening of the outlet valve during the exhaust stroke and wherein an opening duration of the second opening of the exhaust-gas recirculation valve at least overlaps in time with an opening duration of the inlet valve during the intake stroke, wherein the exhaust-gas recirculation valve is closed between the first opening and the second opening. |
| US08453623B2 |
Gas circulation engine
A gas circulation engine includes a combustion chamber to which high-pressure fuel in a first high-pressure fuel supply passage, an oxidant and working gas are supplied; a circulation path that connects an intake-side portion and an exhaust-side portion of the combustion chamber to each other; a fuel bleed-off tank into which the high-pressure fuel in the first high-pressure fuel supply passage is bled off; a fuel bleed-off valve that permits or shuts off communication between the first high-pressure fuel supply passage and the fuel bleed-off tank; and a fuel bleed-off control unit that permits communication between the first high-pressure fuel supply passage and the fuel bleed-off tank by opening the fuel bleed-off valve when the engine is stopped, the communication between the first high-pressure fuel supply passage and the fuel bleed-off tank being shut off during operation of the engine. |
| US08453622B2 |
Fuel supply system
A fuel supply system includes a plurality of fuel pumps, and one suction filter. The suction filter includes connection portions that are connected to pump inlets of the fuel pumps, and an interval adjusting member that adjusts the interval between the connection portions in accordance with the interval between the fuel pumps. Thus, it is possible to fit the suction filter to the fuel pumps without changing the interval between the fuel pumps. Because the interval between pump outlets is not changed, it is possible to minimize the problems that are likely to occur when the suction filter is fitted to the fuel pumps. |
| US08453621B2 |
Integrated throttle body for electronic fuel injection system and method of manufacture
An integrated throttle body for an electronic fuel injection (“EFI”) system and its method of manufacture. The integrated throttle body of the invention comprises a molded throttle body housing in which the throttle valve, shaft, bore and motor housing are all molded in a single shot from a suitable thermosetting resin or thixomolded from magnesium. |
| US08453616B2 |
Vane-type motor cam phaser with a friction disc and mounting method
The invention relates to a vane-type motor cam phaser with a rotor and a camshaft. Between this rotor and the camshaft, a friction disc is braced axially by means of a central screw. Accordingly, this friction disc transmits a drive torque in a frictionally engaged manner. For pivoting the rotor in two oppositely lying directions of rotation, at least two oil channels (A, B) run through the camshaft and a hub of the rotor. At least the one oil channel (A or B) is sealed hydraulically radially inward by an inner ring part of the friction disc and radially outward by an outer ring part of the friction disc. The inner ring part and the outer ring part are joined to each other by means of a crossarm. |
| US08453614B2 |
Variable valve timing device for internal combustion engine and manufacturing method therefor
A variable valve timing device for an internal combustion engine includes: a variable valve timing mechanism that changes a valve timing; and a phase limiting mechanism that locks a rotational phase between a housing rotor and a vane rotor at an intermediate phase. The phase limiting mechanism engages a first limiting pin with a first engaging groove and engages a second limiting pin with a second engaging groove to lock the housing rotor to the vane rotor. A retard-side side surface of an engaging hole is configured so as to be able to adjust a clearance between the second limiting pin and the retard-side side surface when the first limiting pin is engaged with a first advance end portion. |
| US08453607B2 |
Collapsible mesh bird cage
Embodiments include a mesh bird cage having a fabric collapsibly forming an enclosed volume, the fabric being a screen-like mesh with holes to enable air to circulate through the fabric. The fabric may be equipped with extendible rods to adjust the volume enclosed by the fabric. |
| US08453606B2 |
Sliding animal enclosure latch
Devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods related to animal enclosure latches. Specifically, the disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods relate to animal enclosure latches having a slide bolt and a pendant, where the operation of the slide bolt and pendant require separate movements, thus decreasing the likelihood that an animal may open the latch. |
| US08453604B2 |
Animal litter
Animal litter is provided that causes little damage to the legs or the like of animals using a litter box and generates a small amount of ammonia. The animal litter includes a plurality of particulate matter, in which the plurality of respective particulate matter includes a group of particles configured with an inorganic porous material and an inorganic binder which binds the group of particles together, and the inorganic binder includes a non-cement solidifying agent. |
| US08453602B2 |
Combination storage, dispensing and feeding device for domestic animals
A feeding device that is comprised of an outer containment module and inner compression device, so configured that a multiplicity of disposable liners can be nested within the device and then be individually dispensed as required for each new feeding. The disposable liners are held inside the bowl without need for mechanical hinges, moving rims or retaining devices, but rather by a very careful cooperation between the size of the liners and an inwardly extending retaining flange or lip on the top inner edge of the containment module. This unique design allows the user to simply press liners into the device or peel them out, whenever the circumstances require it. The compression device in the bottom of the containment module supports the liners and continuously keeps the supply of disposable liners conveniently staged at the top edge of the module, as well as keeps them from moving during feedings. |
| US08453599B2 |
Resist solution supply apparatus, resist solution supply method, and computer storage medium
A resist solution supply apparatus of the present invention includes: a resist solution supply source storing a resist solution therein; a supply tube for supplying the resist solution from the resist solution supply source to a coating nozzle; a filter provided in the supply tube for removing foreign matter in the resist solution; and a heating unit provided along the supply tube at a position closer to the resist solution supply source than the filter, for heating the resist solution in the supply tube to a predetermined temperature higher than room temperature to make a resist gel to aggregate to become coarse so that the coarse resist gel can be collected and removed by the filter. |
| US08453598B2 |
Stent holding fixtures
Disclosed are stent holding devices having a support mandrel and one or more stent retaining fixtures disposed on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a character identifier to facilitate tracking a stent mounted on the holding device. The retaining fixture may include a conical protrusion and a conical recess to allow any number of retaining fixtures to engage each other and be stacked on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a tubular member having a spiral cut that enables the diameter of the tubular member to be adjusted to allow for a frictional fit on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may have a Z-shaped or T-shaped structure configured to retain a stent. The stent retaining fixture may also have a filament for retaining a stent. |
| US08453593B1 |
Emission attenuated lining apparatus and methods for structures
The invention provides an improved method and robotic apparatus for preparing and applying a structural member while significantly mitigating hazardous emissions. The remotely controlled robot comprised a series of expandable and interchangeable chambers that allow of site-specific customization. The chambers are linked together by means of flexible interface that allow for the apparatus to conform to the tank radius. A set of synchronized steerable tractor drives are at each end of the apparatus and provide motion across the surface. The chambers have a flexible vacuum seal for the mitigation of harmful emissions. A detachable umbilical with product delivery lines, pneumatic lines, electrical power and signal and video lines contained within remains attached to the robot during the lining operation. The system is suspended from the surface by means of a support structure and center trunnion. |
| US08453591B2 |
Marine vessel with extendable and retractable surface effect wings
A mono boat hull power boat with extendable and retractable surface effects wings. The boat hull has wing cavities housing the wings inside the hull. At the front of wing cavity wing pivots are located, and at the rear of the wing cavities extending mechanisms are located, allowing for the pivotal extension and retraction of the wings in to the hull cavities. |
| US08453589B2 |
Hatch with cover for boats
A novel hatch and with cover for boats comprising: a hatch, a hatch cover with handle hinged to said hatch, and cooperating means on the hatch and cover including cam surfaces whereby the said handle can be rotated to secure the cover to the hatch. |
| US08453588B2 |
Float structure for storing liquids
The float structure is constructed with a bottom structure providing buoyancy to the float structure, an upper deck and a number of support columns that connect the bottom structure and the equipment deck which is to be positioned above the surface of the water in which the float is arranged to operate. The float structure is characterized in that at least one of said support columns comprises a liquid storage column which is placed in the middle section of the float structure with the remaining support columns are positioned in the outer sections of the float structure. Active ballast tanks are disposed in the middle section of the bottom structure adjacent the liquid storage column and secondary ballast tanks are disposed in the outer part of the bottom structure. |
| US08453583B2 |
High-efficiency combustors with reduced environmental impact and processes for power generation derivable therefrom
A process for combusting solid liquid or gaseous fuels in a high temperature refractory-lined reactor with the aim of generating electric power comprises mixing at least one fuel with steam. The refactory material of the reactor and the opaque gases of the reaction environment bring about high power infrared radiation which substantially instantaneously preheats the reactants on input including said reactants being intrinsically transparent to infrared radiation (N2/O2) but rendered opaque and thus absorbers of energy from infrared radiation thanks to dilution with steam. A high efficiency combustor is provided for carrying out the above-stated process. |
| US08453582B2 |
Workstation with position memory
A workstation with position memory includes a stationary flat mounting, a plate translatably mounted relative to the stationary flat mounting and a locking system secured to the plate. The workstation also includes a fastener secured to the stationary flat mounting, a strap including a first end, an intermediate portion and a second end, the first end being attached to the fastener and the second end being free from any strain. The locking system has a first open position in which the locking system can slide along the intermediate portion and a second closed position in which the locking system is retained in a locked position along the intermediate portion. The invention has a direct application in the field of military vehicles. |
| US08453580B2 |
Magnetic suspension system with integrable propulsion
A method and system for magnetically levitating a load is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a system for magnetically levitating a load, the system comprising at least two lift generators, each comprising a source of magnetic flux configured to induce a magnetic flux in a rail via a leg on either side of the rail, at least one magnetically permeable beam connecting the lift generators, and control circuitry configured to generate and modulate a magnetic current flux through the crossbeam so as to maintain gaps between the legs and rail, wherein the gaps defined by the legs on either side of the rail are of unequal size. |
| US08453575B2 |
Pyrotechnical method for dual-mode gas generation and related pyrotechnical generator
The subject of the present invention is a pyrotechnic method for generating gas at two successive flow rates—a first flow rate then a second flow rate, said first flow rate being higher than said second flow rate—which comprises: the combustion of a first pyrotechnic charge (10) in a first combustion chamber (1) discharging into a second combustion chamber (2) via at least one nozzle (3); and the combustion of a second pyrotechnic charge (20) in said second combustion chamber (2) discharging to the outside via at least one vent (21). Characteristically, said first chamber (1) operates at high pressure and said second chamber (2) operates at low pressure. Another subject of the invention is a pyrotechnic gas generator suitable for the implementation of said method.The invention is most particularly applicable in the context of side protection airbags (“curtain airbags”), used in automobile safety. |
| US08453572B2 |
Gun fired propellant support assemblies and methods for same
A gun fired projectile includes a rocket motor housing including a pressure chamber and an exhaust nozzle. A plurality of propellant cells are positioned within the pressure chamber. The rocket motor propellant is mechanically supported during the severe gun fire event. This support may take several forms, each of which is discussed herein. The projectile further includes a support structure including one or more supports: wherein each of the one or more supports is engaged with the rocket motor housing. Each of the one or more supports is engaged with one propellant cell of the plurality of propellant cells, and each of the one or more supports suspends an individual propellant cell from the remainder of the plurality of propellant cells. All of these approaches provide the opportunity to tailor the performance of the rocket motor by combining a combination of propellant formulations and geometries to optimize the projectile performance. |
| US08453568B2 |
Method of moving printing tables in screen printing apparatus, and printing table driving unit therefor
In a screen printing apparatus, a first printing table and a second printing table are alternately driven to move horizontally between a workpiece introducing section and a workpiece printing section by a table driving unit. The table driving unit is constituted so that the first printing table is vertically moved from a first level to a second level during the horizontal movement of the first printing table, and so that the second printing table is maintained at the first level during the horizontal movement of the second printing table, whereby the first printing table can pass by the second printing table without interference therebetween when these tables meet each other. In either of the workpiece introducing section and the workpiece printing section, each of the first and second printing tables is always located at the same first level, and thus an unprocessed workpiece (W) loaded onto each of the first and second tables can be subjected to a screen printing process in the same control manner. |
| US08453566B2 |
Screen-printing frame
A system for attaching mesh to a frame and applying tension to the mesh is described. The system includes a locking strip slot in a movable frame member that permits mesh and an attached locking strip to be inserted into the slot from the top. The locking strip may be asymmetric. The system further includes a rigid frame that can hold the movable frame member under tension. The system also includes gripping the movable frame member at the locking strip slot to apply tension to the mesh. A simple hand tool may be used for engaging the locking strip slot and leveraging against the rigid portion of the frame to apply the tension. A simple hand tool may be used for separating the movable frame member from the rigid frame to remove the mesh. |
| US08453564B1 |
Container crusher
An apparatus that crushes beverage cans and similar containers to reduce waste volume in recycling bins comprises two (2) metal platens held when closed by a hinging mechanism that allows one (1) of the platens to be moved away from the other. The surfaces of the platens which face each other are provided with a textured or ribbed surface to prevent the object to be crushed from slipping out from between the closing platens. A first platen is mounted onto a pair of mounting brackets and a second platen is attached onto a pair of moving links. A pair of parallel operating arms is interconnected by a handle and operates the connected hinging mechanism. The hinging mechanism provides a toggle action which generates an adequate force between the platens to crush the containers. When the handle and the hinging mechanism are returned to the starting position, the opening between the platens allows the crushed object to fall out into the recycling bin. |
| US08453562B2 |
Apparatus for infant formula and beverage preparation
An apparatus for quickly preparing infant formula and beverage comprising: a powder container for storing dry formula or beverage powder, a powder dispenser for dispensing controllable amount of formula or beverage powder into a milk bottle or a cup, a water container for storing water, a heat-exchanging reservoir for heating up or cooling down water to an ideal temperature, a water delivery system for delivering controllable amount of water from the water container to the heat-exchanging reservoir and then from the heat-exchanging reservoir to the milk bottle once the water is adjusted to the ideal temperature. The device has a main setting and controlling system to set up parameters of powder dispensing amount, water dispensing temperature and water dispensing volume prior to a formula or beverage preparation, so that the apparatus can prepare infant formula or beverage with ideal volume, concentration and temperature. The apparatus in present invention can also include an external mixing system which apply shaking or vibration (can be ultrasonic) to the bottle or cup for mixing and dissolving powder with water inside it and a remote controlling system so that a user can start the formula or beverage preparation process from a distance. |
| US08453560B2 |
Coffee machine with thermally regulated dispenser
A coffee machine for producing and dispensing coffee-based beverages, comprising: a water supply pipe (11); at least one dispensing device (13) comprising an infusion unit (15) apt to contain coffee powder, wherein said dispensing device (13) includes an infusion body (14) apt to admit water into said infusion unit (15) when said infusion unit is engaged with said dispensing device (13), a heating chamber (12) in fluid communication with the supply pipe (11), the heating chamber (12) comprising heating means (20) and being provided with an outlet (24) for permitting the admission of water at a dispensing temperature (T2) into a connecting pipe (23) in fluid communication with the infusion body (14) via a shut-off valve (26). The water supply pipe (11) is in fluid communication with a source of water (7) at a feed temperature (T1) and thermally coupled to a heat source (5), the feed temperature (T1) being less than said dispensing temperature (T2). |
| US08453557B2 |
Piston actuator assembly
A piston actuator assembly having includes a piston liner slidably disposed within a housing. A piston is slidably disposed within the piston liner and partially slidably disposed in the valve body. A plurality of pressurized fluid passages communicate with the piston actuator assembly and provide a first flow of hydraulic fluid and a second flow of hydraulic fluid. A plurality of seals maintains separate fluid pressure chambers selectively pressurized to achieve a plurality of actuator positions. A plurality of exhaust passages communicate with the piston actuator assembly providing pressure relief to allow for predictive movement of the piston and piston liner. |
| US08453555B1 |
Pistol having a barrel with synchronized cams
A semi-automatic pistol is provided having a barrel, a frame and a slide. The slide is adapted for linear motion along the frame during a firing sequence and has a forward end and a block end. The forward end has an upper cam follower surface and a lower cam follower surface on the inside surface adjacent to the barrel. The barrel has a ramp cam surface adjacent to the chamber end of the barrel to effect locking and unlocking of the barrel relative to the slide during the firing sequence, a bottom cam surface and a top cam surface. The bottom cam surface and the top cam surface extend from the front end toward the chamber end of the barrel and each have undulating surfaces that moves against the lower cam follower surfaces of the slide to cause oscillation of the barrel while the slide moves during the firing sequence. |
| US08453547B2 |
Method and device for trimming at least one side edge of a bound printed product
A device for trimming at least one side edge of a bound printed product including a trimming table to receive the printed product and a press die arranged to press the printed product against the trimming table. The press die is operative to rise and fall with respect to the trimming table and the press die includes an elastic surface in a region approximately near the side edge of the print product. The elastic surface is operable to expand in a direction approximately transverse to the pressing direction. The device also includes a trimming knife positioned to trim the side edge. The trimming knife is operable to move between a starting position away from the trimming table and an ending position at the trimming table. The device also includes counter blade or a cutting bar mounted to limit a cutting stroke of the trimming knife. |
| US08453545B2 |
Machine tool and machining method thereof
A machine tool includes a bed, a main spindle, a first tool rest, a first tool, a first driving mechanism, a second tool rest, a second tool, a second driving mechanism and a control device. The main spindle is located over the bed. The first tool is mounted on the first tool rest. The second tool is mounted on the second tool rest. The control device controls the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism to drive the first tool rest and the second tool rest, respectively, such that the first tool and the second tool move along the same direction, and machine a processing surface of a workpiece in order. |
| US08453543B2 |
Tool
A tool includes a driving member with a protrusion. A shaft is removably connectable to the protrusion. The shaft includes a bit driving segment for retention of a bit therein. A handle includes a first handle portion and a second handle portion, both of which are pivotally connected to the driving member such that the first and second handle portions at least partially encompass the shaft when in a closed position. A bit retention member is disposed in at least one of the handle portions to retain the bit therein. The bit is insertable into the bit driving segment. At least one notch is fashioned into at least one of the handle portions. The notch is in register with the at least one bit retention member, permitting a user to access the at least one bit retained therein. |
| US08453540B2 |
Bulb changing system
A bulb changing system for elevated light bulbs is presented. The system has an elongate tube, a drive shaft with a drive handle, a drive gear, a driven gear, and a light receptacle configured to engage an exterior portion of the light bulb. In one aspect, the drive housing houses the drive gear and the driven gear therein a drive cavity and rotation of the drive handle causes the drive gear to rotate substantially along the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube, which in turn, causes the driven gear to rotate, which in turn, causes the light receptacle to rotate. As such, the light bulb is rotated into or out of engagement with a socket, depending upon the direction of rotation. |
| US08453539B2 |
Gearbox apparatus and method of manufacture
In one version of this invention, a gear box has mounting means such as a pair of facing walls for mounting the bearings for the axles carrying the gears. Each mounting means supports its bearing with a different stiffness to compensate for different loads imposed by gears that are closer to one of the bearings supporting the axle than the other. The different stiffness of each bearing mounting equalizes load-induced shifts of the position of the bearings holding the axle. Such a mounting equalizes such shifts, allowing the axles to remain substantially parallel and the gears in alignment. Aligned gears better maintain line contact between individual gear teeth, thereby reducing wear and breakage of the teeth. |
| US08453537B2 |
Fatigue relieving support for steering wheels and the like
A system and method for relieving and preventing fatigue caused by extended gripping of a vehicle/vessel steering wheel. The system includes a first section that attaches to the rim of the steering wheel at a predetermined location and a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible second section that connects to, and extends outwardly from, the first section. The second section supports a portion of the body such as wrists, hands, and forearms. |
| US08453535B2 |
Selector lever arrangement for automatic transmissions of motor vehicles
Selector lever arrangement for automatic transmissions of motor vehicles, having a manual shift facility and a selector lever, which in a shifting gate can be moved forwards or backwards in only one plane into the positions P, R, N and D, all positions being situated in series in one plane and the selector lever having a hand rest together with a release mechanism, the hand rest being pivotally guided relative to the selector lever by way of a four-bar linkage, in such a way that its angle in relation to the selector lever varies according to the position of the selector lever. |
| US08453533B2 |
Four degree of freedom (4-DOF) single modular robot unit or joint
A module of a center link pivotably connected to two outer links has continuously rotatable faceplates rotatably disposed on the two outer links, thereby creating four degrees of freedom (4-DOF). Modules may be connected via faceplates to produce a “snake” assembly. A single module may move forward in a straight line through simultaneous rotation of the two faceplates. By reversing the rotation of the faceplates, the module may turn in its own length. By sequentially pivoting the outer links relative to the center link, an “inch worm” movement may be used to move the module. Interconnections of two or more modules increase the number of available degrees of freedom, and increase the flexibility of the resultant assembly. Apertures in the faceplates and the outer links allow for interconnection of modules and allow for electrical power and signal connections. A battery housed in the center link provides power for each module. |
| US08453531B2 |
Dual clutch transmission
A double clutch transmission with two clutches connected to a drive shaft and to one of two transmission input shafts. Fixed gears are coupled to the input shafts and engage idler gears. Several coupling devices connect the idler gears to either first or second countershafts which each have an output gear that couple gears of an output shaft such that forward and reverse gears can be shifted. A shifting device couples gears to engage power shift forward and reverse gears. Two dual gear planes each comprising one fixed gear and two idler gears which are supported by a respective countershaft. In each dual gear plane, at least one idler gear wheel can be used for at least two gears. Two single gear planes each comprise an idler and fixed gear such that at least one power shift winding-gear is engaged by a shifting device. |
| US08453526B2 |
Method of inspecting mount state of component
A mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1b at total two divisions of a component mounting division b where the mounting apparatus 1b performs mounting and a component mounting division a where a mounting apparatus 1a disposed on an upstream side performs the mounting; the mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1c at total three divisions of a component mounting division c where the mounting apparatus 1c performs the mounting and the component mounting divisions a and b where the mounting apparatus 1a and 1b disposed on the upstream side perform the mounting; and the mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1d at total four divisions of a component mounting division d where the mounting apparatus 1d performs the mounting and the component mounting divisions a, b, and c where the mounting apparatus 1a, 1b, and 1c disposed on the upstream side perform the mounting. In this way, since a step in which abnormal mounting occurs can be easily specified and an effective solution can be established at a predetermined location or item, the abnormality can be easily solved. |
| US08453522B2 |
Wind turbine drive train test assembly
One aspect of the invention is a test assembly comprising a prime mover, an actuator assembly and a torque transfer coupling. The actuator assembly has an end configured to be attached to a shaft of a portion of a test specimen such as a wind turbine assembly. The actuator assembly has a shaft supported for rotation by hydraulic bearings. The torque transfer coupling connects the primer mover to the actuator assembly. |
| US08453520B2 |
Hinge durability testing device
A hinge durability testing device for testing the durability of a hinge hinging a cover with a main body, includes a main body holder holding the main body, a cover holder holding the cover, the cover holder hinged to the main body holder, the cover holder comprising two support rods and a connecting rod; each support rod comprising a first surface facing the other support rod, and a second surface adjacent to the first surface; each first surface defining a first sliding groove, and each second surface defining a second sliding groove comminuting with corresponding first sliding groove; two connecting elements, each connecting element located on one end of the connecting rod and slidably mounted in one of the first sliding grooves; a plurality of locking elements, each locking element retained on one of the connecting elements and slidably mounted in one of the second sliding grooves. |
| US08453518B2 |
Inductive torque sensor
An inductive torque sensor for a motor vehicle is provided that has an excitation coil, an oscillator circuit which is coupled with the excitation coil and which generates a periodic alternating voltage signal and couples it with the excitation coil during operation, a stator circuit board with first receiver means and second receiver means with each having a number of periodically repeated receiver structures, at least two rotors which can be rotated relative to one another and relative to the stator circuit board and which influence the strength of the inductive coupling between the excitation coil and the receiver means, and evaluation means suitable for evaluation of the signals induced in the receiver means. |
| US08453517B2 |
Pressure guiding tube blockage diagnosing device and blockage diagnosing method
A differential pressure transmitting device detects, through two pressure guiding tubes, a differential pressure that is generated when that which is to be measured, such as a liquid, a slurry, or a gas, that has fluctuation in the pressure thereof, passes through a differential pressure generating mechanism. A pressure guiding tube blockage diagnosing device comprises: a rising/falling frequency detecting portion for segmenting the differential pressure values detected by the differential pressure transmitting device into a plurality of intervals, and for detecting, for each interval, the rising/falling frequency of the fluctuation of the differential pressure; and an evaluating portion for comparing the rising/falling frequency of the fluctuation to a specific threshold value to evaluate the state of blockage of the pressure guiding tubes. |
| US08453516B2 |
Electromagnetic flowmeter with automatic span correction
An electromagnetic flowmeter comprises a measuring pipe through which fluid to be measured flows, an electrode provided therein, an exciting unit, a signal line, a signal conversion unit that extracts a ∂A/∂t component that results from a change in the magnetic field from a resultant electromotive force of an electromotive force of the ∂A/∂t component; and an electromotive force of a v×B component that results from a flow speed of the fluid, wherein the resultant electromotive force is detected by the electrode and the signal line; and a flow rate output unit that eliminates, based on the extracted ∂A/∂t component, a variation factor as to a span that is a coefficient applied to a magnitude V of a flow speed of the v×B component in the resultant electromotive force so as to calculate a flow rate of the fluid. |
| US08453515B2 |
Apparatus and method for fatigue testing of a material specimen in a high-pressure fluid environment
The invention provides fatigue testing of a material specimen while the specimen is disposed in a high pressure fluid environment. A specimen is placed between receivers in an end cap of a vessel and a piston that is moveable within the vessel. Pressurized fluid is provided to compression and tension chambers defined between the piston and the vessel. When the pressure in the compression chamber is greater than the pressure in the tension chamber, the specimen is subjected to a compression force. When the pressure in the tension chamber is greater than the pressure in the compression chamber, the specimen is subjected to a tension force. While the specimen is subjected to either force, it is also surrounded by the pressurized fluid in the tension chamber. In some examples, the specimen is surrounded by hydrogen. |
| US08453514B2 |
Method and device for ascertaining the deformation of a fuel assembly in a pressurized-water reactor
A method and a device measure for a deformation of a fuel element of a pressurized water reactor having a plurality of control rod guide tubes. A probe displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control rod guide tube is inserted in the interior of at least one control rod guide tube having at least one reference axis, and supported in at least one section of the control rod guide tube on the interior wall thereof, such that the orientation of the at least one reference axis is unambiguously a function of the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the control rod guide tube in the section. The orientation of the at least one reference axis in the section of the control rod guide tube is determined relative to the orientation of the or a further reference axis of the probe in a different section. |
| US08453511B2 |
Ultrasonic probe support device
A mounting unit (16) is aligned by using a mounting unit frame (58) touching the thigh and a knee-contacting portion (62) touching the knee, with the knee being bent. The mounting unit is also equipped with a probe support frame (60) used for moving an ultrasonic probe along the knee cap. The probe support frame moves rotationally about the mechanical center of the knee joint, thereby allowing the ultrasonic probe (78) to move along the knee cap while facing toward the mechanical center of the knee joint and to perform scanning of an ultrasonic beam. |
| US08453509B2 |
Method for the non-destructive testing of a test object by way of ultrasound and apparatus therefor
