| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08469627B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for selectively affecting movement of a motor vehicle
A non-lethal vehicle device provides for the selective, remotely-deployed controlled stop of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/snare deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more snares with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed. |
| US08469625B2 |
Water permeable traffic bearing system, method and drainage joint for use with same
Making a water permeable traffic bearing system includes preparing a compound water permeable base in contact with a native substrate, and installing a drainage system having a plurality of elongate drainage joints over the prepared water permeable base. Each of the drainage joints defines a plurality of vertical drainage conduits opening at upper and lower sides and in fluid communication with a storage volume defined by the water permeable base. Making the water permeable traffic bearing system further includes forming a segmental mat having a plurality of water impermeable surface pads abutting the plurality of drainage joints, at least in part by filling voids extending horizontally between the drainage joints with a curable paving material, and curing the paving material within the voids, in contact with each of the water permeable base and the drainage joints. Installing the drainage system further includes tuning precipitation handling of the traffic bearing system, at least in part by setting a spacing and a number of the drainage joints responsive to, a water throughput factor of the traffic bearing system and a structural factor of the segmental mat. The drainage joints may have upwardly and downwardly oriented legs joined via a bridge in an H-configuration. |
| US08469616B2 |
Printer with cutter
A printing device has a print head, a platen roller, a main body frame supporting one of the print head and the platen roller, and a main body unit incorporating the main body frame. A sheet cutting device includes a first blade undergoing sliding movement relative to a second blade in a direction substantially orthogonal to a sheet material to be cut. A first frame slidably supports the first blade and undergoes movement in a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction of the first blade from a first position at which the first blade frame is incorporated to the main body frame to a second position at which the first blade frame is separated from the main body frame. A second frame supports the second blade and undergoes movement in the sliding direction of the first blade from a first position at which the second blade frame is mounted to the main body unit to a second position at which the second blade frame is detached from the main body unit. The first and second blades undergo movement in directions orthogonal to each other during movement of the first and second blade frames to the respective second positions to release a contact pressure between the first and second blades. |
| US08469615B2 |
Cassette for use in a label printer
A label printer cassette including a supply of print medium a housing configured to house said print medium. The housing has first and second surfaces and a least one side extending between said first and second surface. A cover is provided on one of the sides movable along the length of that one side between a first position in which the print medium is exposed for printing and a second position in which the print medium is protected. |
| US08469612B2 |
Imaging device and plate spring
Disclosed herein is an imaging device including: a lens case on which a lens is installed; a columnar member having a central axis coincidental with a rotational axis of the lens case and formed on a lateral surface of the lens case, the rotational axis extending in a tilt direction being an in-plane direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction; a base supporting the lens case so as to be turnable in the tilt direction; and a plate spring secured to the base and pressing a circumferential surface of the columnar member toward the base by elastic force. |
| US08469609B2 |
Optical transceiver having effective heat dissipating path from OSA to cover
A heat transferring mechanism of an optical transceiver is disclosed. The optical transceiver includes a metal cover, a OSA that generate heat, and a heat conductor. The OSA has the heat transferring surface extending to a direction intersecting, or substantially in perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction of the optical transceiver. The heat conductor, which is formed only by cutting and bending of metal plate, includes a contact plate and the transfer plate in thermally contact to a heat transferring surface of the OSA and an inner surface of the metal cover to form an effective heat transferring path from the OSA to the cover. |
| US08469607B2 |
Opto-electronics with compliant electrical contacts
Methods and apparatus are provided related to opto-electronics. An opto-electronic subassembly includes electrical contacts bonded to a base by way of a compliant adhesive. The opto-electronic subassembly is mechanically engaged to a circuit board resulting in contact force loading of the compliant adhesive. Such loading maintains electrical coupling between the electrical contacts and respective circuit pathways of the circuit board. Optical signal communication between the opto-electronic subassembly and another entity is performed by way of an optical connector. |
| US08469606B2 |
Optoelectronic interconnection system
An optoelectronic interconnection system is for use in optical communications. The optoelectronic interconnection system may include a substrate having a main portion and a foldable portion formed on a substrate of a board for positioning an optically active device connected to the foldable portion. The foldable portion is adapted to be folded with respect to the main portion into a desired optical coupling orientation for which an optical operative axis (OA) of the optically active device arranged therein is substantially aligned with an optical transmission axis (TT′) that is other than perpendicular to the main portion. A holding fixture holds the foldable portion in the desired optical coupling orientation. |
| US08469603B2 |
Mating of optical fibers having angled end faces
A method for mating optical fibers, a fiber optic connector, and a fiber optic subassembly are provided in which mating fibers have angled end faces joined by index matching fluid, but in which the angled end faces of the fibers are positioned relative to one another in rotationally misaligned relationship. Applicants discovered unexpectedly that optical fibers can be spliced, to provide satisfactory optical connections, without the need for matched cleaves, and without the need for precise rotational alignment of the cleaves, provided that angled end faces are provided on both the launch and receive fibers and that index matching gel is provided between the angled end faces. Thus, the fibers are mated in positions other than in the precise rotationally aligned position previously believed essential to adequate optical performance. Angled end faces may be positioned less than 165 degrees out of phase. |
| US08469592B2 |
Tactile enhancement mechanism for a closure mechanism
A pouch including a first sidewall. A second sidewall connects to the first side sidewall so as to form an interior of the pouch with an opening to the interior. A closure mechanism extends along an interior surface of the first sidewall for sealing the opening. The closure mechanism extends from one end of the opening to an opposite end of the opening. A first tactile strip is disposed on an exterior surface of the first sidewall and is spaced above the closure mechanism. A second tactile strip is disposed on the exterior surface of the first sidewall and is spaced below the closure mechanism. An exterior surface of at least one of the first tactile strip and the second tactile strip is provided with a texture, with the texture including a plurality of openings that open into the exterior surface. A smooth region is formed on the exterior surface of the first sidewall. The smooth region is disposed opposite to the closure mechanism and extends between the first and second tactile strips. |
| US08469585B2 |
In-line multi-chamber mixer
The present invention is directed to an in-line mixer for mixing a plurality of fluids to produce a mixed product. The mixer includes one or more mixing chambers, an impeller in each of the mixing chambers, one or more inlets coupled to injection valves for conveying the fluids into the mixing chamber, and an outlet for conveying the mixed product out of the mixing chamber. The in-line mixer is well suited to components, such as those used in making automotive OEM and refinish paints. |
| US08469582B2 |
Back frame and backlight system
The present invention provides a back frame, which includes at least first and second primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame. The back frame further includes secondary assembling pieces that are arranged inside the main frame structure. The secondary assembling pieces are joined to the main frame structure. The primary assembling pieces and/or the secondary assembling pieces form bumps, and the bumps support a light homogenization mechanism. The present invention also provides a backlight system. The present invention uses bumps formed on the primary assembling pieces and/or the secondary assembling pieces to have the back frame firmly support the light homogenization mechanism and making the structure of backlight system more stable. |
| US08469581B2 |
Backlight unit
To provide a backlight having a positioning member that can prevent from coming off from metal frame and damaging a display panel even when used in a harsh environment such as undergoing sharp temperature changes.A backlight unit comprises a light guiding module having a light source and a light guide plate; a resin frame having a recess formed by side walls and bottom surface thereof, and housing the light guiding module; and a metal frame fitted with the resin frame, having an opening in an upper surface thereof and the opening being located above the recess of the resin frame, and allowing to pass light from the light guiding module therethrough. The resin frame has a protrusion on the top surface of one of the side walls of the recess. The metal frame has a notch on the upper surface thereof so that the protrusion passes therethrough. The opening allows the light from the light guiding module to pass therethrough. |
| US08469578B2 |
Optical element having at least one embedded reflector
An optical element includes a first optical member with at least one indentation at a first surface thereof, and a second optical member attached to the first surface. The second optical member conforms to the at least one indentation in the first optical member. The optical element further includes at least one reflector at an interface between the first and second optical members, where the at least one reflector is located at the at least one indentation. The reflector is formed by an interface between a cavity formed between the first and second optical members and at least one of the first and second optical members. |
| US08469576B2 |
Light source and display device having the same
A light source and a display device having the same are provided. The light source may include light guide plates arranged in rows and columns, light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned below the light guide plates to direct light toward lateral surfaces of the light guide plates, and module substrates that support and provide power to the LEDs. Each of the light guide plates may include a first region divided into a plurality of second regions. LEDs corresponding to each of the second regions may be operated as a unit and independently from other regions. |
| US08469571B2 |
Light guide and housing assembly
A single piece light guide is disclosed herein. The single piece light guide may include a light rod and a lens. The single piece light guide may be formed using injection molding. The light guide may have one or more regions between the light rod and the lens. A housing may be provided for the light guide. The housing may have an opening that physically supports the light rod. Therefore, the light rod may be secured into place, which may prevent misalignment during use. The one or more regions between the light rod and the lens may assist in assembling and holding the light guide in the housing. |
| US08469570B2 |
Vehicle headlight
The vehicle head light is provided with a heat radiating member including a pillar member provided to extend from a bottom wall of a housing, on which a light source is mounted, a heat radiating fins fixed radially to the outer periphery of the pillar member, and a guide wall provided surrounding sides of the heat radiating fins. The guide wall is sloped with respect to bottom wall of the housing so that spaces each formed by adjacent two of the heat radiating fins and the guide wall become narrower with increasing distance from the lower end of the guide wall. The guide wall is formed with slits to make air communication between the light chamber and each of the spaces, the slits being shaped to be narrower with increasing distance from the lower end of the guide wall. |
| US08469566B2 |
Vehicle headlight structure
A vehicle headlight includes a cover and a housing, which receive therein a primary light source unit mounted to a bulb seat of the housing and a position light unit mounted to a position light seat of the housing. The housing forms a first water barrier wall above the bulb seat and also forms a second water barrier wall above the position light and the position light seat. The second water barrier wall is arranged between the first water barrier wall and an adjustment mechanism and located exactly below the first water barrier wall. The adjustment mechanism is secured to the housing and located below the second water barrier wall. The first and second water barrier walls help prevent external water from eroding the primary light source unit and the position light unit, and the adjustment mechanism facilitates adjustment of elevation angle of the headlight. |
| US08469565B2 |
Vehicle light including multi-focal lens and plurality of lighting elements
A vehicle light includes a multi-focal lens that has a mid-level lens portion, an upper-level lens portion, and lower-level lens portion, a separator plate with a front edge positioned at or near the focal point of the mid-level lens portion, and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on the top and bottom of the separator plate, respectively. A first elliptical reflecting surface whose first focal point is set at or near the first light emitting element and whose second focal point is set at or near the focal point of the mid-level lens portion is provided on the top of the separator plate; a second elliptical reflecting surface is provided on the bottom of the separator plate, with a first focal point set at or near the second light emitting element and the second focal point set at or near the focal point of the upper-level lens portion. |
| US08469561B2 |
Road-adaptive headlight for motorcycles
A road-adaptive headlight for motorcycles includes a curved base plate having a left curved portion divided from top to bottom into a left-banking lighting zone and a left-crossing lighting zone, a right curved portion divided from top to bottom into a right-banking lighting zone and a right-crossing lighting zone, and a middle curved portion divided from top to bottom into a high-speed lighting zone, a main lighting zone and a horizontal lighting zone. LED light sources are provided in each of the above-mentioned zones. A power source assembly drives the base plate to incline upward or downward and to turn clockwise or counterclockwise. A controller is electrically connected to the LED light sources and the power source assembly for controlling the operation thereof. Thus, different headlight beam patterns can be quickly and flexibly produced under control to ensure increased road visibility and motorcycle riding safety. |
| US08469559B2 |
Edge-lit lighting product
An edge-lit lighting product or luminaire includes a light guide made of a single, transparent material and demonstrates properties of total internal reflection with respect to a surrounding environment. The light guide has a thickness and includes a proximal edge, a distal edge and a boundary surface. The proximal edge receives light from a light source. The distal edge is spaced apart from the proximal edge, is configured to emit at least a portion of the light from the light source, spans across a first distance and has a substantially axial symmetric surface. The first distance is greater than the thickness of the light guide. The boundary surface extends between the proximal edge and the distal edge and defines a boundary between the single, transparent material of the light guide and the surrounding environment of the light guide. At least a portion of the boundary surface is curved. |
| US08469554B2 |
Illuminating lens, lighting device, surface light source, and liquid-crystal display apparatus
An illuminating lens includes a light entrance surface, a light exit surface, and a reversing surface. The light exit surface has a first light exit surface and a second light exit surface. The first light exit surface is recessed toward a point on the optical axis, and the second light exit surface extends outwardly from the periphery of the first light exit surface. The first light exit surface includes a transmissive region in the center thereof and a total reflection region on the peripheral side thereof. The reversing surface has a shape such that the light that has been emitted from the light source, totally reflected repeatedly at the light exit surface, and then reached the reversing surface is guided to the first light exit surface by total reflection. |
| US08469551B2 |
Light extraction films for increasing pixelated OLED output with reduced blur
Optical films for enhancing light extraction from self-emissive pixelated OLEDs, without introducing significant pixel blur, are disclosed. The extraction films include a flexible carrier film, and a first and second layer carried by the carrier film. The first layer has a nanovoided morphology, includes a polymer binder, and may have a refractive index less than 1.35 or 1.3. An embedded structured surface of light extraction elements is formed between the first and second layers. The extraction film includes a major coupling surface for attachment to an outer surface of the light source. The film is configured such that a land portion between the structured surface and the major coupling surface is thinner than a specified amount, e.g., less than 50, 25, or 10 microns, or less than a thickness of the carrier film. |
| US08469550B2 |
Optical sky-sun diffuser
An embodiment of a solid optical sky-sun diffuser, which comprises a transparent solid matrix embedding a dispersion of transparent nanoparticles having an average size d in the range 10 nm≦d≦240 nm; wherein: the ratio between the blue and red scattering optical densities γ≡Log [T(450 nm)]/Log [T(630 nm)] of said diffuser falls in the range 5≧γ≧2.5, where T(λ) is the Monochromatic Normalized Collinear Transmittance; in at least one propagation direction, said Monochromatic Normalized Collinear Transmittance is T(450 nm)≧0.4; in at least one propagation direction said Monochromatic Normalized Collinear Transmittance is T(450 nm)≦0.9, said propagation direction being the same or different from that at which said Monochromatic Normalized Collinear Transmittance is T(450 mm)≧0.4. |
| US08469547B2 |
Lighting system with programmable temporal and spatial spectral distributions
Systems and methods permit use of efficient solid state emitters for broad spectrum continuous spectrum lighting defined by illumination data. The illumination data, which can be sold as a commercial product, can be recorded or authored and include spectral, temporal, and spatial information. Intensities of individual emitters such as LEDs can be controlled through a combination of pulse width modulation (PWM) and amplitude modulation (AM) of drive currents. The combination of PWM and AM permits fine tuning of the spectrum of emissions and creation of free space optical data channels. |
| US08469544B2 |
Multiple optical assembly for a LED lighting device, and LED lighting device comprising such an optical assembly
A LED light device has a number of LED's, a multiple optical assembly defined by a number of modular units; each modular unit has a total internal reflection lens associated with a LED; and the modular units are connected to one another so as the lenses have respective distinct optical reflecting surfaces. |
| US08469539B2 |
Solar powered table lighting
There is provided a self-contained solar module for a table comprising a transparent or translucent table top. The self-contained solar module comprises a solar panel for generating electrical energy; a power store for storing the generated electrical energy; and conductors for supplying the generated electrical energy to at least one lamp for lighting the transparent or translucent table top. The self-contained solar module may be removably attachable to the table, and/or the at least one lamp may be positioned on the self-contained solar module to be in a plane that is between the plane of the upper surface of the table top and the plane of the lower surface of the table top when the self-contained solar module is attached to the table. |
| US08469538B2 |
Inflatable decorative structure with a light system and a diffusing member
The bladder assembly includes a bladder, which includes a seal or passage for dispensing and removing media to inflate the bladder. The bladder includes a housing for holding media and for storing and protecting the light system, and a diffusing mechanism for diffusing and distributing light emitted from the light system throughout the bladder. The diffusing mechanism can extend within the bladder, and the light system can illuminate light in and through the diffusing mechanism. The covering can cover the inflated bladder to provide additional shape and structure to the decorative system. |
| US08469537B2 |
Shade for a recessed light fixture
A shade for a recessed light fixture and a method of making same. In some embodiments the shade may include a fastener that extends includes the can of the recessed light fixture through its open end. For example, the fastener may extend from the top end of the shade into the can and attach to an annular wall of the can. |
| US08469536B2 |
Recessed light housing with rotatable aperture
A recessed light assembly having an illumination element and having an enclosure attachable to a support structure of a dwelling has a rotating aperture plate rotatably mounted to a wall of the enclosure. The rotating aperture plate has an illumination aperture disposed over an opening in the wall of the enclosure and the recessed light assembly has adjustable fasteners, accessible from an exterior of the recessed light assembly, which adjustable fasteners selectively permit and prevent rotation of the rotating aperture plate relative to the enclosure allowing a user to adjust the rotational alignment of the illumination aperture relative to the enclosure of an installed light assembly without disengaging an attached assembly from the support structure. The illumination element may be fixed relative to the rotating aperture plate or may be fixed relative to the enclosure. The rotating aperture plate and the enclosure may have rotational alignment reference marks and a rotational alignment indicator which serve to indicate a present rotational alignment of the aperture plate relative to the enclosure. |
| US08469531B2 |
All-directional maching tool lamp
An all-directional machine tool lamp includes an annular lamp, which includes a locating ring, which defines an upper part having a relatively smaller inner diameter, a lower part having a relatively greater inner diameter and a flange disposed at an inner side between the upper part and the lower part, three screw bolts equiangularly inserted through the locating ring to lock it to a vertically movable spindle of a machine tool, a lamp holder affixed to the lower part of the locating ring, light-emitting devices mounted in the lamp holder and a lampshade affixed to the bottom side of the lamp holder, and a switch device, which includes a housing, a switch mounted in the housing and electrically connected with the light-emitting devices by an electrical cord and a fastening member adapted for fastening the housing to the machine tool. |
| US08469521B2 |
Projector
A projector includes: a plurality of reflection type light modulation devices which modulates a corresponding color light; a color synthesize optical device which has a plurality of light entrance side surfaces and a crossing surface to combine the received color lights; a heat sink which has a base attached to the corresponding reflection type light modulation device, and a fin protruding from the base and extending in a direction crossing the crossing end surface; and a duct member disposed at a position opposed to the crossing surface to supply introduced air toward the heat sink, wherein the duct member includes a first outlet section disposed opposed to the fin such that the introduced air can be supplied toward the base through the first outlet section, and a second outlet section through which the introduced air is supplied in the extending direction of the fin. |
| US08469519B2 |
Projection apparatus providing reduced speckle artifacts
A projection apparatus for producing color images having reduced speckle artifacts comprising: at least three narrow band light sources having first, second and third visible wavelength bands; a digital image source providing color digital image data; at least one spatial light modulator for forming a color image using light responsive to the color digital image data; a projection display surface including a reflective layer that reflects incident illumination in the first, second, and third wavelength bands; and a fluorescent agent that absorbs a fraction of the incident light in the first visible wavelength bands and emits light in a corresponding first emissive visible wavelength band; and a projection lens that projects the color image onto the projection display surface; wherein return light from the projection display surface contains light in both the first incident visible wavelength band and the first emissive visible wavelength band, thereby reducing speckle artifacts. |
| US08469515B2 |
Illuminator, image display apparatus, and polarization conversion/diffusion member
An illuminator that illuminates a projected surface includes a laser light source that emits laser light; a polarization converter disposed downstream of the laser light source, the polarization converter having a first area that converts the polarization direction of incident laser light into a first polarization direction and outputs the resultant laser light and a second area that converts the polarization direction of incident laser light into a second polarization direction and outputs the resultant laser light; and a light diffusion section disposed downstream of the laser light source, the light diffusion section diffusing incident laser light. |
| US08469512B2 |
Computer eyewear with spectral filtering
Various embodiments of computer eyewear include optical treatments to provide a relaxing, calming, and soothing light environment for the eye. Certain embodiments of computer eyewear include a frame and two lenses. Each lens in these embodiments has optical power in the range from about +0.1 to about +0.5 diopters, and provides spectral filtering characterized by a transmission curve. The transmission curve includes a stop band portion positioned between about 320 nm to about 400 nm, a first plateau region positioned between about 420 nm to about 450 nm, a ramp region positioned between about 470 nm to about 560 nm, and a second plateau region positioned between about 570 nm to about 680 nm. |