A method for the non-destructive testing of a test specimen by means of ultrasound and a corresponding device, the method including insonification of directed ultrasonic pulses into the test specimen 100 at an insonification angle β, wherein the insonification angle β is adjusted electronically, a. recording echo signals that result from the ultrasonic pulses insonified into the test specimen 100, b. calculation of an ERS value of a flaw 102 in the volume of the test specimen from echo signals that can be assigned to the flaw 102 for a plurality of insonification angles β, and c. generation of a graphic representation of the flaw 102, from which the dependence of the calculated ERS values of the flaw on the insonification value βcan be read off at least qualitatively. |
| US08453508B2 |
Testing of swing type check valves using phased array sequence scanning
A computer with a proper program generates a phased array sequence of signals. In a pulser with delays, the signals are fed through a multiplexor into a water wedge that is attached to a valve being tested. For a sequential operation of the valves from the open to the closed position, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the fluid contained in the valve and reflected back through piezo-electric crystals to the multiplexor. By summation and merger of the signals, an image can be developed of the operation of the valve to determine if the valve is operating properly. By use of the water wedge, the top plate of the valve appears to disappear because the water wedge has the same refractive angle as the fluid contained in the valve. |
| US08453505B2 |
Acceleration sensor and/or tilt sensor
Acceleration and/or tilt sensor having a ferromagnetic fluid that is located in a receptacle, and the receptacle constitutes a neutral position for the fluid, and the fluid is permanently magnetized, and a magnetic field detector arrangement is located at the receptacle to detect a displacement of the fluid, wherein a portion of the fluid can be displaced relative to the receptacle from the neutral position to an operating position by an external force while maintaining a continuous surface with the portion of the fluid remaining in the neutral position, and the fluid returns to the neutral position after removal of the external force. |
| US08453500B2 |
Tire system
A system for measuring physical parameters of a tire, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor layer and a circuit layer. The sensor layer is communicatively coupled to the circuit layer. The sensor layer is configured as a first thin film and embedded in the tire. The sensor layer provides a signal related to a physical parameter of the tire. The circuit layer is configured as a second thin film and embedded in the tire. The circuit layer processes the signal provided by the sensor layer. |
| US08453498B2 |
Actuatable capacitive transducer for quantitative nanoindentation combined with transmission electron microscopy
An actuatable capacitive transducer including a transducer body, a first capacitor including a displaceable electrode and electrically configured as an electrostatic actuator, and a second capacitor including a displaceable electrode and electrically configured as a capacitive displacement sensor, wherein the second capacitor comprises a multi-plate capacitor. The actuatable capacitive transducer further includes a coupling shaft configured to mechanically couple the displaceable electrode of the first capacitor to the displaceable electrode of the second capacitor to form a displaceable electrode unit which is displaceable relative to the transducer body, and an electrically-conductive indenter mechanically coupled to the coupling shaft so as to be displaceable in unison with the displaceable electrode unit. |
| US08453494B2 |
Gas detector that utilizes an electric field to assist in the collection and removal of gas molecules
A semiconductor-based gas detector enhances the collection of gas molecules and also provides a self-contained means for removing collected gas molecules by utilizing one or more electric fields to transport the gas molecules to and away from a metallic material that has a high permeability to the gas molecules. |
| US08453489B2 |
Method and system for conducting crash tests
The invention relates to a method for conducting crash tests in which an object, in particular a motor vehicle or part of a motor vehicle, is typically mounted on a test slide which is accelerated, the acceleration force being generated by means of a pressurized-gas reservoir and specifically applied to the acceleration object via a piston and a push rod, while for reducing the cycle times, the desired gas pressure in the pressurized-gas reservoir is generated by moving a piston, itself exposed to a hydraulic fluid, so as to apply pressure on the gas. The invention also relates to a correspondingly implemented system. |
| US08453488B2 |
Apparatus for bending resilient tab
An apparatus for bending a resilient tab, includes a chassis to support the tab, a securing element to hold the tab and a sliding element for pressing the tab. The securing element has a clamping portion pressing against a base of the tab and a blocking portion extending towards the sliding element. The sliding element includes a base, a pressing element and a bending element slidably connected to the base. The pressing element is pivotably connected to the bending element. The sliding element can move towards the securing element. As the sliding element moves towards the securing element, the pressing element is pressed by the blocking portion to move relative to the bending element. The bending element is driven by the pressing element to raise and presses the free distal end of the tab at a required angle. |
| US08453485B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling flare in roll-forming processes
Methods and apparatus for controlling flare in roll-forming processes are disclosed. An example method involves predefining a plurality of position values to adjust a tilt angle of a flange roller and adjusting the tilt angle of the flange roller based on one of the pre-defined position values to change an amount of flare in a zone of a component. The one of the pre-defined position values is associated with the zone of the component. |
| US08453484B2 |
Manufacture of a shaft/hub connection
A method for manufacturing a toothing on a component of a shaft/hub connection is disclosed. The component may be held permanently in a chucking while it receives an at least two-stage toothing in this chucking. A special draw die for carrying out the method is also proposed, a first toothing-forming region with a first height and at least one following second toothing-forming region with at least one second height being arranged between a first and a second end face, and the first height being designed to be lower than the second height. |
| US08453483B1 |
Magnetic pulse forming device for roll forming system and control method for the same
A magnetic pulse forming device for a roll forming system includes forward and rearward guide rolling means, a guiding means including guiding rails disposed on the base between the forward and rearward guide rolling means and guide frames movably disposed on the guiding rails, a magnetic forming means including an upper plate connecting the guide frames corresponding to an upper surface of the forming beam, a coil housing assembled to the upper plate and a coil disposed within the coil housing and electrically connected to a pulse generator to generate a magnetic pulse by input current, a movement detector, a synchronizing motor connected to the lead screw to rotate the lead screw and a screw housing engaged with the lead screw and moving the guide frames with the forming beam in the process direction by rotation of the lead screw, and a forming mold. |
| US08453482B2 |
Plated steel sheet and method of hot-stamping plated steel sheet
In a plated steel sheet having an aluminum-plating layer comprising at least Al formed on one side or both sides of the steel sheet, there is provided a plated steel sheet which, owing to the presence of a surface coating layer containing a compound having wurtzite crystal structure on the aluminum-plating layer, has excellent lubricity, prevents the plating thickness from becoming uneven during heating, and can improve formability and productivity in hot stamping, and a method of hot-stamping the plated steel sheet. |
| US08453477B2 |
Packaging systems and methods for cold chain shipments
A packaging system for cold chain shipment may include a container having interior surface portions, a plurality of cellulose sheets disposed along the interior surface portions and defining a space configured to receive an item for cold chain shipment, and a cold source disposed within the space and configured to cool the container for cold chain shipment. The packaging system may further include a plurality of cellulose sheets, wherein adjacent sheets of the plurality of cellulose sheets define a plurality of pockets configured to trap air, and wherein the plurality of cellulose sheets are configured to insulate the space. |
| US08453475B2 |
System and method for making ice
A system and method for making ice is provided. The system may include a tray for containing a water to be used for making ice, and a refrigerant pipe positioned so that at least a portion thereof is submerged in the water contained in the tray. A refrigerant of relatively low temperature flows through the refrigerant pipe to cause ice to be formed on surfaces thereof. A heater may be provided on the refrigerant pipe and operated during an ice-releasing process. This system and method may eliminate the need for an additional duct to supply cold air to the ice maker, thus simplifying a manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs. |
| US08453474B2 |
Vehicle air handling system
A vehicle air handling system includes an air handler, a desiccant assembly and a regeneration mechanism. The air handler has an air inlet configured to receive airflow into the air handler and an air outlet configured to direct the airflow from the air handler to a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The desiccant assembly is installed in a fixed non-movable orientation within the air handler. The desiccant assembly is configured to absorb moisture from the airflow and is disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet. The desiccant assembly includes a first flow path and a second flow path separated from one another such that the airflow passes through the first flow path. The regeneration mechanism is in fluid communication with the second air flow path of the desiccant assembly and is configured to remove moisture from the airflow passing through the desiccant assembly. |
| US08453470B2 |
Method and system for heating and dehumidifying
A method of controlling the conditions of air in an interior of an enclosure is disclosed. The method comprises collecting air from a lower part of the interior, dehumidifying the collected air, and releasing the dehumidified air in an upper part of the interior, thereby controlling the conditions of the air in the interior of the enclosure. |
| US08453469B1 |
Changing data center cooling modes
A method of providing utilities to a computer data center is discussed. The method includes initially connecting one or more non-evaporative cooling units to a data center as primary cooling plants, obtaining a government-issued water permit, and after obtaining the government-issued water permit, transitioning primary cooling for the data center to one or more evaporative cooling towers. |
| US08453465B2 |
Device for optimizing cooling in gas turbines
A device (30) for optimizing the cooling in a gas turbine of the type comprising at least one compressor, equipped with a combustion chamber (10) and an outer casing (16) and inner casing (32), at least one turbine wheel (14), equipped with a series of blades 12), and at least one high-pressure rotor (38), equipped with one or more supporting bearings (34), the compressor being capable of generating cooling air sent to the turbine wheel (14) through a suitable channel (20). On the outer surface of the device (30), there are one or more grooves (26) which allow the passage of additional flow-rates of air from the compressor towards the channel (20), in order to increase the overall cooling air flow towards said turbine wheel (14). The device (30) can be easily installed without the necessity of dismantling the outer casing (16), and is assembled on pre-existing machines in substitution of the vent tube (22) of the seals (36) of the supporting bearings (34). |
| US08453463B2 |
Anti-vortex device for a gas turbine engine compressor
An anti-vortex device for use in a compressor rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine is described. Spaced-apart radial passageways extend from an axially extending passage provided in a central area of the device to an outer peripheral rim surface thereof. The radial passageways channel air from the primary gaspath about the rotor assembly to the axially extending passage where the air is directed into a central axial passage of the rotor assembly. |
| US08453461B2 |
Power plant and method of operation
A main air compressor delivers a compressed ambient gas flow with a compressed ambient gas flow rate to a turbine combustor. A fuel stream with a flow rate is delivered to the turbine combustor and mixed with the compressed ambient gas flow and an exhaust gas flow and burned with substantially stoichiometric combustion to form the exhaust gas flow and drive a turbine, thus operating the power plant at a first load. A portion of the exhaust gas flow is recirculated from the turbine to the turbine compressor and a portion is delivered to an exhaust path. The fuel stream flow rate and the compressed ambient gas flow rate are reduced, and substantially stoichiometric combustion is maintained and the power plant is operated at a second load. The fuel stream flow rate is further reduced and lean combustion is achieved and the power plant is operated at a third load. |
| US08453457B2 |
Nozzle plasma flow control utilizing dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators
Dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators are used to manipulate exhaust flow within and behind a jet engine nozzle. The dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators may be used to direct cooling airflow near the surface of the nozzle to reduce heating of the nozzle, create thrust vectoring, and reduce noise associated with the exhaust flow exiting the nozzle. |
| US08453456B2 |
Fuel-cooled flexible heat exchanger with thermoelectric device compression
An apparatus includes a thermoelectric (TE) device, a gas flow conduit proximate to one side of the thermoelectric device, a plurality of flexible tubes proximate to a second side of the thermoelectric device, and a spring to control contact force between the flexible tubes and the thermoelectric device. The spring comprises a coil spring at least partially circumscribing the gas flow conduit. The thermoelectric device converts a temperature differential between the flexible tubes and the gas flow conduit into electrical energy. |
| US08453453B2 |
Heat pump
A heat pump includes an evaporator 10 evaporating water; a steam compressor 1 compressing the vapor generated by the evaporator 10; a vapor supply duct 31 adapted to supply the vapor 30 compressed by the compressor 1 to steam-utilizing facility 2; a measuring device 91 for measuring a state of vapor between the evaporator 10 and the compressor 1; and a valve 81 adjusting an amount of vapor flowing in the compressor 1 based on information from the measuring device 91. |
| US08453448B2 |
Axial turbine
A turbocharger including a turbine wheel having a hub-to-tip ratio of no more than 60% and blades with a high turning angle, a turbine housing forming an inwardly spiraling primary-scroll passageway that significantly converges to produce highly accelerated airflow into the turbine at high circumferential angles, and a two-sided parallel compressor. The compressor and turbine each produce substantially no axial force, allowing the use of minimal axial thrust bearings. |
| US08453444B2 |
Power plant using compressed or liquefied air for energy storage
Apparatus (100) comprising a power plant or air motor utilizing compressed air or liquid air for energy storage. The apparatus includes an electrical plant (200), a mechanical plant (300), and a pneumatic plant (400). When operating as a compressor, the plant receives electrical and/or direct mechanical power as an input to drive the plant, compress air, and store its output in the form of compressed or liquefied air. When operating as an engine, the plant consumes the compressed or liquid air to drive a mechanism of the engine and deliver mechanical power and/or electrical power as an output. |
| US08453442B1 |
Underwater air power generator
A power generator which generates power using the force of air rising in water. A plurality of containers are connected to a chain which in turn is connected to two gears. An air compressor produces air bubbles to be released into the containers which rotate to the surface of the water around the chain. The rotating containers cause the chain to rotate two gears which transforms rotational energy into electrical energy by a generator. |
| US08453441B2 |
System and method for pump-controlled cylinder cushioning
A system and method for controlling the movement of an implement of an earthmoving machine. The system includes a hydraulic actuator adapted to move the implement. A variable displacement pump is coupled to the actuator for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from chambers within the actuator. A sensor generates an output based on the position of the actuator's piston or piston rod, and a controller controls the displacement of the variable displacement pump in response to the output of the sensor by executing an algorithm to reduce the flow rate of the fluid to and from the actuator's chambers and thereby reduce the velocity of the piston as it approaches an end of a piston stroke thereof and prevent the piston from impacting the actuator at the end of the piston stroke. |
| US08453440B2 |
Drive device for a vehicle
A drive device for a vehicle having an automatic transmission, which has a hydrodynamic torque converter. The transmission oil of the automatic transmission is used as the operating medium for the hydrodynamic torque converter. In addition, the drive device has a heat exchanger for cooling the operating medium. It is provided that additional apparatuses (heat exchangers) are provided for the direct cooling of the hydrodynamic torque converter using a cooling medium. |
| US08453438B2 |
Exhaust control device for vehicle engine
An exhaust control device for a vehicle engine wherein an exhaust pipe forms an exhaust passage along with an exhaust port is connected to a cylinder head via the exhaust port. A rotary valve is capable of changing the opening area of the exhaust passage. The rotary valve being disposed in approximately the middle of the exhaust passage. The opening area of the exhaust passage is made controllable by the rotary valve while avoiding an increase in the number of component parts. A rotary valve having a turning axis located at a position offset from the center of the exhaust port is housed in a valve housing provided integrally with a cylinder head. |
| US08453435B2 |
Method for controlling exhaust gas purification device
Disclosed is a method for controlling an exhaust gas purification device, wherein the regeneration operation includes main regeneration operation for detaching the nitrogen oxides adsorbed onto the nitrogen oxide adsorbing material, the method comprising: operating the first combustion device and the second combustion device while the exhaust gas is prevented from flowing into the branch exhaust passage subjected to the regeneration operation by the switching of a changeover valve during the regeneration operation; and decreasing the flow rate of the first mixture gas as the stage of the main regeneration operation advances. |
| US08453430B2 |
Configuration and method for cleaning an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine by separating particles and motor vehicle having the configuration
A configuration for purifying or cleaning an exhaust-gas flow of an internal combustion engine includes at least an ionization device, an agglomeration device, and a (catalytically active) radial honeycomb body around a duct. The exhaust-gas is diverted from the duct into the radial honeycomb body, while the agglomerated particles are caught in a particle separator of the duct. A method for purifying or cleaning an exhaust-gas flow of an internal combustion engine and a motor vehicle including an exhaust system having the configuration, are also provided. |
| US08453425B2 |
Soot reduction by combustor conditioning
A method of affecting soot particulate size in an internal combustion engine exhaust by selectively providing a phosphorous based additive to the engine during combustion. Soot particulate size can be increased or decreased depending on the particular additive provided. Also disclosed in a conditioning effect experienced by using a phosphorous based additive for a period of time. A conditioned engine can also have its exhaust properties affected during the life of its conditioned state. Manipulating particle size during engine operation can employ an oligomeric phosphorous compound. Engine conditioning can employ a monomeric phosphorous containing compound, an oligomeric phosphorous containing compound, a polymeric phosphorous containing compound, or combinations thereof. |
| US08453423B2 |
Manual round hay bale wrapper
This is a machine to allow a single individual to manually wrap round hay bales with any type of film or net wrap. It allows the operator to position a round bale suspended on a bale spear and centered within the bale wrap ring to turn the ring which contains the wrap material clockwise or counterclockwise about the bale as the wrap covers the bale about its circumference. The ring can also be moved left and right to ensure full coverage of the bale in spite of widths and the ring is large enough to accommodate bales of any diameter up to six foot and can be easily adapted to bales of even larger diameter if round balers are produced in excess of six foot in diameter. |
| US08453420B2 |
Film dispensing and wrapping apparatus or system using smart technology
A film wrapping machine or apparatus wherein various operational conditions and data can be detected, determined, and subsequently utilized for diagnostic, operational performance, and safety characteristics, as well as for implementing improvements in operational performance so as to not only achieve optimal or predetermined performance characteristics but to also achieve economical usage of the wrapping or packaging film. |
| US08453417B2 |
Envelope filling apparatus
An envelope filling apparatus inserts a sheet of paper into an envelope having a flap, and includes an envelope feed device, an air nozzle for blowing air into the envelope fed by the envelope feed device from an open end of the envelope to open the open end, and a sensing device for detecting that the open end of the envelope is opened. The apparatus further includes an insertion device for inserting the sheet of paper into the envelope from the open end, if the sensing device detects that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated, and a removal device for removing the envelope from a transport route, if the sensing device does not detect that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated and the insertion device is not actuated. |
| US08453414B2 |
Quick-set, full-moment-lock, column and beam building frame system and method
A method, and associated apparatus, for assembling a structural frame from elongate, tubular columns having plural sides, and a selected style of elongate beams, with respect to which, the method includes the steps of (a) pre-fitting the sides of such columns and the ends of such beams with attached, gravity-set, complementary interconnect structures (either collar-form or non-collar form in nature), including column-side-fitted interconnect structures and beam-end-fitted interconnect structures, (b) utilizing gravity, bringing interconnect-structure pre-fitted beams and columns into correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions relative to one another, and (c) through the performing of the bringing step alone, and on the resulting occurrence of the achievement of the mentioned correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions between a beam and a column, simultaneously and immediately thereby establishing (1) a full-moment load-bearing connection, and (2) a relatively positionally gravity-set-and-stabilized condition, between that beam and column. |
| US08453413B2 |
Reinforced construction element
A construction element of reinforced-concrete panel (1) in which is embedded a reinforcement framework includes at least one main framework layer extending along a tensioned outer face (11) of the element (1) and to which an inner framework (3) is attached for securing to the concrete, extending to the thickness of the element (1), the latter being produced, after the placement of the reinforcement framework, by pouring concrete onto a thin continuous wall (2) forming a sacrificial formwork. The thin wall (2) forming the sacrificial formwork extends along the tensioned face (11) of the element (1) and at the same time forms the main framework layer of the element (1), the nature and thickness of the thin wall (2) being determined so as to withstand the tensile stresses generated by the forces applied to the element (1) without the risk of separation from the concrete. |
| US08453412B2 |
Spring bolt hanger
A spring bolt hanger comprising a barrel, a bolt positioned within the barrel, a retainer associated with the bolt, and a spring positioned in the barrel between the retainer and a first end of the barrel, said spring configured to bias the bolt away from the first end of the barrel. The spring bolt hanger has two distinct operative configurations. In the retracted configuration the spring bolt hanger has the bolt retracted into the barrel. In the extended configuration the bolt is extended from the barrel and is accessible outside of the concrete surface for use as an attachment point. The spring bolt hanger may be selectively moved between operative configurations. Also disclosed are methods of using a spring bolt hanger to attach an object to a concrete surface. |
| US08453411B2 |
Method for coating an element with glue
The invention relates to a method for producing a glue-coated element, to the glue-coated element, to an adhesive compound and to a method for producing glue-coated derived timber panels, as well as to panels produced according to the method. The method for producing a glue-coated element that can be glued with other similarly glue-coated elements, comprises the steps of applying a one-component adhesive to at least one surface section of the element and drying the applied one-component adhesive. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, draw-out resistance elements are provided on the glue-covered element. |
| US08453408B2 |
Pre-assembled hip, ridge or rake shingle
A hip, ridge or rake shingle is provided, in which a pair of substantially rigid panel portions are connected by a hinge portion, and wherein the shingle is pre-assembled, but can conform to a variety of different angles to accommodate different angular relationships between surfaces of a hip, ridge or rake of a roof. |
| US08453404B2 |
Composite building panel and method
A composite building panel and method employs a foam core member which has custom excised cutout sections which are specially configured to be bonded to a panel framework made up of light gauge steel framing members. The panel framework is positioned on the inner surface of the base section of the foam core member and surrounds internal sections of the foam core member. Foam pieces which have been excised from the foam core member are positioned within gaps between the framing members and the foam core member. The framing members, foam core member, and foam pieces are bonded together to form an integral panel component. An external seal coating is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the foam core member. Expandable foam can be injected into the gaps between the framing members and the foam core member, in lieu of the foam pieces, to form the bond between the framing members and the foam core member. A void may be provided in the space over the foam core member and between the framing members for running electrical wiring, plumbing lines, etc. The panel can be used for custom designed walls, roofs and similar structural members. |
| US08453401B2 |
Prestressed, strong foam glass tiles
A prestressed, strong foam glass tile for use in construction. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention are capable of withstanding relatively large prestressing as a result of their relatively high compression strength. These prestressed, foam glass tiles will absorb and/or withstand more energy from an explosion, withstand higher heat and wind loading and other mechanical forces than traditional foam glass tiles. The foam glass tile of the present invention is strong enough that it can be prestressed over 1000 psi (lb./sq. in.), and more preferably over 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 and even more preferably over 5,000 psi. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention may be included as part of a prestressed assembly. Said prestressed assembly may be comprised of two metal members, one or more prestressed foam glass tiles, and a tension member such as a tension bolt and/or wires. |
| US08453397B2 |
Methods and systems of interior window framing
An interior window framing system comprising a standardized frame having predetermined dimensions proportionate to a standard window. |
| US08453396B2 |
Water-resist means for aircraft windows
The subject matter of the disclosed embodiments is a device for mounting a window glass including a seal covering a peripheral edge of the window glass and provided with a strip bearing against a peripheral flat of a frame of the window. The seal includes a flange engaging in the recess of the window and is provided with a squeegee lip bearing against the edge of the frame. |
| US08453392B1 |
System for positioning and holding ceiling panels
An overhead panel installation system consisting of three components that hold drywall or other panels onto ceiling joists thereby allowing workers to place the panels and let go while they nail or screw the panels to the joists. Component “A” is placed over two top plates of a wall whereby a bent portion of component “A” extends away from the wall and creates a first ledge for a first panel to be held in place. Component “B” is subsequently placed over the end of the secured first panel opposite the wall and creates a second ledge for a second panel to be placed and held. Lastly, component “C” is fitted under a ceiling joist, turned, and locked in place to create a third ledge to further support the second panel. Each of the three components can be simply removed with a twist of the handle. |
| US08453391B2 |
Apparatus for establishing a paver over a subsurface
Disclosed is an improved component for apparatus for facilitating the elevated and leveled placement of a paver surface. Also disclosed are apparatus composed of the disclosed component. Yet further disclosed are related methods of use for the component and the apparatus composed of the same. |
| US08453389B2 |
Roof boot
A flashing for sealing around a pipe or conduit includes a dome portion with an opening with an inwardly extending lip, and a replaceable seal sized to fit in the dome opening so as to seal around a vent pipe. The seal includes a downwardly extending locking member to grip and lock the inwardly extending lip of the dome portion. The flashing may include a flange portion to facilitate installing the flashing on a roof. Once installed, the replaceable seal may be replaced without replacing the entire flashing, yet securely grips to the base of the flashing. |
| US08453388B2 |
Wall lining
A wall lining is described, comprising wall panels (1) and holding profiles (2) which respectively comprise a downwardly open receiving groove (4) for a bottom wall panel (1), an upwardly open receiving groove (3) for an upper wall panel (1) and a suspension groove (5) for fixing hooks between the two receiving grooves (3, 4). In order to enable the insertion of wall panels (1) of different thickness it is proposed that the two receiving grooves (3, 4) of the holding profiles (2) which can be fixed to the wall, which grooves form a stop surface (9) for the outside of the wall panels (1) on the side facing away from the wall (6), form at least two sections (11) in the direction of the groove depth with different widths for holding wall panels (1) of different thickness. |
| US08453383B2 |
Adjustable glass clamp for cable drive window regulators
A window clip for connecting a window to a window lift includes a clip body having a generally U-shaped profile and a window lift connector attached to the clip body. The clip body includes a pair of generally opposed side walls connected at a closed bottom portion with an opening opposite therefrom, each opposed side wall having an inner face and having a single concave curvilinear surface on the inner face. An isolator is adapted to fit into a clip body. The isolator has a convex curvilinear portions adapted to fit and nest within the concave curvilinear surfaces on each inner face. |
| US08453382B2 |
Entrance control system
An entry control apparatus includes a pair of spaced barriers forming a pathway therebetween. The barriers are positioned adjacent a doorway to control ingress into and egress from a building or the like. An arm is pivotally mounted and extends across the pathway and permits free movement of people in one direction and selectively restricts movement in the other direction. A motion sensor is provided and a motion control system is associated with the sensor. The sensor and motion control system cooperate to selectively allow the arm to move to a normally open position for normal traffic in an approved direction. In the event a person approaches the apparatus, as if to exit, or move in the wrong direction through the pathway, the sensor detects the movement and effects operation of the motion control system that locks the arm against movement to prevent movement through the passageway. An alarm system can be provided to alert personnel that an unauthorized movement through the pathway may be underway. |
| US08453381B2 |
Self-watering plant container and related methods
A plant container includes a container body having a conduit extending between an inlet connection and an outlet connection. A float valve assembly is in communication with the conduit within the container body for automatically controlling fluid entry into the container body from the conduit. A soil retention element is arranged in the container body above the float valve assembly. A method of using the self-watering plant container includes adding soil to an interior volume of the container body above the soil retention element, planting at least one seed in the soil, and connecting a water supply to an inlet connection of the conduit. |
| US08453377B2 |
Playing-field, soil treatment apparatus and method
A material and method for maintaining a suitably dry sporting surface in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well and provide absorption to remove moisture that normally accumulates from a storms passing over a playing field. Soil treatment makes the soil surface ready to play on almost immediately. An amount of the amendment may be added to soil, mixed in, and watered before use, to provide more consistent properties such as natural bounce, reduced compaction, and reduced dust. The polymer may be embedded in mats to soak up standing water after storms, after which the amendment can be mixed into the soil to effectively tie up water that may otherwise create mud with the soil. Rain remediation may be done, whether or not the amendment was used for field preparation. |
| US08453374B2 |
Cushion for butt-end of fishing rod