| US08469507B2 |
Medium holding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A medium holding apparatus includes: a medium holding conveyance device which has a plurality of suction grooves for suctioning a sheet-shaped medium, and conveys the medium in a prescribed direction while holding the medium on a medium holding surface; and a suction pressure generating device which is connected to the plurality of suction grooves, and generates suction pressure in each of the suction grooves, wherein: the plurality of suction grooves include a leading end suction groove provided at a position where a leading end region of the medium is held, and the leading end suction groove has a structure so as to be separated from other suction grooves of the plurality of suction grooves, and is connected to the suction pressure generating device via a flow channel which is not connected to the other suction grooves. |
| US08469506B2 |
Printer
A printer has a pair of a right side member (8) and a left side member (9) placed on opposite side portions of a base (53), rollers including a transport roller (3), a carriage chassis (12), a platen (2) and a feed unit. The right side member and the left side member are formed by molding a resin material. The roller, the carriage chassis, the platen and the feed unit are positioned and held with the pair of the right side member and the left side member. |
| US08469504B2 |
Ink set, ink jet recording method and ink jet recording apparatus
An object of the invention is to provide an ink set which enables to improve image density and scratch resistance of the images recorded using an ink containing a self-dispersion pigment and an ink containing a modified siloxane compound. An ink set to be used for ink jet recording including plural inks having a first ink and a second ink independently, wherein the first ink contains at least a pigment having functional groups on surface of pigment particles and a compound having adsorptivity to the pigment and the functional group density on the surface of the pigment particles is 1.5 μmol/m2 or more and less than 2.6 μmol/m2 and the second ink contains at least a pigment and a modified siloxane compound. |
| US08469503B2 |
Method of thermal degassing in an inkjet printer
A method of reducing air in an ink passageway in an inkjet printer by pressurizing a thermally actuated degassing unit that includes an air chamber, venting air through a check valve configured to allow air to vent from the air chamber to ambient when the pressure in the air chamber exceeds ambient air pressure by a predetermined amount The pressurizing is performed by heating an element inside the air chamber. A power supply is connected to the heating element, and power is applied to the heating element during a first time interval to increase the pressure in the air chamber above ambient pressure. Gas is vented from the check valve which allows the heating element to cool during a second time interval to reduce the pressure in the air chamber below ambient pressure. Gas is then drawn from the ink passageway through the membrane into the air chamber. |
| US08469501B2 |
Air extraction method for inkjet printhead
A method of extracting air from an inkjet printhead includes using an air extraction chamber connected to the printhead. The air extraction chamber comprises an air chamber, a one-way relief valve having open and closed positions used in venting of the air chamber. A piston in the form of a disk is provided to vent a quantity of air from the air chamber through the one-way relief valve when it's pushed through a cylinder. The piston is moved in an opposite direction through the cylinder so that a reduced air pressure is applied to the printhead when the one-way relief valve is in its closed position. |
| US08469495B2 |
Producing ink drops in a printing apparatus
A method of producing ink drops (54, 56) in a printing apparatus (20) sends print-nonprint data from a controller (38) to at least one inkjet nozzle (28). The print-nonprint data includes data on a current ink drop and data on at least one previous ink drop. A set of waveforms (114, 116) is provided to the at least one nozzle and a waveform based on the print-nonprint data is selected. The selected waveform is supplied to an ink droplet formation device associated with the at least one nozzle and an ink drop is produced from the at least one nozzle. |
| US08469491B2 |
Wiring structure for actuator
A wiring structure including printed circuits each including: a base member including one end portion facing an actuator and the other end portion of the base member drawn from the one end portion along a face of the actuator and then turned, the other end portion extending in parallel with the one end portion; output terminals formed on the one end portion and configured to output signals to the actuator; a drive IC mounted on the base member and connected to the output terminals by wirings; and input terminal formed on the other end portion and connected to the drive IC by wirings to input signals to the drive IC, wherein the printed circuits are arranged in a predetermined direction along the face of the actuator, wherein the one end portions of the respective base members are arranged in the predetermined direction, and wherein the other end portions of the respective base members are arranged in the predetermined direction. |
| US08469489B2 |
Inkjet print head and method therefor
An inkjet print head is fabricated by forming an electrode and two protection film layers composed of an inorganic insulating film and an organic insulating film over the electrode within a groove of a piezoelectric member, adhering a top board to the piezoelectric member covering the groove to form a pressure chamber, adhering a polyimide plate to cover the groove, and then forming a nozzle in the polyimide plate by the excimer laser processing aligning to the pressure chamber. The excimer laser light penetrates the polyimide plate to form a nozzle is then emitted on the organic insulating film. Consequently, part of the organic insulating film is damaged by the laser light. To prevent this damage, the thickness of the inorganic insulating film in the part to which the excimer laser light is emitted is prepared to be 0.5 μm or more. |
| US08469486B2 |
Image forming apparatus and media support device thereof
A media support device usable with an image forming apparatus is disclosed. The media support device includes a support surface having at least one media support area. The media support area is configured to receive and support media to receive ink ejected from an image forming apparatus thereto. The media support device also includes a plurality of cavities configured to store ink ejected from the image forming apparatus thereto. Each one of the cavities includes a cavity opening configured to receive the ink ejected from the image forming apparatus thereto. |
| US08469484B2 |
Inkjet apparatus and method for judging replacement timing for components of the apparatus
In an inkjet apparatus capable of ejecting an ink and a treatment liquid for insolubilizing or coagulating a color material in the ink, a replacement timing for a component of the apparatus is judged based on both the consumption amounts of the ink and treatment liquid measured when the two are consumed together and the consumption amount of the ink measured when the ink is consumed alone. Thus, the component is replaced at an earlier timing when the influence of fixed adhesion is great due to frequent ejection of both of the ink and treatment liquid, which prevents fixed adhesion from influencing the print performance and the printing apparatus main body. By contrast, when the fixed adhesion slowly develops because of less-frequent ejection of both of the ink and treatment liquid, the component is replaced at a later timing and thus can be used until reaching its lifetime. |
| US08469477B2 |
Recording device, recording device control method, and computer-readable recording medium that stores a program executed by a control unit that controls the recording device
A recording device is provided that records images on a recording medium and cuts the recording medium. The recording device includes a printer having a print head that prints on a recording medium, a recording medium feed motor and a platen that convey the recording medium, a cutter unit that cuts the recording medium printed by the print head, and a control unit that controls the recording medium feed motor, the print head, and the cutter unit. The printer prints images by means of the print head while conveying the recording medium, stops feeding the recording medium when the recording medium is cut by the cutter unit during printing, and after the cutter unit finishes cutting the recording medium, feeds the recording medium a specific length in reverse before resuming printing by the print head. |
| US08469473B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head having three rows of nozzles which are three-phase driven and arranged in a staggered arrangement. The nozzles are arranged in the main scanning direction at an interval of L/3, where L is a pixel pitch, and each nozzle row is ejection-driven in the sequence from the last nozzle row to the forward nozzle row in the moving direction of the recording head. The recording head scans at a moving speed of 2×L×f, where f is an ejection frequency per nozzle row. After the completion of one scan, the recording medium is moved a distance of predetermined multiples of the pixel pitch in the sub-scanning direction, and in the next scan, ink is ejected onto the recording medium at pixel positions other than the pixel position on which the ink has landed in preceding scans. |
| US08469470B2 |
Refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit
A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having one or more storage shelves for the reception of refrigerated goods and/or frozen goods is provided. The unit has one or more extension arrangements which are connected to the storage shelves and by means of which the storage shelves can be pulled out of and pushed into the appliance, wherein the extension arrangements are releasably connected to the storage shelves and/or wherein the extension arrangements are releasably connected to the unit. |
| US08469469B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator may have a door opening device which is connected at an external surface of a main body, and includes a pushing unit operated by a driving unit to open a refrigerator door by pushing one side of the refrigerator door. Also, a buffering member may be provided between the door opening device and the external surface of the main body. Accordingly, the reliability of the refrigerator is improved. |
| US08469468B2 |
Slide assembly with buffering device
A slide assembly with a buffering device includes a positioning member, a swing member, a push member, a resilient member and an engaging member, all of which are connected to the slide assembly having a first rail and a second rail. The positioning member is movably connected to the first rail and the swing member is pivotably connected to the positioning member. The push member is connected to the positioning member and biased by the resilient member so as to move longitudinally. The engaging member is connected to the second rail. A buffering member is located between the positioning member and the first rail. The buffering member maintains the positioning member at a first position relative to the first rail. |
| US08469466B2 |
Computer enclosure
A computer enclosure includes a bracket and a locking member. The bracket includes a side plate defining a slide slot. A first pair of positioning mechanisms and a second pair of positioning mechanisms are located on opposite sides of the slide slot. The locking member is configured for securing a disk drive in the bracket and includes a first pair of locking portions and a second pair of locking portions. The second pair of locking portions are engaged with the second pair of positioning mechanisms. The first pair of locking portions are resiliently deformable between a first state, in which the first pair of locking portions are engaged with the first pair of positioning mechanisms, and a second state, in which the first pair of locking portions are deformed in opposite directions and disengaged from the first pair of positioning mechanisms. |
| US08469465B2 |
Bogie undercarriage design with rigidly mounted track roller
An undercarriage is disclosed that includes a rigidly mounted track roller near or adjacent to a rear drive sprocket, with the outer radius of the track roller overlapping the outer radius of the drive sprocket. The remaining rollers and bogies may be flexibly suspended. |
| US08469464B2 |
Parking brake assembly for railway vehicle brake system
A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system. |
| US08469456B2 |
Ejector unit for a road milling machine or the like
The invention relates to an ejector unit, in particular for a road milling machine, having an ejector that is replaceably mounted on a carrier. In one aspect the ejector is curved in a scoop-like fashion. In another aspect the ejector is reversible upon the carrier to allow the ejector to be reversed after one wear surface is worn, thus presenting a new second wear surface. |
| US08469452B2 |
Seat back headrest
A headrest includes at least one seat back mounting member and a connector coupling a cushion to the mounting member. A hinge may be coupled to the connector to movably deploy a cushion between a first use position for supporting a portion of a user's head and second substantially vertically extending non-use position. At least one or a pair of bores extends from the front surface into the seatback. The cushion connectors are removably mountable in the bores. |
| US08469448B2 |
Operation mechanism of side support apparatus and side support apparatus using same for vehicular seat
An operation mechanism of a side support apparatus adapted to be accommodated in a right and left side support portions provided at a seatback and being movable between a support position and an open position, includes a support structure including a pulley and being movable between the open position and the support position, a first fixing portion including a first guide portion and a second guide portion and fixedly provided at a seatback member, and a drive cable being fixedly attached to the first fixing portion at a first end portion of the drive cable and being engaged with the pulley at an intermediate of the drive cable. The pulley is pushed by a tensile force generated at the drive cable by pulling the drive cable so that the support structure is movable relative to the first fixing portion in a direction toward the support position. |
| US08469444B2 |
Dressed headliner for vehicles with a finished perimeter and a method for obtaining it
A dressed headliner for vehicles with a finished perimeter, where the headliner's finished perimeter is formed without the addition of any adhesive and where the finished perimeter is a high quality finished perimeter with sharp contour. |
| US08469442B1 |
Vehicle front body structure
A vehicle front body structure includes an A-pillar support portion, a dash wall, a front structural support portion, a lateral structural support portion and a reinforcing bracket. The dash wall is attached to the A-pillar support portion and at least partially defines a wheel well. The front structural support portion extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction from the dash wall. The lateral structural support portion extends from the front structural support to the A-pillar support portion along a lower portion of the dash wall. The reinforcing bracket is attached at a first location to the A-pillar support portion, attached at a second location to the lateral structural support portion, attached at a third location to the front structural support portion and attached at a fourth location to the dash wall. The reinforcing bracket extends across an overlap connection between the dash wall and the A-pillar support portion. |
| US08469440B2 |
Closure assembly having continually adjustable lateral restraint
A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction. |
| US08469433B2 |
Decklid hinge counterbalance assembly having a straight-end torque rod
A counterbalanced decklid hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid relative to a vehicle includes a torque rod extending between a first hinge box and a second hinge box. A support member is rotatably supported by each of the first and second hinge boxes. A linkage system interconnects one axial end of the torque rod to one of the support members, and is attached to the axial end of the torque rod in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends. A lever is attached to and rotatable with the other axial end of the torque rod, and is attached in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends. |
| US08469431B2 |
Reconfigurable seating arrangement
The present invention relates to a reconfigurable seating arrangement (10) for car, bus, trains, or the like, comprising first (1) and second (2) frame section elements connected with a backrest part (IA) and a seat part (2A), respectively. A connection and reconfiguration device (3) connects said first frame section element (1) with said second frame section element (2) so that the seating arrangement (10) can be reconfigured between a first functional state wherein the seat part (2A) and the backrest part (IA) form a seat having a backrest, and a second functional state wherein the lower part of the seat part (2A2) forms vertical support to wheelchair (20) or the like. |
| US08469428B1 |
Vehicle trim assembly
A vehicle trim assembly includes an interior trim panel and a pull cup. The pull cup includes a main body, an attachment portion and a break-away portion connecting the main body to the attachment portion. The attachment portion is fastened to the interior trim panel. The break-away portion is configured and arranged to separate the main body from the attachment portion in response to a prescribed level of force applied to at least one of the interior trim panel and the pull cup. |
| US08469427B1 |
Drop ceiling title installation tool
A drop ceiling tile installation tool is provided for facilitating installation of ceiling tiles into a drop ceiling. The tool includes a pole and a connector coupled to a first end of the pole. A plurality of support arms is coupled to and extends outwardly from the connector. The support arms include a pair of upper support arms and a pair of lower support arms. A pair of hooks is coupled to and extends from distal ends the lower support arms relative to the connector whereby the hooks are configured for receiving and supporting an edge of a ceiling tile. A pair of tile support panels is coupled to distal ends of the upper support arms relative to the connector whereby the tile support panels are configured for supporting a bottom surface of a ceiling tile when the edge of the ceiling tile is received by the pair of hooks. |
| US08469423B1 |
Telescopic hot stick with controlled button movement feature
A multi-section telescoping pole for manipulating a tool. Sections of the pole have apertures. A pinch safety locking assembly includes a button configured for movement by a digit on a user's hand to a first position by a first resilient member when received in aligned first and second apertures to restrain the second section from moving relative to the first section and to a second position against a resistance provided by the first resilient member and against an elastic stop to permit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second sections. The pinch safety locking assembly is additionally configured to facilitate assembly by movement of the button by use of an excessive force to a third position against a combined resistance of the first resilient member and the elastic stop to permit relative movement between the pinch safety locking assembly and the second section. |
| US08469422B2 |
Weed extraction system, method
A system and method for providing weed extraction so Industrial, Commercial and Home users (ICAHUs) can assure that unwanted weeds can be easily and effectively extracted. The system and method allows ICAHUs to work safely and efficiently and to extract weeds by using a hand-held device that can easily penetrate the ground around weeds, secure the unwanted weed, and aid the user in extracting the weed from the ground. ICAHUs can easily operate the levers of the device which operate jaws to secure to weeds. Specialized debris passages in the jaws of the device allow for debris to be passed through the jaws of the device which allow to for continued use and a greatly reduced need to clean the device during use. The method comprises a system in which unwanted weeds may be easily secured and extracted by the user without an increased risk of accidents or without unnecessary steps or procedures for cleaning. |
| US08469415B2 |
Bumper reinforcement and bumper device for vehicle
A bumper reinforcement having end portions in a width direction of a vehicle, includes a main wall extending in a first direction perpendicular to the width direction, first and second walls protruding from the main wall in the first direction to extend toward an interior side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, flanges protruding from respective ends of the first and second walls along the first direction, the main wall, the first and second walls, and the flanges being integrally formed with one another, and gradually narrowing portions formed, in the width direction, at end portions of each of the first and second walls, wherein respective protruding lengths of the first and second walls in the longitudinal direction gradually decrease from an intermediate portion of the bumper reinforcement to the end portions of the bumper reinforcement in the width direction to form the gradually narrowing portions. |
| US08469413B2 |
Adjustable striker for vehicle door latch
An anchor plate assembly adjustably mounts a striker on the vehicle pillar. The striker has a striker base with apertures for receiving mounting bolts that will extend though oversized apertures in the pillar. An anchor base has a base plate for engagement with the pillar and bolt slots in the base plate for alignment with the oversized apertures in the pillar. An anchor slide has a slide plate mounted for vertical sliding movement on the base plate. The slide plate has nuts thereon aligned with the oversized apertures of the pillar. The nuts receive the mounting bolts so that when the mounting bolts are loose the striker together with the anchor slide can be adjusted vertically until tightening of the mounting bolts effectively clamps the slide plate of the anchor slide against the base plate of the anchor base to maintain the striker at the vertically adjusted position. |
| US08469409B2 |
Overstroke latch assembly
A closure assembly is mounted on a vehicle and moveable between a closed position and at least one open position. The closure assembly includes a closure structure mounted to an associated vehicle for movement between the closed position and the at least one open position. A first lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. A second lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. One of the first and second lock assemblies includes a latch that requires overstroking to lock the latch in a latched position. |
| US08469407B2 |
Coupler devices with spring-loaded coupler sleeves
A bottom loading coupler includes a coupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock is positioned in a slot in the body sidewall and pivotally coupled to the coupler body such that each interlock has an engaged position and a disengaged position with each interlock biased to the disengaged position. A coupler sleeve is slidably positioned around the coupler body and comprises a first, retracted position relative to the coupler body and a second, extended position relative to the coupler body. A biasing element is positioned between the coupler sleeve and the coupler body and biases the coupler sleeve to the second, extended position relative to the coupler body. The interlocks are in the disengaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the first, retracted position and in the engaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position. |
| US08469404B2 |
Connecting assembly
A connecting assembly that can be coupled to a tubular wall is provided. The assembly includes a connecting fitting having a tubular coupling portion, an abutment ring, and an arcuate-shaped tubular body. The abutment ring is disposed around an outer surface of the tubular coupling portion a predetermined distance from a first end of the tubular coupling portion. An end of the tubular body is coupled to a second end of the tubular coupling portion. The assembly further includes a retaining member having a ring-shaped portion and first and second finger portions extending from the ring-shaped portion. The arcuate-shaped tubular body of the connecting fitting is received through a central aperture of the ring-shaped portion such that the ring-shaped portion is slidably disposed on the tubular body of the connecting fitting and is further slidably disposed against the abutment ring. |
| US08469402B2 |
Riding mower
A riding mower having left and right driving rear wheels independently drivable forward and backward and a pair of left and right steerable front wheels is provided with a support device capable of being mounted with a cylindrical gas cylinder in a horizontal position on an external side of a rollover projection frame. The support device is provided such that the mounted gas cylinder is positioned along front and rear of the rollover protection frame and is mounted in a tilted state in which the central axis of the cylindrical gas cylinder is closer to a central side in a lateral direction of a vehicle body toward a rear side from a plan view. |
| US08469400B2 |
Seat harness pretensioner
Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to an explosion or hard landing, respectively. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Downward movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness. |
| US08469397B2 |
Stitch patterns for restraint-mounted airbags and associated systems and methods
Stitch patterns for inflatable personal restraint systems and associated systems and methods. A stitch pattern between a web of a restraint and an airbag mounted to the restraint has a continuous, or curvilinear pattern to reduce stress concentrations. The stitch pattern can be applied to the web, the airbag, and a gas tube in a single stitching procedure. |
| US08469394B2 |
Height adjustable vehicle seat with side airbag and motor vehicle with such a seat
Disclosed is a vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle having a backrest (14) with a seat-mounted side airbag (20) having a first side wall (22) facing the occupant and a second side wall (24) facing the outside of the vehicle. The side airbag (20) is located on the side of the backrest (14) facing the outside of the vehicle, and the side airbag (20) includes a first ventilation opening (30) in the second side wall, the ventilation opening being at least throttled on lying against an object, so that a ventilation of the airbag is adapted as a function of the size of the occupant. The vehicle seat (10) is height adjustable so that, depending on the height adjustment of the vehicle seat, the first ventilation can be closed by the inner structure of the vehicle. |
| US08469393B1 |
Foam-in-place interior panels having integrated airbag door for motor vehicles and methods for making the same