An elastic cushion for enveloping the butt-end of a fishing rod. The cushion includes a unitary body having a cylindrical section at one end and a bulbous section at the opposite end. A central bore extends through the cushion. The central bore tapers from a large adjacent the one end to a second diameter located within the bulbous section to removably retain the rod in the central bore. An exterior surface of the bulbous section has a plurality of separate flutes for enhancing a frictional gripping of the bulbous section of the cushion body with the fisher-person's body and at least one of the flutes transitioning onto an exterior surface of the cylindrical section to enhance the frictional gripping of at least one hand of the fisher-person with the exterior surface of the cylindrical section. |
| US08453371B1 |
Powered jigging device for fishing
A powered jigging device for fishing includes a base section secured to an upright support section. A pole holder assembly pivotally attached to the upright support section includes a plate portion parallel to the upright support section and pivotally attached at a pivot point thereto, and a pole attachment portion secured to the plate portion above the pivot point thereof. A fishing pole is mounted in the pole attachment portion. A motor member rigidly secured to the upright support section is operatively attached to a rotor member positioned below the pivot point of the plate portion. A multipivot point linkage is pivotally secured at one end to the rotor member and at an opposite end to the plate portion of the pole holder assembly below the pivot point thereof. Rotation of the rotor member by the motor member causes pivoting movement of the pole holder assembly through the multipivot point linkage there between. |
| US08453370B2 |
Shroud for a firearm and a method of configuring the same
A shroud is provided for a firearm having a longitudinal barrel. The shroud is configured to co-operate with formations provided on the firearm barrel such as to provide axial alignment therebetween. The shroud further comprises means for mounting one or more devices to the shroud. The alignment between the barrel and the shroud provides for alignment between the device(s) and the barrel. A firearm comprising such a shroud, and a method of configuring a firearm comprising the shroud are also provided. |
| US08453367B2 |
Maintenance kit incorporated into sub caliber action device
A maintenance kit incorporated into operable components of a sub caliber action device installable within an upper receiver of an AR-15 type firearm for facilitating disassembly, maintenance and reassembly of a bolt and forward chamber adaptor with a receiver plate. The kit includes at least one gauge dimension defined in a barrel of the forward chamber adaptor for establishing a correct spacing between lengthwise extending and interior notch defining arms associated with the receiver plate. A modified guide rod facilitates at least one of disassembly of the bolt firing pin/extractor and cleaning of the chamber adaptor interior prior to reassembly of the bolt and chamber adaptor. |
| US08453361B2 |
Quilt fabrication and display device
A quilt fabrication and display device and kit of parts for producing the display device. The device includes upper and lower stretcher rails separated from one another by use of a pair of rail support members, the upper stretcher rails and lower stretcher rails being substantially parallel to one another and the rail support members being substantially parallel to one another and substantially orthogonal to the upper and lower stretcher rails. The upper and lower stretcher rails and the rail support members are of two subparts and the kit includes fasteners for selectively connecting the subparts for assembly and disassembly of the device. A set of four butterfly wing extenders are provided each extender selectively attachable to the upper stretcher rails and lower stretcher rails such that when assembled, two of the butterfly wing extenders extend above the upper stretcher rails and two of the butterfly wing extenders extend below the lower stretcher rails. Further included within the kit is a substrate cable joining each of the butterfly wing extenders providing a cable perimeter having sections between the butterfly wing extenders parallel to the upper and lower stretcher rails and rail support members. |
| US08453360B2 |
Steam generating device provided with a hydrophilic coating
A steam generating device includes a steam chamber provided with a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating includes an alkali metal silicate compound and boron, preferably a salt of boron with a metallic element. The coating promotes steaming and is resistant to flaking. |
| US08453359B2 |
Air-feed device of boiler iron and boiler iron
An air-feed device and boiler iron has a three-station guiding valve. The body contains an air inlet linking boiler and two air outlets located in two sides of a guiding valve. The first outlet links wet vapor snoot of iron and the second links heating plate of boiler. One end of a valve rod of the guiding valve is in the valve body and links to a fixed valve plug. The other end is led outside through an opening in the top of body. When the valve rod rests at any one of the stations, the valve plug blocks a desired combination of air outlets and/or inlets. |
| US08453354B2 |
Rigid cantilevered stud
Articles of footwear may include selectively engageable traction elements that engage with a surface or the ground during certain activities and do not engage with the surface or the ground during other activities. The selectively engageable traction elements are caused to engage with the ground or surface when a portion of the footwear is flexed. When the footwear is in its unflexed position, the selectively engageable traction elements may not engage with the ground or surface. Selectively engageable traction elements may be desired or may be useful during particular, targeted movements such as sharp turns, pivoting, sudden or abrupt starting and stopping motions, and the like and in changing environmental conditions, such as on various surfaces having different characteristics. Wearers of such footwear may benefit from the extra traction provided by the selectively engageable traction elements when performing the targeted movements and/or when wearing the footwear on surfaces with varying conditions. |
| US08453352B2 |
Supportive sport boot made of rigid materials
A sport boot, such as a snow ski boot, that includes a shell having a rigid foot portion. The foot portion includes a heel pocket and an instep region that is largely immovable relative to the heel pocket due to the rigidity of the foot portion. The boot also includes a highback support region that snugly engages the leg of a user during use. A heel-track is located on the dorsal side of the boot between the highback support region and the heel pocket. The heel-track provides a concave space that receives the user's heel when the user is putting-on and taking-off the boot to counter the relative immovability of the instep region of the boot against the engaging action of the user's foot. The sport boot can also include a special boot liner having an expandable dorsal region, and, optionally, other features that compliment the heel-track of the shell. |
| US08453350B2 |
Combination structure for shoe shell
A combination structure for a shoe shell has a shoe body, a toecap mounted on a front end of the shoe body and at least one connecting part disposed between the shoe body and the toecap. Each of the at least one connecting part has a female connector and a male connector formed respectively on the shoe body and the toecap and is mounted with each other. Connecting the toecap to the shoe body through the at least one connecting part is an improved quick and time saving process. Furthermore, the toecap is attached securely to the shoe body and not easily detached from the shoe body. |
| US08453349B2 |
Traction elements
Traction elements for an article of footwear can include stabilizer elements. An extendable traction element for an article of footwear can include an elongatable extender attached to another portion of a sole structure. An actuator can rest within the extender and cause elongation of the extender in response to a force from the foot of a wearer. |
| US08453345B2 |
Removable heel pad for foot-receiving device
Foot-receiving devices, such as articles of footwear (e.g., athletic footwear, etc.), include a foot-covering member (such as an upper member) and a foot-supporting member (such as a sole member, optionally including insole, midsole, and/or outsole portions) engaged with the foot-covering member. The foot-supporting member may include or define a cavity or void in the heel portion of the foot-receiving device. The foot-receiving device further may include a removable heel pad detachably engaged within the cavity or void. |
| US08453342B2 |
Method of manufacturing fences
A post sleeve installation device is used to install post sleeves at selected positions and orientations to support the fence posts of a fence. Data, such as relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of the post sleeves is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. A consumer views a rendering of the fence and selects a fence design on a web site or at a retail location. A manufacturer obtains the collected data and the consumer-selected design, and fabricates the fence panels accordingly. The panels are then transported to the fence location and installed on the fence posts. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels. |
| US08453341B2 |
Device for measuring and cutting roofing shingles
This invention relates to a portable and easy to use device for measuring and cutting a starter course set for shingling a roof. |
| US08453337B2 |
System and method for workpiece coordinate measurements
A system and method for accurately positioning workpieces to permit uninterrupted coordinate measurements using a CMM is disclosed. The system comprises at least one movable platform adapted for moving on a stationary platform, fixtures for affixing workpieces to the movable platform, and locator stops and locators for affixing the movable platform in a predetermined measurement area on the stationary platform. An air jet injected into the bottom of the movable platform facilitates conveying the platform to the measurement area. The method comprises mounting one or more workpieces in a predetermined position on the movable platform fixture and positioning the movable platform against locator stops on the stationary platform. A second workpiece may be mounted on the fixtures of a second movable platform while the CMM measurements are in progress. This procedure may be repeated for successive workpieces and enables a near assembly line process for measuring workpiece coordinates. |
| US08453333B2 |
Electric hand-held hair cutting appliance with blade clamping device
A blade head assembly for a hand-held hair cutting appliance includes a blade clamping device urging a cutting edge margin of a second blade in sliding engagement with a cutting edge margin of a first blade. The blade clamping device includes a clamping head operable for pivoting generally toward and generally away from the second blade about a pivot axis. The clamping head is resiliently biased generally toward the second cutting blade about the pivot axis into sliding engagement with the second blade. The second blade is slidable relative to the clamping head during reciprocating movement of the second blade relative to the first blade. |
| US08453331B2 |
Scrubbing razor
The scrubbing razor includes a housing and one or more cutting blades with a rounded cutting edge. The housing includes a top cover, a tubular outer safety ring mounted to the top cover, and one or more tubular anchor rings disposed within the tubular outer safety ring and mounted to the top cover. The one or more cutting blades are mounted to the one or more tubular anchor rings. |
| US08453329B2 |
Method of fabricating inkjet printhead having low-loss contact for thermal actuators
A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead is provided in which a supporting substrate is provided, a conductive layer is deposited and patterned on one side of the supporting substrate, an insulating layer is deposited on the conductive layer, holes are etched through the insulating layer to the conductive layer, metal is deposited in the holes to form metallic vias, an outer surface of the insulating layer and one end of each of the metallic vias are planarized, and a layer of heater material is deposited and patterned on the outer surface to form a heater with a resistive element extending between a pair of contacts. The metallic vias electrically connect the contacts to the conductive layer. |
| US08453328B2 |
Methods and devices for assembling a terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array
Methods and devices for assembling a terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array. The methods may include securing a torque tube to an alignment fixture by positioning a flange at an end of the torque tube over a shelf on the alignment fixture and positioning a section of the torque tube inward from the flange into a receptacle on the shelf of the alignment fixture. The method may include aligning and mounting a mount to the torque tube at a point along the torque tube inward from the end of the torque tube. The method may include aligning and mounting a solar cell module to the mount with the solar cell module including an array of lenses positioned over a set of corresponding receivers that include one or more III-V compound semiconductor solar cells. The method may include removing the torque tube from the alignment fixture after the solar cell module is mounted to the mount. The method may include aligning and mounting the torque tube to an end of a longitudinal support with the torque tube being coaxial with the longitudinal support and the solar cell module being able to rotate with the torque tube about a first axis that extends through the torque tube and the longitudinal support and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. |
| US08453327B2 |
Sprayed skin turbine component
Fabricating a turbine component (50) by casting a core structure (30), forming an array of pits (24) in an outer surface (32) of the core structure, depositing a transient liquid phase (TLP) material (40) on the outer surface of the core structure, the TLP containing a melting-point depressant, depositing a skin (42) on the outer surface of the core structure over the TLP material, and heating the assembly, thus forming both a diffusion bond and a mechanical interlock between the skin and the core structure. The heating diffuses the melting-point depressant away from the interface. Subsurface cooling channels (35) may be formed by forming grooves (34) in the outer surface of the core structure, filling the grooves with a fugitive filler (36), depositing and bonding the skin (42), then removing the fugitive material. |
| US08453325B2 |
Method of repair on nickel based HPT shrouds
A method of repairing an abradable, nickel single crystal material having an abraded surface area by applying a diffusion layer to the abraded surface area comprising a nickel-based alloy having a quantity of an additional element selected from silicon and boron; and also applying an abradable layer to the material comprising a cobalt-based alloy to restore the abraded surface area. |
| US08453321B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer flexible printed circuit board
A method for manufacturing a multilayer FPCB which includes providing a first substrate, a second substrate and a binder layer; defining an opening on the binder layer; defining a first slit in the dielectric layer of the first substrate; laminating the first substrate, the binder layer and the second substrate; forming a second slit in the conductive layer of the first substrate, the second slit being created so as to align with the first slit, cutting the first substrate, the binder layer and the second substrate thereby forming a multilayer flexible printed circuit board having different numbers of layers in different areas. |
| US08453319B2 |
Process for forming a hexagonal array
The present invention relates to nanopillar arrays that may have relatively large dimensions and relatively large interpillar distances. The present invention also relates to methods of forming the same. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of forming hexagonal nanopillar arrays include forming a base comprising aluminum; forming a hexagonal pattern of pits in the aluminum; anodizing the aluminum to form aluminum oxide comprising a primary hexagonal nanopore array at the positions of the pits in the aluminum; depositing a conductive material into the nanopores of the primary hexagonal nanopore array; and removing the mask and the aluminum oxide to provide the hexagonal nanopillar array. |
| US08453318B2 |
Method for making a planar coil
A method of making a planar coil is disclosed in the present invention. First, a substrate having a trench is provided. Then, a barrier and a seed layer are formed on the substrate in sequence. An isolative layer is used for guiding a conductive material to flow into a lower portion of the trench such that accumulation of the conductive material at opening of the trench is prevented before the lower portion of the trench is completely filled up, thereby avoiding gap formation in the trench. |
| US08453317B2 |
Magnetic write head fabrication with integrated electrical lapping guides
Methods of fabricating magnetic write heads and electrical lapping guides (ELG's) using a split gap deposition process is described. A removal process is performed on a magnetic material to define a main write pole and to define a corresponding ELG for the main write pole. A first non-magnetic gap layer is deposited. A mask and liftoff process is performed to deposit an electrically conductive material on the first gap layer disposed along a front edge of the ELG. A second non-magnetic gap layer is then deposited and a shield is fabricated for the write pole. |
| US08453314B2 |
Process for forming channels in a flexible circuit substrate using an elongated wedge and a channel shaped receptacle
A process for fabricating an origami formed antenna radiating structure is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a process for precisely fabricating a radio frequency (RF) antenna structure, the process including providing a flexible circuit substrate, forming a plurality of parallel channels in the flexible circuit substrate in a first direction, mounting the flexible substrate to a precision die, pressing the flexible substrate into the precision die using an elastomeric material thereby sandwiching the flexible substrate between the elastomeric material and the precision die, and applying heat to the flexible substrate sandwiched between the elastomeric material and the precision die. |
| US08453313B2 |
Table for permanent magnet rotor and method for manufacturing permanent magnet rotor
A method for assembling rotors which is applicable to a large axial gap type permanent magnet rotating machine is provided.A permanent magnet rotating machine comprising: a rotating shaft; at least two rotors comprising a table-like structure and permanent magnets attached thereto, the table-like structures being connected to the rotating shaft and being disposed in an axial direction of the rotating shaft; and a stator comprising a table-like structure and stator coils around which a copper wire is wound, said stator being disposed in a gap formed by the rotors so that the stator being separated from the rotating shaft, is manufactured by the following steps of assembling the two rotors such that a predetermined gap is formed therebetween; and mounting the magnets on the table-like structures by inserting the magnet from the radially outer side of the table-like structures towards the center of the rotation with the assembled state being maintained. |
| US08453312B2 |
Method of manufacturing vibrating micromechanical structures
A method for fabrication of single crystal silicon micromechanical resonators using a two-wafer process, including either a Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or insulating base and resonator wafers, wherein resonator anchors, a capacitive air gap, isolation trenches, and alignment marks are micromachined in an active layer of the base wafer; the active layer of the resonator wafer is bonded directly to the active layer of the base wafer; the handle and dielectric layers of the resonator wafer are removed; viewing windows are opened in the active layer of the resonator wafer; masking the single crystal silicon semiconductor material active layer of the resonator wafer with photoresist material; a single crystal silicon resonator is machined in the active layer of the resonator wafer using silicon dry etch micromachining technology; and the photoresist material is subsequently dry stripped. |
| US08453308B2 |
Trunnion painting fixture
A painting tool for painting a vehicle wheel is disclosed. The tool includes a base and a plurality of idler wheels rotatably coupled to the base. The wheels are disposed about the base to rotatably support a workpiece. A motor is coupled to the base and includes a motor output disposed to engage the workpiece and to rotate the workpiece on the plurality of idler wheels about a workpiece axis. A mask is operatively coupled to the base. The mask is movable between an engaged position wherein the mask obscures a portion of the workpiece and a disengaged position wherein the mask is disposed away from the workpiece. A method of painting a vehicle wheel is also disclosed. |
| US08453306B2 |
Method for upholstering box springs
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method used to upholster a box-spring frame. A textile tape with a portion encapsulating a draw cord is sewn to the inner perimeter of a border material. The other edge of the border material is sewn to a top cover material. The box-spring frame is placed within this assembly, with the top side of the frame abutting the top cover. This assembly is placed in the attachment apparatus. The attachment apparatus optionally compresses the box-spring frame and is equipped with a pair of tension applicators. Once in place, each of the two draw cord ends are secured to a corresponding tension applicator, and tension is applied to the draw cord. This tension tightens the border assembly edge around the frame. With the proper tension applied, the draw cord is secured to the box-spring frame. The bottom cover is then attached in the conventional manner with a series of staples. |
| US08453303B1 |
Heart pet burial vault
Through experience of extended travels it is quite apparent that there is a need to solve the perplexing question of what should a person do when a family pet dies while on vacation. The Heart Pet Burial Vault solves this problem for owners of small to medium pets who die while miles from home and wish to return their pets home for burial. The burial vault is a strong, solid enclosure that protects the pet carcass inside an encasement that seals itself through a easy closing of an end cap by the simple turning of two screws. The unique seal allows the pet owner to retain the pet carcass for an extended period of time to store, transport and bury all in the same container without the fear of odor or liquid seepage. |
| US08453300B1 |
On demand handling apparatus
A handling apparatus comprising an object, at least one band, and at least one detachable handle. A desired number of the handles can be put on any of the bands, and positions of the handles may be adjusted within the bands. The handles put on each of the bands are secured to the object simultaneously and without user intervention when user secures the band to the object. The handles may comprise detachable gripping members which can be oriented differently about the object after the handles are secured to the objects by the bands. The handles and the bands may be reused with differently configured objects. As the result, the device is economic, ergonomic, and easy to use. |
| US08453299B2 |
Connecting module and sliding mechanism for electronic device
A connecting module includes a mounting portion, a pin and a washer. The mounting portion defines a receiving groove and two latching grooves positioned at opposite sides of the receiving groove. The pin extends through the mounting portion. The washer includes a washer body and two extending arms protruding from opposite sides of the washer body, each extending arm having an arcuate portion. The washer body is received in the receiving groove and is fitted around the pin, the extending arms are received in the latching grooves, and each arcuate portion is latched in a corresponding latching groove. |
| US08453297B2 |
Electronic device and handle structure thereof
An electronic device includes a handle structure and a housing. The housing has an opening. The handle structure is retractably disposed in the housing and includes an engaging module and a handle module. The engaging module includes a first engaging portion disposed on the housing. The handle module is movably connected to the housing and includes a main body, an elastic element and a second engaging portion. The elastic element provides an elastic force for the main body to move toward the opening. When the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are disposed at an engaging portion, at least a portion of the main body is disposed in the housing. When the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are disposed at a separating position, the main body protrudes from the housing. |
| US08453292B2 |
Connecting device for connecting wiper blade to wiper arm
A connecting device for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm. The connecting device includes a hinge unit formed at one side of the wiper arm and an adapter provided at an upper end of the wiper blade so that the adapter is coupled to the hinge unit. The hinge unit includes retainers disposed opposite to each other about an opening formed at one side of the wiper arm. A pin is transversely disposed between the retainers. The adapter includes a guide for guiding the pin and a coupling hole connected to the guide so that the pin is hingedly coupled into the coupling hole. Connection between the wiper arm and the wiper blade is achieved by sliding a projecting jaw projecting downward from the coupling hole of the adapter along an inclined plane formed at the pin of the hinge unit and rotating the wiper blade so that one side of the adapter coincides with the inside of the opening. |
| US08453291B2 |
Wiper lifter
A wiper lifter assembly includes a wiper ramp that lifts a wiper away from a wiper surface on a vehicle and a wiper contact member that is attached to an upper surface of the wiper ramp. The wiper contact member may act as a sound damper to greatly reduce the undesirable noise otherwise caused when the wiper contacts the wiper lifter assembly. The assembly may also include an isolation pad for attaching the assembly to the vehicle. |
| US08453284B2 |
Swimming pool cleaner
A suction powered swimming pool cleaner connected to the filtration pump by a hose of varying length according to the size of the pool that need be cleaned. Unit comprises of a interruption type valve member moving forward in a stepwise manner thereby cleaning the pool surface. Valve oscillation and debris controlled by means of a flow-control-debris-diverter with aided waterbuffer technology for quiet operation. |
| US08453281B2 |
Patient support systems for use with radiation therapy systems and other applications
An apparatus for supporting a patient in radiation therapy and other applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure and a panel carried by the support structure. The support structure can have first and second support members, such as rigid girders or other structures comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel is also a rigid structure comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel can further include a pass-through zone or other type of zone that is compatible with an ionizing radiation beam. For example, the panel can have a grid or solid low-density structure that mitigates beam contamination. The support structure and the panel together are configured to position a magnetic marker implanted in the patient in a navigational zone in which a magnetic field transmitted from the marker is not affected by conductive components or loops of conductive material in the pedestals or cantilevered support structures of conventional patient support systems. |
| US08453277B2 |
Baby carrier with an adjustable back plate
A baby carrier with an adjustable back plate comprises a main body, a back plate, a belt and a belt adjustment mechanism. The main body has a bottom wall, two long side walls and two short side walls. The back plate is pivoted on the bottom wall for support baby-occupant in a selected inclination. The belt has a distal end affixed to one side of the main body and an adjustable length for passing across underneath the back plate for retaining the back plate in the selected inclination angle. The belt adjustment mechanism is mounted on the opposite side of the main body for adjusting the adjustable length of the belt by pulling the free end thereof and pressing the back plate downwardly just under the instinct of the care-giver. |
| US08453276B2 |
Patient positioning device
A patient positioning device for restoring a patient to a desired position in a hospital bed. An example patient positioning device may include a flexible track positioned along each of the lateral edges of a sleep surface and extending substantially the entire length of the sleep surface, a sheet including beaded edges for slidably engaging the tracks such that the sheet spans between the first track and the second track on the sleep surface, and/or a drive mechanism located proximate a head end of the sleep surface and configured to pull the sheet towards the head end of the bed. |
| US08453273B1 |
Scent impregnated attachment apparatus affixed to the flexible connecting belt of a rimmed cage retaining a deodorant block
A molded object made out of resin, plastic or other suitable scent absorbing material which is impregnated with an odor absorbing scent. The scent impregnated object which be in any shape such as the shape of an animal, a celestial body (star, moon, etc) or any other shape is retained onto the flexible retaining belt by which a rimmed cage retaining a deodorant block is retained onto the upper exterior rim of a toilet bowl. The rimmed cage retaining the deodorant block extends into the toilet bowl and the present invention odor absorbing object rests just above the rimed cage and provides a continuous source of scent to absorb fowl odors and mask fowl odors from the toilet bowl. |
| US08453272B2 |
Automatic cleaning assembly for a toilet bowl
An automatic cleaning assembly having an outer body and an inner lid which, when attached to each other, may define an inner chamber and an outer chamber. Refill water may enter the inner chamber through a fluid flow path of an inlet. A cleaning agent disposed within the inner chamber may be partially dissolved upon contact with the water. The water with the dissolved cleaning agent begins to fill the outer chamber and exit out of the outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly. The outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly is positioned above the inlet of the automatic cleaning assembly such that water is retained within the outer chamber to prevent gas caused by the cleaning agent from escaping into the environment. Moreover, the automatic cleaning assembly may have a check valve to prevent water from back flowing into a ball cock of the toilet. |
| US08453267B1 |
Decorative apparel system
A nether garment has upper and lower sections and seams. Primary fasteners are attached to the lower section forwardly between the seams. Removable patches have inner and outer surfaces. Complementary fasteners attached to the inner surface of each removable patch are adjacent to and coupleable with the primary fasteners. |
| US08453266B2 |
Ergonomic curved athletic glove
An ergonomic curved athletic glove is provided. The glove comprises palm and back portions as well as four finger sheaths and a thumb sheath, each sheath having a front and back finger portion and one or more gussets. The thumb, pinky, and index finger sheaths may incorporate a “seamless” design that avoids seams where the glove comes in contact with a sporting implement and reduces potential gripping interference. The palm portion of the glove may comprise multiple sections connected with a stretchable palm gusset to minimize bunching when a sporting implement is gripped. The length of each front finger portion is shorter than the length of the corresponding back finger portion to provide the glove with a gripping curve. Providing the glove with a gripping curve minimizes bunching of the front finger portions, front thumb portion, and palm portion while a received hand grips the sporting implement. |
| US08458804B1 |
Systems and methods for preventing data remanence in memory
A system for preventing data remanence in memory is provided. The system includes a computing device, a memory chip coupled to the computing device and including memory, and a heater, the heater configured to prevent data remanence in a memory by providing heat to at least a portion of the memory. The memory includes a plurality of bits configured to electronically store data. |
| US08458800B1 |
Secure smartphone
A commercial off-the-shelf smartphone is adapted, through software modifications only, to provide multiple operating domains or domains that provide differing levels of security and reliability. Each operating domain is isolated from the others. Detection of unauthorized modification is provided. Cross domain activity notification is provided. |
| US08458791B2 |
Hardware-implemented hypervisor for root-of-trust monitoring and control of computer system
A system and method for modifying a processor system with hypervisor hardware to provide protection against malware. The processor system is assumed to be of a type having at least a CPU and a high-speed bus for providing data links between the CPU, other bus masters, and peripherals (including a debug interface unit). The hypervisor hardware elements are (1) a co-processor programmed to perform one or more security tasks; (2) a communications interface between the co-processor and the debug interface unit; (3) a behavioral interface on the high-speed bus, configured to monitor control signals from the CPU, and (4) an access controller on the high-speed bus, configured to store access control data, to intercept requests on the high-speed bus, to evaluate the requests against the access control data, and to grant or deny the requests. |
| US08458790B2 |
Defending smart cards against attacks by redundant processing
A method is provided which defends a computer program against attacks independently of the complexity of the program. A request to invoke the application is received. A process execution state is set to indicate a first execution. The application is executed in response to the request, and application data and control information calculated by the application is stored while the application is executed. The process execution state is set to indicate a subsequent execution. At least part of the application is executed for at least one subsequent time. Application data and control information calculated by the application during subsequent executions is compared with the data/information stored during first execution. The comparison is done by operation system services which are responsive to the process execution state. When the comparison shows a discrepancy in the compared application data and control information, appropriate error handling takes place. |
| US08458789B1 |
System, method and computer program product for identifying unwanted code associated with network communications
A system, method and computer program product are provided including identifying a network communication and determining whether the network communication is initiated by a process associated with unwanted code. As an option, a firewall may identify the network communication and computer code may determine whether the network communication is initiated by a process associated with unwanted code. As an option, in one embodiment, a method may be provided whereby unwanted code identified by network communication may be quarantined and/or the process associated with the unwanted code may be terminated. |
| US08458788B2 |
System and method for authentication of input devices
Systems and methods are provided for authenticating an input device subsystem for operation with a host. One method includes storing a table comprising challenges and a plurality of values indicative of authentic responses to the plurality of challenges. A selected challenge is then communicated between the input device subsystem and the host. A challenge response is derived based on the selected challenge and a hashing algorithm, and the challenge response is communicated between the input device subsystem and the host. The challenge response and one or more of the values is used to determine whether the challenge response is authentic. Functionality of the input device subsystem with the host is selectively enabled if the challenge response is authentic. |
| US08458787B2 |
VPN network client for mobile device having dynamically translated user home page
A virtual private network (VPN) client for cellular mobile devices is described. The VPN network client processes network packets for securely tunneling the network packets between the cellular mobile device and the remote VPN security device. Upon establishing the VPN connection, the VPN network client receives a web-based home page from the secure VPN device via a secure response, dynamically parses bookmark links from the secure response and renders a bookmark window using input controls native to the cellular mobile device without invoking a web browser on the cellular mobile device. Each of the input controls corresponds to a different one of the bookmarks parsed from the secure response. Upon selection of one of the input controls, the VPN network client formulates and outputs an appropriate request to the secure VPN device as if a corresponding one of the bookmark links were selected by the user. |
| US08458784B2 |
Data protection system selectively altering an end portion of packets based on incomplete determination of whether a packet is valid or invalid
Methods and systems for firewall/data protection that filters data packets in real time and without packet buffering are disclosed. A data packet filtering hub, which may be implemented as part of a switch or router, receives a packet on one link, reshapes the electrical signal, and transmits it to one or more other links. During this process, a number of filters checks are performed in parallel, resulting in a decision about whether each packet should or should not be invalidated by the time that the last bit is transmitted. To execute this task, the filtering hub performs rules-based filtering on several levels simultaneously, preferably with a programmable logic or other hardware device. Various methods for packet filtering in real time and without buffering with programmable logic are disclosed. The system may include constituent elements of a stateful packet filtering hub, such as microprocessors, controllers, and integrated circuits. The system may be reset, enabled, disabled, configured, and/or reconfigured with toggles or other physical switches. Audio and visual feedback may be provided regarding the operation and status of the system. |
| US08458775B2 |
Multiuser web service sign-in client side components
Embodiments of multi-user web service sign-in client side components are presented herein. In an implementation, the currently authenticated user account of a first application of a client is transferred to another application of a client. In another implementation, a common credential store is used to share data for a plurality of user accounts associated with a client between a plurality of applications of the client, and for the applications to output multi-user interfaces having portions corresponding to the plurality of accounts. |
| US08458774B2 |
Method for secure site and user authentication
The present invention provides a new method of site and user authentication. This is achieved by creating a pop-up window on the user's PC that is in communication with a security server, and where this communication channel is separate from the communication between the user's browser and whichever web site they are at. A legitimate web site embeds code in the web page which communicates to the security server from the user's desktop. The security server checks the legitimacy of the'web site and then signals both the web page on the user's browser, as well as the pop-up window to which it has a separate channel. The security server also sends a random image to both the pop-up window and the browser. If user authentication is requested by the web site the user is first authenticated by the security server for instance by out of band authentication. Then the security server computes a one time password based on a secret it shares with the web site and sends it to the pop up window. The user copies this one time password into their browser which sends it to the web site, which can re-compute the one time password to authenticate the user. |
| US08458769B2 |
Cloud based firewall system and service
A cloud-based firewall system and service is provided to protect customer sites from attacks, leakage of confidential information, and other security threats. In various embodiments, such a firewall system and service can be implemented in conjunction with a content delivery network (CDN) having a plurality of distributed content servers. The CDN servers receive requests for content identified by the customer for delivery via the CDN. The CDN servers include firewalls that examine those requests and take action against security threats, so as to prevent them from reaching the customer site. The CDN provider implements the firewall system as a managed firewall service, with the operation of the firewalls for given customer content being defined by that customer, independently of other customers. In some embodiments, a customer may define different firewall configurations for different categories of that customer's content identified for delivery via the CDN. |
| US08458768B2 |
Policy-based security certificate filtering
Policy filtering services are built into security processing of an execution environment for resolving how to handle a digital security certificate of a communicating entity without requiring a local copy of a root certificate that is associated with the entity through a certificate authority (“CA”) chain. Policy may be specified using a set of rules (or other policy format) indicating conditions for certificate filtering. This filtering is preferably invoked during handshaking, upon determining that a needed root CA certificate is not available. In one approach, the policy uses rules specifying conditions under which a certificate is permitted (i.e., treated as if it is validated) and other rules specifying conditions under which a certificate is blocked (i.e., treated as if it is invalid). Preferably, policy rules are evaluated and enforced in order of most-specific to least-specific. |
| US08458767B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for enhanced service detection and policy rule determination
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for enhanced service detection and policy rule determination are disclosed. According to one method, a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) node requests, from a deep packet inspection (DPI) node notification of detection of traffic relating to a service. The DPI node identifies at least one traffic classifier usable to detect traffic corresponding to the service, uses the traffic classifier to detect traffic corresponding to the service, and notifies the PCRF of the detection and of the traffic classifier. The PCRF node receives the at least one traffic classifier, determines a policy rule based on the at least one traffic classifier, and communicates the policy rule to a policy enforcement node. |
| US08458763B2 |
Method of automating and personalizing systems to satisfy security requirements in an end-to-end service landscape
A computer-implemented method of enabling security in network resources provisioned as part of a service landscape instance is provided. The method includes initiating an orchestration process for creating a landscape service instance to provide services to a service subscriber over a data communications network. The method further includes deriving from the orchestration process at least one parameter, and generating at least one security configuration profile based upon the at least one parameter for at least one system of the landscape service instance. |
| US08458762B2 |
Program replacing method
A program replacing method and apparatus replaces a program in a broadcast receiving terminal apparatus. A first program is registered so that message transmission is enabled between the first program and a POD (Point of Deployment), the first program having an identifier identifying a program type of the first program. If a second program exists in a broadcast receiving terminal apparatus, the second program is notified that message transmission between the second program and the POD is to be terminated. The method receives approval for terminating the message transmission between the second program and the POD, from the second program, terminates the message transmission between the second program and the POD, and notifies the first program that message transmission between the first program and the POD has been enabled. |
| US08458759B2 |
Method and apparatus for locating network impairments
A system for locating an impairment in a coaxial cable network comprises an encoder, an impairment detector, and a decoder. The encoder couples to the network at a predetermined encoding point, upstream of the impairment. The encoder automatically encodes an identification code on a signal originating downstream of the encoding point and associated with the impairment. The impairment detector couples to the network at an access point, upstream from the encoding point, and receives signals from the network. The detector is adapted to detect from the received signals the signal associated with the impairment and generate a detected version of the signal. The decoder is adapted to decode the identification code from the detected version of the impairment signal. Once the identification code is determined, the encoder and encoding point are identified, and the location of the impairment is determine to be downstream of the encoding point. |
| US08458755B2 |
System for the delivery and dynamic presentation of large media assets over bandwidth constrained networks
Media content, based on a predetermined set of constraints, from a content provider is delivered to a local cache of a user device before viewing the media. A client asset manager process resides in the user device, an asset list at the content provider site, and the media assets are located at a remote site. |
| US08458750B2 |
Incremental transmission of data
In one form, the present teachings provide a method and apparatus for broadcasting an event. The method includes receiving data related to an event via an uplink. Another aspect of the method includes determining whether the data is broadcast on a recurring basis. The method also includes determining whether a transponder channel associated with multiplexed program channels has any unused data or bandwidth to broadcast a portion of the data along with the multiplexed program channels. Additionally, the method includes broadcasting the portion of the data in a data stream. |
| US08458749B2 |
System and method for an interactive internet radio application in an internet protocol television system
A set-top box for an Internet protocol television (IPTV) network includes a radio interface module, a remote control interface module, and a display interface module. The radio interface module accesses an Internet radio service on the IPTV network and outputs a list of Internet radio stations received from the Internet radio service to a particular IPTV channel on the display interface module, receives a selection of an Internet radio station from the remote control interface module, retrieves an Internet radio stream associated with the selected Internet radio station from the Internet radio service in response to receiving the first selection, and outputs the Internet radio steam on the particular IPTV channel of the display interface module. |
| US08458747B2 |
System and method for neighborhood optimization for content recommendation
A cost function is stochastically optimized using, e.g., simulated annealing to render a neighborhood of entities based on which content recommendations can be provided to a user of a home entertainment system. The cost function represents a normalized sum of rating similarity scores from entities of the neighborhood that are related to content items viewed by the user. |
| US08458745B2 |
Amalgamation of user data for geographical trending
The present invention comprises a viewership rating system presented on a monitor. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of broadcast programs, each broadcast program in the plurality of broadcast programs given a rating, the rating based on a current viewership of the plurality of broadcast programs within a geographical area, and a control bar; displayed on the monitor, wherein a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprising information related to at least one of the ratings of the plurality of broadcast programs. |
| US08458744B2 |
Method for reducing channel change times and synchronizing audio/video content during channel change
A digital A/V apparatus provides reduced channel changes times and maintains synchronization between audio and video content during a channel change event. According to an exemplary embodiment, the digital A/V apparatus includes at least one signal receiver for receiving a first audio stream, a first video stream and a second video stream, wherein the first and second video streams represent the same program and the first video stream has at least one characteristic different from the second video stream; a first audio signal processor for processing the first audio stream to generate a first processed audio stream; a first video signal processor for processing the first video stream to generate a first processed video stream; a second video signal processor for processing the second video stream to generate a second processed video stream having a delay with respect to the first processed video stream; a first buffer for buffering the first processed audio stream to provide de-jittering; a renderer for rendering the first processed audio stream and the second processed video stream in response to a channel change command; a switch for switching from the second processed video stream to the first processed video stream after the renderer begins rendering the second processed video stream, and thereby causing the renderer to begin rendering the first processed video stream; and whereby synchronization between the first processed audio stream and the first processed video stream is maintained during a channel change event. |
| US08458741B2 |
Provision of TV ID to non-TV device to enable access to TV services
To permit non-TV CE devices to participate in a closed Internet Protocol television (IPTV) program, a non-TV CE device obtains a TV identification upon program registration which it subsequently uses to access content from the IPTV program. |
| US08458740B2 |
Enablement of premium content for internet video client
A device is enabled to display Internet TV by accessing a management server and receiving back from the server a user token and a service list of predefined content servers. A user can select a content server on the service list which causes the device to upload its user token to the management server, which in turn sends back the network path to the content server along with a content server-user-unique service token (SUIT) that the device uses to access the content on the content server, in some embodiments on per-title PPV access, per-content category PPV access, or per-service PPV access. |
| US08458734B2 |
Portable electronic device with rotatable disc drive
A portable electronic device includes a first main body and a disc drive. The disc drive is received in the first main body. The disc drive includes a second main body, a driving element, and a laser assembly. The second main body is rotatably received in the first main body. The driving element is arranged on the second main body for driving a disc. The laser assembly includes a laser slidably received in the first main body. The disc drive is in a use state when the second main body is rotated to cause the driving element to face the laser. |
| US08458733B2 |
Global API deployment and routing
A method and a system are provided for implementing a global application program interface and providing routing to a number of services. A global traffic manager may receive an application program interface call from an originating processing device via an open public network. The global traffic manager may return an address of a closest edge server, with respect to the originating processing device, from among a number of edge servers, in an edge network. The edge server may obtain a location having data corresponding to the application program interface call and may make a data specific application program interface call to a data center corresponding to the obtained location. The edge server may receive data from the data center and may ensure that the data is in a proper format. The edge server may send the data to the originating processing device via the open public network. |
| US08458726B2 |
Bios routine avoidance
A method, computer readable medium, and device are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes determining whether an entry exists in a firmware interface table to direct the processor to handle the event in a non-legacy mode. This is done after an event for a processor that triggers a legacy mode processor handling routine. The method also includes the processor handling the event in the non-legacy mode when the entry exists. |
| US08458722B2 |
Thread selection according to predefined power characteristics during context switching on compute nodes
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for thread selection during context switching on a plurality of compute nodes that includes: executing, by a compute node, an application using a plurality of threads of execution, including executing one or more of the threads of execution; selecting, by the compute node from a plurality of available threads of execution for the application, a next thread of execution in dependence upon power characteristics for each of the available threads; determining, by the compute node, whether criteria for a thread context switch are satisfied; and performing, by the compute node, the thread context switch if the criteria for a thread context switch are satisfied, including executing the next thread of execution. |
| US08458717B1 |
System and method for automated criteria based deployment of virtual machines across a grid of hosting resources
Some embodiments provide a method. The method interfaces with several nodes of a hosting system to collect statistics that includes available resources of each node for hosting virtual machines. The method identifies a set of nodes with sufficient available resources to host a configuration for a virtual machine based on the collected statistics. The method determines an optimal node from the set of nodes that hosts the configuration with a particular set of performance parameters that yields improved performance than when hosting the configuration using any of the other nodes in the set of nodes. The method deploys the configuration for the virtual machine to the optimal node. |
| US08458716B2 |
Enterprise resource planning with asynchronous notifications of background processing events
Methods, systems, and computer program products for operating an enterprise resource planning system. The method includes running a placeholder job in said enterprise resource planning system in response to a request from at least one client application for notification of at least one background processing event, wherein the placeholder job is executed in response to the at least one background processing event. |
| US08458711B2 |
Quality of service implementation for platform resources
A method, computer readable medium, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises setting a quality of service (QoS) priority level value for one or more computer system platform resources, other than a central processor core, relating to a task running on the computer system, and determining whether the one or more computer system platform resources will be allocated to the task based on the QoS priority level setting. |
| US08458709B2 |
Dynamic switching of multithreaded processor between single threaded and simultaneous multithreaded modes
An apparatus and program product utilize a multithreaded processor having at least one hardware thread among a plurality of hardware threads that is capable of being selectively activated and deactivated responsive to a control circuit. The control circuit additionally provides the capability of controlling how an inactive thread can be activated after the thread has been deactivated, e.g., by enabling or disabling reactivation in response to an interrupt. |
| US08458703B2 |
Application requesting management function based on metadata for managing enabler or dependency
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for managing an enabler and dependencies of the enabler. According to one embodiment, a method of managing an enabler can comprise requesting a management function via a management interface of the enabler. The management interface can provide an abstraction of one or more management functions for managing the enabler and/or dependencies of the enabler. In some cases, prior to requesting the management function metadata associated with the management interface can be read and a determination can be made as to whether the management function is available or unavailable. Requesting the management function via the management interface of the enabler can be performed in response to determining the management function is available. In response to determining the management function is unavailable, one or more alternative functions can be identified based on the metadata and the one or more alternative functions can be requested. |
| US08458699B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus to prioritize computing devices for virtualization
In one embodiment, a virtualization analysis tool defines a classification weight value for each physical computing device from a plurality of physical computing devices, defines an effective utilization value for that physical computing device, and associates a virtual migration priority with that physical computing device based on the effective utilization value. The virtualization analysis tool defines the effective utilization value based on the classification weight value, a first utilization weight value, and a second utilization weight value. The first utilization weight value is associated with a first resource of that physical computing device, and the second utilization weight value associated with a second resource of that physical computing device. The virtual migration priority has a first value if the effective utilization value is within a first range of utilization weight values and a second value if the effective utilization value is within a second range of utilization weight values. |
| US08458698B2 |
Improving performance in a nested virtualized environment
Methods and systems for improving performance in a virtualization environment. The method comprising: detecting, by a first software, a first set of features supported by a hardware device, wherein the first software runs on the hardware device; detecting a second set of features with which to run a second software, wherein the second software is launched by the first software with the second set of features; exposing one or more features in the second set of features to the second software, wherein the second software detects and enables the exposed features for a third software launched by the second software; and emulating a first feature without causing a trap such that control is transferred to the second software, in response to determining that the first feature is an exposed feature not included in the first set of features, wherein one or more sensitive events are associated with the first feature. |
| US08458697B2 |
Method and device for eliminating patch duplication
A first computer is provided that executes a plurality of virtual machines (VMs), a storage device, and a second computer is provided that applies patches to OSs (operating systems) operating upon the VMs to the VMs. The storage device holds storage regions (golden images (GIs)) that store data of the OSs operating upon the VMs at certain time instants, a storage region that stores patches applied to the OSs of the VMs after those certain time instants, and snapshots of the GIs. Patches applied to the OSs of the VMs accessed in the snapshots are stored in the storage pool. The second computer selects, as a GI to be a source of acquisition of snapshots, a GI to which are applied patches of a combination that can be created from patches applied to the OS of some VM, and deletes patches that are patches applied to the selected GI, and that moreover, among the patches applied to that VM, are stored in the storage pool. |
| US08458696B2 |
Managing process migration from source virtual machine to target virtual machine which are on the same operating system
An apparatus and method for managing process migration are provided. When a process of a source virtual machine is to be migrated to a target virtual machine based on a process migration request, and the source virtual machine and the target virtual machine are on the same operating system (OS), logical migration is performed by updating information included in a virtual machine information database and a namespace router table. |
| US08458695B2 |
Automatic optimization for virtual systems
Techniques are disclosed for controlling and managing virtual machines and other such virtual systems. VM execution approval is based on compliance with policies controlling various aspects of VM. The techniques can be employed to benefit all virtual environments, such as virtual machines, virtual appliances, and virtual applications. For ease of discussion herein, assume that a virtual machine (VM) represents each of these environments. In one particular embodiment, a systems management partition (SMP) is created inside the VM to provide a persistent and resilient storage for management information (e.g., logical and physical VM metadata). The SMP can also be used as a staging area for installing additional content or agentry on the VM when the VM is executed. Remote storage of management information can also be used. The VM management information can then be made available for pre-execution processing, including policy-based compliance testing. |
| US08458693B2 |
Transitioning from static to dynamic cluster management
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for transitioning components of a static cluster system to a dynamic cluster system. In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The method may include selecting, at a user interface, a static cluster system to transition one or more components of the selected static cluster system to a dynamic cluster system. At least one install agent may be provided to the selected static cluster system. The install agent may be configured to install one or more agents outside of the selected static cluster system. The one or more agents may be configured to move the one or more components from the selected static cluster system to a dynamic cluster system. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US08458689B2 |
Method and apparatus for reprogramming engine controllers
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for altering the software of engine controllers. The method comprises determining a version of the current software in the engine controller, identifying one or more data blocks of upgraded software associated with the current software and replacing portions of the current software with the data blocks of upgraded software. The apparatus comprises an interface, a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to determine the version of the current software in the engine controller and replace one or more data blocks of the current software with one or more data blocks of upgraded software stored in the memory. |
| US08458680B2 |
Systems and methods for dynamically choosing a processing element for a compute kernel
A runtime system implemented in accordance with the present invention provides an application platform for parallel-processing computer systems. Such a runtime system enables users to leverage the computational power of parallel-processing computer systems to accelerate/optimize numeric and array-intensive computations in their application programs. This enables greatly increased performance of high-performance computing (HPC) applications. |
| US08458677B2 |
Generating code adapted for interlinking legacy scalar code and extended vector code
Mechanisms for intermixing code are provided. Source code is received for compilation using an extended Application Binary Interface (ABI) that extends a legacy ABI and uses a different register configuration than the legacy ABI. First compiled code is generated based on the source code, the first compiled code comprising code for accommodating the difference in register configurations used by the extended ABI and the legacy ABI. The first compiled code and second compiled code are intermixed to generate intermixed code, the second compiled code being compiled code that uses the legacy ABI. The intermixed code comprises at least one call instruction that is one of a call from the first compiled code to the second compiled code or a call from the second compiled code to the first compiled code. The code for accommodating the difference in register configurations is associated with the at least one call instruction. |
| US08458676B2 |
Executing platform-independent code on multi-core heterogeneous processors
A virtual machine can be extended to be aware of secondary cores and specific capabilities of the secondary cores. If a unit of platform-independent code (e.g., a function, a method, a package, a library, etc.) is more suitable to be run on a secondary core, the primary core can package the unit of platform-independent code (“code unit”) and associated data according to the ISA of the secondary core. The primary core can then offload the code unit to an interpreter associated with the secondary core to execute the code unit. |
| US08458667B2 |
Debugging a statechart for a real time target
System and method for debugging a statechart on a target device. The statechart may be created or displayed on a display and may include a plurality of state icons connected by wires. One or more debugging operations may be specified for the statechart. The statechart may be executed on the target device. The target device may provide debugging information to a computer during execution of the statechart. The debugging information may be displayed on the computer and may be usable to aid in debugging the statechart. |
| US08458666B2 |
Methods and systems for implementing a test automation framework for testing software applications on UNIX/LINUX based machines
This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for implementing a test automation framework. The method may include receiving test scenarios. Each of the test scenarios may include at least one test case. The method may further include spawning a process for each of the test scenarios. The processes may be executed in parallel on a Linux based operating system. The method may parse each of the test cases using a parser, execute the parsed test cases using an execution module, and generate test results for each of the test scenarios. Further, the method may display the test results on a Windows based graphical user interface (GUI). |
| US08458662B2 |
Test script transformation analyzer with economic cost engine
An economic engine generates accurate cost estimates for adapting a test script for use against an evolving application. Applications often have complex graphical user interfaces for which the permutations and combinations of GUI elements give rise to an enormous field of potential commands and command sequences to be tested. Furthermore, these applications change over time, rendering prior test scripts unworkable. The economic engine generates cost reports that reliably estimate the resources and time needed to produce new test scripts and test subsequent application versions, while greatly reducing the time, cost, and resource expenditures needed to arrive at subsequent application versions. |
| US08458659B2 |
Supervisory process control and manufacturing information system application having an extensible component model
A template-based supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development facility is disclosed that includes a number of time-saving application development tools that significantly enhance design productivity and allow re-using of previously developed application building blocks. The development facility includes an application object template library that stores a set of previously defined application object templates. The template library is accessed by developers through a configuration utility that facilitates specifying instances of the set of previously defined application object templates to be included in an application. Thereafter, application objects are instantiated from the selected ones of the set of previously defined application object templates in a build of the specified application. |
| US08458658B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamically building a software appliance
An application support module can be configured to dynamically build software appliances for users. The application support module can be configured to build the software appliances based on a request by a user. The request can include a desired pre-built appliance or available applications to be included in a custom appliance. Once the requested appliance is built, the application support module can be configured determine operating requirements for the complete software appliance. The operating requirements can include the minimum necessary computing requirements to utilize the software appliance, such as required storage space, required processing power, required execution memory. The application support module can be configured to provide the software appliance to the user, if the user accepts the software appliance. Additionally, the application support module can be configured to repeat the building process if the user requests reconfiguration. |
| US08458655B1 |
Implicit reset
In an embodiment, one or more computer readable media are provided. The media store executable instructions that when executed by processing logic implicitly change the value of a state in a graphical model while the model executes. The media store one or more instructions for identifying a context that includes a first block having a state and for executing the context when the state has a first value, the executing storing an intermediate result. The media store one or more instructions for changing, implicitly, the state from the first value to a second value based on a user input, where the changing occurs while the context is executing, or while the context is paused. The media store one or more instructions for executing the context when the state has the second value. |
| US08458654B2 |
Identifying impact of database changes on an application
A technique is disclosed for identifying impact of database changes on an application. Given a proposed database change, affected source code is identified that is affected by the proposed database change. References to the affected source code are created and organized into a hierarchy. A user can ascertain the extent of the impact by viewing the hierarchy and by using the hierarchy to access and view the affected source code in a visually distinct manner. |