Interior panels having integrated airbag doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided herein. In one example, an interior panel comprises a substrate having outer and inner surfaces and an opening extending therethrough. An airbag chute-door assembly is mounted to the substrate and comprises a chute wall that at least partially surrounds an interior space. A door flap portion is pivotally connected to the chute wall and at least partially covers the opening. A perimeter flange extends from the chute wall and has a flange section that overlies the outer surface of the substrate. A molded-in lip feature extends from the flange section and contacts the outer surface to form a seal between the flange section and the substrate. A skin covering extends over the substrate and a foam is disposed between the skin covering and the substrate. |
| US08469387B2 |
Ski binding device
A ski binding device, in which a ski boot (4) is connected at its toe portion (6) to a ski (2), and in which there is arranged between the ski (2) and the ski boot (4) a guide (1) which is arranged to transfer torque (16) between the ski (2) and the ski boot (4) about the longitudinal axis of the ski (2). |
| US08469386B2 |
Swivel drawbar hitch
A swivel drawbar hitch has a first cradle having a first pivot mechanism located ahead of a connection between a drawbar and the swivel drawbar hitch, the swivel drawbar hitch further including an elongated second cradle coupled to the first cradle and further having a second pivot mechanism, the first cradle pivotable about a horizontal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch, the elongated second cradle pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch. |
| US08469384B2 |
Disconnectable articulated connection between two successive road-going modules of a road train
The articulated connection which is disconnectable and formed of a hitching device (6) with a drawbar component (7) for rapid coupling and uncoupling (5). The articulated connection is carried at the front of the following road module (2) and fixed in terms of orientation with respect to a central longitudinal axis (12) of the leading road module (1), independent of the steering axle of the following road module or of its steering assembly, and it has a rear end (9) of the piece pivot-mounted (14) on the chassis of the following road module (2) and a front end has a complementary coupling and uncoupling mechanism, together with roll and pitch travel mechanism and angular end stop mechanism. This device is applicable to the urban transport of passengers. |
| US08469383B2 |
Midwheel drive wheelchair with independent front and rear suspension
A wheelchair includes a frame, and a front pivot arm pivotally mounted to the frame at a front pivot point, the front pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A rear pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame at a rear pivot point, the rear pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A ground engaging mid-wheel drive wheel is connected to the frame. A linkage connects the front and rear pivot arms to each other in a manner such that an upward or downward rotation of one of the pivot arms about its pivot point causes rotation of the other pivot arm about its pivot point in an opposite rotational direction. |
| US08469379B2 |
Support for pneumatic spring of wheel axle suspension
A wheel axle suspension for suspending an axle body of a wheel axle from a vehicle, comprises on both sides of the vehicle a trailing arm which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axle body is attached to the trailing arms. The trailing arms are each hingedly connected at the front in the direction of travel of the vehicle to a bearing bracket which is arranged on the vehicle chassis. The wheel axle suspension furthermore comprises a pneumatic spring which is operational between the trailing arm and the chassis. A pneumatic spring support arm is provided, which is coupled to the axle body for supporting an underside of the pneumatic spring. The pneumatic spring support arm is coupled to the axle body so that the pneumatic spring support arm is mountable in a plurality of orientations with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. |
| US08469374B2 |
Suitcase with extensible steering wheels
A suitcase has a pair of wheels installed at one side of a body of the suitcase and a handlebar projecting from the body of the suitcase on a side opposite where the wheels are installed and a board movable between a rest position drawn near the suitcase body and an operative position projecting from the suitcase body to hold up a suitcase user with the wheels installed on the suitcase body being steering and there being a kinematic connection between the handlebar and the wheels to control the steering. The steering wheels are movable between a retracted position near the suitcase body and an operative position extended far from the suitcase body. |
| US08469373B2 |
Shopping cart, frame, basket and production methods
A method of manufacturing different shopping cart models is provided. The method includes providing multiple sets of base modules, providing at least one set of tubular side uprights, and selecting a base module from each of the different sets thereof. For each selected base module, selecting a pair of tubular side uprights from any one of the at least one set thereof. For each selected base module, aligning the mounting surfaces of the selected pair of tubular side uprights with the respective mounting surfaces of the selected base module, and securing the mounting surfaces together so that the upper portions of the selected tubular side uprights extend upward from the base module in parallel relation to each other. For each selected base module, mounting at least one shopping cart basket to the tubular side uprights. |
| US08469371B1 |
Active geometry control suspension system
An active geometric control suspension system may include an upper arm connected to a side above and between a rear wheel-sided knuckle and a subframe, and an assist link connected to the other side above and between the knuckle and the subframe, together with a node-changeable unit, wherein the node-changeable unit includes a housing formed at a portion of the subframe, a track-variable kit detachably coupled to brackets of the housing, cam-operating rails fixed to a side of the track-variable kit, a cam disposed on the cam-operating rails of the track-variable kit to be slidable up/down along the cam-operating rails, and a cam bolt connecting the cam with a vehicle body-sided connecting portion of the assist link. |
| US08469364B2 |
Movable bullet trap
A portable bullet trap includes a rail which is attachable to a shoot house or other ballistic wall and a trolley which facilitates movement of the bullet trap along the rail. Additionally a bullet trap may include a plurality of pivotable baffles or other structures disposed therein to deflect and partially decelerate a bullet. |
| US08469362B1 |
Wagering card game
Cards are used to create a wagering game that can be promoted as being a version of Russian Roulette. Regardless of how many bettors there are at a casino betting table, only two hands are dealt. Each bettor has the option of betting on either hand X or hand Y. A method for determining which hand is the winning hand is comprised of dealing alternately one card to hand X and one card to hand Y until one of the hands is dealt a predesignated losing card or a predesignated winning card. A method for regulating betting in a hand of cards is described. A method for enabling a casino to offer bettors multiple free bets without lowering the casino's average edge on the game is also described. Side bets are described. Multiple other features of the game are also described. |
| US08469361B2 |
Role-playing game
There is provided a game in which a first game piece has a first game piece level value, a second game piece has a second game piece level value, and a third game piece has a third game piece level value. The first game piece also has an attacking ability value such that the first game piece, when within an attacking range with respect to the second and third game pieces (i) is permitted to concurrently attack both of the second and third game pieces if a total of the second and third game piece level values is less than or equal to the attacking ability value, and (ii) is not permitted to concurrently attack both of the second and third game pieces if a total of the second and third game piece level values is greater than the attacking ability value. |
| US08469360B2 |
Playing card shuffler
An apparatus is for shuffling a plurality of playing cards used in gaming. The apparatus includes a card support adapted to support the unshuffled cards on-edge. An exciter is also included, and is adapted to impart vibrational action to the supported cards. Cards drop in a random fashion such as by controlling the relative position of the cards and passage through one or more card slots in a card rest. In at least some of the apparatuses, a medial card receiver is adapted to receive at least one card dropped from the card support and to retain the at least one received card to substantially block the card slot to prevent further cards from dropping. A positioner is preferably included to change a relative position of the unshuffled deck and card slots though which the cards drop. |
| US08469359B2 |
Media actuated media diverter for an imaging device
A media actuated, media diverter mounted on a media guide positioned between the output of a simplex path and the entrance of a duplex path in an imaging device. The media diverter comprises a plate having a media guiding surface and a media contact surface along portions of the edge of the plate. The plate is received within a slot through the guide member such that in a first position the media contact surface extends into the duplex path and when in a second position the media guiding surface extends into the simplex path with the plate biasable in the first position. A media sheet fed into the duplex path contacts the media contact surface actuating the media diverter to move the plate to the second position directing a following media sheet in the simplex path to an exit of the imaging device. |
| US08469358B1 |
Registration and transport unit for a sheet feeder
A sheet medium transport apparatus has a sheet guide mechanism with drive rollers and reaction rollers mounted for gripping a sheet guided by the guide mechanism. The drive rollers provide a drive component in a transport direction and a transverse drive component for driving a sheet so that a side edge of the transported sheet lodges against a registration plate. Once the sheet is registered against the registration plate, drive from the drive rollers causes the sheet edge to slide past the registration plate in the transport direction with the drive rollers sliding over the sheet. |
| US08469356B2 |
Paper supply unit
A paper supply unit includes one or more supporting members that are capable of moving between various positions to support an end portion of paper of various sizes, and which are moveable between the positions in association of the movement of a handle accessible to a user. A locking device is provided to maintain the handle selectively at one of the various positions so as to maintain the supporting members in the position suitable for supporting the paper of selected size. A guide plane may be provided to guide the movement of the handle. One or more indication marks indicating the corresponding positions of the handle for the selection of the paper size. The provision of the locking device at the handle may advantageously resulting in a simple configuration of the paper supply unit. |
| US08469355B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeder includes a casing having a loading surface, a supply roller, a drive mechanism, a blocking member, and an interlocking mechanism. The supply roller is configured to feed recording sheets on the loading surface toward the image forming unit. The drive mechanism is configured to move the supply roller. The blocking member is disposed upstream from the supply roller in a sheet feed direction and includes a block surface configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The block surface is configured to block insertion of a recording sheet to a downstream side when in the first position, and configured to allow insertion of the recording sheets on the loading surface when in the second position. The interlocking mechanism is configured to receive a drive force from the drive mechanism to move the blocking member. |
| US08469354B2 |
Drive mechanism and image forming apparatus
A drive mechanism for transmitting a drive force to drive a processing apparatus which carries out a prescribed process. The drive mechanism includes an output portion, an electromagnetic clutch and a case. An output portion for outputting the drive force, an electromagnetic clutch for controlling transmission of the drive force to the output portion, and a case including a first storage section which defines a first storage room to store the output portion, and a second storage section which defines a second storage room to store the electromagnetic clutch. Additionally, the second storage section includes a peripheral wall which surround the electromagnetic clutch, and a supporting wall which supports the electromagnetic clutch. The peripheral wall includes an upper wall above the electromagnetic clutch and a lower wall below the electromagnetic clutch. An opening section is formed in the upper wall. |
| US08469348B2 |
Image forming system
An image forming system including an image forming section to print images on sheets; a conveyance path through which the printed sheets are conveyed; a post-processing section which executes post-processing to form a booldet from a bundle of sheets conveyed through the conveyance path; a plurality of overlapping sections each of which is disposed between the image forming section and the post-processing section, makes the sheets temporarily wait, forms a bundle of sheets by overlapping a plurality of waiting sheets, and conveys to the post-processing apparatus; a control section which, with respect to a second or later booldet set in case of continuously forming booldet sets, controls a number of the sheets to be conveyed to the overlapping section, a conveying order of the sheets, and a timing to convey the sheets to a downstream side, based on a period of executing the post-processing. |
| US08469345B2 |
Automated, adjustable, machine-tool work-piece-mounting apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention include various different types and sizes of automated, computer-controlled, adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting systems used to support and constrain movement of work pieces during manufacture, repair, and maintenance. The automated, computer-controlled, adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting systems that represent embodiments of the present invention are implemented from one or more adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting-system modules. Each adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting-system module comprises an array of extendable supports with non-circular and non-elliptical cross sections. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the extendable supports are extended and retracted along a direction approximately normal to a substrate or surface of the automated, computer-controlled, adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting-system module by linear actuators and are maintained at desired positions by compressed-air brakes. Electrical power and control signals are delivered together through a common cable or cables to the linear actuators, with delivered electrical energy stored within capacitors of the linear actuators and used to drive support-extension components and switches within the linear actuators. |
| US08469344B2 |
Tooling system with array of height adjustable elements
A tooling system (1) having a number of elements (2) arranged in an array, which elements define a contoured surface, or a section of a contoured surface. The tooling system also including means (7) for mounting an element to a support rail (5) which extends across the array, which means allows adjustment of the height of the element with respect to other elements of the array, and extends through the support rail into a space defined below the support rail. A supporting element (6) formed from a suitable resistant material and including accommodation means (8) for the means for mounting, is located in the space below the support rail and is sized so that it substantially vertically fills the space between the support rail and a base on which the tooling system is located. |
| US08469343B2 |
Adjustable track clamp
An assembly comprises a platform including a first clamping surface, a track proximate to an edge of the first clamping surface, and a clamp mechanism including a second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is configured to clamp a workpiece between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is mounted to the track. The clamp mechanism is positionable at different locations along the track. The assembly may further comprise one or more adjustable spacer blocks mountable to the track to facilitate precisely positioning a workpiece proximate to the track at least two different spacings. |
| US08469342B2 |
Substrate suction apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a substrate suction apparatus which has a vacuum suction mechanism and an electrostatic attraction mechanism, and improves planarity of a subject to be processed by improving uniformity in vacuum suction power. A method for manufacturing such substrate suction apparatus is also provided. A substrate suction apparatus (1) is provided with a base board (2), a dielectric body (3), an electrostatic attraction mechanism (4) and a vacuum suction mechanism (5). Specifically, the dielectric body (3) is composed of a downmost dielectric layer (31), an intermediate dielectric layer (32) and a topmost dielectric layer (33). The electrostatic attraction mechanism (4) is composed of attraction electrodes (41, 42) and a direct current power supply. The vacuum suction mechanism (5) is composed of a groove (51), a suction channel (52), a porous dielectric body (3) and the porous attraction electrodes (41, 42). The downmost dielectric layer (31), the intermediate dielectric layer (32) and the topmost dielectric layer (33) are formed by spraying ceramic particles, and the attraction electrodes (41, 42) are formed by spraying tungsten particles. The average pore diameter and porosity of the downmost dielectric layer (31) are set maximum, and those of the topmost dielectric layer (33) are set minimum. |
| US08469340B2 |
Foot device for supporting a support device or lifting device
A foot device (29) for supporting a support device or lifting device, in particular a semitrailer support or the like, comprising a foot receptacle (31) for connecting a pivoting foot (32) to a support tube (12) of the lifting device (10), wherein the foot receptacle comprises an insertion body (120) for insertion into the support tube, comprising, in two support tube engagement areas spaced apart from one another by a spindle passage area (143) of a lifting spindle (20), bracket receptacles (123,124) for receiving pivoting brackets (130,131) of the pivoting foot, wherein the pivoting brackets are connected in a captive manner to the insertion body along a pivoting axis (136), and the bracket receptacles comprise counter support faces (133) which are arranged concentrically with respect to the pivoting axis and which, for transmitting the supporting forces, correspond with respective support faces (132) formed by the outer contour of the pivoting brackets. |
| US08469338B2 |
Lifting apparatus
One disclosed lifting apparatus includes a base, a receiving portion, and a first pair of laterally offset arms. The base has proximal and distal ends, and the laterally offset arms are rotatably coupled to the base for movement between lowered and raised positions. The arms are also rotatably coupled to the receiving portion, and the receiving portion is relatively near the base distal end when the arms are at the lowered position. The arms of the first pair of arms do not share a common axis of rotation with one another. Further, a height of the first pair of arms when at the lowered position is less than the sum of: (a) a thickness of one arm of the first pair of arms; (b) a thickness of the other arm of the first pair of arms; and (c) a height of the base at the distal end. |
| US08469337B1 |
Faucet sealing
A faucet, which includes a seat defining a bore, and a one-piece construction metallic valve stem movable toward and away from the seat, the improvement comprising retainer structure associated with a lower end portion of the structure defining a head to locate in axial alignment with the bore, and a shank, and a non-metallic elastomeric O-ring installed on the shank, the O-ring sized to fit the bore between the head and stem structure above the shank, the O-ring received in the bore and captivated to directly seal off between the shank and the bore, seating with the bore, and a second O-ring carried by the stem and sealing off between the stem and a second bore defined by a bonnet as the first defined O-ring is moved by the stem toward and away from the first defined bore. |
| US08469335B2 |
Pressure energized spring seal
A metallic seal for a 90° valve features a generally rectangular shape in section that defines a chamber open to internal pressure that can enlarge the chamber to enhance the sealing effect. Sealing occurs at discrete locations at portions of the seal that are preferably rounded in shape. Overlapping ends that define the entrance to the chamber also are positioned to minimize excessive deflection and resulting plastic deformation that could close off the entrance to the chamber. |
| US08469334B2 |
Solenoid actuator
A solenoid actuator (1) attached to hydraulic equipment comprises a shaft (5) connected to the hydraulic equipment, a plunger (4) fixed to the shaft (5), a coil (12) which magnetically drives the plunger (4), and a first bearing (7) and a second bearing (8) supporting the shaft (5) on either sides of the plunger (4). A plunger front chamber (74) is formed between the first bearing (7) and the plunger (4), and a plunger rear chamber (75) is formed between the plunger (4) and the second bearing (8). By providing a plunger exterior oil passage (63) on the outside of the plunger (4) to connect the plunger front chamber (74) to the plunger rear chamber (75), working oil flows through the plunger exterior oil passage (63) every time the plunger (4) strokes, thereby preventing a deposit of contaminant on the plunger (4) without increasing a stroke resistance of the plunger (4). |
| US08469322B1 |
System for displaying a strand of lights on a structure
A system for displaying a strand of lights on a residence or building using an elongated member which attaches to a standard gutter or an eave of the building. The member can be made of metal and has a number of spaced apart hooks for securing a portion of the strand of lights. The system can include a plurality of vertically spaced clips located on a downspout or other structure of the building which secure a portion of the strand of lights or an electric wire such as an extension cord. Additionally, a mesh gutter guard can be utilized with the system and attached to the elongated member. The guard spans the width of the gutter and can be tucked under the drip edge of the roof or under shingles. |
| US08469311B2 |
Aircraft fuselage comprising a space for work and storage at the rear thereof
This fuselage comprises a wall and side doors as well as a space arranged behind the side door the farthest to the rear of the aircraft. The space for work and storage is delimited by side walls formed by the fuselage of the aircraft and by a transverse bulkhead. This space comprises housings for carts arranged along the transverse bulkhead. An aisle serves the housings arranged along the transverse bulkhead and has a transverse portion that is arranged entirely behind the side door the farthest to the rear of the aircraft. At least one housing for a cart is arranged on the other side of the transverse portion of the aisle in relation to the housings arranged along the wall, and each of the housings for accommodating a cart extends longitudinally in relation to a longitudinal axis relative to the aircraft. |
| US08469309B2 |
Monolithic structure for mounting aircraft engine
Assembly includes an integral monolithic structure for mounting an engine to an aircraft. The monolithic structure includes a nacelle portion and a support structure. The nacelle portion includes an inlet region and a fan case region defining an annular wall about an axial channel. A ring member disposed in the axial channel is connected through a plurality of radial elements to the annular wall. The support structure portion includes a forward section integral with the nacelle portion and an aft section including at least one aircraft mount region for mounting the monolithic structure to an aircraft. The forward section includes an inlet stiffening region radially outward of the annular wall. When mounted on the aircraft, the nacelle portion and the support structure portion cooperate to form a first load path operable to transmit an applied nacelle maneuvering force directly to the aircraft instead of through the engine core. |
| US08469308B2 |
Aircraft wing extension and nozzle system
A system and method to control flight of an aircraft. The aircraft having an engine with a rotatably nozzle assembly configured to create forward propulsion and yaw control of the aircraft. The engine exhaust passing through the nozzle is redirected with a valve disposed within the nozzle. Lift is created with a lift system carried by the wing of the aircraft. Additional lift is created during flight with a retractable wing extension disposed within the wing of the aircraft. |
| US08469307B2 |
Rotary wing vehicle
A rotary wing vehicle includes a body structure having an elongated tubular backbone or core, and a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system having rotors with each rotor having a separate motor to drive the rotors about a common rotor axis of rotation. The rotor system is used to move the rotary wing vehicle in directional flight. |
| US08469305B2 |
Cable cord retractor
A retractor for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The retractor further includes a cable system that is coupled to a slot formed on the second frame end and configured to provide a substantially consistent retraction speed of the cord. |
| US08469300B2 |
Spinning reel
A fishing spinning reel having a housing and rotatably carrying a shaft between a crank handle and a main gear. The main gear drives a pinion gear shaft rotatably carried on one end by the housing. On the other end of the housing is mounted a rotor. Mounted on the housing, between the housing and the rotor, is a cup washer with male threads on the outside and a notch in the cup end facing the rotor. A clutch sleeve, non-rotatably attached to the rotor, around which a one way roller clutch locks, instantly engages a braking disc as the rotor rotates backwards and releases as the rotor turns forward. A frictioning disc is located on either side of the braking disc. A washer with a cleat is pushed towards the housing against the frictioning disc by a spring washer and is kept from rotation by the cleat inside the notch on the cup washer. The spring washer is pulled toward the housing by a tension adjusting drum. |
| US08469294B2 |
Continuous molded emitter
A self-contained flow path unit (202), (302), (400), (500) includes a continuous flow path operatively connected to a continuous strip member to form a self-contained flow path unit. The self-contained flow path unit may be accumulated for later use in forming an irrigation hose. |
| US08469293B2 |
Digital odor generator