| US08458653B2 |
Debugging a graphical program deployed on a programmable hardware element
System and method for debugging a graphical program deployed to hardware. The graphical program may be received. The graphical program may include a plurality of nodes and connections between the nodes which visually represents functionality of the graphical program. A hardware description may be generated based on the graphical program. The hardware description may describe a hardware implementation of the graphical program. The hardware description may be deployed to the programmable hardware element and the programmable hardware element may be executed. The graphical program may be displayed on a display of a host computer system that is coupled to the programmable hardware element. Debugging information may be received from the programmable hardware element during the executing. The debugging information from the programmable hardware element may be displayed in the graphical program displayed on the display. The displayed debugging information may be used to debug the hardware implementation of the graphical program. |
| US08458649B2 |
Faceted, tag-based approach for the design and composition of components and applications in component-based systems
A method, including: receiving a software requirement; and constructing a workflow template that can satisfy the software requirement, wherein the workflow template comprises a plurality of processing stages, wherein each processing stage includes at least one component class and each component class includes at least one component, and wherein an output of each processing stage is described by a processing goal pattern that is described by a set of tags and facets. |
| US08458647B2 |
Method and apparatus for graphically constructing applications utilizing information from multiple sources
A software component and method for constructing computer applications running on different runtime environments, which consume services provided in multiple protocols. Usage of the component and method is preferably done by a content professional and does not require programming knowledge for supporting the runtime environments or the protocols. |
| US08458639B2 |
Circuit partitioning and trace assignment in circuit design
Methods and apparatuses for designing at least one integrated circuit (IC). In one embodiment, the method comprises partitioning a circuit into portions that represent a partitioning solution and assigning traces to interconnect the portions to generate a trace assignment solution. The method further comprises optimizing the circuit through a modification of at least one of the partitioning solution and the trace assignment solution, the optimizing based on evaluating a design parameter which is based at least in part on the trace assignment solution. |
| US08458637B2 |
Implementing enhanced RLM connectivity on a hierarchical design with top level pipeline registers
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for implementing enhanced random logic macro (RLM) connectivity on a hierarchical design on an integrated circuit chip with top-level pipeline registers. Random logic macros (RLMs) to be connected are identified. Pipeline registers are identified; an input net is connected to an output net of the identified RLMs, removing the pipeline registers from the design. A chip floor plan results is displayed, providing direct RLM connectivity. |
| US08458634B2 |
Latch clustering with proximity to local clock buffers
A method, system, and computer usable program product for latch clustering with proximity to local clock buffers (LCBs) where an algorithm is used to cluster a plurality of latches into a first plurality of groups in an integrated circuit. A number of groups in the first plurality of groups of clustered latches is determined. A plurality of LCBs are added where a number of added LCBs is the same as the number of groups in the first plurality of groups. A cluster radius for a subset of the first plurality of groups of clustered latches is determined, a group in the subset having a cluster radius that is a maximum cluster radius in the subset. The plurality of latches are reclustered into a second plurality of groups responsive to the maximum cluster radius exceeding a radius threshold, the second plurality of groups exceeding the first plurality of groups by one. |
| US08458631B2 |
Cycle time reduction in data preparation
The present disclosure provides for methods of reducing cycle time in data preparation. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial integrated circuit (IC) design layout and an optical proximity correction (OPC)-processed initial IC design layout, and receiving a revised IC design layout. The method further includes comparing the revised IC design layout to the initial IC design layout to identify a difference region of the revised IC design layout from the initial IC design layout, performing an OPC on the difference region of the revised IC design layout, and merging the OPC-processed difference region of the revised IC design layout with the OPC-processed initial IC design layout. |
| US08458628B2 |
Method for compensating for variations in structures of an integrated circuit
A method of for compensating for variations in structures of an integrated circuit. The method includes (a) selecting a mask design shape and selecting a region of the mask design shape; (b) applying a model-based optical proximity correction to all of the mask design shape; and after (b), (c) applying a rules-based optical proximity correction to the selected region of the mask design shape. |
| US08458627B2 |
Semiconductor device including logic circuit having areas of different optical proximity accuracy
An object of the present invention is to reduce processing time and manufacturing cost for a semiconductor device including a logic circuit. To accomplish the above object, an area (114) for forming a logic circuit includes a first area (114b, 170) which is subjected to optical proximity correction with predetermined accuracy, and a second area (114a, 180) which is subjected to optical proximity correction with accuracy lower than said predetermined accuracy. Especially, the first area (114b, 170) includes a gate interconnection line (172) which acts as a transistor, and the second area (114a, 180) includes a dummy layout pattern (182) which does not act as a transistor. |
| US08458624B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device by correcting overlapping shots based on a radiation influenced pattern
A method of manufacturing semiconductor devices is disclosed. The method includes determining fractured shots that do not overlap each other based on a final pattern; determining overlapping shots that are shots that overlap each other based on the final pattern; generating area difference data by comparing the areas of the overlapping shots and the fractured shots with each other; calculating a radiation influenced pattern based on the area difference data; and correcting the overlapping shots based on the radiation influenced pattern. |
| US08458620B2 |
Gradient-based search mechanism for optimizing photolithograph masks
A mechanism is provided for optimizing a photolithograph mask. A given target pattern is received. An initial fictitious mask is generated from the given target pattern and an initial value of α2 is selected where the initial value of α2 is used to determine a light intensity and a wafer image. The light intensity for each pixel in the initial fictitious mask and the wafer image for each pixel in the initial fictitious mask are then determined. A determination is then made as to whether a convergence has been achieved by comparing the wafer image generated from the fictitious mask to the given target pattern. Responsive to a convergence of the wafer image generated from the fictitious mask to the given target pattern, a final mask is generated to use to transfer an image to a wafer. |
| US08458618B2 |
Vehicle-mounted apparatus, information providing method for use with vehicle-mounted apparatus, and recording medium recorded information providing method program for use with vehicle-mounted apparatus therein
A vehicle-mounted apparatus is disclosed which includes a displaying unit for providing information to a user, an inputting unit for inputting operations carried out by the user, and a controlling unit for controlling a display of the displaying unit based on the operations input through the inputting unit. The inputting unit has at least a touch-sensitive panel attached to a display screen of the displaying unit. The controlling unit causes the displaying unit to display a menu screen based on the operations input through the inputting unit. The controlling unit also causes the displaying unit to switch the displays based on menus selected on the menu screen. Furthermore, the controlling unit causes the displaying unit to switch, as when a specific menu is selected on the menu screen, the displays in response to a fingertip gesture made by the user for detection on the touch-sensitive panel. |
| US08458617B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for manipulating user interface objects
A computing device with a touch screen display simultaneously displays on the touch screen display a plurality of user interface objects and at least one destination object. The computing device detects a first input by a user on a destination object displayed on the touch screen display. While continuing to detect the first input by the user on the destination object, the computing device detects a second input by the user on a first user interface object displayed on the touch screen display. In response to detecting the second input by the user on the first user interface object, the computing device performs an action on the first user interface object. The action is associated with the destination object. |
| US08458616B2 |
Data display method and reproduction apparatus
To provide a data display method for displaying an attribute item information linked to a content data on a display screen, having the following steps of: displaying a list including an attribute item information respectively allocated to a plurality of content data in a predetermined region of the display screen, and displaying, when a predetermined attribute item information is selected for reproduction from the list, the list and a plurality of attribute item information linked to a content data corresponding to the selected attribute item information in part of the predetermined region. |
| US08458613B2 |
Dynamic user interface for previewing live content
A dynamic user interface for previewing live content includes multiple tiles. Information for multiple pieces of live content available from a gallery is obtained, and this information is presented in the multiple tiles of the user interface in accordance with a current user interface layout. In accordance with one aspect, this current user interface layout changes automatically over time as the user interface is displayed. In accordance with another aspect, one or more of the multiple tiles is displayed in the user interface more prominently than the other tiles, and which information is to be displayed in the one or more tiles is based at least in part on a received fee. |
| US08458612B2 |
Application management framework for web applications
Various embodiments are directed to an application management framework for web applications that may provide speed improvements, capability improvements, user experience improvements, increased advertising profit opportunities, and simplified application development to wide range of network devices. The described embodiments may employ techniques for containing, controlling, and presenting multiple web-based applications in a shared web browser application management framework. Sharing a web browser application management framework provides the capability for rapidly switching between applications, allows for multitasking, facilitates using a common set of input controls for applications, and makes it possible for applications to be available with little perceived startup (“boot”) time. The described embodiments also provide incentives for web application users, web application developers, web application portal providers, and web advertising providers to share in transactions between one another. |
| US08458609B2 |
Multi-context service
A multi-context service is described. In embodiments, a first input on a touch-screen of a portable device is detected as a selection of an object icon displayed on the touch-screen. A second input on the touch-screen is detected as a selection of an application icon displayed on the touch-screen. The object icon is associated with a content object, and the application icon is associated with a command provider that performs one or more actions on the content object. The content object is associated with the command provider to initiate the command provider to perform at least one of the actions on the content object based on the content object being associated with the command provider. |
| US08458607B2 |
Declarative method for handling defaults
According to various embodiments, methods, systems, and configuration applications for handling defaults and/or choices in a product configuration are provided. An exemplary method of handling defaults in a product configuration comprises presenting a product configuration to a user via a user interface. The method further comprises receiving a selection from the user of a configuration option via the user interface. The method further comprises determining, using a configuration engine implemented using instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and executable by one or more processors, at least one set of conflicting choices relating to a conflict resulting from the user selection of the configuration option and one or more constraints of the product configuration. The set of conflicting choices includes choices directly contributing to the conflict such that dropping any choice will resolve the conflict. The method further comprises determining, using the configuration engine, a strength level associated with each default selection in the minimal set of conflicting choices. The strength level of each default selection is based on an authority associated with a source of the default selection. The method further comprises determining, using the configuration engine, a default selection to drop based on its strength level. The method further comprises dropping, using the configuration engine, the determined default selection. |
| US08458605B2 |
Image file as container for widgets in GUI authoring tool
A method for authoring a graphical user interface (GUI) includes providing a widget builder interface for editing a template widget and receiving user input of widget properties for the template widget. The widget properties including a widget type, one or more widget parameters, and one or more images. The method further includes saving the widget properties and the one or more images into a widget file conforming to a standard image file format. |
| US08458604B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining website validity
In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium comprises code representing instructions to cause a processor to receive a fetch response based on a webpage address that may be associated with a webpage. The code can additionally represent instructions to calculate a webpage validity score for the webpage. The validity score can be based on at least one of content or metadata associated with the webpage. The code can also represent instructions to cause the processor to store a thumbnail image of the webpage, along with an indicator of the validity score. The validity indicator can be based on the webpage validity score and a threshold value. |
| US08458603B2 |
Contextual templates for modifying objects in a virtual universe
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying object styles in a virtual universe. An object is rendered in accordance with a first contextual style template from a plurality of contextual style templates. The first contextual style template comprises first geometric and texture data to display the object with a first style. In response to detecting a set of contextual changes associated with the object, a second contextual style template is identified from the plurality of contextual style templates. The set of contextual changes triggers implementation of the second contextual style template to change the first style of the object to a second style. The object is rendered in accordance with second geometric and texture data in the second contextual style template to form a modified object, wherein the modified object is displayed with the second style. |
| US08458600B2 |
Distributed multi-user mashup session
A mashup session manager maintains state of the mashup session to ensure presentation consistency/uniformity across the execution environments. The mashup session manager also tracks the participating execution environments associated with a mashup session (e.g., usernames, device identifiers, network addresses, etc.), and transmits data for presentation consistency to the participating execution environments. In some cases, a view of the mashup session at a participating execution environment may not be current (“stale mashup session view”). The mashup session manager can detect if a view at a participating execution environment is of a past mashup session state, and provide data for the stale mashup session view to become current. In addition, the mashup session manager can propagate design modifications to the participants of the mashup session. |
| US08458598B1 |
Customized advertising for online slideshow
Example embodiments provide apparatuses and methods directed to a system for presenting customized advertisements and branding in conjunction with an audio-visual presentation, e.g., an online slideshow with audio enhancement, played on a player module on an access device. In example embodiments, the online slideshow includes a customized pre-roll advertisement, a customized post-roll advertisement, and/or a customized banner advertisement on the final slide of the slideshow. The system also might customize the GUI views displayed by the player module which plays the online slideshow and/or the player landing page on the CDN that hosts the player module. In example embodiments, the system might base the customization on branding (e.g., in support of “white labeling”), seasonal themes, and/or personalization. |
| US08458594B2 |
Control device, control method, and control system
A control device includes a communication unit communicating via a network with a content supply device and reproduction devices, an operation unit, a display unit, and a control unit receiving a signal from the operation unit and controlling the communication unit and the display unit. The control unit has a content list display state displaying on a screen of the display unit a content list received from the content supply device, a device list display state displaying on the screen thumbnail images of the reproduction devices in accordance with device information received from the reproduction devices, and an operation panel display state displaying an operation panel for having a content item of the content list reproduced by one of the reproduction devices set in the device list display state. The thumbnail image of the reproduction device is displayed in the content list display state and the operation panel display state. |
| US08458593B2 |
Method and apparatus for modifying attributes of media items in a media editing application
Some embodiments of the invention provide novel methods for editing the value of an attribute of a media item (e.g., a media content or a media operation) for a media editing application. Such attributes of a media item can include scale, rotation, opacity, pan, volume, etc. In some embodiments, a media editing application represents the changing value of such an attribute over a duration (e.g., a duration of time, a duration of frequencies, etc.) as a key-indexed geometry. A user of the media editing application can manipulate these geometries to change the attribute value over a duration. Such geometries may include graphs and shapes. For such applications, some embodiments provide novel compressed geometric representations (i.e., collapsed views) of one or more uncompressed key-indexed geometries (e.g., graphs or shapes). Additionally, other embodiments provide a novel method for editing the value of one or more attribute directly in a preview display area used to view the composite presentation created in the media editing application. |
| US08458592B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for contextual visual search
Disclosed are an apparatus, system, and method for visual contextual searching in a computer application that has a graphical user interface (GUI). The apparatus includes a selection module that defines a selection area of the GUI that is displayed on the computer display. The user provides the necessary input defining the selection area using an input device such as a mouse to define the boundary of the selection area. A topic module determines a set of topics related to the GUI elements that are displayed within the selection area defined by the user. The topic module may make the association using a visual map. A display module then displays these results for the user in a results section that is shown on the display. The apparatus may apply filter rules to restrict the number and types of topics that the display module lists. Users may also associate topics with a particular GUI element or disassociate topics with a particular GUI element. |
| US08458591B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, method for controlling display of image pickup apparatus, and computer program for executing method for controlling display of image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus includes a touch panel used for displaying various screens, each including a plurality of buttons from which a user selects a desired button, a menu screen display controlling unit for controlling the touch panel to sequentially display menu screens through which the user navigates to a setting screen for setting a predetermined function in accordance with the selected buttons, and a guide screen display controlling unit for controlling the touch panel to sequentially display guide screens through which the user navigates to the setting screen in accordance with the selected buttons in a path different from that of the menu screens, each of the guide screens displaying a button or description regarding at least the purpose or effect of the operation. An initial screen of the touch panel includes a menu button for entering the menu screen and a guide button for entering the guide screen. |
| US08458588B1 |
Determining content layout positions produced by a layout engine
A position determination module determines positions that components of content—such as individual words of textual content—will have when rendered by a layout engine. Specifically, the position determination module modifies visual attribute values of the content components such that the components when rendered will have different appearances, but the same positions, as they would if rendered without the modified visual attribute values. The position determination module then causes the layout engine to render the content with the modified visual attribute values and identifies the various values of the visual attributes within the rendered content and notes the positions at which they occur. Based on its knowledge of which visual attribute values are associated with which content components, the position determination module in turn associates the positions with the corresponding content components. Thus, positions of content components within rendered images of the content can be determined. |
| US08458579B2 |
Transmission device
A method in a communication system, where a systematic code obtained by systematic encoding of information bits having dummy bits inserted and by deletion of the dummy bits from results of the systematic encoding is transmitted. On a receiving side, the deleted dummy bits are inserted into the received systematic code and then decoded. The method includes: deciding a size of dummy bits for insertion into information bits; segmenting the information bits into a number of code blocks when a bit size of the information bits is greater than a stipulated size; inserting dummy bits into each block of the segmented information bits in conformity with a dummy bit insertion pattern; performing systematic encoding of each block of the information bits into which the dummy bits are inserted, and deleting the dummy bits from the results of the systematic encoding to generate a systematic code. |
| US08458578B2 |
Apparatus for generating soft decision values using an analog-to-digital converter and method thereof
According to an example embodiment, a method of generating a soft decision value using an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) having a given resolution may include receiving metric values calculated based on levels of a transmission signal and output levels of the ADC. Metric values corresponding to a level of a received signal may be selected from among the received metric values. A first maximum metric value may be detected from among the selected metric values when a transmission bit is a first level, and a second maximum metric value may be detected from among the selected metric values when the transmission bit is a second level. The soft decision value may be generated based on a difference between the first maximum metric value and the second maximum metric value. |
| US08458576B2 |
Transport stream generating apparatus, turbo packet demultiplexing apparatus, and methods thereof
A transport stream generating apparatus, a turbo packet demultiplexing apparatus, and methods thereof, the transport stream generating apparatus including: a Reed Solomon (RS) encoder to RS-encode turbo data, an interleaver to interleave the RS-encoded turbo data, a duplicator to add a parity insertion area to the interleaved turbo data, and a multiplexer to multiplex normal data and the turbo data processed by the duplicator to generate a transport stream. Accordingly, reception performance can be improved in an advanced vestigial sideband (AVSB) system. |
| US08458574B2 |
Compact chien-search based decoding apparatus and method
A method and an apparatus that has Chien search capabilities, the apparatus includes a first hardware circuit and a second hardware circuit. The first hardware circuit evaluates an error locator polynomial for a first element of a finite field over which the error locator polynomial is defined to provide a first set of intermediate results and a first Chien search result and provides the first set of intermediate results to the second hardware circuit; the second hardware circuit evaluates the error locator polynomial for a second element of the finite field to provide a second Chien search result in response to the first set of intermediate results. The first hardware circuit may be substantially bigger than the second hardware circuit and the first element may differ from the second element. |
| US08458573B1 |
High-speed interface for read channel
Embodiments of the present invention provide a read channel including a front end to receive an optical image, convert the optical image into multi-bit soft information, and to serially transmit the multi-bit soft information to other components of the read channel. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08458571B2 |
Data transmission method and equipment
The present invention discloses a data transmission method and apparatus. The method comprises: segmenting data to be transmitted into information file segments with a length of Tb bits; performing forward error correction (FEC) coding for Tb information bit sequences composed of bits in same positions in a plurality of continuous information file segments to generate Tb check bit sequences, putting each bit of the check bit sequences in the same position in the check file segments as the corresponding information bit sequences; and transmitting each of the information file segments and check file segments according to their order; the number of bits contained in the information bit sequences being less than or equal to the maximum length of Kmax bits of the FEC-coded information bit sequences. |
| US08458568B2 |
Systems and methods for memory devices
A method for writing data to a memory array includes receiving a write request including data from a processor, compressing the data, assigning a page strength to the compressed data, the page strength defined by a compression ratio used to compress the data, generating a parity data block associated with the compressed data, and saving the compressed data and the parity data block in a page of the memory array, the page of the memory array having a page strength corresponding to the assigned page strength of the compressed data. |
| US08458566B2 |
Method for performing copy back operations and flash storage device
The invention provides a method for performing copy back operations. First, a copy back command is sent to a flash memory for reading a first error correction code (ECC) data from a first address. The first ECC data is then received from the flash memory. The first ECC data is then decoded without performing error correction to calculate a fail count of the first ECC data. The fail count is then compared with a first threshold value. When the fail count is less than the first threshold value, a first program command is sent to the flash memory for storing the first ECC data to a second address of the flash memory. When the fail count is less than the first threshold value, the first ECC data is not sent back to the flash memory. |
| US08458560B2 |
Systems and methods for efficient parallel implementation of burst error correction codes
The present invention provides systems and methods for an efficient, parallel implementation of burst error correction codes, such as the Fire code. The present invention includes a FEC decoder which is pipelined to simultaneously perform syndrome computation, error trapping and syndrome normalization, and error correction. The pipelined implementation can apply to shortened and full-length codes. Advantageously, the present invention yields a design which is approximately 1/20th the size of conventional parallel approaches. |
| US08458559B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding
A method of encoding a bit sequence over a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) having Downlink Control Information (DCI) including: determining DCI bits to provide a DCI bit sequence; performing a CRC calculation on the DCI bit sequence to provide a CRC parity bit sequence; scrambling the CRC parity bit sequence to provide a scrambled CRC bit sequence; if the DCI format is LTE-A, further scrambling the DCI together with the attached scrambled CRC bit sequence to provide a LTE-A scrambled bit sequence; channel coding either the DCI attached scrambled CRC bit sequence or LTE-A scrambled bit sequence to provide a channel coded bit sequence; modulating the channel coded bit sequence to provide a modulated symbol sequence; layer mapping the modulated symbol sequence to one or more antennas associated with a transmitter to provide one or more layers having a symbol sequence; and precoding the layered symbol sequences. |
| US08458556B2 |
Low complexity finite precision decoders and apparatus for LDPC codes
In this invention, a new class of finite precision multilevel decoders for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes is presented. These decoders are much lower in complexity compared to the standard belief propagation (BP) decoder. Messages utilized by these decoders are quantized to certain levels based on the number of bits allowed for representation in hardware. A message update function specifically defined as part of the invention, is used to determine the outgoing message at the variable node, and the simple min operation along with modulo 2 sum of signs is used at the check node. A general methodology is provided to obtain the multilevel decoders, which is based on reducing failures due to trapping sets and improving the guaranteed error-correction capability of a code. Hence these decoders improve the iterative decoding process on finite length graphs and have the potential to outperform the standard floating-point BP decoder in the error floor region. The description and apparatus of 3-bit decoders for column-weight three LDPC codes is also presented. |
| US08458554B2 |
Device for processing streams and method thereof
A device for processing streams is disclosed. The device includes a stream arranging unit which stacks and rearranges a stream, and a dummy inserting unit which inserts a dummy into the rearranged stream. The device may further include a convolutional interleaver which interleaves the stream with a dummy or an RS encoder and a CRC encoder. |
| US08458553B2 |
Systems and methods for utilizing circulant parity in a data processing system
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a method for data processing is disclosed that includes receiving a codeword that has at least a first circulant with a plurality of data bits and a first circulant parity bit, a second circulant with a plurality of data bits and a second circulant parity bit, and one or more codeword parity bits. The methods further include decoding the codeword using the one or more codeword parity bits to access the first circulant and the second circulant, performing a first circulant parity check on the first circulant, and performing a second circulant parity check on the second circulant. |
| US08458545B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing of a memory with redundancy elements
A circuit includes an input node configured to receive a test address input signal and circuitry configured to generate, from a first part of the test address input signal, a first address signal that selects a first address of a first part of a circuit to be tested and further generate, from a second part of the test address input signal, a second signal configured to select a second part of the circuit to be tested. Test circuitry is then configured to use the first address and the second part in a test mode. |
| US08458543B2 |
Scan based test architecture and method
An integrated circuit architecture including architecture for a scan based test, where the integrated circuit includes N scan chain sets including one or more scan chains and an input register bank. The input register bank includes an input for serially receiving an N-bit input vector synchronous with a first clock signal, and N-outputs configured to substantially simultaneously provide the N-bits of the received input vector as N separate output bits. The N separate output bits are used to provide test bits for simultaneously shifting into the respective inputs of the scan chain set synchronous with a second clock signal. |
| US08458534B1 |
Method and system for providing high availability to computer applications
A system and method for distributed fault detection. In an exemplary method, unplanned application exits and crashes may be detected at a node local level. Further, application hangs may be detected using at least one of a script and a binary at the node local level. Also, node crashes and operating system crashes may be detected using node to node heart-beating. |
| US08458532B2 |
Error handling mechanism for a tag memory within coherency control circuitry
A data processing system 2 is provided with multiple processor cores 4, 6, 8, 10 each incorporating a data cache memory 12, 14, 16, 18. A snoop control unit 20 manages coherency between the data values stored within the data caches 12, 14, 16, 18. The snoop control unit 20 incorporates a TAG memory 22. If an error is detected within an entry of the TAG memory 22, then a hit operation is forced to the corresponding storage location one or more of the data caches 12, 14, 16, 18. |
| US08458531B2 |
Non-volatile memory card apparatus and method for updating memory capacity information