A digital odor generator includes a housing and a cylindrically shaped odor chamber carried by the housing and including a plurality of separate odor compartments isolated from each other. A porous hollow cylinder, made of plastic or some other porous material, with an odorant therein is located in each of the odor compartments. A nozzle in the form of a truncated cone is operatively connected to the odor chamber. The nozzle includes an outer face having an enlarged central opening and a plurality of smaller openings surrounding the central opening; the number of smaller openings being equal to the number of odor compartments. The outer face of the nozzle is arranged so that a person can position his or her nose near the openings. Each of the smaller openings is associated with a different one of the odor compartments and is isolated from the others and from the central opening so that the odor from only one odor compartment can be emitted through only one of the smaller openings. A fan within the housing is adapted to pass fresh air through the central opening. And an air pressure source selectively forces one or more of the odorants through their respective odor compartments and out of the nozzle. |
| US08469292B1 |
Spray texture material compositions and dispensing systems and methods
A system for coating a target surface comprises texture material, a bottle for containing the texture material, a spray pump assembly, a resilient member, and a collar member. The spray pump assembly comprises a pump housing operatively connected to the bottle, a dip tube extending from the pump housing to the texture material within the bottle, and an actuator member. The resilient member is supported by the pump housing to define an outlet opening. The collar member is supported by the pump housing such that the collar member is movable relative to the resilient member. Moving the collar member relative to the resilient member deforms the resilient member to alter a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. The actuator member is displaced to force the texture material through the dip tube, out of the bottle member, through the outlet opening, and onto the target surface. |
| US08469286B2 |
System and method for application and dispersal of a material for mating disruption and insect population control
A system and method of application and dispersion of mating disruption materials or other materials to control insect population. Disclosed is an apparatus designed to be carried by a ground vehicle, or aerial means, which implements a method of insect population control. The apparatus features one or more removable vacuum reservoirs that contain a mating disruption formulation in cylinders or bags. The vacuum bags or vacuum cylinders are seated upon one or more computer controlled peristaltic pump heads, housed in a insulated controlled environment box, that pump the material to one or more forming nozzles. Once formed the material drops into the wind stream of one or more tangential vortex type fans. Maintaining its size and shape, the mating disruption material will travel through the air field, and become attached in the trees where it will omit a flume of sex pheromones that disrupt the ability of the male insect in finding the female insect, breaking the mating cycle of the insect population. Thus serving to decrease the population by capitalizing on a weakness in the reproductive cycle of the citrus leaf miner or other insect. |
| US08469284B2 |
Pearlitic rail with excellent wear resistance and toughness
This pearlitic rail consists of a steel including: in terms of percent by mass, C: 0.65% to 1.20%; Si: 0.05% to 2.00%; Mn: 0.05% to 2.00%; and REM: 0.0005% to 0.0500%, with the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein, in a head portion of the rail, a head surface portion which ranges from surfaces of head corner portions and a head top portion to a depth of 10 mm has a pearlite structure, and the hardness Hv of the head surface portion is in a range of 320 to 500. |
| US08469282B2 |
Optically readable identification security tag or stamp
The invention relates to a security tag made by randomly distributing a mixture of large numbers of multicolored objects into a unique, non-reproducible geometric array and encapsulating it onto a substrate. The 3-D aspect of the objects will prevent printing or 2-D copying of the stamp. The data, saved to a secure database, can be processed and quantities can be calculated from the field of binary data and can be affixed to the part that the stamp is affixed to. For one level of authentication, the array can be read out by scanner and compared to values printed on the part. For an additional level of authentication, the array can be read out by optical scanner and compared to the data stored in the secure database. The security tag is capable of replacing 2-D barcodes while containing only information capable of being scanned by 2-D barcode scanners. |
| US08469281B2 |
RFID label with shielding element
Described are RFID structures and methods for forming RFID structures. An RFID structure includes a loop antenna assembly, an antenna substrate supporting the loop antenna assembly, and a shielding layer parallel with a plane defined by the antenna substrate. The loop antenna assembly has a stand-alone resonant frequency of f1 above or below a standardized reader frequency range. The loop antenna includes an antenna track and at least two contact pads. The loop antenna assembly in combination with the shielding layer has a resonant frequency of f2 below the standardized reader frequency range. If positioned against a metallic surface, the loop antenna assembly in combination with the shielding layer has a resonant frequency within the standardized reader frequency range. |
| US08469277B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for wireless payment transactions
Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring payment device data for wireless payment transactions are disclosed. According to one method, a request from a wireless payment reader for standardized payment device data for effecting a wireless payment is received by a wireless smart payment device. Payment device data elements are assembled by the wireless smart payment device into the standardized payment device data. The standardized payment device data are sent by the wireless smart payment device to the wireless payment reader. |
| US08469276B1 |
Handheld code reader having a motion sensor
A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has a plurality of operating characteristics where each operating characteristic can have a plurality of different states wherein a recipe includes a specific set of states of at least first and second characteristics, the method for switching between recipes and comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader, determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing from a current recipe to a next recipe when the circumstance set occurs. |
| US08469273B2 |
Label-controlled system configuration
A system has an optical scanner for reading a printed system configuration code on a printed configuration label. The printed system configuration code includes configuration information that describes a bus speed of a system bus of the system. A processor dynamically configures the system according to the configuration information decoded from the printed system configuration code. |
| US08469269B2 |
Self checkout kiosk and retail security system
A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase or allocate to an account a product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The patron exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, a computer monitor and/or a mobile device enables the patron to complete a purchase or allocate transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for marking products stolen when transferred through the portal without a transaction. Alternatively, a smart shelf keeps track of products on the smart shelf and keeps a checkout tally of removed products. If the patron does not complete a purchase or allocate transaction, or returns the product to the smart shelf within a user-defined set of time, the smart shelf will mark the product as stolen. A security system responds to products marked as stolen. |
| US08469263B2 |
Check processing method, check processing program medium, and check processing apparatus
Check processing involves scanning a back of a check having no authorization data printed thereon and also scanning a front of the check having preprinted magnetic ink characters, electronically generating authorization data indicating that the check is valid based on a response from an external analysis source, generating an electronic merged image by electronically combining back image data captured during the scanning of the back of the check with generated authorization data, and storing the electronic merged image with the front image data captured during the scanning of the front of the check. Moreover, these operations may be performed in a single pass of the check in one direction through a transportation path of a check processing apparatus. No printing of any data is required. The check processing can be embodied in a method, apparatus, or instructions embodied on a machine-readable medium. |
| US08469262B2 |
Cash folding apparatus and method
Embodiments of the present invention provide currency solutions for the visually impaired by, for example, providing automated teller machines (ATMs) or other cash dispensers configured to dispense folded bills to the customer. The bills are folded based on denomination to allow the customer receiving the bills from the cash dispenser to be able to identify the denomination of each bill. In some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to automatically identify whether the customer prefers to receive folded bills and, in some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to fold and dispense bills according to customer preferences. |
| US08469257B2 |
Box for sterile products
This invention relates to a box for sterile products made of panels forming a belt (10) and of flaps extending the panels and forming bottom and top walls perpendicular to the belt, the belt and the flaps being cut in a foamed plastic material plate comprising at least two covering sheets (P1, P2) maintained mutually spaced apart by a plurality of struts (E) providing longitudinal mutually parallel cells. This invention is characterized in that at least one of the covering sheets is perforated (C) for allowing for a sterilizing gas to pass through the cover, and cuts (13) crossing at least one covering sheet of the plate are provided along hinging lines of the flaps on the belt for providing the communication of said cells with the outside when flaps (31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52, 61, 62) are folded at right angle. |
| US08469255B2 |
Method for assembling aluminum alloy parts by welding
The present disclosure concerns a method for assembling aluminum alloy parts, in which(i) at least a first aluminum alloy part is procured in a solution heat treated, quenched, optionally cold worked, and naturally aged at ambient temperature or pre-aged temper, and at least a second aluminum alloy part,(ii) said parts are welded to obtain a welded assembly having a welded zone,(iii) cold working the entire welded zone between 0.3% and 5% is performed,(iv) the welded assembly thus cold worked undergoes post-weld aging to obtain a final metallurgical temper. |
| US08469253B1 |
Surgical staples attached to resorbable holder
One example of a surgical apparatus may include at least one resorbable feeder belt, and a plurality of staples fixed to that feeder belt. Another example of a surgical apparatus may include at least one feeder belt and at least one resorbable carrier detachably connected to a corresponding feeder belt, where the carrier includes a plurality of staples attached to it. An exemplary surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing a surgical instrument that includes an end effector moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where the end effector includes an anvil and a staple holder pivotally connected to one another, where the anvil holds a knife; and at least one resorbable feeder belt and a plurality of staples fixed to the feeder belt, where the feeder belt extends into said staple holder; placing the end effector in proximity to tissue; deploying a plurality of staples into tissue; separating a distal segment of at least one feeder belt from a remainder of that feeder belt; and leaving that distal segment within the body of the patient. |
| US08469251B2 |
Stapling tool for hardwood plank staples
A stapling tool for hardwood flooring staples and hardwood tongue and groove flooring planks is disclosed. The tool has a body that includes a body base surface, a stop surface, a body top surface and a staple slot. The tool has a rod assembly that includes a hammering head and a staple driving head. A hardwood flooring staple, inserted into the staple slot, followed by the staple driving head, is guided by the staple slot. In response to impact force received by the hammering head from a head of a hammer, the staple driving head drives the hardwood flooring staple into an external angle formed by the tongue and the outside edge of the plank. The staple may be inserted from beyond a plane defined by the body top surface. The staple slot may be at an angle greater than 45 degrees, less than or equal to 85 degrees. |
| US08469249B2 |
Cart attachment for a backpack
A cart attachment for a backpack is described which includes a flap coupled to an upper back of a backpack. The cart attachment also includes a pair of hooks and loops strips to engage and disengage the flap. The cart attachment has two positions. In the first position, the flap is opened. In the second position, the flap is securely closed to accommodate a detachable wheeled cart. A second cart attachment may also be provided on a bottom portion of the backpack. |
| US08469247B2 |
Gas tank holder system
An apparatus for holding a gas tank includes a bottom element which is mounted to a supporting surface and a cover element pivotally mounted to the cradle. The cover element has at least one device for holding a gas tank. The apparatus further includes a system for rotating the cover element relative to the bottom element so as to raise the gas tank from a storage position to a substantially vertical operational position so that an individual can don the gas tank. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating system includes an L-shaped track attached to the bottom element, a raised portion with an aperture attached to the cover element, and a guide rod which has a first end in the aperture and a second end which engages with and slides in the L-shaped track. |
| US08469240B2 |
Dispensing fluids from containers using self closing valve, typically duckbill type valve
A dispenser for dispensing a fluid from a container T having an inlet for mounting to the container so as to receive therethrough the fluid, and an outlet which is adapted to open to release fluid therefrom when a predetermined pressure is applied to the fluid in the dispenser at the outlet, and to close to retain fluid in the dispenser at a pressure less than the predetermined pressure. A wall of resilient material at the outlet has one or more panels of elastomeric material provided therein, each panel being deformable to enable the adjacent resilient material to flex at the predetermined pressure and thus enable the outlet to open. |
| US08469232B2 |
Ice agitation and dispensing device and method
An ice dispensing system includes: a rotating bin having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface; at least one projection extending from the inner surface of the bin for directing ice within the bin; an input chute having a first end coupled to and in fluid communication with an ice making machine and a second end in fluid communication with the opening in the bin when the bin is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the bin when the bin is in a second position. The bin is configured to rotate from the first position to the second position and the opening has a geometry and size that directs ice within the bin and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position and dispenses the regulated amount of ice into the output chute when the bin reaches the second position. |
| US08469231B2 |
Mixing rotary positive displacement pump for micro dispensing
A dispensing apparatus, which is capable of delivering precise quantities of a liquid product less than one mm3 in size, includes a drive mechanism, a housing made up of at least two input channels coupled to a chamber made up of a first portion and a second portion. First and second component liquids are delivered via the first and second input channels respectively to the chamber and the first and second input channels are disposed so that interaction is hindered between the first component liquid and the second component liquid in either input channel. At least one feed screw with a helical thread is disposed in the chamber such that when the at least one feed screw is rotated by the drive mechanism the first and second component liquids are mixed to form a liquid product and the feed screw rotation also discharges the liquid product from the chamber. |
| US08469223B2 |
Strength container
A sealable container (210) for flowable material formed with top (212) and flexible and stiffened bottom (214) walls joined by front (216), rear (218), and opposite side walls (220, 222). The top wall including an openable lid (D) formed with an improved scoop holder (30) and a collar (300) received about a finish (282) of the front, rear, and side walls. The flexible and stiffened bottom wall (214) includes at least one sagittal stiffening channel (500) and an optional transverse stiffening channel (530). The openable lid includes a sealing wall (340) that cooperates with other improved container components to prevent spillage of the flowable material after the seal is peeled and removed. |
| US08469212B2 |
Safety cap and container with safety cap
There is provided a safety cap which requires manual dexterity for a cover opening operation and is difficult for an infant or the like to open a cover, in which a safety function can be released, as necessary. In the safety cap configured such that a part of an outer circumferential wall of a cap main body is formed on an inward elastically deformable operating plate, a pair of engaging means and engageable with each other are provided on a peripheral wall of a cover connected to the upper portion of the cap main body via a hinge and at the upper portion of the operating plate, respectively, and the engagement is released by elastically deforming the operating plate inward so as to open the cover, the operating plate can be fixed to the cap main body or a neck portion of the container except for the operating plate by the fixing member in the inward deformed state. |
| US08469210B2 |
Toy car connection apparatus and method
A toy train car including a coupler or hitch. The coupler includes a first connector (e.g., socket) configured to be connected to the train car and a second connector (e.g., ball) configured to be connected to the train car. The first connector can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. The second connector also can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. Each train car can include a first connector and a second connector. The first and second connectors are configured to couple together to link a plurality of train cars together. |
| US08469207B2 |
Drapery rod assembly
A drapery rod assembly adapted to be secured to a substantially planar surface comprising a right bracket and a left bracket. The right bracket includes a substantially gamma shaped wall portion having a slot, a mounting plate that is operatively arranged to be mounted to the surface. The mounting plate is operatively arranged to complementarily engage the slot and hold the wall portion. A substantially J-shaped extension portion that extends outward from the wall portion and terminates in a rod attachment end arranged perpendicularly with respect to the mounting plate and in parallel spaced apart relation to the surface. The left bracket is an enantiomer of the right bracket. A first and second rod, each rod includes a proximate and distal end. The distal end of the first rod is releasably engaged with the left bracket, and the distal end of the second rod is releasably engaged with the right bracket. |
| US08469206B2 |
Strap-on-hunting-hanger
A hunting equipment rest for use in a tree stand allows the hunter quick access to a weapon, thereby avoiding excess movement. A rigid member is affixed to the tree by a cinch strap. The apparatus is initially positioned such that a first trunk rest, fixed to the rigid member, sits against the tree horizontally, and a second pivoting trunk rest sits against the tree vertically. The second pivoting trunk rest is fixed to a pivot arm. The combination is attached to the rigid member by a pivot pin. The apparatus is locked into place by lowering the pivot arm, which levers the second pivoting trunk rest toward the tree to create tension in the strap. Attached to the pivot arm is a weapon hook, which swivels horizontally. The rest is suitable for a variety of weapons, and is easily installed or removed. The apparatus does not harm the tree. |
| US08469205B1 |
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 the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity to urge product toward the front of the shelf. |
| US08469204B1 |
Remote control organizing system
A remote control organizing system includes a base that has a front edge. A lip is attached to and is coextensive with the front edge. The lip is angled back over a top side of the front edge. A panel has a bottom edge and a coupler releasably attaches the bottom edge to an upper edge of the lip. A plurality of the remote controls each has a back side. A plurality of securing members releasably attaches the back sides to a front side of the panel. At least one spacer is provided. The at least one spacer is attached to the panel and positioned between a raised portion of one of the back sides and the panel to approximately position a longitudinal axis of the associated ones of the remote controls into a parallel alignment with a plane of the panel. |
| US08469195B2 |
Storage container and tray
A tray and storage containers combination includes a tray having a bottom, side walls and an open top configured to receive a lid. A plurality of containers are configured to be arranged within the tray, each of which having a top wall and a bottom wall, two side walls and a back wall, each of the plurality of the containers having an openable lid. The containers are positioned in the tray to rest on their respective bottom walls so that the lids of the plurality of the containers face a side wall of the tray. |
| US08469194B2 |
Container apparatus with single-pill dispensing and related methods
Aspects of the disclosure involve a pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. Using one system, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region where a cap may be secured, and a lower portion for containing pills. The pill-filtering article has a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes. |
| US08469189B2 |
Housing for portable electronic device
A housing for a portable electronic device includes a bottom shell and a plurality of protection blocks. The bottom shell has a plurality of corner portions, each corner portion includes an engaging recession recessed from an outer surface of the corner portion. The plurality of protection blocks are respectively assembled within the corresponding engaging recessions of the bottom shell, which provide protection in the form of having a double skin. Each protection block together with one corresponding engaging recession of the corner portion of the bottom shell cooperatively defines a buffering area. The protection blocks have an elastic coefficient great than that of the bottom shell and are located on each corner portion, at the point of the greatest vulnerability to impact damage. |
| US08469187B2 |
Watertight stretch covering skin for smokeless tobacco cans
A low profile silicone elastic molded covering skin form fits and seals around a smokeless tobacco container. A molded in circular sealing ring seals around the metal top of the container. The sealed top around the metal cover of the container and watertight bottom prevent air and moisture from contacting the tobacco through the bottom porous portion of the container and between the metal cover and the bottom. |
| US08469184B2 |
Package with handle
A package is for holding a plurality of articles. The package has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one opening is in the top panel for at least partially receiving at least a portion of one of the articles. A handle opening is in the top panel. A handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion. At least the first handle portion is positioned relative to the handle opening for use in grasping and carrying the package, and at least the second handle portion is at least partially in contact with an interior surface of the top panel. |
| US08469182B2 |
Quick-remove conveyor belt, in particular for transporting food products to a packaging station
A belt conveyor configured to convey foodstuff products to a packaging station. The belt conveyor includes a stationary structure and a supporting surface comprising a plurality of plates removably carried by the stationary structure. The belt conveyor also includes a belt having a rectilinear conveying branch in contact with the supporting surface and a return branch. The belt conveyor includes a motor-driven roller co-operating with the belt for continuously feeding the belt in a conveying direction. The belt conveyor further includes a return assembly for sending the belt back between the return branch and the conveying branch. The return assembly comprising at least one return member supported at its ends by a pair of arms having at least one pair of fork-like seats. The belt conveyor further includes a control device for displacing the motor-driven roller between a working position and a disassembly position. |
| US08469181B2 |
Store-transport device for elongated rod shaped elements
A device having a variable-capacity store (3) formed with the aid of conveyors on two neighboring levels having one input channel (1), formed by a lower conveyor (4) and an upper conveyor (5), and one output channel (2), formed by an upper conveyor (6) and a lower conveyor (7), having a back plate (12), which is coupled with a slide (16) separating the levels of the store (3), equipped with a separating conveyor (17) so that they jointly effect to and fro motion, parallel to the horizontal conveyors, with the surface of the back plate (12), concave on the side of the store (3), is formed a the chain conveyor (13), characterized by the fact that the upper input conveyor (5) has at the end an arched part (8) pointing upwards, and the lower output conveyor (7) has at the beginning an arched part (9) pointing downwards, so that the two conveyors (5 and 7) approach each other with the arched parts (8 and 9). |
| US08469179B2 |
Machine for treating containers, in particular in a plant for bottling food products
A machine for treating containers including a turntable rotatably mounted on a frame and holding devices for containers mounted peripherally on the turntable. Each holding device includes a support mechanically connected to the turntable, at least two arms, rotatably connected to the support, with at least one holding body for grasping the container, an actuator mechanically connected to the arms to rotate them around the first rotation axis between an open position, in which the holding bodies are separated to receive or release the container, and a closed position, in which the holding bodies are close to one another to hold therebetween the container. Each holding body is connected to a support body of the respective arm through an articulation suitable for allowing the holding body to rotate around a second rotation axis lying on a plane substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis of the arms and passing therethrough. |