A memory card apparatus includes a non-volatile memory and a controller configured to control the non-volatile memory and communicating with the host device, wherein the controller updates available memory capacity information according to occurrence of bad memory in the non-volatile memory and transmits the updated memory capacity information to a host device. |
| US08458527B2 |
Method and apparatus for SAS speed adjustment
A method for maintaining reliable communication on a bidirectional communication link is provided. A receiver on the bidirectional communication link detects an error and maintains a count of detected errors. The transmitter on the bidirectional communication link polls the receiver in order to determine the count of detected errors, and performs a downshift evaluation for the bidirectional communication link. In response to performing the downshift evaluation for the bidirectional communication link, the transmitter maintains a transmission speed of the bidirectional communication link if the downshift evaluation determines that forgoing transmission speed downshift is required for the bidirectional communication link, and reduces the transmission speed of the path if the downshift evaluation determines that transmission speed downshift is required for the bidirectional communication link. |
| US08458526B2 |
Data storage device tester
A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises control circuitry operable to receive a DSD log from the DSD, wherein the DSD log comprises at least one entry identifying at least one error condition. A sequence of commands associated with the error condition is executed in order to determine whether the DSD is defective. |
| US08458525B2 |
Bayesian approach to identifying sub-module failure
A diagnostic device identifies failed sub-modules within a larger system based on error codes received from the system. The device stores a likelihood matrix that correlates each sub-module with each possible error code and maintains a likelihood value corresponding to the probability of a failed sub-module generating a corresponding error code and stores a prior probability of failure associated with each sub-module based on prior observational data. In response to received error codes, the device calculates a posterior probability of failure for each of the plurality of sub-modules based on a product of the likelihood values corresponding to the received error codes and the prior probability of failure associated with each sub-module. Based on the calculated posterior probability, the device identifies the sub-module with the highest posterior probability of failure as the failed sub-module. |
| US08458522B2 |
Pessimistic model-based testing
Model-based testing is performed by repeatedly constructing a test strategy in which each test stimulus will lead to increased test coverage regardless of the nondeterministic choices made by the system under test, and following said strategy until coverage is increased. As soon as no such strategy exists, testing stops. |
| US08458520B2 |
Apparatus and method for verifying training data using machine learning
An apparatus for verifying training data using machine learning includes: a training data separation unit for separating provided initial training data into N training data and N verification data, where N is a natural number; a machine learning unit for performing machine learning on the separated training data to generate a training model; an automatic tagging unit for automatically tagging an original text of the verification data using the generated training model to provide automatic tagging results; and an error determination unit for comparing the verification data to the automatic tagging results to determine error candidates of the training data. |
| US08458519B2 |
Diagnostic data set component
Various embodiments for retaining diagnostic information for data in a computing storage environment are provided. In one such embodiment, a diagnostic component associated with a base data set via a catalog association record is initialized. The diagnostic component configured to retain base data set-specific diagnostic information retrievable by the computing storage environment to assist in error diagnosis. |
| US08458516B2 |
Processor system and operation mode switching method for processor system
A processor system according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a first processor, a second processor, a control unit, a signal line group, and a selection circuit. The control unit switches an operation mode between a lock step mode for the first and second processors to execute the same instruction stream and a free step mode for the first and second processors to execute different instruction streams. The signal line group includes at least one signal line disposed between a first memory circuit included in the first processor and a second memory circuit included in the second processor. The signal line group is capable of transferring a storage state of the first memory circuit to the second memory circuit. The selection circuit is capable of switching a connection destination of the second memory circuit between the second processor and the signal line group. |
| US08458515B1 |
Raid5 recovery in a high availability object based file system
A system and method for supporting asynchronous write operations within data storage systems and repairing a failed component within data storage subsystems without interruption of service. A data storage cluster is coupled to a client. The cluster comprises a plurality of data storage locations addressable as rows and columns in an array. Each column of the array comprises a separate computer of a plurality of computers interconnected to each other via a network. A coordinating column corresponding to a particular row receives data from the client for storage in the row and sends an indication of storage completion to the client, in response to forwarding the received data to data storage locations within the row. Although the client receives a write complete status before the data is actually written in corresponding computers, the cluster has sufficient information to complete the write operation even in the event of a column being temporarily offline. |
| US08458513B2 |
Efficient failure recovery in a distributed data storage system
A method is provided for efficiently recovering information in a distributed storage system where a list of values that should be stored on a storage device is maintained. A first convergence round is scheduled to be performed on the list of values to bring each value to an At Maximum Redundancy (AMR) state. A second convergence round is scheduled to be performed on the list by selecting a wait time interval from a predefined range of wait time intervals between starts of convergence rounds. |
| US08458510B2 |
LPAR creation and repair for automated error recovery
Various embodiments for automated error recovery in a computing storage environment by a processor device are provided. In one embodiment, pursuant to performing one of creating a new and rebuilding an existing logical partition (LPAR) operable in the computing storage environment by a hardware management console (HMC) in communication with the LPAR, at least one failure scenario is evaluated by identifying error code. If a failure is caused by an operation of the HMC and a malfunction of a current network connection, a cleanup operation is performed on at least a portion of a current HMC configuration, an alternative network connection to the current network connection is made, and a retry operation is performed. |
| US08458508B2 |
Information processing device which specifies a waiting time until execution of a given event and makes a system call
An information processing device having low power consumption without affecting interruption request response speed. The device specifies a waiting time until execution of a given event and makes a system call and includes a first timer circuit for a first cycle; a second timer circuit for a second cycle shorter than the first cycle; a timeout supervisor which stores the waiting time; and a first cycle supervisor which stores waiting time until the next interruption request. The timeout supervisor stores the time calculated by subtraction of the waiting time stored in the first cycle supervisor from that in the timeout supervisor upon an interruption request from the first timer; and if the waiting time stored in the timeout supervisor is shorter than the first cycle, the second cycle time is subtracted from the time stored in the timeout supervisor upon an interruption request from the second timer circuit. |
| US08458507B2 |
Bus frequency adjustment circuitry for use in a dynamic random access memory device
A clock divider circuitry and method for use in a dynamic random access memory device. The method may include receiving a clock input signal having a first frequency from a clock input receiver at clock divider circuitry, the clock divider circuitry including a flip-flop configured to generate an output signal, based at least in part, on an inverted output signal and the clock input signal. The output signal may have a second frequency that is a fraction of the first frequency. The method may further include receiving the clock input signal and the output signal at a multiplexer and generating a multiplexed output. The method may additionally include receiving the multiplexed output at a first bus configured to receive the multiplexed output and to reduce an operational frequency of the first bus in response to an increase in an operational frequency of a second bus associated with the memory device. |
| US08458506B2 |
Real time clock and method for recording data in real time clock
A real time clock for outputting data indicating a time of day includes: an event detection circuit for detecting that an event detection signal has been inputted from outside; a timing circuit for generating the time-of-day data according to a signal outputted from an oscillator circuit; a memory; and a control circuit for, if the event detection circuit detects input of the event detection signal, recording event data in the memory, the event data including additional data indicating an operating state of the real time clock and the time-of-day data generated by the timing circuit. |
| US08458505B2 |
Adapter and scan test logic synchronizing from idle state
A method comprises a system comprising a host device coupled to a first remote device actively operating according to a state diagram that the host device and all remote devices follow during operation of the system. The method further comprises powering up a second remote device while the host device and first remote device are actively operating according to the state diagram. The second remote device waits for a synchronization point sequence. Upon detecting the synchronization point sequence, the second remote device implements a predetermined feature set and synchronizes itself to the state diagram at a common point as the host device and first remote device. |
| US08458503B1 |
Connected standby sleep state
Power consumption and dissipation during sleep states of processors is reduced using a novel connected standby sleep state. In the connected standby sleep state a dedicated power plane is used to maintain processor context. To conserve power, unnecessary components on the processor are powered down, including all of the clock components, and wakeup sources previously directed to the processor are directed to a platform control hub. The platform control hub sustains certain architectural functions for the processor during connected standby sleep state, and manages the wakeup logic for returning the processor to the preceding sleep state. |
| US08458502B1 |
Power management in a wireless local area network
A method for managing power consumption in a device operating in a communication network includes, while the device is operating in a first power management mode, simultaneously monitoring for an expiration of a first period of time during which no message traffic is observed at all on a communication channel of the communication network and an expiration of a second period of time during which no message traffic destined for the device is received by the device via the communication channel of the communication network. Responsive to the expiration of the first period of time or the expiration of the second period of time, whichever comes first, operation of the device in a second power management mode is initiated, where the second power management mode is different from the first power management mode. |
| US08458500B2 |
Server allocation to workload based on energy profiles
Assigning a server among a plurality of servers to a workload. A workload distributor generates at least one energy profile for each server among the plurality of servers. The workload distributor receives a request to assign a workload, the request having a resource requirement. The workload distributor selects a subset of servers by comparing, for each server at least one energy profile to the resource requirement. The workload distributor selects from the subset of servers a selected server based on the workload and/or energy profile. The workload distributor dispatches the workload to the selected server. |
| US08458497B2 |
Demand based power control in a graphics processing unit
Disclosed herein is power controller for use with a graphics processing unit. The power controller monitors, manages and controls power supplied to components of a pipeline of the graphics processing unit. The power controller determining whether and to what extent power is to be supplied to a pipeline component based on status information received by the power controller in connection with the pipeline component. The power controller is capable of identifying a trend using the received status information, and determining whether and to what extent power is to be supplied to a pipeline component based on the identified trend. |
| US08458495B2 |
Disk array controller capable of detecting and correcting for unexpected disk drive power-on-reset events
A disk array controller detects disk drive power-on-reset events that may cause a disk drive to lose uncommitted write data stored in its cache. When an unexpected disk drive power-on-reset event is detected, the disk array controller may initiate an appropriate corrective action. For example, the disk array controller may initiate a disk drive rebuild operation, or may re-send a set of write commands to the disk drive. |
| US08458493B2 |
Protection of a digital content on a physical medium
A method of storage of digital data on a physical medium equipped with calculation circuitry, by ciphering the data using a symmetrical algorithm with a ciphering key independent from the recorder, and by transferring the ciphering key onto the medium or its calculation by an asymmetrical algorithm and a read method in which, on first reading from the physical medium, a user key is transferred to the calculation circuitry by an asymmetrical ciphering process, a ciphered key of the data ciphering key is calculated in the calculation circuitry of the medium and by a symmetrical algorithm with the user key, and the asymmetrical ciphering portion of the calculation circuitry are deactivated. |
| US08458491B1 |
Cryptographically scrubbable storage device
A cryptographically scrubbable disk performs erasure of a cryptographic key covering a body of data to render the body of data unintelligible. A scrub controller interfaced between a computing appliance and a storage volume generates a scrub key and encrypts each block of data written to the storage volume using the scrub key. Data read commands decrypt using the same key. The scrub controller is an electronically separate conduit having independent memory and power, thus the scrub key remains within the scrub controller and unexposed, and is thus inaccessible via the processor of the computing appliance. The scrub key remains in the scrub controller such that the scrub key never leaves the scrub controller and is also inaccessible to retrieval since the scrub controller does not share memory or access with the computer and is thus electronically separate from the supported computing appliance. |
| US08458488B2 |
Method and system for diagnosing operation of tamper-resistant software
A system and method of providing a way of providing operating information about software which is operating within a protected processing or operating environment. The present invention includes an encrypted trace log which may be of substantially constant size and which is encrypted as it is created. In the event of an error, the trace log may be selectively engaged in response to a signal (e.g., in the event of an error or other anomaly or an operator command) and then removed from the protected processing environment and provided in its encrypted form to a central processing location which possesses the decrypting key. Once the trace log is decrypted, the events may be analyzed to determine if an error has occurred and how to correct it. |
| US08458486B2 |
Problem-based account generation
A method to provide problem-based access to a computing device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, such a method includes detecting a problem on a computing device. The method automatically generates a user account on the computing device in response to detecting the problem. The problem is then tied to the user account. A support provider is then notified of the problem and the user account associated with the problem. This user account may be assigned to a service technician to enable access to the computing device. The service technician may then log into the computing device using the user account and address the problem. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed herein. |
| US08458482B2 |
Methods for identifying audio or video content
The disclosed technology generally relates to methods for identifying audio and video entertainment content. Certain shortcomings of fingerprint-based content identification can be redressed through use of human-reviewers. |
| US08458481B2 |
Using watermarking to reduce communication overhead
A method for reducing overhead when transmitting and receiving an Internet Protocol (IP) packet by a device begins with receiving of the IP packet by the device. In the packet, an IP address of the packet has been removed and replaced with a watermarking signature based on the IP address. The IP address is obtained using the watermarking signature. The IP address is attached to the packet and the packet is forwarded by the device to a destination over a network using the IP address. |
| US08458479B2 |
Verification apparatus
An integer partitioning unit inputs an order p of a finite group G and an integer e, and calculates an integer e1 and an integer e2 that satisfy e1·e≡e2 (mod p) based on the order p of the finite group G and the integer e which are input. A verification value calculation unit inputs an element s of the finite group G and an element h of the finite group G, and calculates an element a (=e1·h−e2·s) of the finite group G based on the element s and the element h which are input and the integer e1 and the integer e2 which are calculated by the integer partitioning unit in the integer partitioning process. A verification judging unit judges, based on the element a calculated by the verification value calculation unit, whether or not the element a is an identity element O of the finite group G. Hence, whether or not h =e·s is judged at high speed. |
| US08458473B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method for switching cipher and program
An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of encryption algorithm units which are respectively capable of performing mutual authentication with an external device by respectively using an encryption method or a cipher key being different from one another; and a data memory unit which stores a plurality of cipher-specific information being provided to each of the encryption algorithm units and including a cipher type which specifies an encryption method used by each of the encryption algorithm units and disabling control information for disabling at least one encryption algorithm unit among the plurality of encryption algorithm units; wherein at least a first encryption algorithm unit among the plurality of encryption algorithm units disables another encryption algorithm unit in accordance with the disabling control information which is stored at the data memory unit when a mutual authentication with an external device succeeds. |
| US08458471B2 |
Digital signature generation apparatus, digital signature verification apparatus, and key generation apparatus
A digital signature generation apparatus includes memory to store finite field Fq and section D(ux(s, t), uy(s, t), s, t) as secret key, section being one of surfaces of three-dimensional manifold A(x, y, s, t) which is expressed by x-coordinate, y-coordinate, parameter s, and parameter t and is defined on finite field Fq, x-coordinate and y-coordinate of section being expressed by functions of parameter s and parameter t, calculates hash value of message m, generates hash value polynomial by embedding hash value in 1-variable polynomial h(t) defined on finite field Fq, and generates digital signature Ds(Ux(t), Uy(t), t) which is curve on section, the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of curve being expressed by functions of parameter t, by substituting hash value polynomial in parameter s of section. |
| US08458469B2 |
Secure communication between an electronic label and a reader
The invention relates to a secure communication between an electronic label (A) and a reader (B), in particular for the authentication of the label by the reader, in which: the reader (31) transmits at least one datum (Ch) to the label, the label calculates a combination comprising at least the datum from the reader (Ch)) and a secret (Si) specific to the label, and the label communicates (32) the result (C(Si, Ch)) of the combination to the reader (B) for verification purposes. The aforementioned combination (C(Si, Ch)) is preferably calculated using a current secret value (Si) delivered by a pseudo-random number generator (33). The reader (B) is also provided with a homologous pseudo-random generator. |
| US08458459B2 |
Client device and local station with digital rights management and methods for use therewith
A current version certificate is stored that includes a corresponding current version identifier. A current instance certificate is received from the certificate authority, wherein the current instance certificate includes the current version identifier of the current version certificate and a current instance public key corresponding to the current instance private key. The current instance certificate is sent to a local station, during a registration with the local station. A request for video content is generated and sent to the local station. First encrypted data is received from the local station, wherein the first encrypted data includes a content key that is encrypted via the current instance public key. Second encrypted data is received from the local station, wherein the second encrypted data includes the video content that is encrypted via the content key. |
| US08458458B2 |
Data transmitting system and method, drive unit, access method, data recording medium, recording medium producing apparatus and method
A security module is provided in a data recording medium, data to be written to the data recording medium is encrypted with an content key different from one data to another, and the content key is safely stored in the security module. Also, the security module makes a mutual authentication using the public-key encryption technology with a drive unit to check that the counterpart is an authorized (licensed) unit, and then gives the content key to the counterpart, thereby preventing data from being leaked to any illegal (unlicensed) unit. Thus, it is possible to prevent copyrighted data such as movie, music, etc. from being copied illegally (against the wish of the copyrighter of the data). |
| US08458456B2 |
Method and system for verifying the identity of a communication partner
A method for verifying the identity of a communication partner, in particular in real-time communications, wherein a caller (A) sends a message towards a callee (B), and wherein the caller (A) attaches a self-signed certificate to the message, characterized in that the caller (A) and the callee (B) are part of a web-of-trust, wherein certificates of users within the web-of-trust are stored by one or more key-servers (3), wherein trust relationships between users within the web-of-trust are employed to compute a trust-chain between the caller (A) and the callee (B) based upon the certificate attached to the message and upon the callee's certificate, and wherein the further processing of the message received by the callee (B) is based on the length of the derived trust-chain. Furthermore, a corresponding system is described. |
| US08458452B1 |
System and method for encryption and decryption of data transferred between computer systems
This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system and method for cryptographic communication that allows for the use of identical random number database structures located on the sending and receiving clients to randomly encode and decode messages based on encoded instructions on how to apply the database to encode and subsequently decode the underlying encoded message data, allowing for a secure and keyless transfer of message data between the sender and the recipient. Illustratively, an encoded message on a sending client with an appended header containing the filename, a unique synchronization block and instruction set with the method and starting point is encoded again to obscure the header. The message is transmitted and received by a receiving client and decoded, first by trial and error on the header portion to reveal the header, and then the remaining message data according to the revealed instruction set. |
| US08458451B2 |
Database outsourcing with access privacy
This invention introduces a new paradigm for outsourcing the transaction processing backend of a multi-client database application to an untrusted service provider. Specifically, the invention enables untrusted service providers to support transaction serialization, backup and recovery for clients, with full data confidentiality and correctness. Moreover, providers learn nothing about transactions (except their size and timing), thus achieving read and write access pattern privacy. |
| US08458448B2 |
Method of installing a wireless network
A method of method of installing a wireless communications network configures a client device to connect wirelessly to an access point arranged to provide a wireless communications network. The method comprises running an installation program on the client device for configuring the client device to attach to the wireless communications network. The installation program is automatically provided with wireless network configuration information comprising at least a wireless network identifier which identifies traffic using the wireless communications network. The automatic provision of the wireless network configuration information comprising said wireless network identifier is implemented by connecting an installation device comprising non-volatile memory which stores said information, and configuring said installation program to utilize the information stored on said installation device. The wireless network configuration information stored on said installation device corresponds to the wireless network configuration of said access point and both the installation device and the access point were configured with the wireless network configuration information prior to said installation device being connected to any client terminal arranged to connect to said access point. |
| US08458444B2 |
Apparatus and method for handling dependency conditions between floating-point instructions
Techniques for handling dependency conditions, including evil twin conditions, are disclosed herein. An instruction may designate a source register comprising two portions. The source register may be a double-precision register and its two portions may be single-precision portions, each specified as destinations by two other single-precision instructions. Execution of these two single-precision instructions, especially on a register renaming machine, may result in the appropriate values for the two portions of the source register being stored in different physical locations, which can complicate execution of an instruction stream. In response to detecting a potential dependency, one or more instructions may be inserted in an instruction stream to enable the appropriate values to be stored within one physical double precision register, eliminating an actual or potential evil twin dependency. Embodiments including a compiler that inserts instructions in a generated instruction stream to eliminate dependency conditions are also contemplated. |
| US08458442B2 |
Method and structure of using SIMD vector architectures to implement matrix multiplication
A structure (and method) including a plurality of coprocessing units and a controller that selectively loads data for processing on the plurality of coprocessing units, using a compound loading instruction. The compound loading instruction includes a plurality of low-level software instructions that preliminarily processes input data in a manner predetermined to simulate an effect of a single hardware loading instruction that would provide optimal loading of complex matrix data by loading input data in accordance with the effect of multiplying i·i=−1. |
| US08458440B2 |
Deferred complete virtual address computation for local memory space requests
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for computing virtual addresses for accessing thread data. Components of the complete virtual address for a thread group are used to determine whether or not a cache line corresponding to the complete virtual address is not allocated in the cache. Actual computation of the complete virtual address is deferred until after determining that a cache line corresponding to the complete virtual address is not allocated in the cache. |
| US08458437B2 |
Supporting multiple byte order formats in a computer system
Method and system for supporting multiple byte order formats, separately or simultaneously, are provided and described. In one embodiment, a page attribute table (PAT), which is programmable, is utilized to indicate byte order format. In another embodiment, a memory type range register (MTRR), which is programmable, is utilized to indicate byte order format. |
| US08458435B1 |
Sequential write thread detection
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for detecting sequential write threads in non-volatile storage media. The embodiments described herein detect write commands directed to a range of logical addresses corresponding to a write thread. Upon detection of a write command directed to a write thread, the write command is assigned a physical write address associated with the write thread. Identification of write threads can be implemented with a hardware component which performs comparison operations between the write command address range and the write thread address range. |
| US08458434B2 |
Unified virtual contiguous memory manager
Memory management methods and computing apparatus with memory management capabilities are disclosed. One exemplary method includes mapping an address from an address space of a physically-mapped device to a first address of a common address space so as to create a first common mapping instance, and encapsulating an existing processor mapping that maps an address from an address space of a processor to a second address of the common address space to create a second common mapping instance. In addition, a third common mapping instance between an address from an address space of a memory-management-unit (MMU) device and a third address of the common address space is created, wherein the first, second, and third addresses of the common address space may be the same address or different addresses, and the first, second, and third common mapping instances may be manipulated using the same function calls. |
| US08458432B2 |
Computer system, storage system and method for controlling power supply based on logical partition
Provided is a computer system, in which a storage system includes a first control module for logically dividing first resources of the storage system and operating them as independent virtual storage systems. A computer includes a second control module for logically dividing second resources of the computer and operating them as independent virtual machines. The computer system holds first information indicating a correlation among the virtual machine, the virtual storage system, and the first resources. The first control module specifies the first resource allocated to the virtual storage system whose power is cut based on the first information, and powers off the specified first resource. Thus, system power consumption can be reduced by managing power of the storage system shared by a plurality of virtual machines in a virtualization environment. |
| US08458428B2 |
Method of allocating storage space from storage devices within a computer system
A method and system for allocating storage space from storage devices within a computer system. The storage devices are grouped into respective homogeneous sets in which identical storage devices are included in the same homogeneous set. In accordance with the method and system, following receipt of an allocation request for storage space one or more stored response values are checked, the response values associated with at least one homogeneous set. The stored value or values represent the average response time of storage devices within the set. The homogenous set with the lowest average response time is selected. One or more stored allocation values are then checked that are associated with at least one storage device within the selected homogeneous set. The stored allocation value or values represent the current allocations of the associated storage device. The storage device is selected with the lowest current allocations and the storage space is allocated in the first available location on the selected device. |
| US08458425B2 |
Computer program, apparatus, and method for managing data
A computer in a disk node executes a data management program. A deduplication-eligible data unit detection module detects a data unit whose deduplication grace period after last write time has expired. A deduplication address fetch module interacts with an index server to obtain a deduplication address associated with a unique value of data stored in a constituent storage space allocated to the data unit that is found to be deduplication-eligible. A constituent storage space deallocation module stores the obtained deduplication address in a data unit record memory, together with information indicating the detected data unit. Simultaneously a constituent storage space deallocation module releases the allocated constituent storage space from the detected data unit. |
| US08458423B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method of data processing apparatus
When one of a plurality of storage units is not available, execution of operation modes can be switched according to an option status. A data processing apparatus that can respectively store data to a first storage unit and a second storage unit, includes a control unit configured to execute a first operation mode for limiting data processing using the second storage unit and enabling data processing using the first storage unit in a case where the second storage unit is not available and an option for storing encrypted data in the second storage unit is not used, and execute a second operation mode for limiting the data processing using the first storage unit and the data processing using the second storage unit, in a case where the second storage unit is not available and the option is used. |
| US08458422B1 |
Policy based creation of export sets and backup media
A virtual data storage system stores data as data objects to a plurality of storage devices in accordance with storage management policies. Storage pools define groups of medial that are to be treated in a uniform manner. A policy is composed of a series of policy copy/delete rules that direct movement of data objects into the storage pools. Copy and delete actions are preformed to manage copies of data objects among the storage pools in accordance with the policy. As an extension of the storage management policies, the process of creating export media sets is automated. These processes can also be used to create backup media. When an export media set is created, subsequent commands are prevented from modifying the media in the export media set. When a backup is created, subsequent commands are prevented from overwriting media containing data referred to by the manifest media for the backup. |
| US08458419B2 |
Method for application backup in the VMware consolidated backup framework
Systems and methods for backing up applications executing on a virtual machine are provided. The method comprises submitting a first notification to a remote computing system to prepare an application running on a virtual machine for backup, such that application data consistency is maintained during the backup process; receiving a second notification from the remote computing system, indicating that the application is prepared for backup; creating a snapshot of the virtual machine in response to the second notification; and receiving application data from the computing system to process the snapshot and complete an application-specific backup for the virtual machine. |
| US08458416B2 |
Systems and methods for selecting bit per cell density of a memory cell based on data typing
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for selecting data encoding. As an example, some embodiments of the present invention provide methods that include receiving a data set to be written to a plurality of multi-bit memory cells that are each operable to hold at least two bits. In addition, the methods include determining a characteristic of the data set, and encoding the data set. The level of encoding is selected based at least in part on the characteristic of the data set. In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the characteristic of the data set indicates an expected frequency of access of the data set from the plurality of multi-bit memory cells. |
| US08458415B2 |
Flexible selection command for non-volatile memory
Some embodiments of the invention pertain to a memory system containing multiple memory devices, in which one or multiple ones of the memory devices may flexibly be selected at one time for a common operation to be performed by all the selected devices concurrently. |
| US08458409B2 |
Access controller
An access control apparatus receives access requests from one or more regular masters and an irregular master and sequentially selects an access allowable target. Additionally, the access control apparatus calculates an amount of unused resources based on an amount of resources used by a regular master and a maximum amount of resources to be used by the regular master, and manages the unused resources. The access control apparatus selects an access request of an irregular master as an access allowable target when the irregular master makes the access request during a unit period and access based on an access request of at least one of the regular masters that has not been executed. The managed amount of unused resources is equal to or larger than an amount of resources which is to be used based on the access request of the irregular master. |
| US08458408B2 |
Cache directed sequential prefetch
A technique for performing stream detection and prefetching within a cache memory simplifies stream detection and prefetching. A bit in a cache directory or cache entry indicates that a cache line has not been accessed since being prefetched and another bit indicates the direction of a stream associated with the cache line. A next cache line is prefetched when a previously prefetched cache line is accessed, so that the cache always attempts to prefetch one cache line ahead of accesses, in the direction of a detected stream. Stream detection is performed in response to load misses tracked in the load miss queue (LMQ). The LMQ stores an offset indicating a first miss at the offset within a cache line. A next miss to the line sets a direction bit based on the difference between the first and second offsets and causes prefetch of the next line for the stream. |
| US08458402B1 |
Decision-making system and method for improving operating system level 2 cache performance
Various systems and methods can decide whether information being evicted from a level one (L1) operating system cache should be moved to a level two (L2) operating system cache. The L2 operating system cache can be implemented using a memory technology in which read performance differs from write performance. One method involves detecting that a portion of a file (e.g., a page) is being evicted from a L1 operating system cache. In response to detecting the imminent eviction of the portion of the file, the method determines whether the portion of the file has been read more frequently or written more frequently. Based upon this determination (e.g., in response to determining that the portion of the file has been read more frequently, if the L2 cache provides better read than write performance), the method decides to copy the portion of the file to the L2 operating system cache. |
| US08458400B2 |
Storage apparatus and cache control method
Optimizing cache-resident area where cache residence control in units of LUs is employed to a storage apparatus that virtualizes the capacity by acquiring only a cache area of a size that is the same as the physical capacity assigned to the LU. An LU is a logical space resident in cache memory is configured by a set of pages acquired by dividing a pool volume as a physical space created by using a plurality of storage devices in a predetermined size. When the LU to be resident in the cache memory is created, a capacity corresponding to the size of the LU is not initially acquired in the cache memory, a cache capacity that is the same as the physical capacity allocated to a new page is acquired in the cache memory each time when the page is newly allocated, and the new page is resident in the cache memory. |
| US08458397B2 |
Saving log data using a disk system as primary cache and a tape library as secondary cache
Various embodiments save a plurality of log data in a hierarchical storage management system using a disk system as a primary cache with a tape library as a secondary cache. The user data is stored in the primary cache and written into the secondary cache at a subsequent period of time. The plurality of blank tapes in the secondary cache is prepared for storing the user data and the plurality of log data based on priorities. At least one of the plurality of blank tapes is selected for copying the plurality of log data and the user data from the primary cache to the secondary cache based on priorities. The plurality of log data is stored in the primary cache. The selection of at least one of the plurality of blank tapes completely filled with the plurality of log data is delayed for writing additional amounts of user data. |
| US08458387B2 |
Converting a message signaled interruption into an I/O adapter event notification to a guest operating system
One or more message signaled interruption requests from one or more input/output (I/O) adapters are converted to I/O adapter event notifications while retaining the message vector indication. An I/O adapter event notification may be routed and presented to a host or to a guest that the host is executing. To present the notification to the correct host or to the correct guest, various data structures in host and/or guest memory are used. |
| US08458386B2 |
Atomic interrupt masking in an interrupt controller to prevent delivery of same interrupt vector for consecutive interrupt acknowledgements
In one embodiment, an interrupt controller may implement an interrupt distribution scheme for distributing interrupts among multiple processors. The scheme may take into account various processor state in determining which processor should receive a given interrupt. For example, the processor state may include whether or not the processor is in a sleep state, whether or not interrupts are enabled, whether or not the processor has responded to previous interrupts, etc. The interrupt controller may implement timeout mechanisms to detect that an interrupt is being delayed (e.g. after being offered to a processor). The interrupt may be re-evaluated at the expiration of a timeout, and potentially offered to another processor. The interrupt controller may be configured to automatically, and atomically, mask an interrupt in response to delivering an interrupt vector for the interrupt to a responding processor. |
| US08458375B2 |
Portable electronic device having multifunctional audio port
A portable electronic device includes an audio port, a universal serial bus (USB) circuit, an audio circuit, a detecting unit, a switch, and a microcontroller. The detecting unit is connected to the audio port. The detecting unit generates a detecting signal in response to detection of either the earphone/microphone or the USB apparatus being connected to the audio port. The microcontroller is connected to the detecting unit and the switch. The microcontroller selects the audio circuit or the USB circuit to the audio port by the switch according to the detecting signal. |
| US08458371B2 |
Peripheral devices integrated into a processing chain
Provided in some embodiment is a computer system, including a first peripheral device, having a first external data input, a first peripheral storage device to store the measurement data, a first peripheral device output to couple to a system interconnect of the computer system. The first peripheral device capable of receiving measurement data via the external data input the first peripheral device capable of transferring at least a portion of the measurement data to a second peripheral device of the computer system via the system interconnect, and where the second peripheral device is capable of processing at least a portion of the measurement data transferred to the second peripheral device. |
| US08458366B2 |
Method and system for onloading network services
In general, the invention relates to a method for processing packets. The method includes receiving a first packet by a network interface card (NIC) connected to a host, classifying the first packet using a classifier, sending the first packet to a receive ring based on a classification of the first packet by the classifier, and sending the first packet from the receive ring to a first virtual network interface card (VNIC) located on the host. The method further includes determining, using a first policy associated with the first VNIC, whether to process the first packet using offload hardware. When the first packet is to be processed using the offload hardware, the method includes sending the first packet to the offload hardware, receiving a first processed packet from the offload hardware by the first VNIC and sending the first processed packet from the first VNIC to a first packet destination. |
| US08458363B2 |
System and method for simplified data transfer
Systems and methods of performing a simplified data transfer are provided. For example, a simplified data transfer system may include two or more devices configured to perform a simplified data transfer. The first device may be configured to save and transfer data associated with applications open on the first device. When the second device initiates communication, the first device may automatically send the open application data to the second device. |
| US08458361B2 |
Channel subsystem server time protocol commands
A protocol for communicating with the timing facility used in a data processing network to provide synchronization is provided via the execution of a machine instruction that accepts a plurality of commands. The interaction is provided through the use of message request blocks and their associated message response blocks. In this way timing parameters may be determined, modified and communicated. This makes it much easier for multiple servers or nodes in a data processing network to exist as a coordinated timing network and to thus more cooperatively operate on the larger yet identical data files. |
| US08458358B2 |
Method for managing a data connection and network component
The invention relates to a method for managing a data connection between a sending network component and a receiving network component via a network, and a network component, the method comprising the following steps: sending an initiating message to the receiving network component by the sending network component, to initiate a data connection between the sending network component and the receiving network component; receiving the initiating message by the receiving network component; sending further messages to the receiving network component by the sending network component; receiving the further messages by the receiving network component; calculating a transmission delay for at least one of the further messages received by the receiving network component; estimating optimal transmission parameters for transmitting messages between the sending network component and the receiving network component based on the calculated transmission delay, wherein estimating of the optimal transmission parameters substantially excludes the initiating message; and sending subsequent messages to the receiving network component by the sending network component at the estimated optimal transmission parameters. |
| US08458350B2 |
Control and communications architecture
An industrial automation system is provided. The system includes a link layer that includes one or more ports that can communicate via one or more communication protocols. An application layer communicates with one or more network objects and a core layer bridges the application layer and the link layer. |
| US08458349B2 |
Anonymous and secure network-based interaction
The subject disclosure pertains to anonymous network interaction. More specifically, mechanisms are provided to ensure anonymity with respect network interaction such that third parties are unable to determine the source and/or intent of communications. Accordingly, entities may anonymize all outgoing and/or incoming data packets so as to mitigate outside entities from learning about information being sought and/or provided. For example, a user or corporation may employ an anonymizer with respect to web searching so that outside entities are not able to determine what information is attempted to be accessed and by whom. |
| US08458347B2 |
Aggregation system
Machine, method for use and method for making, and corresponding products produced thereby, as well as data structures, computer-readable media tangibly embodying program instructions, manufactures, and necessary intermediates of the foregoing, each pertaining to digital aspects of a computerized aggregation system. The system can include a user computer system interposed between a segment of a network allowing communication between the user computer system and at least one server system, and other segments allowing communication between the user computer system and a plurality of third party server systems. The one server system enables the user computer system to access the plurality of other servers. The access permits forming an aggregation of information obtained from the third party server systems. |
| US08458345B2 |
Method and apparatus for frequency reuse in a multi-carrier communications system
Systems and methods are described that facilitate evaluating conditions of nodes (e.g., access points, access points, access terminals, etc.) in a wireless communication environment having a plurality of carriers to determine a level of disadvantage for a given node relative to other nodes. The node may transmit a resource utilization message (RUM) that represents the level of disadvantage for the node and request other interference nodes to back off on one or more carriers. This would allow frequency reuse if nodes vary the power of transmission for particular carriers, in conjunction with neighboring nodes. |
| US08458341B2 |
System and method employing an agile network protocol for secure communications using secure domain names
A network device comprises a storage device storing an application program for a secure communications service and at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute the application program enabling the network device to (a) send a request to look up a network address of a second network device based on an identifier associated with the second network device; (b) receive an indication that the second network device is available for the secure communications service, the indication including the requested network address of the second network device and provisioning information for a virtual private network communication link; (c) connect to the second network device, using the received network address of the second network device and the provisioning information for the virtual private network communication link; and (d) communicate with the second network device using the secure communications service via the virtual private network communication link. |
| US08458339B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method for electronic payment services
A communication apparatus includes an electronic payment unit configured to perform electronic payment processing via a short-range wireless communication, an acquisition unit configured to acquire, via the short-range wireless communication, a service parameter required for utilizing a public wireless local area network (LAN) service, by performing the electronic payment processing, and a transfer unit configured to transfer the acquired service parameter to a second communication apparatus. |
| US08458337B2 |
Methods and apparatus for scoped role-based access control
Methods and apparatus for providing role-based access control of a resource by a subject in an access control system are provided. The system comprises one or more roles capable of association with one or more subjects, and a plurality of permission sets. One or more of the plurality of permission sets are associated with each of the one or more roles. The system further comprises a plurality of resources. One or more of the plurality of resources are associated with each of the one or more permission sets, and each of the plurality of resources is associated with a set of one or more subjects. A given subject in a set of one or more subjects for a given resource and having a role-permission association with the given resource is provided access control of the given resource. |
| US08458333B1 |
Centrally coordinated peer assignment
Delivering information over a distribution network using a distribution manager is disclosed. A first source peer is designated at the distribution manager to function as a first content source for a first destination peer. A second source peer is designated at the distribution manager to function as a second content source for a second destination peer. The designation at the distribution manager of the second source peer to function as a second content source for the second destination peer is dependent on an anticipated effect of the designation at the distribution manager of the first content source for the first destination peer. |
| US08458330B2 |
Congestion management and latency prediction in CSMA media
A facility for congestion management and latency prediction is described. In various embodiments, the facility sums a series of fractional transmission delays wherein each fractional transmission delay is measured as a probability of a failed transmission attempt multiplied by the cost of the failed transmission attempt, and provides the sum. |
| US08458329B2 |
Data center inventory management using smart racks
A user interface (UI) is accessible on a display to depict and control a plurality of smart racks in a data center is disclosed. The UI includes first, second and third graphical displays. The first graphical display depicts smart racks in the data center so as to mimic a physical arrangement of the smart racks. The second graphical display depicts a plurality of blade hosts in a smart rack in the plurality of smart racks, so as to mimic a physical arrangement of the plurality of blade hosts. The first and second graphical display may include visual indicators to depict error and warning conditions. The third graphical display depicts blade information about a blade host in the plurality of blade hosts. The blade information includes system information, a list of virtual machines hosted on the blade host, and a physical location of the blade host in the data center. |
| US08458328B2 |
Method and system for data packet queue recovery
Resource-aware dynamic bandwidth control uses information about current network state and receiver performance to avoid, minimize and/or recover from the effects of network spikes and data processing spikes. Linear models may be used to estimate a time required to process data packets in a data processing queue, and are thus useful to determine whether a data processing spike is occurring. When a data processing spike occurs, an alarm may be sent from a client to a server notifying the server that the client must drop packets. In response, the server can encode and transmit an independent packet suitable for replacing the queued data packets which can then be dropped by the client and the independent packet present to the processor instead. |
| US08458327B1 |
System and method of reducing network latency
Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for reducing latency in TCP connections. A client computer may send a request for information to a server computer using TCP. In response, the server may transmit the information to the client device according to default TCP connection assumptions. The server may re-configure the TCP connection based on various network statistics identified by the characteristics of the exchange between the server and the client. The server may periodically provide the network statistics concerning the speed of the network connection between the server and the client to the client. This information may be stored in cache memory by the client device for later use. For example, the next time the client device requests information from the server, the server may request the cached network statistics. The server may use this information to determine how information should be transmitted to the client. |
| US08458322B2 |
Dynamic management of maintenance association membership in a computer network
In one embodiment, a new maintenance end-point (MEP) may join a particular network (and initiate its sending of continuity check messages, “CCMs”) by transmitting one or more join announcement messages (JAMs). When the JAMs are received by remote MEPs in the particular network, the new MEP may be added to a configured list of MEPs within the particular network at each remote MEP without an alarm. Also, a current MEP may leave the particular network (and cease its transmission of CCMs) by transmitting one or more leave announcement messages (LAMs), which request removal of the current MEP from the configured list at each of the remote MEPs without alarms. Otherwise, transmission of CCMs (that are not JAMs or LAMs) may result in alarms being generated by the MEPs in the particular network for unexpected MEPs or missing MEPs, accordingly. |
| US08458321B2 |
Method and system of updating presence information in a communication system
In implementing a method of updating presence information for a plurality of presentities in a communication system, a presence server: defines a group of presentities that share the same value for a first presence attribute; receives an update of the value of the first presence attribute for one of the presentities in the group; and applies the update of the value to all of the presentities in the group. |
| US08458318B2 |
Quality of service management
A method for managing an amount of IO requests transmitted from a host computer to a storage system is described. A current latency value of an IO request most recently removed from an issue queue maintained by the host computer in order to transmit IO requests from the host computer to the storage system is periodically determined. An average latency value is the calculated based on the current latency value and a size limit of the issue queue is adjusted based in part on the average latency value. Upon receiving an IO request from one of a plurality of client applications running on the host computer, it can then be determined whether a number of pending IO requests in the issue queue has reached the size limit and the IO request can be transmitted to the issue queue if the number of pending IO request falls within the size limit. |
| US08458316B2 |
Management apparatus, control method thereof and information processing system
In order to efficiently manage the operating information of a network device while maintaining the accuracy, a management apparatus that acquires operating information from a network device and manages an operating history, the apparatus comprises a storage unit that stores a first table, a second table and a third table, the first table storing, for each identifier, first information indicating a time when the usage frequency information was first acquired and second information indicating a time when the usage frequency information was last acquired, the second table storing the usage frequency information per identifier acquired from the network device, and the third table storing, as history information, information indicating a time when the usage frequency information per identifier acquired from the network device was acquired as well as the usage frequency information per identifier. |
| US08458314B1 |
System and method for offloading IT network tasks
A system and method for network control supporting network endpoints including devices and users that delegates control from the Administrator to Sponsors, leveraging their particular skills. For embodiments, Profiles comprise a set of specifications which define the scope of control or authority. Their application comprises associating Templates/Rules with the Profiles. The Administrator creates Sponsor Users (Sponsors) from users with administrative privileges. The Administrator delegates network management workload by assigning Profiles to Sponsors, defining Sponsors' control. Sponsors thereby manage pieces of the overall workload. The Administrator can also view reports and audit trails for both the Sponsors and network resources. |
| US08458313B2 |
Synchronization of data among disparate data sources
A method for data exchange among computing systems, such as first and second computing systems, that each operate management systems that normally communicate given data to a target computing system in first and second disparate formats. Representative management systems may be a human resource management system (HRMS), and the target computing system operates an application, such as a payroll application, that interacts with the HRMS of each computing system. The first and second computing systems typically are located in first and second geographic locations distinct from one another. The method begins by instrumenting each of the first and second computing systems to respond to a trigger event from an ODBC-compliant data source to generate a WSDL (Web Services Description Language) object that encapsulates the given data, such as human resource (HR) data. The WSDL objects that are generated as a result of the trigger events are received, preferably via a Web service, at the target computing system. The target computing system then processes information in the WSDL objects. |
| US08458312B2 |
Distributed intelligent systems and methods therefor
A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy. |
| US08458311B2 |
System and method of managing queue order, and terminal device
A system for managing a queue order may receive queue order registration requests from a plurality of user terminals, generate queue order information of the plurality of user terminals, and broadcast, when the queue order information changes, notification information about the change of the queue order information. |
| US08458309B2 |
Orthogonal subscription
A method for managing event-based information. The method includes receiving event-based information originating from a plurality of information suppliers, and linking same type of event-based information originating from different information suppliers together by allocating a common uniform resource identifier to information modules of similar type. |
| US08458304B1 |
Dynamically identifying client applications on mobile devices
A method for identifying a client application installed on a mobile communications device. The method includes monitoring mobile network traffic associated with the web-enabled application. A service profile is developed corresponding to the client application, where the service profile includes information about the client application. A client identity is associated with the service profile. An access request, generated by the mobile communications device, is received from a mobile access gateway (MAG), where the access request includes a request to access application content from a content provider. A determination is made whether the access request includes information reflected in the service profile. In response to determining that the access request includes information reflected in the service profile, the client identity is provided to the MAG. |
| US08458303B2 |
Utilizing a gateway for the assignment of internet protocol addresses to client devices in a shared subset
A gateway may be utilized to assign Internet protocol (IP) addresses to client devices in a shared subnet. The gateway may include a dynamic host protocol configuration (DHCP) proxy server. The proxy server may receive discover messages from the client devices. The proxy server may send proxy discover messages to a master DHCP server and receive offer messages containing IP addresses and local options. The proxy server may add/modify the local options to create proxy offer messages, send the proxy offer messages to the client devices and receive IP address request messages from the client devices. The proxy server may send proxy IP address request messages to the master DHCP server and receive acknowledgement messages. The proxy server may add/modify local options in the acknowledgement messages to create proxy acknowledgement messages and send the proxy acknowledgement messages to the client devices to assign the IP addresses and the local options. |
| US08458299B2 |
Metadata management method for NAS global namespace design
A global namespace (GNS) is constructed across heterogeneous network-attached storage (NAS) devices by organizing metadata servers into a cluster layer having cluster nodes and a consistent hashing overlay layer having overlay nodes. The global namespace is distributed based on workload at the cluster and overlay nodes, and a portion of the GNS namespace may be migrated from one layer to the other. Cluster nodes may be added to the cluster layer, overlay nodes may be added to the consistent hashing overlay layer. Further, a cluster node may become an overlay node or an overlay node may become a cluster node. To access the global namespace, a request for namespace metadata managed by a cluster node is serviced by the cluster node, but if the requested namespace metadata have been migrated to the consistent hashing overlay layer, the cluster node will forward the request to the responsible overlay node for servicing. |
| US08458298B2 |
Failover in an internet location coordinate enhanced domain name system
An exemplary failover module includes (a) instructions to respond to a connection problem to a host server at an IP address by selecting a different IP address from a cached list of IP addresses for a domain name associated with the host server and (b) instructions to return the selected, different IP address to future name queries where the instructions to respond, the instructions to initiate, and the instructions to return execute at an operating system level of a computing device configurable to connect to at least one of a plurality of host servers. Such a module may include instructions to optionally initiate a connection to a host server at the selected, different IP address. An exemplary failover module may optionally select an IP address based in part on Internet Location Coordinates (ILCs) where the host servers reside in an ILC enhanced Domain Name System (DNS). Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08458294B2 |
System and method for adding targeted content in a Web page
A network (20) includes a first processor (22) for maintaining a Web page (34) having an embedded first code module (36) and accessible through a Web address (38). A second processor (24) supports a Web browser (52) for receiving transmission of the Web page (34) and executing the first code module (36). When executed, the first code module (36) issues a first command (93) to retrieve a second code module (90) from a server system (26). The server system (26) includes a database (68) having a service response (162, 176, 186) associated with the Web address (38). A processor (62) assembles the second code module (90) having the service response (162, 176, 186). When the second code module is retrieved, the first code module (36) issues a second command (106) to initiate execution of the second code module (90) to provide added function to the Web page (34). |
| US08458291B2 |
System and method for outputting contents in CPNS environment
The present invention relates to a system and method for outputting contents in a CPNS environment, comprising: a user terminal for searching for a contents playback terminal including a wireless communication unit supporting CPNS, sharing the contents with the contents playback terminal by connection to the user terminal through a short-range communication network, decoding corresponding contents in response to a contents playback request received from the user terminal, converting the corresponding contents into frequency modulation (“FM”) data, transmitting the converted FM data to a contents output device for demodulating the FM data received from the contents playback terminal and outputting the demodulated FM data in real-time through a contents output device. |
| US08458289B1 |
Methods and apparatus for providing content
One embodiment of the invention relates to the transfer of content between a host computer that issues OAS access requests and a block I/O storage system. Specifically, a host computer may issue an access request for a content unit that identifies the content unit is an object identifier. The request may be received by a second server, which may determine the block address(es) on the block I/O storage system at which the content unit is stored. A request may then be sent to the block I/O storage system to retrieve the content stored at the requested block address(es) and the block I/O storage system may return the content. |
| US08458285B2 |
Redundant data forwarding storage
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for redundant data forwarding. A method includes, in two or more networks of interconnected computer system nodes, receiving a request from a source system in a first network to store data, directing the data to a first computer memory in a first network, directing a first copy of the data to a second computer memory in a second network, continuously forwarding the data from the first computer memory to other computer memories in the first network without storing on any physical storage device in the first network, and continuously forwarding the first copy of the data from the second computer memory to other computer memories in the second network without storing on any physical storage device in the second network. |
| US08458281B2 |
File sharing system