| US08469177B2 |
Diverter for sorter and method of diverting
A positive displacement sorter and method of diverting articles includes providing a plurality of interconnected parallel slats defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction, an upper surface of which defines an article-conveying surface and a plurality of pusher shoes. Each of the shoes travels along at least one of the slats in order to laterally divert articles on the conveying surface. Each of the shoes has a diverting member extending below the conveying surface. A plurality of diverting rails below the conveying surface are each capable of engaging the diverting member to cause the associated shoe to travel laterally to divert an article. A plurality of diverters are provided for selectively diverting at least one of the diverting members from a non-diverting path extending longitudinally along the sorter to one of said diverting rails in a diverting state. At least one of the diverters has a gate having a diverting surface. The gate is selectively moveable between the diverting state and a non-diverting state. An actuator moves the gate between the non-diverting state and the diverting state. The actuator may include a rotary actuator having a generally horizontal axis of rotation. An electronic divert control may be provided to apply an activation control signal to the actuator to move the gate between one of the states and the other of the states. The control monitors movement of the gate and adjusts the activation control signal as a function of the movement of the gate. |
| US08469175B2 |
Method and device for operating a passenger transport installation
A method for controlling an installation for a revolving passenger transport comprised of steps or pallets moving along a transport path that includes a plurality of drives. At least one drive is arranged in a reversing area and at least one further drive is arranged in an area of the transport path. Each drive is actively connected to a frequency converter. All of the frequency converters are monitored by a higher-order control. A defined drive pattern is memorized in the higher-order control. Measured values of the drives are transmitted to the higher-order control by individual frequency converters. The measured values are compared in the higher-order control with respect to each other. In case of divergences from the memorized drive pattern of the respective frequency converter, the respective frequency converter which diverges from a comparative value is corrected with aid of the higher-order control. |
| US08469174B2 |
Valuable document receiving and alignment method
A valuable document receiving and alignment method includes the steps of (a) a user inserts a valuable document obliquely into a transversely tilted tunnel, (b) a validation unit of the valuable document receiver senses the inserted valuable document and controls a delivery mechanism to hold down the valuable document, (c) a sheet-deliver wheel module of the delivery mechanism delivers the valuable document forwardly to a predetermined distance and the user releases the hand from the valuable document, (d) the sheet-deliver wheel module releases the valuable document for enabling it to fall downwardly to the lower side wall of the transversely tilted tunnel and to let one side edge of the valuable document be abutted against the lower side wall, and (e) the sheet-deliver wheel module delivers the valuable document to a validation position for enabling the validation unit to identify the authenticity and value of the valuable document. |
| US08469170B2 |
Clutch mechanism and clutch system having the same
When a pulley and an armature are coupled with each other, first and second permanent magnets place the movable member at a location where a magnetic resistance of an attracting magnetic circuit, which generates an attracting magnetic force to couple between the pulley and the armature, is reduced. In contrast, when the pulley and the armature are decoupled from each other, the movable member is placed at a location where the magnetic resistance of the attracting magnetic circuit is increased, and a magnetic resistance of a non-attracting magnetic circuit is reduced. Thereby, a coupled state or a decoupled state of the pulley and the armature can be maintained without an erroneous operation. |
| US08469161B2 |
Friction couple
A friction couple including: a first friction member that contains a metallic material and includes a first friction surface; and a second friction member that includes a second friction surface that contacts the first friction surface and that contains an oxidation film developer that accelerates formation of an oxidation film on at least one of the first friction surface and the second friction surface by oxidizing the metallic material when the first friction surface and the second friction surface contact each other. |
| US08469160B2 |
Disc brake adjustment device having a blocking device
A wear adjustor is provided for adjusting the wear of brake pads and the brake disc of a pneumatically operated disc brake having a brake application device that can be actuated via a rotary lever. The wear adjustor is able to be inserted into an adjusting spindle of the brake application device. The wear adjustor includes a clutch ring for coupling to a spring sleeve that is in engagement with the adjusting spindle. A blocking device is disposed between the adjusting spindle and the wear adjustor. The blocking device forms a stop for the adjusting spindle in the tangential direction relative to the rotating direction. |
| US08469159B2 |
Brake assembly
A brake assembly includes a brake pad, a bracket supporting the brake pad and having a first portion, a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, and a linkage interconnecting the first and second portions. The linkage is configured to transfer tensile loads between the first and second portion, but is characterized by the absence of any bending modes. The absence of bending modes prevents excitation of the linkage, thereby reducing sound generated during application of the brake assembly. |
| US08469150B2 |
Lubricant distributor
A lubricant distributor comprising a progressive distributor and a single-line metering valve is disclosed. An outlet of the single-line metering valve is in fluidic connection, or can be brought into fluidic connection, with an inlet of the progressive distributor. |
| US08469149B2 |
Self-retracting lifeline with disconnectable lifeline
A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum. |
| US08469148B2 |
Ladder tray
A tray for supporting tools, paint cans, painting supplies and the like is pivotally held in a selected position by an elongated frame removably attached to a ladder rail. The ladder tray includes a folding shelf, a shelf support, a rail embracing frame, a hinge means connecting the shelf and support to the frame, and hooks for engaging the rungs of the ladder. A variety of apertures, depressions and/or raised areas exist on the tray in various sizes and shapes and are adapted for holding tools or for temporary placement of cans, bottles, jugs, tools and the like on shelf. When mounted, the ladder tray extends out from one side of the ladder and does not prevent a user from climbing up or down the ladder. It may be folded down alongside the rail of the ladder to a space saving transport or storage position or may be folded and removed from the ladder to store. |
| US08469147B2 |
Chest strap arrangement for an attachable arrangement
A chest strap arrangement for an attachable arrangement removably attachable to a user and having a first torso strap and a second torso strap. The chest strap arrangement includes: a strap member with a first portion and a second portion; a first buckle having at least one substantially horizontal slot through which the first torso strap extends; and a second buckle having at least one substantially horizontal slot through which the second torso strap extends. In one embodiment, the cross sectional thickness of at least a portion of an outer end area of a buckle is greater than the cross sectional thickness of at least a portion of an inner end area of the buckle. |
| US08469146B2 |
Panel for acoustic treatment comprising a junction between two parts and process for the reparation of a panel for acoustic treatment
An acoustic treatment panel includes two portions with edges spaced in one direction, and from the outside to the inside, a first acoustically resistive layer, a first alveolar structure, and a reflective layer, and a block inserted between the two edges which includes, from the outside to the inside, a second acoustically resistive layer arranged at the first acoustically resistive layer and a second alveolar structure. The block includes at least one sector of alveolar structures with sloped pipes whose height is less than that of the first alveolar structure, whereby the pipes are sloped in a direction such that the ends of the pipes are close to one of the edges of the portions at the first acoustically resistive layer, and the opposite ends of the pipes are moved away from the edge and the reflective layer so as to house connecting elements between the block and the panel. |
| US08469145B2 |
Multilayer sound absorbing sheet
A multilayer sound absorbing sheet including a film layer having through-micro bores and apertures, and a fibrous material layer disposed on the film layer is provided. A method of absorbing sound including providing the multilayer sound absorbing sheet of the present disclosure and positioning the multilayer sound absorbing sheet between an acoustic source and a sound-reflecting surface is also provided. |
| US08469140B1 |
Radial waveguide for double cone transducers
A radial waveguide assembly comprises a transducer section and a waveguide section. The transducer section includes first and second cone loudspeakers arranged coaxially and in an opposed relationship. A compression plug having two input surfaces is mounted between diaphragms of the cone loudspeakers. Channels from the first and second cone loudspeakers feed common sound chambers located in a belt around the circular perimeter where they connect to external ports. A radial; folded waveguide has a circular throat which connects to the external ports. |
| US08469139B2 |
Method of relieving power steering assist and a power steering system utilizing the method
A power steering system for a ground vehicle includes an accumulator that supplies high-pressure fluid through a control valve to a fluid motor that drives the steerable wheels of the vehicle. A normally open control valve between the accumulator and the fluid motor closes prior to the steerable wheels reaching an axle stop to relieve power assist. |
| US08469137B2 |
Working vehicle
Provided are a pair of left and right upper frames extending in a longitudinal direction; a mount frame supporting a transmission case below the upper frames; and vertical frames connecting the upper frames and the mount frame. Rear suspension arms are supported on the vertical frames. The vertical frames are configured to have upper members connected to the upper frames and lower members connected to the mount frame. The upper and lower members are separably connected. |
| US08469136B2 |
Hybrid construction machine
A hybrid construction machine includes an engine, a generator motor, and a hydraulic pump. They constitute a power unit, and are connected in series, with the generator motor being disposed between the engine and the hydraulic pump and with a center of gravity of the entire power unit being positioned closer to the generator motor than the center of gravity of the engine. A mount installation bracket is mounted at a side of each flange disposed at a corresponding side of the generator motor. A generator-motor-side mount device is mounted to the bracket. |
| US08469134B2 |
Engine starting controller
When a driver of a vehicle brings his/her detection part close to a case, a sensor detects a pulse of the driver at the detection part with an optical method, and takes an image of the detection part. An individual certification means determines whether the driver of the vehicle is an authorized person or not based on the image of the detection part taken by the sensor. An alcohol concentration determiner calculates an index value of a blood alcohol concentration of the driver based on the pulse detected at the detection part by the sensor, and determines whether the index value exceeds a criterial value of a drinking assessment. When it is determined that the driver of the vehicle is an authorized person and the index value does not exceed the criterial value of the drinking assessment, a permission means permits the driver to start an engine of the vehicle. |
| US08469133B2 |
Dual electric motor four wheel drive personnel carrier
Described is a battery powered, four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle, with independently operable, variable speed, bi-directional electric motors, one of which may selectively used to drive the front wheels of the vehicle, the other of which may be selectively used to drive the rear wheels of the vehicle. A front differential drive mechanism allows the front wheels to operate at different speeds. Front wheels of the vehicle are steerable through universal joints disposed between the front differential mechanism and each front wheel. A rear differential drive mechanism allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds. By selectively choosing whether to engage front and rear wheels and the direction they rotate, the vehicle may be operated as a four-wheel drive vehicle, a front-wheel drive vehicle, a rear wheel drive vehicle, with all four wheels disengaged, or even with front and rear wheels rotating in opposite directions. |
| US08469132B2 |
Body frame
A body frame for a motorcycle includes a seat rail formed from a circular pipe that extends horizontally rearward from an upper rear end of a main frame. A backstay formed from a square pipe extends obliquely upward and rearward from a lower rear end of the main frame. A bent part formed at a rear end of the backstay faces the seat rail in the longitudinal direction. Projecting parts are formed on both sides of a concave groove formed in an upper surface of the backstay. The projecting parts are offset in the width direction with respect to a center line of the seat rail and the backstay to allow the seat rail and the backstay to be easily welded. |
| US08469128B2 |
Variable-bias shutter
A variable-bias shutter system for controlling an airstream through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis and a louver face that includes a first portion arranged to one side and a second portion arranged to the other side of the respective pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating in tandem each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. An area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is smaller than an area of the second portion when the shutter system is substantially closed. Additionally, the area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is larger than the area of the second portion when the shutter system is not closed. A vehicle employing the variable-bias shutter system is also disclosed. |
| US08469127B2 |
Drive system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle and method for operating a drive system
A drive system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle is provided. The drive system comprises a drive assembly that generates a mechanical torque, a first and a second electric machine, a first mechanical output interface used to drive at least one vehicle axle and a second mechanical output interface. A shaft driven by the drive assembly is rotationally connected to a shaft of the first electric machine. The second output interface is used to mechanically drive a tool which can be coupled to the utility vehicle. The shaft of the second electric machine can be reversibly connected to the first mechanical output interface. In order to allow for a connection modification of the second electric machine without producing interruptions or irregularities of torque, a third electric machine is provided the shaft of which can be reversibly connected to the first mechanical output interface. |
| US08469121B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond abrasive elements
A polycrystalline diamond abrasive element, particularly a cutting element, comprises a table of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, particularly a cemented carbide substrate, along a non-planar interface. The non-planar interface typically has a cruciform configuration. The polycrystalline diamond has a high wear-resistance, and has a region adjacent the working surface lean in catalysing material and a region rich in catalysing material. The region lean in catalysing material extends to a depth of 40 to 90 microns, which is much shallower than in the prior art. Notwithstanding the shallow region lean in catalysing material, the polycrystalline diamond cutters have a wear resistance, impact strength and cutter life comparable to that of prior art cutters, but requiring only 20% of the treatment times of the prior art cutters. |
| US08469120B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling cutting ribbons during a drilling operation
Drill bits are provided. The drill bits are of the fixed-cutter, rotary-type. The drill bits have a plurality of blades having cutting elements disposed therealong. Junk slots are formed between the respective blades. A knife opening is formed in at least two of the junk slots. Preferably, the knife openings are disposed substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The drill bit also has one or more ribbon cutters. The ribbon cutters cyclically protrude through knife openings in the junk slots in order to facilitate the fragmentation of cuttings ribbons moving through the junk slots during a drilling operation. |
| US08469118B2 |
Drilling fluid containing carbon nanotubes
A viscoelastic drilling fluid for drilling in underground rock formations, comprising (a) an aqueous and/or organic liquid base, (b) at least one weighting agent, in particulate form, with a mass per unit volume of at least 2 g/cm3, preferably at least 4 g/cm3, in suspension in said liquid base, and (c) carbon nanotubes with a mean diameter of between 10 and 30 nm and a specific surface in excess of 200 m2/g, preferably of between 200 m2/g and 250 m2/g and a drilling method using such a fluid. |
| US08469115B2 |
Electrical power tool
In a speed change device of an electrical power tool, a reset arm is provided separately from a switch lever, which arm is operated by a reset motor. Due to tilting motion of the reset arm, a lock ring can be returned to an unlocking position in which a second stage internal gear can be rotated, so that the speed change device can be rest to a high speed low torque mode. |
| US08469112B1 |
Dry sprinkler
A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures. |
| US08469111B2 |
Sprinkler cover
A sprinkler head cover including an end wall and a side wall extending from and around the end wall to form a cavity therebetween. The cavity is sized for receiving a deflector and arms of a sprinkler head. The side wall is adapted for engaging the sprinkler head to thereby releasably mount the cover to the sprinkler head. |
| US08469106B2 |
Downhole displacement based actuator
A technique facilitates actuating a variety of components in a downhole environment. The technique utilizes displacement based activation of an atmospheric actuation chamber. Activation of the atmospheric actuation chamber may be initiated via a variety of mechanisms, including manipulation of a restraining device, translation of a seal, and/or destruction of a seal. The atmospheric actuation chamber is coupled in cooperation with the corresponding downhole component to enable selective activation of the downhole component. |
| US08469099B2 |
Hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations
Methods of hydraulically fracturing subterranean coal seams and formations resulting in improved permeability to stimulate Coalbed Methane. In one method, the coal seam is fractured using a proppant-containing fracturing fluid in alternating stages with an aqueous base solution that etches the fracture faces of the coal thereby creating channels for fluid flow. In another method, the coal seam is fractured using a fracturing fluid without propping agents in alternating stages with an aqueous oxidizing solution that is pumped at a pressure sufficient to maintain the fractures in an open position thereby etching the fracture faces to create channels for fluid flow. In yet another embodiment, the aqueous oxidizing agent solution is pumped into the formation at a pressure sufficient to create fractures therein and simultaneously etch the faces of the open fractures to thereby form channels in the faces for increased fluid flow. |
| US08469098B2 |
Formation treatment system and method
A formation treatment system includes an annulus spanning member having one or more openings therein. A tubular having one or more ports therein in fluid communication with the one or more openings. A sleeve capable of isolating or communicating the one or more ports with an ID of the tubular. A method for effecting precision formation treatment is included. |
| US08469097B2 |
Subterranean tubular cutter with depth of cut feature
A tubular cutter that cuts with extendable and rotating blades has its depth of cut limited upon getting through the tubular to be cut. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular has a loosely mounted member exterior thereto to be engaged by the rotating cutters. When such engagement happens the effect is that the loosely mounted member serves as a cover to the cutters to prevent them from cutting other structures beyond the tubular to be cut. The loosely mounted member is grabbed by the rotating blades for tandem rotation this preventing further cutting action. The load on the mill drops noticeably so that surface personnel have a signal to stop hydraulic pressure to the drive mechanism to allow the blades to retract and the cutter to be removed. |
| US08469096B2 |
Whipstock
A whipstock with a longitudinal axis includes a tapered face surface, at least a part of which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, for guiding a milling head as the milling head passes from a top end to a bottom end of the face surface. A deflecting arrangement protrudes from the face surface and has first and second deflection surfaces. At least a part of each of the deflection surfaces is raised above the face surface, and each of the first and second deflection surfaces are inclined at a greater angle with respect to the longitudinal axis than the face surface in the region of the deflection arrangement. The first deflection surface is located closer to the top end of the face surface than the second deflection surface. |
| US08469094B2 |
Additive for controlling cement slurry rheology
A cement composition for use in a wellbore comprising a cement blend and at least two polyvinylalcohols wherein the polyvinylalcohols have different degrees of hydrolysis such that the rheology of the cement slurry capable of being formed from the composition is stable during temperatures changes. |
| US08469093B2 |
Apparatus and method for autofill equipment activation
A bottom cementing plug is equipped to activate autofill float equipment. The bottom cementing plug contains an activation device that is released when the plug lands on the autofill equipment, then enters the autofill equipment, triggering the activation of check valves. The activation device may also contain a chemical substance that is released into the well when the activation device exits the bottom cementing plug. |
| US08469091B2 |
Method for production of high purity distillate from produced water for generation of high pressure steam
Embodiments presented herein provide an evaporation based zero liquid discharge method for generation of up to 100% quality high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled water is processed in an evaporation system producing a distillate that allows steam to be generated with either drum-type boilers operating at higher pressures or once-through steam generators (OTSGs) operating at higher vaporization rates. Evaporator blowdown is treated in a forced-circulation evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge system that could recycle >98% of the deoiled water for industrial use. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide at least one “straight sump” evaporator and at least one hybrid external mist eliminator. Embodiments of the evaporation method operate at a higher overall efficiency than those of the prior art by producing distillate at a higher enthalpy which minimizes the high pressure boiler preheating requirement. |
| US08469090B2 |
Method for monitoring hydrocarbon production
A method is described for monitoring a fluid flow in a flow line from a location in a subterranean reservoir to a surface storage or production facility using the steps of employing sensors located in the wellbore, along the flow line and surface systems for monitoring flow conditions, establishing parameters which determine the hydrocarbon phases like liquids and gases, precipitation of solid components from the fluid flow as a result of changes in temperature, pressure and compositions, setting alert parameters relating to the precipitation parameters, and determining an operating profile representative of present conditions along the flow line, wherein the precipitation parameters, the alert parameters and the operating profile and extrapolation of the operating profile are represented in a single parameter space. |
| US08469088B2 |
Drillable bridge plug for high pressure and high temperature environments
A drillable bridge plug includes a mandrel having external splines disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone disposed around the mandrel proximate an upper end of the sealing element, and a lower cone disposed around the mandrel proximate the lower end of the sealing element, wherein an inner surface of the lower cone comprises internal splines configured to engage the external splines. The drillable bridge plug also includes an upper and a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, and an upper and lower ring assembly each including a first segmented barrier ring, a second segmented barrier ring, and a back-up ring disposed proximate sealing element. Methods include a method of setting the drillable bridge plug and a method of removing the drillable bridge plug. |
| US08469087B2 |
Interface for deploying wireline tools with non-electric string
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool. |
| US08469083B2 |
Heat exchanger with bypass valve
A heat exchanger for cooling a liquid has an inlet and an outlet for a liquid to be cooled. A bypass is provided that bypasses the heat exchanger. A valve controls flow of liquid into the heat exchanger or into the bypass. The valve has a valve seat, a valve cone, and at least one spring made of a shape memory material. The at least one spring counteracts a liquid pressure existing in the inlet. |
| US08469081B2 |
Corrosion resistant material for reduced fouling, a heat transfer component having reduced fouling and a method for reducing fouling in a refinery
A method and device for reducing sulfidation corrosion and depositional fouling in heat transfer components within a refining or petrochemical facility is disclosed. The heat transfer components are formed from a corrosion and fouling resistant steel composition containing a Cr-enriched layer having a surface roughness of less than 40 micro inches (1.1 μm) and a protective layer formed thereon. |
| US08469080B2 |
Digital processing method and device of large or medium-size sand mold
A digital processing method of a large or medium-size sand mold includes inverting a three-dimensional CAD model of a mold into a numeric controlling code, putting a prepared sand blank on a hollow grid-shaped processing platform to proceed the digital milling procedure, bringing away waste sand generated during processing by high pressure gas blown out from a nozzle near a cutter and the waste sand entering to a collecting device below the processing platform. A device for carrying out the method is disclosed. The method and the device reduce the processing steps. |
| US08469079B2 |
System and method for cleaning, testing, and reusing riser tubes with aluminum build up
A cleaning system and method for cleaning die cast metal waste from an interior of a die cast machine riser tube is provided whereby the cleaning system includes a riser tube stand, a heating means, a cleaning tool and leak test materials. The method includes heating the riser tube to a predetermined temperature to melt away the waste and cleaning the remaining residue with the cleaning tool. |
| US08469078B2 |
Retractable covering for doorways, archways, and the like
A horizontally retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail supporting a collapsible panel of material, a fixed rail securable to a side of the architectural opening and to a side edge of the panel, and a movable rail secured to the opposite side of the panel while being movable along the length of the headrail. An improved trolley connecting the top end of the movable rail to the headrail is provided so as to permit uniform gathering of the panel material along the horizontal extent of the trolley for improved aesthetics when the panel is fully extended across the architectural opening. A stabilizing cord system maintains a parallel relationship of the movable rail to the fixed rail to assure desired movement of the movable rail while permitting the aforenoted uniform gathering of the panel material. |
| US08469076B1 |
Polarizer film peeling machine and polarizer film peeling method thereof
The present invention relates to a polarizer film peeling machine and a polarizer film peeling method thereof. The polarizer film peeling machine includes an operation platform and a conveyor device having a translatable surface. The operation platform forms a slit at a site where a polarizer film is peeled off. The translatable surface of the conveyor device is located under the slit. In peeling off a polarizer film, a glass substrate from which the polarizer film is to be removed is set to slide on the a top surface of the operation platform to pass through the slit and the peeled-off polarizer film is guided through the slit to be laid flat on the translatable surface of the conveyor device and move with the translatable surface of the conveyor device. |
| US08469075B2 |
Coating film peeling apparatus for resin material
A coating film peeling apparatus for resin material includes: a peeling cylinder, a peeling roll installed therein with a space for a peeling process along an inner wall of the peeling cylinder, a resistance lid disposed to block a discharge port of the peeling cylinder, and a pressure adjustment part for adjusting an outflow rate and internal pressure of the peeling cylinder. The peeling cylinder is constituted by a polygonal-shaped angular columnar body having, as coating film pass-through holes, rows K of small holes and rows L of small holes and projection rings (angular embossments) provided alternately in multiple rows along a direction perpendicular to a rotating direction of the peeling roll. |
| US08469074B2 |
Pressure control mechanism for adhesive thermal compression bonding machines
Mechanism for controlling pressure during the adhesive thermal compression bonding provides benefits of higher production yield, improved adhesive bonding performance and quality. Springs and pneumatic pistons are utilized to provide improved pressure control during the adhesive thermal compression bonding process. All production parts have certain geometric tolerances and automatically accommodating these tolerances increases production yield by reducing waste of incompletely adhesive bonded parts. The gaps caused by the parts tolerance are closed in a controlled manner using the mechanism and the pressure is controlled for effective adhesive bonding. |
| US08469069B2 |
Tread band with grooves provided with a noise-reducing device
A tread 1 having a tread surface 3 onto which there opens at least one cavity 2, this cavity being bounded by a cavity wall 20 comprising a bottom wall 21 extended by a side wall 22 intersecting the tread surface to form at least one edge corner 31, this tread being, over at least part of the wall of the cavity 2, provided with a plurality of supporting strands 4, each supporting strand 4 comprising two ends of which one end 41 is attached to the cavity wall 20, this tread being characterized in that the supporting strands 4 each comprise at least one branching formed by the attachment of at least one branching strand 5. |
| US08469068B2 |
Golf bag protector
This invention provides a one-piece golf bag wrap protector for protecting golf bags from damage when placed on golf carts. The protector includes a pair of ends, a plurality of spaced securing holes disposed proximate an upper surface thereon, a plurality of fastening means having one end secured within the spaced securing holes, and another end being cooperatively secured to an upper peripheral edge of a golf bag. Attachment means disposed proximate the pair of ends for securing the protector wrapped around the golf bag. A plurality of female fasteners near one of the ends and a male fastener positioned near the other end at their upper portions for engaging one another to accommodate golf bags of different sizes.A bungee cord associated with the spaced securing holes and golf hand cart handles for securing golf bags on golf hand carts to prevent movement there between. |
| US08469067B2 |
Detection systems for power equipment
Methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood. The methods and woodworking equipment may include predictive blade stop algorithms that prevent unnecessary activations of a safety brake during coast down of a blade and continued protection in the event a main power switch is turned off. |
| US08469066B2 |
Collapsible funnel
A funnel assembly includes a tube defining a tube passageway and a tube opening. A funnel member defines a first funnel opening, a second funnel opening, and a funnel passageway that provides fluid communication between the first and second funnel openings. The funnel member is positioned such that the second funnel opening is within the tube passageway. The funnel member is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the first funnel opening is wider than the tube opening, and a second configuration in which the first funnel opening is narrower than the tube opening. |
| US08469060B2 |
Clamp and wrapping assembly for patching a pipe rupture
The present invention relates to a clamp that can be used for repairing a rupture in a pipe. The clamp includes a wrapping assembly comprising strapping that at least partially extends about the pipe, an adjustment device that is suitably in form of a claps for adjusting the effective length of the strapping about the pipe and a tensioning device that is suitably in the form an over center lever mechanism that is operable to place the wrapping assembly under different tensions. |
| US08469055B2 |
Device for driving a double seat valve capable of seat cleaning
A device for driving a double seat valve with two closing elements arranged in series and displaceable with respect to each other. A sleeve-shaped fourth drive piston pressurized by pressure medium, sealingly embraces a second drive piston on the circumference and can engage a catching connection in the direction of a first drive piston, wherein a second drive piston is adapted to be axially displaceable in a limited manner in both directions with respect to the first drive piston and in each case against the force of a second spring. |
| US08469054B2 |
Control device for plumbing appliances
The application relates to a control device comprising a control element that can be rotated on a first functional level, an electronic controller, an electric power supply, and a base for mounting the control device. Said control device is designed to control plumbing appliances comprising a water discharge point and an electronically controlled mixing valve that has a cold water connection and a hot water connection. The flow or the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge point can be changed by rotating the control element. The control device according to the invention is characterized in that a second functional level can be assigned to the control element by means of an electronic or electric pulse. Said second functional level is mechanically identical to the first functional level. The temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge point can be changed by rotating the control element when the second functional level has been assigned. |
| US08469053B2 |
Flow control valve
A constant-flow valve assembly having a first passageway carrying fluid at a first pressure, a piston chamber, and a second passageway connected to the chamber and carrying fluid at the second pressure. A third passageway carries fluid at a third pressure. An adjustable valve is between the chamber and the third passageway, and an adjustable restrictor is positioned between the first and second passageways. An inlet portion of the restrictor assembly receives fluid at the first pressure and directs the fluid to a restrictor, and outlet portion directs the fluid to the second passageway at the second pressure. The restrictor is movable to adjust the position of entry and exit portions relative to the inlet and outlet portions to adjust a fluid flow rate to the second passageway to adjust the flow rate through the valve assembly. |
| US08469052B2 |
Control valve
A control valve comprises a valve housing (1) having an inlet side (17) and an outlet side (18). The control valve also has a pressure maintaining arrangement for maintaining a constant differential pressure between the inlet and outlet sides, as well as an amount control arrangement for setting the maximum flow through the valve. A pair of cylinder shells located in the flow path have cooperating recesses which provide an uncovered area forming an opening (25). One cylinder shell is rotatable relative to the other cylinder shell by a rotatable handle (13), whereby a larger or smaller opening (25) between the cooperating cylinder shells may be provided. Both cylinder shells are axially displaceable within a seat hole (8), resulting in an increase or a decrease of the opening (25). |
| US08469048B2 |
Pressure feedback shuttle valve
A shuttle valve 10 includes a valve body 11, a first inlet port 12, a second inlet port 13, an outlet port 14, and a shuttle poppet 15. The inlet ports 12 and 13 may be connected to different sources of fluid pressure, and the shuttle valve 10 connects the higher pressure one of the inlet ports 12, 13 to the outlet port 14 and isolates the lower pressure one of the inlet ports 12, 13 from the outlet port 14. First valve members 26, 46 selectively open and close fluid communication between the first inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14. Second valve members 27, 47 selectively open and close fluid communication between the second inlet port 13 and the outlet port 14. The shuttle valve 10 includes cushioning cavities 50 and 51 and feedback passages 56, 59 and 60 to reduce shock or water hammer in the system. |
| US08469045B2 |
Collapsible tent frame
A collapsible tent frame includes an upper connecting holder, a guiding rod, a plurality of poles, a plurality of first support rods, a middle connecting holder, a plurality of second support rods, and a lower connecting holder. Each of the plurality of first support rods has an inner end articulated to the middle connecting holder and an outer end articulated to an inner end of one of the plurality of poles. The first support rods provide an outward support action between the middle connecting holder and the poles to ensure that the tent won't be collapsed automatically after the tent is expanded, without the need for the fasteners of a traditional tent frame. The present invention is simple in structure and operation, and provides a better rigidity because there are four second support rods. |
| US08469044B1 |
Umbrella with multiple canopy structure
The umbrella includes a shaft, a lower canopy having a central opening, and an upper canopy thereabove over the opening. A first supporting assembly includes ribs, stretchers, and a runner and is connected to the shaft and first and second canopies to operably move the canopies between closed and open positions, wherein an inner portion of the upper canopy moves with the ribs. A second supporting assembly is connected to the ribs of the first assembly within the opening and connected to an outer portion of the upper canopy for operably moving the outer portion of the upper canopy between concave and convex positions while the lower canopy and inner portion of the upper canopy are retained in the concave position, such that the outer portion of the upper canopy covers the opening when concave to restrict air passage and exposes the opening when convex to permit air passage. |
| US08469042B2 |
Treatment system and method for the surface treatment of workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies
A treatment system for the surface treatment of workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies, includes a plurality of transport devices, on which at least one workpiece to be treated can be attached in a releasable manner. A conveying device moves the transport devices through the treatment system. At least one treatment bath is disposed in a first conveying plane of the treatment system and the transport devices with the workpieces arranged thereon are introduced into the treatment bath. At least one cleaning device, which is suitable and designed for cleaning the transport devices after the surface treatment of the workpieces, is disposed in a second conveying plane of the treatment system. The second conveying plane is offset in the vertical direction relative to the first conveying plane. |
| US08469040B2 |
Heat retaining curling system and method of styling
An improved hair styling device comprises heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining means with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements comprise elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location comprises an enlarged convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining means, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly. |
| US08469038B2 |
Smoking article and method
A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled and packaged, at least one sheet including cellulose. In one embodiment, cellulose and tobacco sheet material are separately rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged. In another embodiment, the sheet is a laminated sheet of tobacco and cellulose layers that can be optionally wrapped around (or pre-rolled inside) a form casing. These sheets can be filled with custom tobacco to make one or more new cigars for an end user. In another embodiment, a complete cigar filled with tobacco material can be disassembled by an end user to produce tobacco and cellulose sheets, enabling the end user to form two new cigars using his or her own custom tobacco. |
| US08469036B2 |
Tobacco compositions
The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein. |
| US08469030B2 |
Exhalation valve assembly with selectable contagious/non-contagious latch
An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap. |
| US08469029B2 |
Randomly interrupted breathing device
Apparatus for randomly varying the breathing resistance applied to human and animal subjects to improve their performance. |
| US08469018B1 |
Portable stove
A portable stove includes a frusto-conical body and a grid carried within the body together with an optional cooking surface for the smaller end of the body and stands to elevate the larger end of the body to facilitate establishing an air flow into the body. By rolling a flat piece of metal that has folds on both ends until the folded ends are interlocked, the stove's body is formed. Squeezing the formed body releases it to return to a flattened configuration for storage. The components of the stove can thus be stored in a compact configuration such as in a backpack. An optional oven includes a cooking chamber within a housing. The oven rests on the body and redistributes heat from the burning fuel inside the body to the cooking chamber base, body and lid so that it bakes evenly. The housing confines the heat to the chamber for improved cooking efficiency. |
| US08469017B2 |
Baking oven with a vapor channel in which a catalyst and a gas sensor are arranged
A baking oven includes a vapor duct configured to convey vapors generated in the baking oven, and a catalyst disposed in the vapor duct so that the vapors pass through the catalyst. A controller is included, and a humidity sensor is disposed downstream of the catalyst and connected in signal communication with the controller. The humidity sensor is a semiconductor gas sensor. The vapor duct is bounded, in a section of the duct between the catalyst and a location downstream of the semiconductor gas sensor, by an airtight duct wall in a direction transverse to a direction of vapor flow in the vapor duct. |
| US08469015B2 |
Low cost rescue launcher system
A rescue launcher system includes a reusable launcher and a one-time-use, pre-packed payload cartridge removably secured to the reusable launcher. The payload cartridge includes a plastic canister, a pressurization system located within the canister and selectively activated by reusable launcher, and a payload located within the canister and which is launched to a remote location upon actuation of the pressurization system. An actuation grip of the launcher selectively actuates the pressurization system, and an interlock is adapted to prevent actuation of the pressurization system unless the interlock and the actuation grip are simultaneously actuated. The payload can be a buoyancy device including a sealed tube and deflated foam within the sealed tube which inflates using internal vacuum after launch of the buoyancy device. |
| US08468994B2 |
Lubeless valve assembly for engine
A valve assembly includes a tubular valve stem guide and a valve having a valve stem slidable in the bore of the valve stem guide. A lower valve stem seal has an annular body surrounding the valve stem and a skirt sealing with the valve stem guide. An upper valve stem seal has an annular body sealingly mounted on the valve stem and a skirt portion overlapping with the annular body of the lower valve stem seal during the reciprocating movement of the valve stem so that the upper and lower valve stem seals cooperate to prevent flow of oil to the bore of the valve stem guide. The valve stem is coated with a diamond-like carbon coating or a hard nitride coating, and the valve stem guide is of powered metal construction with approximately 1% by weight solid lubricant such as molybdenum disulfide or tungsten disulfide. |
| US08468993B2 |
Manifold communication channel
A manifold, such as an intake manifold or a fuel injection manifold, for use in an internal combustion engine, as well as a method of operating such an engine, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the manifold includes an input end capable of being coupled at least indirectly to an air input device, first and second intake tubes linking the input end to first and second exit ports, respectively, and a first communication channel linking the first and second intake tubes. The communication channel has a first width that is substantially less than a second width of at least one of the first and second intake tubes, and the communication channel links upper portions of the first and second intake tubes, while lower portions of the intake tubes remain separated by a wall. |
| US08468992B2 |
Igniter for igniting a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber, in particular in an internal combustion engine, by creating a corona discharge
Described is an igniter comprising an arrangement composed of an ignition electrode, an outer conductor coaxially enclosing the ignition electrode, and an electric insulator disposed between the ignition electrode and the outer conductor, via which insulator the ignition electrode and the outer conductor are interconnected, for igniting a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber, in particular in an internal combustion engine comprising one or more combustion chambers which are delimited by walls that are at ground potential, by creating a corona discharge in an area surrounding the tip of the ignition electrode. According to the invention, the ratio of the outer diameter d of the ignition electrode and the inner diameter D of the outer conductor is in the range of 0.3 to 0.44. |
| US08468984B2 |
Variable compression ratio apparatus
A variable compression ratio apparatus may include an external piston, a piston pin mounted in the external piston and a connecting rod, including an internal piston including a slot and sliding in an interior circumference of the external piston, wherein the piston pin passes through the internal piston and the external piston, a latching pin passing through the piston pin and selectively sliding therein, variable sliders disposed to selectively contact one of both ends of the latching pin, at both sides thereof to push the one of the both ends to the opposite side, and a support plate slidably supporting the variable sliders such that the variable sliders reciprocate perpendicular to length direction of the latching pin, wherein one end of a connecting arm selectively rotating may be connected to the variable slider and a sliding direction of the variable sliders may be controlled by rotation of the connecting arm. |
| US08468981B2 |
Dual type lancing device of secondary side of steam generator
Provided is a lancing device in which two guide rails and washing robots are installed in both directions of a hand hole, and each washing robot removes precipitates from the center of a steam generator, and therefore precipitates do not flow backwards, thereby completely removing precipitates. |
| US08468974B2 |
Aquaculture cage screen
A fish cage formed from a molecularly oriented single strand filament that is crossed and welded at the intersections to make a net or screen configuration. The filament being molecularly oriented by stretching ratio of about 3:1 and has a cross section of the filament being at least 2 mm2. The filament is an extruded thermoplastic material made from nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane or polypropylene having a preferred cross section in a D or oval shape to better facilitate welding the intersections. An antimicrobial or biocide may be added to the filament. The screen or net is preferably of a bright color such as yellow, green, white or a translucent white. The screen can also be formed by connecting small injection molded segments together thereby producing a larger screen. |
| US08468973B2 |
Excretion disposal sheet for pet animals
An excretion disposal sheet for pet animals that contains fragrance adapted to develop aroma effectively masking odor of excretion. The fragrance is in the form of a powder compound wherein the fragrance includes cyclodextrin and this particulate compound is sandwiched between an upper surface of a core material and a liquid-pervious sheet in the form of tissue paper overlying the upper surface. |
| US08468972B2 |
Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor
A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state. |
| US08468969B2 |
Dimensionally stable durable thermal spray masking system
A masking system protects portions of a part, such as a turbine engine component, to be coated. The masking system has a base, a conduit positioned on said base, a part to be coated being positioned over the conduit, and an annular plate positioned over the conduit and resting on a first portion of the part. |
| US08468967B2 |
Wide-slot nozzle
A device for applying a flowable medium onto a level workpiece surface, including a housing forming an elongated outlet nozzle for the medium and an essentially cylindrical media distributor which is rotatably arranged in the housing and includes a slot that changes its position relative to the outlet nozzle by rotating the media distributor and whose outer surface forms sealing surfaces which rest sealingly against sealing surfaces of the housing. In order to develop the device such that low- to medium-viscosity media can be applied with a closed surface onto a level workpiece surface, the media distributor is a pipe whose interior is formed by a reservoir that can be fed with the medium via a feed opening and that the slot extends in such a manner that, by rotation of the media distributor, it can be brought from an open position, in which it forms an open, continuous opening essentially over its entire length from the reservoir to the outlet nozzle, to a closed position in which the continuous opening is completely closed. |
| US08468966B2 |
Anchor with measurement coupling
Anchor comprising a fluke which can be introduced into an anchoring ground in accordance with a direction of penetration by exerting a pulling force on an anchor line connected to the anchor, and a measuring coupling which during introduction of the fluke forms part of a force transfer between the anchor line and the fluke, wherein the measuring coupling is provided with a first coupling member that is connected to the fluke, a second coupling member that is connected to the anchor line, a hollow coupling bar that couples the coupling members to one another, wherein the coupling members in the longitudinal direction of the bar engage onto the coupling bar at different places in order to be able to deform it, and a measuring body extending through the hollow coupling bar and which at least at its ends is connected to the coupling bar in order to deform along with the coupling bar, wherein the measuring body is provided with deformation sensors for recording the deformation parameters of the coupling bar. |
| US08468960B2 |
Seeding machine with seed delivery system
A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing. |
| US08468956B2 |
Collapsible transaction table
To provide a usable workspace for use at tradeshows, conventions and similar events, a collapsible transaction table is uniquely designed to provide transportability and flexibility regarding its setup. In its collapsed condition, the transaction table itself is contained and thereby easily transportable. In its expanded condition, components are provided to provide a usable transaction table which preferably sits at a countertop height but with which also may be modified to further extend into a countertop configuration. To achieve the counter top configuration, a pair of transaction tables are coupled with one another utilizing specifically configured bridging elements to thus create a stable and usable countertop. The transaction tables themselves include a collapsible base unit and tabletop elements which are removably attachable to the base units in an interlocking manner to provide additional stability. |
| US08468952B2 |
Dynamic weight management for a vehicle via hydraulic actuators
Methods and system are provided for a vehicle truck assembly which includes a spring coupling an axle carrier to a truck frame. In one example, the system comprises a substantially vertically-mounted hydraulic actuator which generates hydraulic forces between the axle carrier and the truck frame. The actuator includes a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod. Further, the actuator is coupled between the axle carrier and the truck frame with longitudinal and lateral play so that the axle carrier can move laterally and longitudinally with respect to the truck frame while the actuator applies hydraulic force. |
| US08468946B2 |
Low shrapnel door breaching projectile system