To realize efficient processing regarding accesses to files. A remote controlling processing apparatus 14 of a file sharing system 10 is connected via a network 15 to a controlled processing apparatus 12 including a file storage part 17 in which a plurality of files 1, 2, 3 . . . are stored. Further, the remote controlling processing apparatus 14 includes: an access request generating part 19 generating access requests to the files 1, 2, 3 . . . in the file storage part 17; an access request storage part 22 in which the plural generated access requests are sequentially stored; and an access request notifying part 25 integrating plural ones of the access requests in the access request storage part 22 based on a storage status in the access request storage part 22 to notify the integrated access request to the controlled processing apparatus 12. |
| US08458277B2 |
Method and system for providing universal relay services
An approach for providing instant messaging (IM) services is disclosed. A request is received from a source client to establish communication with a destination client associated with a subscriber over a first IM environment, wherein the request specifies a first user name derived from a unique identifier of the subscriber. A unique identifier is determined from the first user name. Further, a profile of the subscriber is accessed based on the unique identifier to determine a second user name corresponding to a second IM environment. An IM session is established between the source client and the destination client over the first and second IM environments using the respective first user name and second user name. |
| US08458274B2 |
Initiating instant messaging (IM) chat sessions from email messages
Systems and methods for integrating instant messaging (IM) services and email services are described. In one embodiment, email messages and IM chat session transcripts are threaded to each other so that an email thread history may be traced back to an IM chat session transcript and, conversely, an IM thread history may be traced back to an email message. |
| US08458270B2 |
Messaging and service system for mobile computer
A service sends rich content messages including text and photos between any mobile device and potentially across a heterogeneous network. Furthermore, to enhance the user experience, content can be delivered based on personal preferences and device display capabilities. |
| US08458266B2 |
Scheduling method and scheduling information synchronizing method in wireless ad hoc network
A decentralized scheduling method in a wireless ad hoc network is provided which includes grouping nodes in the network cluster by cluster, determining a cluster head of each cluster, and sequentially performing scheduling cluster by cluster. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an efficient cluster-based scheduling method which quickly adapts to changes and reduces power consumption. |
| US08458258B2 |
System and method for supporting collaborative activity
A system for supporting collaborative activity in a network includes a storage component storing data related to the network and a model of the network; a processor that accesses the stored data and the model to process the data according to the model, where the stored data relates to the collaborative activity including user-defined data created by interaction of a user and the model, and context data related to the user, where the user-defined data and the context data, as metadata, are stored in the storage component; and a user interface, provided by the processor, that presents the user-defined data, the context data, and the model in a form readable by the user, the interface permitting the user to define a set of arbitrary domains, relate the user-defined data to the domains, and view relationships between the user-defined data and the context data, and the domains. |
| US08458255B2 |
Data output device, data providing device, data output system, data output device control method, and data providing device control method
An operation target device (200) includes: a reproducable data information transmitting section (2) for transmitting, to a remote operation device (300), reproducable data information indicative of a file format that the operation target device (200) can output; a data sharing process section (3) on the operated side for requesting the remote operation device (300) to transmit data identification information of data that the operation target device (200) can output, the data being selected according to the reproducable data information, from among data that the remote operation device (300) can provide; and a slide-show executing section (6) for outputting the data received from the remote operation device (300). With this configuration, it is possible to avoid such a case where data that the operation target device (200) cannot output is transmitted to the operation target device (200) from the remote operation device (300). |
| US08458254B2 |
Peer-to-peer network system, proxy service peer, and method for peer interworking between overlay networks
The present invention relates to a P2P network system. The P2P network system includes: multiple local overlay networks, each comprising multiple proxy service peers; a global overlay network composed of the proxy service peers of all local overlay networks. The proxy service peer is adapted to respond to the request of the requesting peer, query the local overlay network or global overlay network, and return the address information of the requested peer or the requested proxy service peer to the requesting peer. The present invention also relates to a proxy service peer applicable to the foregoing network system, and a method of peer interworking between P2P overlay networks based on the foregoing system. The present invention relieves the load of the proxy service peer, avoids blindness of the requesting peer in selecting the proxy service peer, and achieves load balance between proxy service peers. |
| US08458247B2 |
System and method for generating web analytic reports
A system for generating web analytic reports is provided. The system includes a processor configured to receive an input web page link, execute a unified tag for the input web page link, and generate unified tagged data based on the executed unified tag. The system also includes a server side translation unit configured to translate the unified tagged data to corresponding client tagged data for each of a plurality of clients. The system further includes a plurality of client side analytical units associated with a corresponding client among the plurality of clients and communicatively coupled to the server side translation unit, wherein at least a portion of the client side analytical units are configured to analyze the corresponding client tagged data for each of the plurality of clients and generate a corresponding client side web analytics report for each of the plurality of clients. |
| US08458244B2 |
Performing a local reduction operation on a parallel computer
A parallel computer including compute nodes, each including two reduction processing cores, a network write processing core, and a network read processing core, each processing core assigned an input buffer. Copying, in interleaved chunks by the reduction processing cores, contents of the reduction processing cores' input buffers to an interleaved buffer in shared memory; copying, by one of the reduction processing cores, contents of the network write processing core's input buffer to shared memory; copying, by another of the reduction processing cores, contents of the network read processing core's input buffer to shared memory; and locally reducing in parallel by the reduction processing cores: the contents of the reduction processing core's input buffer; every other interleaved chunk of the interleaved buffer; the copied contents of the network write processing core's input buffer; and the copied contents of the network read processing core's input buffer. |
| US08458242B2 |
Modular multiplier apparatus with reduced critical path of arithmetic operation and method of reducing the critical path of arithmetic operation in arithmetic operation apparatus
Provided are a modular multiplier apparatus in which a value of a long path carry (LPC) is predicted to reduce a critical path of an arithmetic operation of Montgomery modular multiplication, and a method of reducing the critical path of the arithmetic operation. The modular multiplier apparatus for obtaining a quotient and a result of an arithmetic operation of modular multiplication by using a modulus and two arbitrary constants includes: a reduction unit for obtaining a short path carry (SPC) included when a result of a modular arithmetic operation is obtained at a current stage, by using a medium calculation result; a carry predictor for predicting a long path carry (LPC) included when the result of the modular arithmetic operation is obtained at the current stage, by using the medium calculation result; and an accumulator for accumulating the result of the modular arithmetic operation by using the SPC and the LPC, wherein the medium calculation result is obtained by adding a result of a modular arithmetic operation obtained at a previous stage and a partial product of the two constants obtained at the current stage. |
| US08458236B2 |
File system interface for CIM
Systems and methods for managing systems using common information models (CIM) are presented. According to a method embodiment, CIM functions are provided, and a file system interface for the CIM functions is provided. An embodiment of a method receives file operation commands through a client interface and performs CIM functions corresponding to the received file operation commands based on a mapping of the file operation commands to the CIM functions. |
| US08458234B2 |
Data management method
A data storage or management method is provided which allows both a content object-based access and a file-based access. A first request for storing a content object in accordance with the processing of an application program executed in a host is sent to an object archive control functionality executed in the host, an intermediate server, or a storage apparatus. The object archive control functionality generates an object identifier corresponding to the content object received in response to the first request, a directory name corresponding to the object identifier, and a plurality of file names corresponding to a plurality of fields contained in the content object. The storage apparatus stores a directory having the directory name and the plurality of files having the plurality of file names in accordance with the second request. |
| US08458233B2 |
Data de-duplication in a dispersed storage network utilizing data characterization
A method begins with a processing module receiving, from a requesting device, a data storage request that includes data for storage. The method continues with the processing module determining whether substantially identical data is currently stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module encoding at least a portion of the data using an error coding dispersal storage function to produce a set of encoded data slices, sending the set of encoded data slices to the DSN memory for storage therein, and generating a unique retrieval matrix for the requesting device, wherein the unique retrieval matrix identifies a sub-set of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices for subsequent retrieval of the at least a portion of the data, when the substantially identical data is not stored in the DSN memory. |
| US08458231B1 |
Word processor data organization
A computer-implemented word processing presentation method is disclosed. The method includes obtaining an unformatted data structure containing a series of characters representing content for a word processing document, accessing a series of first records in a file associated with the unformatted data structure, wherein each first record contains data correlating a location of one or more characters in the unformatted data structure to a location for the one or more characters in the word processing document, and generating a display of the word processing document by applying the correlating data from the series of records to the series of characters in the unformatted data structure. |
| US08458226B2 |
Automating evolution of schemas and mappings
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to automating evolution of schemas and mappings. In aspects, mappings between a conceptual model and a store model are updated automatically in response to a change that occurs to the conceptual model. For example, when a change occurs to the conceptual model, a local scope of the change is determined. The local scope indicates mappings that are most similar to the type(s) affected by the change. Based on the local scope, a pattern of mappings between the conceptual model and the store model is determined. Using this pattern and the nature of the change, the mappings are updated according to the pattern. In addition, the store model and data thereon may be updated in a manner to preserve existing data that is not to be deleted in response to the change. |
| US08458221B2 |
Method and system and file format of generating content by reference
A method of generating content defined by a file of a prescribed format. A portion of a first work of content is automatically identified responsive to a user selection thereof. The first work of content may be audio, video, and still images. A reference to the portion of the first work of content is generated responsive to the identifying. Instructions associated with the portion of the first work of content operable for use by a playback device to render the content are generated. The reference and the instructions are incorporated in a digital file of a prescribed format operable for use by the playback device during rendition of the content. The file may be stored in a memory component. The playback device is operable to use the reference to access the portion of the first work of content from a source other than the file during rendition of the file. |
| US08458216B2 |
Client-based caching of remote files
A lease system is described herein that allows clients to request a lease to a remote file, wherein the lease permits access to the file across multiple applications using multiple handles without extra round trips to a server. When multiple applications on the same client (or multiple components of the same application) request access to the same file, the client specifies the same lease identifier to the server for each open request or may handle the request from the cache based on the existing lease. Because the server identifies the client's cache at the client level rather than the individual file request level, the client receives fewer break notifications and is able to cache remote files in more circumstances. Thus, by providing the ability to cache data in more circumstances common with modern applications, the lease system reduces bandwidth, improves server scalability, and provides faster access to data. |
| US08458215B2 |
Dynamic functional module availability
The present invention generally is directed to a system, method and article of manufacture for accessing data independent of the particular manner in which the data is physically represented. In one embodiment, a data repository abstraction layer provides a logical view of the underlying data repository that is independent of the particular manner of data representation. A query abstraction layer is also provided and is based on the data repository abstraction layer. A runtime component performs translation of an abstract query into a form that can be used against a particular physical data representation. |
| US08458214B1 |
Taxonomy-based database partitioning
In one aspect of the invention, a memory is described for facilitating splitting data by taxonomy. The memory is accessed by an application program, and includes one or more top-level categories, where each top-level category comprises a subset of the items; and also includes a category group corresponding to at least one of the top-level categories and the subset of the items belonging to the top-level categories. |
| US08458210B2 |
Database load balancing through dynamic database routing
A computing cluster may include servers that connect database servers. In one implementation, a server may receive a resource request from a client and extract a session identifier from the resource request. The server may determine, based on the session identifier, one of the database servers to use in fulfilling the resource request. |
| US08458208B2 |
Automated data source assurance in distributed databases
A database query is received including a logical table identifier, a data element, and at least one data source assurance indicator at a distributed database node within a distributed network of databases. The data element is encrypted based upon the at least one data source assurance indicator. A data portion of a local query response to the database query is formed including data retrieved from a local physical database table mapped by a local logical table that matches the received logical table identifier. A node identifier and the encrypted data element are added as an authentication portion of the local query response to authenticate the data portion of the local query response. The database query is responded to with at least the authenticated local query response. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08458206B2 |
Systems and methods for providing custom or calculated data members in queries of a business intelligence server
A business intelligence (BI) server and repository are described which support a set of customized and/or calculated data members. In accordance with an embodiment, the BI server maintains a connection to a plurality of data sources which may store a set of dimension members. The data source can be relational, file storage based, multidimensional and other types. In accordance with an embodiment, the BI server can accept queries from the user that contain calculated members as a parameter. The calculated member is defined by an expression including multiple dimension members and one or more arithmetic operators. The BI server can parse and validate the query and rewrite the query for the data source. After the query is rewritten and optimized, it is executed against the data source and a set of results is received. |
| US08458205B2 |
Identifying a group of products relevant to data provided by a user
A method for using a rule-based system implemented by at least one physical processor to identify from a set of available products a group of products relevant to data provided by a user includes creating with the rule-based system a number of rules based on the data provided by the user, for each available product in the set of available products, creating a combined ruleset including the rules based on the data provided by the user and a number of rules characterizing the available product and determining with the rule-based system whether a conflict exists in the combined ruleset, and returning to the user the available products for which no conflict was found as the group of products relevant to the data provided by the user. |
| US08458203B2 |
Optimizing data processing using dynamic schemas
A computer system accesses rows of feed data. and converts the received feed data into portions of binary blob data. The computer system also sends the binary blob data to a database server which is configured to access metadata associated with a feed including a dynamic server statement to determine how to convert the binary blob data to a server table with a blob column configured to store the rows of feed data. The database server accesses feed data belonging to a particular feed and executes a dynamic server statement to create a relational dataset in an in-memory table of the server. A second dynamic statement applies data processing conditions indicated in the metadata. When feed data rows match conditions, the computer system places feed data row information into an alert table that includes references to the blob table with blob data, thereby triggering an alert. |
| US08458201B2 |
Method and apparatus for mapping structured query language schema to application specific business objects in an integrated application environment
A method, an apparatus and computer instructions are provided for mapping structured query language (SQL) schema to application specific business objects in an integration application environment. A SQL business object application specific information (BO ASI) builder is added to the business object application specific information (BO ASI) resolver. When a SQL markup language schema is parsed by a schema resolver, meta business objects (BOs) are generated with schema annotations, and the BO ASI resolver locates the SQL BO ASI builder that is able to handle the meta BOs. The SQL BO ADI builder then fills the ASI fields of the meta BOs and returned to a BO writer, which writes out application specific business objects understandable by the integration server. |
| US08458199B2 |
Remote mailbox management system and method
Methods and systems consistent with this invention manage a database of delivery destination information. Such methods and systems identify an item to be delivered to a destination; determine a batch of items for delivery having the item to be delivered to the destination; determine when the batch of items has been delivered; and update the database to indicate a delivery of the item destined to the destination after determining when the batch of items has been delivered. |
| US08458198B1 |
Document analysis and multi-word term detector
A term analyzer receives an ordered collection of text-based terms. The term analyzer analyzes groupings of consecutive text-based terms in the ordered collection to identify occurrences of different combinations of text-based terms. In addition, the term analyzer maintains frequency information representing the occurrences of the different combinations of text-based terms in the collection. The frequency information can then be used to determine relatively significant keywords and/or keyword phrases in the document. In an example configuration, the term analyzer creates a tree in which a first term in a given grouping of the groupings is defined as a parent node in the tree and a second term in the given grouping is defined as a child node of the parent node in the tree. The method of the analyzer generalizes to create a tree of multi-word terms in which the terms can be efficiently ranked by occurrence. |
| US08458196B1 |
System and method for determining topic authority
A method and system for determining topical authority may include receiving topic information for a document, the information including at least one topic and a weight for each topic, where the topic relates to content of the document, and the weight represents how strongly the topic is associated with the document. Authorship information for the document may be received, the information including, for each topic in the document, at least one author and an authorship percentage for each author. An update to an authority signature value for a first author of a first topic may be generated based on a product of an authorship percentage for the first author of the first topic and the weight of the first topic in the document, where the first topic is included in the received topic information. |
| US08458195B1 |
System and method for determining similar users
A method and system for determining similar users may include receiving information for a source user, the information including at least one topic and a user value for each topic, where the value represents how strongly the user is associated with that topic. Similarity scores may be generated based on a value for each topic for the source user and a value for the same topic for each user in a set of users, where each user in the set of users is associated with a value for each topic. One or more similar users may be selected based on the generated similarity scores, and one or more of the selected users may be output. |
| US08458194B1 |
System and method for content-based document organization and filing
A method for categorizing documents may include receiving topic information for a source document, the information including at least one topic and a weight for each topic, where the topic relates to content of the source document, and the weight represents how strongly the topic is associated with the source document. Similarity scores may be generated based on a weight of each topic in the source document and the weight of the same topic in each document within one or more sets of documents, where each document in the one or more sets of documents comprises topic information. A confidence score may be generated, based on the similarity scores, for each of the document sets. One or more document sets may be selected based on the confidence scores and may be output to a user. |
| US08458193B1 |
System and method for determining active topics
A method for determining active topics may include receiving topic information for a document, the information including at least one topic and a weight for each topic, where the topic relates to content of the document, and the weight represents how strongly the topic is associated with the document. User activity information for the document, including a user activity value including at least one of a number of viewers and a number of editors of the document may be received. A topic intensity for each topic may be generated and stored by multiplying the user activity value for the document by the weight of the topic in the document. The topic intensity may be monitored over time. An alert may be generated based on the topic intensity. |
| US08458189B1 |
Automatic tagging between structured/unstructured data
A system and method for establishing cross-relationships between objects is presented. A primary search is executed on a first object. A set of tagger identifiers is then determined based on the primary search. Each tagger identifier includes an internal instance key and one or more attributes of a match with the first object related to the primary search, and each tagger identifier of the set of tagger identifiers provides data for a secondary search. The secondary search is then executed on each of a secondary object that is tagged by the first object scanned by the primary search, the secondary search using the internal instance key and one or more attributes of the match with the first object. |
| US08458186B2 |
Systems and methods for processing and managing object-related data for use by a plurality of applications
A computer-implemented method for indexing data for use by a plurality of applications may include receiving a data object at a first application of a plurality of applications. The method may include tokenizing the common-form data object to extract tokens from the data object and creating an index of the tokens extracted from the data object, the index being formatted to be utilized by each of the plurality of applications. The method may further include storing the index in a database that is accessible by the plurality of applications. The plurality of applications may comprise two or more application types. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08458185B2 |
Database and index organization for enhanced document retrieval
A customized, specialty-oriented database and index, of a subject matter area and methods for constructing and using such a database are provided. Selection and indexing of articles is done by experts in the topic with which the database is concerned. As a result, articles are indexed in a manner that allows facile, rapid retrieval of highly relevant articles with few or no false positives with much reduced database maintenance cost through frugal limitation of number of documents in the database, number of terms in a Master Index, and number of codes assigned to each document. A thesaurus allows indexing and search in accordance with terminology familiar to different anticipated groups of users (e.g. doctors, patients, nurses, technicians, and the like). Key articles collections and rapid access to documents therein are also provided. |
| US08458181B2 |
Distributed free block map for a clustered redirect-on-write file system
In a cluster that distributes fileset management, fileset managers will maintain a free block map and an in-flight block map to allocate blocks to clients writing to a relevant fileset. A fileset manager managing free block allocation for cluster clients that write to a fileset managed by the fileset manager. Since a clustered file system manager manages an initial free block map for the cluster (“cluster free block map”), the clustered file system manager provisions free blocks to fileset managers from the cluster free block map. The fileset manager then allocates free blocks from the provisioned free blocks to cluster clients that write to the fileset managed by the fileset manager. |
| US08458172B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated end to end content tracking in peer to peer environments
A method, computer readable medium and system for automatically tracking content in a peer-to-peer environment are disclosed. For example, the method monitors a number of times each content title of a plurality of content titles are downloaded in the peer-to-peer environment, adds one or more content titles of the plurality of content titles that are downloaded above a predetermined threshold to a list, downloads each one of the one or more content titles in the list via the peer-to-peer environment and verifies that each one of the one or more content titles that are downloaded matches at least one content title in the list. |
| US08458164B2 |
Query model tool and method for visually grouping and ungrouping predicates
A user-friendly query modeling tool and method, for representing, creating, modifying and modeling a query language statement for use in retrieving data from a database. In accordance with the present invention, the tool includes a user interface for receiving or building and manipulating a query, a query model definition for use in populating instances of one or more query models, and a model content provider for receiving query elements from the user interface and providing them to the query model, and conversely, for retrieving query elements from the query model and providing them to the user interface. The user interface enables the user to easily group and ungroup query elements by providing a visual tool for selecting query elements to be grouped and ungrouped. |
| US08458162B2 |
Purchase handoff in a travel search engine
A method and apparatus are provided for a dynamic information connection engine. User actions are detected on at least one client system. In response, a determination is made whether the user is searching for supported information. When the user is searching for supported information, information is extracted electronically from third party web sites, direct supplier connections, and intermediate databases. Potential information suppliers are automatically selected in response to the detected user search. Queries are formulated from the user search and transferred to each selected supplier over a network coupling. The queries include a request for information. Responses are received from the suppliers, and the responses are used to generate a result list for the user. The result list includes information and query status information. Further, an electronic link may be provided to a web site of each supplier from which the information was derived. |
| US08458161B2 |
Method, product, and apparatus for enhancing resolution services, registration services, and search services
A client computing device receives a search request including an identifier and an identifier prefix. The computing device determines the identifier prefix and generates a uniform resource locator (URL) corresponding to the identifier prefix by inserting the identifier into a template such that the URL is configured to facilitate a specific request depending on the determined identifier prefix. Alternatively, a client computing device receives a search request and retrieves a search result comprising a uniform resource identifier (URI) having a domain name. The client computing device generates a hyperlink corresponding to the search result, the hyperlink effecting access of additional information related to a resource indicated by the URI having the domain name. The computing device generates enhanced search results by combining the search result and the hyperlink. The additional information could be sitemap information, homepage information, WHOIS information, page source information, meta tag information, or other additional information. |
| US08458155B2 |
Records management system and method with excerpts
A records management system and method that permits paper records to be tagged, stored and retrieved according to user criteria. The system includes a scanning module, a central server, one or more user workstations and an optical character recognition server. After scanning, the records may then be serialized and categorized by project, and then supplemented automatically by the system with a hypertext data file. The system provides for the manual input of additional hypertext data and merger of the hypertext data file with other records in the project. The end user may then search and/or filter records according to information contained in the hypertext data file. Output from the system may include summary excerpts whereby summaries for data contained in select pages of each document in a project are associated with at least dates, page numbers, and providers for the data. |
| US08458154B2 |
Methods and apparatus to classify text communications
Methods and apparatus to classify text communications are disclosed. An example method includes determining a first conditional probability of a first feature occurring in a text given that the text belongs to a classification mode, wherein the first feature is included in the text, determining a second conditional probability of a second feature occurring in a text given that the text belongs to the classification mode, wherein the second feature is included in the text, determining a probability of the classification mode occurring, multiplying the first conditional probability, the second conditional probability and the probability of the classification mode to determine a product, and storing the product in a tangible memory as a score that the message belongs to the first classification mode. |
| US08458150B2 |
Method and article of manufacture for ensuring fair access to information using a fair propagation delay period in a transaction ownership step
A method of performing transactions in accordance with fairness criteria is provided wherein one of a plurality of entities initiates a transaction on an object at a database. The steps or operations of the initiated transaction are immediately processed up to the transaction ownership step. Propagation delays are determined between the database and at least some of the other entities that are capable of initiating transactions to the database. The propagation delays and a fairness criteria is used to determine the fair propagation delay period. Upon determining that the fair propagation delay period has been exceeded, it is detecting whether any of the other entities initiated a transaction on the same object during the fair propagation delay time period. If not, then the transaction initiating entity performs the transaction ownership step on the initiated transaction. |
| US08458143B2 |
Method of and a system for error correction of service requests in an information system
An information system including subscriber stations (MS), at least two service sources (2 to 5) providing a respective service to subscriber stations of the system, and an access point (1) arranged to analyze a service request in order to forward the service request to the service source (2) offering the service, the service sources (2 to 5) being arranged to analyze a received service request in order to provide the subscriber station (MS) with the requested service. In order to improve the user friendliness of the system said system further includes a memory (7) for storing service requests which have led to successful identification of the requested service, and an error correction device (6) arranged to correct a received service request by utilizing the service requests stored in the memory (7) if no service source or no service can be identified. |