A modified 40 mm grenade round designed to breach doors without throwing a significant amount of shrapnel into a building's interior or back toward the shooter. The modified round includes a forward extension on the ogive. The extension is rigidly connected to a thrust column which transmits an impact load directly from the ogive's nose cap to the striker on the fuse assembly. This configuration detonates the explosive charge within the projectile while the explosive is still well outside the door. This early detonation throws a pressure wave again the door's exterior, forcing the door inward. |
| US08468945B2 |
Blast treatment method and blast treatment device
A blast treatment method enables easy and safe blast treatment of ammunition having propellant provided with a warhead having a bursting charge and a propulsion unit having a propellant. Comprised are a first explosive arrangement step of arranging a first explosive 70 on the outside of a warhead 11; a second explosive arrangement step of arranging a plurality of explosive members 80 including a second explosive 84 on the outside of the propulsion unit 12; a warhead blast step of causing detonation of a bursting charge 14 by detonation of a first explosive 70, thereby blasting the warhead 11; and a propulsion unit treatment step of causing deflagration of a propellant 18 by detonation of the second explosive 84, thereby performing combustion of the propulsion unit 12; the first explosive 70 is arranged at a position covering the periphery of the warhead 11, a high-pressure field is generated on the periphery of the warhead 11 by detonation of this first explosive 70, and by means of this high-pressure field, divergence of detonation energy of the bursting charge 14 to outside this high-pressure field is suppressed, and moreover the explosive members 80 are arranged at mutually separated positions whereby divergence of the combustion energy of the propellant 18 to the outside from the explosive members 80 is allowed, by which detonation of the propellant 18 is suppressed. |
| US08468941B2 |
Method for thermal development with supporting surface for a development medium
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element. The thermal development method includes heating the photosensitive element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of a composition layer in the element to liquefy, soften, or melt; supporting a development medium with a non-rotating surface to provide contact of the development medium with the heated photosensitive element; and providing relative movement between the development medium and the non-rotating surface. |
| US08468932B2 |
Self-retaining end cap for braking booster
A brake booster includes a housing configured for mounting to the master cylinder of a braking system. The housing defines a bore for receiving a power piston and an end cap, with a return spring disposed between the head of the piston and end cap. The housing and end cap define a recess and a rib sized to be received within the rib but configured for an interference fit between the end cap and housing outside the recess. The interference fit is calibrated to require a force to push the end cap into the bore that exceeds the force generated by the return spring when it is compressed between the end cap and the piston head. The recess and rib at least temporarily retains the spring within the bore until the brake booster is mounted to the master cylinder. |
| US08468931B2 |
Electro-mechanical control system for positioning fluid motors
A fluid motor and a control system that includes an electronic controller and a mechanical servo to position a fluid motor. The electronic controller is combined with a non-electronic self storing position feedback device. The electronic controller is capable of providing accurate positioning and the positioning is maintained with a mechanical servo mechanism. The fluid motor can be either hydraulically or pneumatically operated. |
| US08468927B2 |
Vehicle and structure shield with a cable frame
An ordinance, such as a rocket propelled grenade, shield includes a net with hard points at select nodes of the net and cable guides on the side of the net. Cables under tension extend through the cable guides supporting the net typically in conjunction with a top cross bar, spaced top struts, and spaced bottom struts. This framis design facilitates entering and exiting the vehicle or structure. |
| US08468926B2 |
Ballistic armor system
An armor and a system for projectile neutralization. The armor has at least one serrated plate or louvered plate system. The serrated plate has a base, recessed lands, raised lands, and columnar projections extending from the recessed lands to the raised lands to form serrations on the serrated plate. The louvered plate system has a series of angled plates, a base, a top and a support structure connecting the louvered plates with the base and the top. The system has a serrated or louvered armor plate configured to reduce a kinetic energy of the projectile and re-orient the projectile upon rupture through the armor plate, and has a projectile-receptor configured to capture the projectile after rupture through the armor plate. Projectiles which impact on the serrated or louvered plate system have a kinetic energy thereof reduced and become re-oriented upon rupture through the serrated or louvered plate system. |
| US08468917B2 |
Machine tool and boring method
In a machine tool including a supporting device and a tool rest, a workpiece is supported rotatably around a first axis by the supporting device, and a rotary tool or a boring tool for boring operations to machine an internal surface of the workpiece is coupled, rotatably around a second axis, to a rotary shaft of the tool rest. The tool rest is allowed to be turned around an axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the boring tool includes a tool holder adapted to be coupled to the rotary shaft and a bit which is angled with respect to an axis of the tool holder, whereby a boring operation is performed with the tool rest positioned at a predetermined oblique angle with respect to the first axis. |
| US08468915B2 |
Compact tool box with ratchet driving function
A tool box includes a body having a front end spaced from a force-receiving portion. The body includes first and second sides and two lateral walls. The lateral walls, the front end, and the force-receiving portion are integrally formed as a single and inseparable component of the same material. The front end includes a compartment. A receiving space is defined between the lateral walls and has an opening in the second side or the force-receiving portion. A ratcheting mechanism includes a main body mounted in the body and a ratchet wheel rotatably received in the main body. The ratchet wheel is located in a quarter corner of the body adjacent to the front end and the first side. A driving groove is defined in the ratchet wheel for engaging and driving a shank to rotate. A bit-receiving rack is removably received in the receiving space. |
| US08468912B2 |
Production method for an insertion end, such as for a drilling, chiseling or boring tool
A production method for an insertion end, especially for an insertion end of a drilling, chiseling or boring tool, including the following steps: a longitudinal groove is formed in the outer surface of a preferably cylindrical end piece of a blank, whereby the longitudinal groove acquires an open end section on a front face of the end piece. The outer surface of the end piece is surrounded by a die tool that engages into the longitudinal groove outside of its open end section. The open end section is closed in that the surrounded end piece is compressed by means of a stamp acting on the front face. The segmented, multi-component die tool preferably lies flush against the outer surface of the end piece outside of the longitudinal grooves. |
| US08468910B2 |
Filler member for crankshaft
A filler member to be installed in a crankshaft including a crank web includes: an arm member, extending in a diametrical direction of a crank journal, and a weight member extending in a radial direction of the crank journal. The filler member includes: a fitting member, a connecting member mounted on the bodies. The fitting member is fixed to an outer side face of the crank web. The connecting member is mounted on the bodies to stride the arm member on inner side face of the crank web. |
| US08468909B2 |
Electric lever device
An electric lever device includes a detent mechanism 6 between the rotational center shaft 3 and the handgrip 2. The detent mechanism 6 includes a pressing unit 10 including a through hole 11 formed in an axis C1 direction of the operation lever 1, an extension coil spring 12 inserted into the through hole 11 and balls 13a and 13b provided on both ends of the extension coil spring 12 for generating pressing force in the axis C 1 direction, and a guide unit 20 for guiding movement in a circumferential direction of the axis C 1 and changing the pressing force by changing a guide width in the axis C1 direction to apply a load to the movement of the operation lever 1 together with pulling force of a twisted coil spring 30. |
| US08468907B2 |
Shift arrangement
A shift arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission has a multiplicity of gear stages. The shift arrangement has a shift shaft which is aligned in an axial direction and has a multiplicity of shift members which are designed to engage on shift sleeves which can be displaced axially in order to shift the gear stages. The shift shaft is mounted so as to be rotatable in order to select in each case one of the shift sleeves and so as to be axially displaceable in order to shift the gear stages. The shift members have in each case one driver device for coupling to the shift shaft. The shift shaft has a coupling arrangement which is designed to engage, depending on the rotational position of the shift shaft, in each case with a driver device of one of the shift members in order to couple that shift member axially to the shift shaft. The driver devices have in each case a multiplicity of at least three lugs which are aligned in the axial direction and which make it possible for the associated shift member and the shift shaft to be coupled to one another in a multiplicity of axial relative positions. |
| US08468905B2 |
Operating device for control valve
An operating device with an operating lever for a control valve includes: an input member connected to the operating lever; an output member connected to a slide spool of the control valve; and a swing link for relaying a displacement of the input member to the output member. The swing link is swingable about a swing shaft center on one end and is connected to the input and output members. A latch portion in the swing link is farther than a connecting point with the output member from the swing shaft center. A lock body is switchably operable between a lock position and a release position, and at the lock position, engaged with the latch portion at a neutral position to limit a swing of the swing link about the swing shaft center by which the control valve is locked at a neutral state. |
| US08468899B1 |
Wet natural gas sampling method and apparatus
A system for on-stream sampling of pressurized process gas such as natural gas or the like, said pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as “wet”. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for obtaining an accurate sample of said wet process gas, as well as providing an apparatus for obtaining same. |
| US08468897B2 |
Measuring system for determining and/or monitoring flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube
A measuring system for determining and/or monitoring flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, including: at least one ultrasonic transducer; and at least one control/evaluation unit, which, on the basis of measurement signals or on the basis of measurement data derived from the measurement signals, ascertains volume- and/or mass-flow of the medium flowing in the measuring tube; wherein the ultrasonic transducer has at least one electromechanical transducer element, which sends and/or receives ultrasonic signals; and at least one coupling layer in the region between electromechanical transducer element and measured medium, which coupling layer conducts the ultrasonic signals, and which ultrasonic transducer is acoustically coupleable with the measuring tube and at least partially fittable on the outer shape of the measuring tube and which electromechanical transducer element is flexible. |
| US08468894B2 |
Measuring cell and a method of use therefor
The present invention is a measuring cell with a base body, a measurement membrane which is arranged on the base body, and a measurement device, where a clearance between the measurement membrane and the base body is filled with a fluid which presents an increased heat conductivity (κ) compared to air. |
| US08468893B2 |
Pressure meter
There is provided a pressure gauge which enables swinging and rotation with respect to a pressure gauge body capable of visually confirming the pressure indication of pressure to be measured. A tubular pressure introduction section 6 through which the pressure to be measured is introduced into the inside is inserted in a pressure introduction port 21 and adapted to be rotatable with respect to a pressure gauge body 2 capable of visually confirming the pressure indication of the pressure to be measured, enabling swinging. A rotating cap 11 rotatable in a circumferential direction is also adapted to be rotatable with respect to this pressure gauge body 2, which can rotate together with a liquid crystal indicator 100 on a substrate 10 attached to the rotating cap 11. |
| US08468891B2 |
Tissue processing device with ultrasonic measuring chamber
A device is operable to measure the size of tissue particles. The device includes a reservoir for receiving tissue particles and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to emit ultrasonic energy toward tissue particles in the reservoir. Control circuitry is operable to process ultrasonic energy received from the ultrasonic transducer to determine the size of tissue particles in the reservoir. If the tissue particles are larger than a predetermined size range, the particles may be minced to reduce their size. If the tissue particles are smaller than a predetermined size range, the particles may be disposed of. It the tissue particles have a size within a predetermined range, they may be processed further, such as by stimulating the tissue particles and dewatering the tissue particles. The tissue particles may then be incorporated in a medical fluid and be therapeutically administered to a patient. |
| US08468889B2 |
Apparatus for the non-destructive testing of samples using ultrasonic waves
An apparatus provides for the non-destructive testing of samples. The samples can in this respect also be formed from critical materials which change their properties during manufacture, for example on a hardening or solidification. In an apparatus in accordance with the invention, at least one ultrasonic pressure wave transducer is arranged at a forward cell. The forward cell is filled with a liquid and is placed with an open side at one side onto a surface (A) of a conversion prism, in the form of a solid body, so that the liquid and the surface (A) are in touching contact. The conversion prism is placed with a further surface (B) onto a surface of a sample to be tested. At least one ultrasonic pressure wave transducer can be positioned or is positioned at the forward cell at at least two positions (T1, T2) so that the positions are arranged at an equal spacing from the center of the surface (A) of the conversion prism, said surface being placed onto the sample. |
| US08468886B2 |
Yaw rate sensor and method for operating a yaw rate sensor
A yaw rate sensor includes a substrate which has a main plane of extension and a Coriolis element which is movable relative to the substrate. The yaw rate sensor has an excitation arrangement for exciting a drive oscillation of the Coriolis element along a first direction parallel to the main plane of extension. The yaw rate sensor has a detection arrangement for detecting a Coriolis deflection of the Coriolis element along a third direction which is perpendicular to the main plane of extension. In addition, the yaw rate sensor has a quadrature compensation structure which includes a comb electrode structure and a plate capacitor structure. |
| US08468885B2 |
Dispense volume monitor for arrays
The reagent volume dispensed into wells (3) of a test plate (2) is determined by moving an upper electrode (5) of specific profile into each well to an optimum position above the well bottom, by determining the capacitance value of the capacitor formed by the upper electrode in each well and a lower electrode (6) arranged adjacent to the lower outside surface (11) of the test plate below each well, and by comparing the measured capacitance value with reference calibration values. |
| US08468880B2 |
Test stand for motor vehicles
A test stand for motor vehicles, in particular a roller type or belt conveyor brake test stand, comprising a measuring device (2) that has a measuring sensor (1) for collecting test data, is characterized with respect to an especially flexible and quasi location independent operability by a chargeable energy accumulator (3) for providing the electric energy required to operate the measuring device (2) and by a feeding device (4) for feeding energy into the energy accumulator (3). |
| US08468878B2 |
Method and arrangement for fully automatic function checking of internal combustion engines
The invention relates to a method or an arrangement for function checking of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, in which an external testing and measuring system is connected via a diagnostic interface to an on-board diagnostic and control system, and after the start of the testing process, the testing system triggers control signals to adjust the defined operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, and performs and documents analyses. To ensure an automatic testing process, it is proposed to launch a safety routine in the diagnostic and control system that interrupts the automatic testing process when certain signals are present from on-board control and/or operating devices. |
| US08468874B2 |
Laser indicator for remote measuring devices and methods therefor
Provided is a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest, including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of the phenomenon of interest and generating a detection signal in response thereto. The device also includes a phenomenon origin locator to monitor the detection signal and project light toward the origin when the detection signal satisfies a selected criteria level, thereby indicating the origin of the phenomenon of interest. |
| US08468873B2 |
Method for characterising the knock-resistance of fuels
A method for characterizing the knock-resistance of a fuel using a test engine is disclosed, wherein the time versus cylinder pressure curve of the test engine during combustion of the fuel in the test engine is determined. This pressure signal is, in turn, compared with the corresponding pressure signal of at least one standard fuel of known knock-resistance. |
| US08468871B2 |
System and method for monitoring parameters in containers
A system for measuring parameters in a container is disclosed. A system for measuring multiple parameters includes a container having a solution, at least one sensor in conjunction with a tag is in proximity to an impedance analyzer and a reader that constitute a measurement device. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the solution. The tag is configured to provide a digital ID associated with the sensor, where the container is in proximity to the reader and an impedance analyzer. The impedance analyzer is configured to send and receive a given range of frequencies from the sensor, based on the parameter and calculate parameter changes based on the response. |
| US08468865B2 |
Building panel and panel crimping machine
An improved panel crimping machine for crimping a building panel having a curved central portion is disclosed. The building panel includes a novel curved central portion connected to two diverging inclined side wall portions in lieu of a straight central portion. Replacing the straight curved portion with a curved portion provides the building panel with increased strength and rigidity, thereby allowing the building panel to withstand increased positive and negative bending moments. Thus, a building constructed of panels having such curved central portions will reduce the present design constraints and increase the size and shape of buildings constructed of such panels. |
| US08468860B2 |
Multiple laundry machine
A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads. |
| US08468859B2 |
Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use. |
| US08468854B2 |
Sinker
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a sinker that can produce pile loops of different lengths. The sinker has a nib and a belly formed separately on one end thereof. A throat is formed between the nib and the belly. The nib has a bulge formed on a top edge thereof. The throat has a recess formed on a top edge of the belly. With the bulge and the recess, multiple vertical gaps of different lengths are provided. When yarns are placed at different relative positions, pile loops of different lengths are made by the same sinker. Thus, the sinker results in fabrics with variant appearances and good tactile impression. |
| US08468852B2 |
Soot pressing for optical fiber overcladding
A method and an apparatus for making an optical fiber preform comprising the steps of (i) depositing a plurality of rods are deposited into an inner cavity of an apparatus; (ii) depositing particulate glass material in the inner cavity between the rods and the inner wall; and (iii) applying pressure against the particulate glass material to pressurize the particulate glass material against the plurality of rods. |
| US08468851B2 |
Vacuum degassing apparatus and vacuum degassing method for molten glass
A vacuum degassing apparatus for molten glass is comprised of an uprising pipe, a vacuum degassing vessel, a downfalling pipe, an upstream side pit that supplies molten glass to the uprising pipe, and a downstream side pit that receives molten glass from the downfalling pipe. The vacuum degassing apparatus for molten glass is further comprised of a separating mechanism that separates a part of molten glass moving from the downfalling pipe to the downstream side pit, and a returning pipe that returns separated molten glass to the upstream side pit. |
| US08468850B2 |
Bending method for a glass plate and bending apparatus for a glass plate
In a preliminary forming step, positioning of a glass sheet is facilitated, and generation of a hinge mark by a flapping mechanism and generation of excessively bent portions, are prevented at the same time. |
| US08468848B2 |
Refrigerator
The present invention relates to a refrigerator in which an evaporator is mounted in an inside of a barrier partitioning a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber. With the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator for cooling the refrigerating chamber is received in the barrier portioning the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber, making it possible to increase inner capacity of the refrigerating chamber. |
| US08468847B2 |
Aircraft air-conditioning unit and method for operating an aircraft air-conditioning unit
An aircraft air-conditioning unit (10) includes a compressor (18) and a motor (20) driving the compressor (18). A fuel cell system (24) is connected directly to a control unit (22) for controlling the motor (20) driving the compressor (18), wherein the control unit (22) is adapted to convert electrical energy directly generated by the fuel cell system (24) into corresponding electrical control signals for controlling the motor (20) driving the compressor (18). In a method for operating an aircraft air-conditioning unit (10), which includes a compressor (18) and a motor (20) driving the compressor (18), a control unit (22) for controlling the motor (20) driving the compressor (18), which is directly connected to a fuel cell system (24), converts electrical energy directly generated by the fuel cell system (24) into corresponding electrical control signals for controlling the motor (20) driving the compressor (18). |
| US08468843B2 |
Temperature control system in a parked vehicle
An air-conditioning system for vehicle temperature control incorporates a thermostat having contacts, and a circulation contour, including a condenser, an expansion valve essentially connected with the condenser, an evaporator connected sequentially with the expansion valve, a first tee splitter connected to a common line, a second tee splitter connected to the condenser, a main compressor connected with the first tee splitter and with the second tee splitter, a supplemental compressor connected with the first tee splitter and the second tee splitter. The supplemental compressor is operatively controlled by the thermostat and powered by a supplemental battery. In embodiments, the supplemental compressor is electrically connected with the supplemental battery and operatively controlled by a control circuitry including a power relay, an air-condition relay, and the contacts of thermostat. The proposed system reduces pollutions and saves energy. |
| US08468842B2 |
DX system having heat to cool valve
Alternative means of inhibiting frosting in the interior heat exchanger of a DX system when switching from the heating mode to the cooling mode, plus an improved insulation and heat transfer means for vertically oriented sub-surface geothermal heat transfer tubing, as well as a means to protectively coat the sub-surface metal tubing of a DX system in a corrosive environment. |
| US08468838B2 |
Thermoacoustic refrigerators and engines comprising cascading stirling thermodynamic units
The present invention includes a thermoacoustic assembly and method for improved efficiency. The assembly has a first stage Stirling thermal unit comprising a main ambient heat exchanger, a regenerator and at least one additional heat exchanger. The first stage Stirling thermal unit is serially coupled to a first end of a quarter wavelength long coupling tube. A second stage Stirling thermal unit comprising a main ambient heat exchanger, a regenerator, and at least one additional heat exchanger, is serially coupled to a second end of the quarter wavelength long coupling tube. |
| US08468835B2 |
Hybrid gas turbine engine—electric motor/generator drive system
A method of operating a drive system for a load is disclosed. The drive system may have an electric motor/generator and a gas turbine engine. The engine may have a combustor, and main and pilot flow paths via which fuel is supplied to the combustor. The engine may be operable in low and standard emissions modes. A proportion of the fuel that is supplied to the combustor via the pilot flow path may be greater in the standard emissions mode than in the low emissions mode. The method may include determining an engine power requirement of the load, and whether the engine power requirement of the load is sufficiently large to operate the engine in the low emissions mode. Additionally, the method may include operating the electric motor/generator if the engine power requirement of the load is not sufficiently large to operate the engine in the low emissions mode. |
| US08468833B2 |
Burner arrangement, and use of such a burner arrangement
A burner arrangement includes a tubular mixing tube extending along an axis and configured to mix fuel and air, the mixing tube opening into a combustion chamber in a direction of flow; and a film air ring disposed in the mixing tube and arranged concentrically to the axis, the film air ring configured to prevent a backfiring of the fuel disposed in the mixing tube and to generate or reinforce an air film near the wall, wherein the film air ring has at least one annular gap concentric to the axis and configured to inject air. |
| US08468831B2 |
Lean direct injection for premixed pilot application
Embodiments of this invention provide a premixed pilot assembly for use with a fuel nozzle for a turbine. The level of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emitted by the pilot is reduced by mixing the fuel and air fast, at the end of the pilot nozzle, thereby avoiding significant zones of rich fuel and air mixtures. The air is mixed with the fuel through the use of openings in a first cylinder and a second cylinder, one of which carries air and one of which carries pilot fuel. The openings can be configured as necessary to obtain a desired effect on the pilot. |
| US08468830B2 |
Inlet air heating and cooling system
A heating and cooling system for inlet air of a turbine compressor. The heating and cooling system may include a fluid coil positioned about the turbine compressor and a thermal energy storage tank. The fluid coil and the thermal energy storage tank are in fluid communication such that fluid is both provided to the fluid coil from the thermal energy storage tank for exchanging heat with the inlet air and returned to the thermal energy storage tank without further heat exchange. |
| US08468826B2 |
Axial turbine wheel
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. |
| US08468821B2 |
Dual-loop control systems and methods for a sequential turbocharger
A system for a sequential turbocharger includes a loop control module, a set-point module, and a loop operation module. The loop control module generates a loop control mode signal based on an engine speed signal and an engine load signal. The loop control mode signal indicates one of a single-loop control mode and a dual-loop control mode. The set-point selection module determines at least one of a boost pressure set-point value and an exhaust pressure set-point value based on the loop control mode signal, the engine speed signal, and an engine torque signal. The loop operation module operates at least one of a variable geometry turbine and a bypass valve of the sequential turbocharger during the single-loop control mode based on the boost pressure set-point value, and during the dual-loop control mode based on the boost pressure set-point value and the exhaust pressure set-point value. |
| US08468818B2 |
HST cooling circuit
There are provided: an HST hydraulic circuit that is formed through a closed circuit connection of a variable displacement hydraulic pump 2 and first and second variable displacement hydraulic motors 3 and 4; a charge pump 6 that replenishes the HST hydraulic circuit with hydraulic oil; a cooling circuit through which an excess of the hydraulic oil that has been replenished from the charge pump 6 to the HST hydraulic circuit is returned to a reservoir through the hydraulic pump 2, the first hydraulic motor 3, and the second hydraulic motor 4; a hydraulic source 7 that supplies hydraulic oil to an hydraulic device other than the first and second hydraulic motors; and a merge circuit through which a portion of hydraulic oil from the hydraulic source 7 is merged into an intermediate oil line 22 that lies downstream of the first hydraulic motor 3 and upstream of the second hydraulic motor 4 in the cooling circuit. |
| US08468814B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08468812B1 |
Exhaust scavenging system
An exhaust scavenging system for an internal combustion engine including exhaust passages extending from the engine and an exhaust outlet system. A collector extends from the bundled ends of the exhaust passages to the exhaust outlet system. A central exhaust passage extends into the collector from a central position among the bundled exhaust passage outlets. The transverse cross-sectional area of the central exhaust passage through at least half of the transition collector portion from the outlet plane is not substantially less than the transverse cross-sectional area of the central exhaust passage at the outlet plane in the extended position and does decrease continuously through the transition collector portion from the outlet plane in the retracted position. |
| US08468807B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system and exhaust gas purification method
An exhaust gas purification system which, in a wider temperature range, can reduce and remove nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas by a reduction catalyst with the use of hydrogen as a reducing agent is provided. The exhaust gas purification system has an electronic control device (41) which controls an EGR valve (4) and an EGR pipe (5) so that the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas obtained from a data map based on the state of an engine (10) becomes less than a predetermined value, and which controls a microreactor (19) so that hydrogen is added to the exhaust gas when the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas is less than the predetermined value. |
| US08468802B2 |
Exhaust gas system
An exhaust gas system for combustion engines is provided having at least one exhaust gas duct, in particular an exhaust pipe, and having an exhaust gas treatment device such as an oxidation catalyst, an SCR catalyst or a diesel particulate filter downstream of the exhaust gas duct, wherein, to improve the efficiency of downstream gas treatment devices, at least one secondary flow duct, in particular a secondary flow pipe, is provided in the exhaust gas duct with a cross-section reduced with respect to the exhaust gas duct which imparts coerced guidance of some of the exhaust gas flow differing from the actual exhaust gas flow. |
| US08468789B2 |
Rotary disk crop harvesting header with an auger member
A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening. A crop converging system includes two over-shot auger elements defined by a common auger shaft with an auger flight carried thereon arranged generally longitudinal of the cutter bar so as to carry the cut crop longitudinally of the cutter bar to the entrance opening. Each auger element is arranged with a forwardmost tangent to the auger flight located behind the axes of the rotary disks and with an outer end thereof spaced outwardly of the respective end of the entrance mouth. The common auger shaft is driven by a common rotary drive with the bottom roll of the conditioner rolls. The augers terminate inwardly of the outer end of the cutter bar to locate the drive inboard of the end plates. |
| US08468788B1 |
Lawn mower system
A deck having a horizontally oriented top wall and a vertically oriented side wall and an opened bottom. The deck has a front and a back. A pair of front wheels extend from the side wall adjacent to the front. A pair of rear wheels extending from the side wall adjacent to the rear. An open front is formed in the side wall forwardly of the front wheels. An open side is formed in the side wall laterally between a front and adjacent rear wheel. An open rear is formed in the side wall rearwardly of the rear wheels. A motor is mounted in a central region of the deck with a rotatable drive shaft extending vertically downwardly therefrom. A rotatable blade is mounted on the drive shaft. |
| US08468786B2 |
Method for forming a reclose mechanism on a reclosable package
A food package for sliced food products to be maintained with a fluffed appearance, the package including a rigid base member forming a compartment for receiving the food product and a rigid lid sealed to the compartment. Advantageously, the base member includes a bottom wall and side wall portions that are configured to engage the food product to hold the slices in a fluffed arrangement thereof. Preferably, one or more tapered side wall portions hold the food product upwardly toward the lid and inwardly toward a center of the package. In preferred embodiments, the base member and lid provide a rigid-rigid construction of the food package. In preferred embodiments, the food package is also configured to stand-up in a vertical display orientation and does not require the food product be contained within a sealed pouch within the compartment. |
| US08468779B2 |
Method and apparatus for positioning, inflating, and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner
The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for forming and/or sealing an inflatable mailer. Particularly, the disclosed apparatus comprises an inflation assembly that comprises upper and lower support arms and at least one inflation nozzle. In addition, the disclosed apparatus comprises a sealing assembly comprising upper and lower support arms, upper and lower heat seal jaws, two solenoids, and at least one heat seal element. |
| US08468774B2 |
Structural building components and method of constructing same
Structural building components and a method of constructing the same enable improved beams that can be constructed at a place of use. The method includes providing a first flange (16) and a second flange (18) defining a central beam axis (55). A number of separately formed web sections (12) are provided, each having two convergent side walls (42) and a central wall (40) extending between converging ends of the side walls (42). The web sections (12) are arranged side by side in an alternating arrangement wherein the central walls (40) of adjacent web sections (12) are spaced substantially parallel to each other and are transversely staggered relative to the central beam axis (55). The side walls of adjacent web sections (12) are connected to one another, and the web sections (12) are connected to both the first flange (16) and second flange (18). |
| US08468773B2 |
Carved solid face doors having a raised panel design and methods of fabrication
Carved solid face doors having a raised panel design and methods of manufacture thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a carved, solid face door may include a solid base having a face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a raised panel design carved into at least one section of the face, the raised panel design framed by flat portions carved into the face; and one or more overlays attached to the flat portions of the face and framing the raised panel to emulate the appearance of a floating raised panel construction. |
| US08468770B2 |
Floor covering product and method of using same
The invention comprises an improved floor covering product. The floor covering product comprises a floor covering material having a face surface and a back surface. On the back surface of the floor covering material is a layer of polyurethane having a cure index of between approximately 70 and 90. A method of using the floor covering product is also disclosed. |
| US08468769B2 |
Reversible decorative moldings between floor and wall or wall and ceiling
A reversible molding is disclosed having multiple decorative face which differ from one another by at least one property. Such properties can include texture, color, pattern or design or shape. The molding can suitably be used at the joint between a wall and floor or between a wall and ceiling. In one embodiment, the moldings are manufactured from wood, MDF or HDF, with a decorative surface selected from foil, laminate, veneer, paint, stain or digital printing. |
| US08468768B2 |
Anchoring in a construction model
A method suitable for anchoring an anchoring element in an object, which anchoring element is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral anchoring element surface and the compression axis. The anchoring element has a coupling-in face which serves for coupling the mechanical vibrations into the anchoring element, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The anchoring element further includes a thermoplastic material which in areas of the peripheral surface enlargement forms at least a part of the surface of the anchoring element, the method includes the steps of: providing a bore in the object; positioning the anchoring element in the bore; and coupling the compressing force and the mechanical vibrations through the coupling-in face into the positioned anchoring element. |
| US08468766B1 |
Precast concrete flange connection and method of use
A metal flange connection for concrete flanges comprising end members exposed at facing ends of a pair of adjacent, generally horizontal concrete flanges and a connecting member between the end members. Each of the end members has a surface along the end of the concrete flange and the connecting member has a first portion extending between the end members in a first generally horizontal plane and a second portion extending between the members in a second generally horizontal plane above or below the first generally horizontal plane. The first and second portions are connected by a third portion extending between the members and the first and second planes. The connecting member portions provide resistance to a force tending to translate the concrete flanges in a vertical direction with respect to each other. |
| US08468762B2 |
Strut accessory for lining a wall and including membrane clamping claws, and wall lining device including such accessory
A spacer accessory including: a shank extending in an axial direction, one end of which includes a mechanism for securing the shank to a structural element of the wall that is to be lined and the other end of which includes a mechanism assembling the shank with lining studwork; two claws surrounding the shank; and a mechanism locking the two claws against one another with axial clamping. |
| US08468760B1 |
Blast-resistant foundations
Blast-resistant foundations are presented that can be used to support a tower, a building, a building supporting a tower, and a tower supporting a building. These foundations can be transported to an installation site and rapidly deployed. They are comprised of one or more precast foundation blocks that do not penetrate the ground beneath them, do not require adjacent foundation blocks to be bound to one-another at their sides with interconnecting steel, and do not require the buildings and/or towers they support to use guy-wires. They can include protected cavities that contain utility equipment and supplies, and they can include conduits from these cavities that can be extended upward through one or more legs of a tower. |
| US08468759B2 |
Fire retardant cover for fluted roof deck
A fire retardant cover is disclosed herein for covering a ceiling-side recess of a fluted roof deck and for providing a flat surface for installation of a head-of-wall track (associated with a steel stud wall assembly). The fluted roof deck has an undulating bottom surface that defines a plurality lengthwise recesses corresponding to a plurality of ceiling-side flutes of the fluted roof deck. The fire retardant cover is substantially flat and configured to sealingly cover at least one of the plurality of lengthwise recesses. The fire retardant cover comprises a piece of sheet metal bent to define first and second upwardly extending protrusions. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other by a substantially flat web section and have laterally facing outer top surfaces matched to sealingly contact lengthwise bottom surfaces of one of the plurality of recesses of the fluted roof deck when the fire retardant cover is installed. |
| US08468757B2 |
Photovoltaic roofing systems and methods for installing them
The present invention relates to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are disposed upon roofing elements such as shingles, tiles, shakes or slates. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing system comprising: a first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements; a bus bar batten system extending across the headlap regions of the first plurality of roofing elements, the bus bar batten system comprising one or more rigid supports and an electrical interconnection system; a first plurality of photovoltaic elements, each disposed on a butt region of one of the first plurality of roofing elements, each operatively engaged with the electrical interconnection system of the bus bar batten system; and a second plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements disposed on the roof deck and covering the bus bar batten system and the headlap regions of the first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements. |
| US08468753B2 |
Drilling rigs and erection methods
Systems and methods for erecting a drilling rig. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). |
| US08468751B2 |
Method of stowing and deploying wall panels
A method of moving panels from a stowed position to a deployed position includes supporting a first panel on a cam, rotating the cam in a first direction and lowering the first panel which separates the first panel from the cam and supports the first panel on a flexible lift member. Supporting a second panel on a support rack, biasing the second panel into engagement with the cam, rotating the cam in the first direction to transfer the second panel from the support rack to the cam. Further rotating the cam in the first direction, lowering the second panel to transfer the second panel from the cam to the first panel, so that the flexible lift member bears the weight of the first and second panels through the connection between the first panel and the flexible lift member. Fixing the first and second panels through a tongue and groove engagement. |
| US08468746B2 |
Sealing systems for garage door
A sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame comprises a plurality of pins extending from the frame; a movable member, within the frame, including a plurality of slots; and a first seal drive system connected to the movable member. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the movable member is movable between a first, unlocked position and a second, locked position, and individual ones of the plurality of pins extending through individual ones of the plurality of slots. |
| US08468745B2 |
Garage door opener lift and storage mechanism
A lifting and storage mechanism for storing a component in a garage using the energy of a powered garage door opening and closing system is disclosed. The lifting and storage mechanism includes a pulley system for raising and lowering the stored components and a latching mechanism having a spring latch for securing the components in a stored condition. In order to lower the stored components from a storage position, an operator initiates manual release of the spring latch or activation of an electromechanical release combined with activation of the motor of the powered garage door opening and closing system. |
| US08468744B2 |
Latch mechanism with extended side wall
A latch mechanism adapted for being coupled to a window sash, which travels within a window frame, is disclosed which includes a main housing having a sidewall including one or more sidewall sections. The sidewall including one or more sidewall sections extends around at least a portion of the housing and defines an interior space and includes an opening in said sidewall at one end of said housing. The sidewall further defines a channel within the interior space of the main housing, which has an end that coincides with said opening. At least one of the sidewall sections which is substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the bolt is adapted to extend down from the top of the top rail of the window sash along at least a portion of the external surface of a corresponding one of the front facing and the back facing of the top rail. The latch mechanism further includes a bolt, which is substantially located within said housing and travels along said channel. The bolt has a first end which is adapted for extending through the opening of said housing and extending into the side jamb of the window frame. The latch mechanism still further includes a tension device coupled to the bolt and the main housing for biasing the bolt toward a position where the bolt extends at least partially through the opening. |
| US08468741B2 |
Semi-automated crop production system
A semi-automated crop production featuring a growing module with grids of cells for growing plants and a lighting and airflow fixture positioned above each cell. The lighting and airflow fixture features a fan disposed in a housing, a light emitting diode (LED) assembly board comprising LEDs disposed below the fan; a light diffuser disposed below the LED assembly board, and an adjustable air flow nozzle extending downwardly from the fan and protruding through the LED assembly board and the light diffuser. The adjustable air flow nozzle provides directed air flow downwardly toward a bottom area of the housing. |
| US08468740B1 |
Adjustable fishing tackle box system
The fishing tackle box includes a container, a plurality of first guide slots spaced along a first sidewall of the container, a plurality of second guide slots spaced along a second sidewall of the container, and at least one lure holder having an angular panel including a plurality of spaced apart slots for receiving at least one fishing lure with a hook of the fishing lure positioned below the panel and a body of the fishing lure positioned above said panel. At least one first protrusion extends laterally outward from a first sidewall of said lure holder and at least one second protrusion extends laterally outward from a second sidewall of said lure holder to be collectively received by at least one first guide slot and at least one second guide slot. The lure holder may be comprised of different sizes to hold different sizes or numbers of fishing lures. |
| US08468739B2 |
Dropper-rig fly assembly storage box
A storage device that effectively organizes and protects dropper-rig, fly-fishing assemblies and the leaders that connect them. The device has an openable cap that creates a watertight interior through which a guide extends from the closed end of the device toward the cap. In operation, a user opens the cap of the device and slides an extension along the guide outward from the center of the outer case. With the extension fully exposed, a user attaches previously created dropper-rig assemblies. To attach an assembly, a user takes one of the two flies comprising a dropper-rig assembly and hooks it anywhere on a flexible sleeve that surrounds the extension. He then wraps the leader line, (the line that connects the two flies) around the sleeve until the second fly is in a position to be hooked to the sleeve. A user then returns the extension to within the outer case and seals the device by locking down the cap. |
| US08468736B2 |
Twist grip drive handle outrigger positioner
A twist grip drive handle outrigger device for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member houses a twist grip drive handle assembly that allows manual rotation of the outrigger pole. The driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide an unlocked condition by the twisting of the handle thereby allowing adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vice versa. |
| US08468735B1 |
Firearm auxiliary rear sight
A firearm auxiliary sight is stored below the firearm optical sight and quickly deployable by means of activation of a lever which disengages the sight whereby a spring moves it outwardly from a housing. During deployment the auxiliary sight is rotated to an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the firearm and simultaneously the sight aperture is rotated upwardly. |
| US08468734B2 |
Pistol accessory
An accessory for a semi-automatic pistol having a slide, the accessory including a pair of protruding engaging members for engagement by a hand or fingers of a user, a mounting element coupled to each engaging member, for releasably mounting the engaging member on the slide of the pistol. Preferably, the accessory further includes a mounting plate slideably engagable in a rear slot of the slide, and the mounting elements are affixable to the mounting plate. |
| US08468732B2 |
Trigger assembly
A trigger assembly including a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, a front portion, a rear portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. A recess is defined in the housing between the upper portion and the lower portion. First and second guide channels are defined in the first side portion and the second side portion respectively. A trigger lever is configured to pivot within the housing about a pivot point positioned at least partially within the housing, the trigger lever having a body, a trigger bar extending in a first direction from the body, and a safety bar extending in a section direction from the body. A safety mechanism includes a first guide rail, a second guide rail spaced apart from the first guide rail, and a blocking member extending between the first guide rail and the second guide rail. |
| US08468731B2 |
Muzzleloading rifle with breech plug having primer seal facility
A firearm having a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, with the barrel having a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel and has a breech face. The barrel moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel and/or the breech plug's rear face. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug includes a central passage that communicates between the primer and the flash hole. The passage forms a primer pocket at the breech end of the breech plug. The primer pocket has a diameter greater than the central passage. A circumferential groove in the primer pocket receives an O-ring. The O-ring encompasses the primer's cylindrical exterior to create a seal. |
| US08468730B2 |
Ammunition magazine
An ammunition magazine including a housing having a base, a follower spring-biased in the housing against the base, a belt coupled to the follower for pulling the follower towards the base, a belt collecting and release mechanism mounted in the base, the belt being coupled to the mechanism for shortening the belt around the wheel when the magazine is rolled along a surface in a forward direction, whereby the belt pulls the follower into the magazine to permit loading of cartridges into the magazine, and for preventing rotation of the wheel to release the belt when the base is rolled along a surface in a rearward direction. |
| US08468729B1 |
Buffer tube
Disclosed herein is an improved buffer tube assembly comprising a buffer tube having a longitudinal forward end, a longitudinal rearward end, and an inner annular surface. The buffer tube further comprises an attachment location operably configured to couple the buffer tube to a lower receiver of a firearm. One novel feature is a dead blow buffer positioned at the longitudinally rearward portion of the buffer tube. The buffer tube comprising an external surface configured to fit within and substantially in contact with the internal bore surface of the buffer tube, wherein the dead blow buffer is configured to receive an impact from a buffer that is attached to a buffer spring fitted within the buffer tube. In one form, the dead blow buffer is positioned between the rearmost portion of the inner annular surface of the buffer tube and the buffer spring. |
| US08468728B2 |
Breakaway outdoor signs
An outdoor sign resistant to wind damage includes a support column; a display having secured and released positions, a lower edge and a central vertical axis aligned with the axis of the column when the sign is in the secured position; a lower horizontal arm with opposed ends mounted on the upper end of the support column; an upper horizontal arm with opposed ends attached to the display, the upper arm being parallel to the display lower edge and the lower support arm when the display is in the secured position; a pivot mechanism joining the support arms adjacent one end; and a retainer mechanism between the opposite ends of the support arms, the mechanism releasibly securing the support arms to each other when the sign is in the secured position. The retainer mechanism is unlatched when the wind force is greater than a predetermined value. |
| US08468725B2 |
Mounting pin assembly for an excavator wear member
A mounting pin assembly having a retaining member which includes a locating surface and a boss extending from the locating surface. The mounting pin assembly also has a locating member slidably mountable upon the locating surface of the retaining member. The locating member also has an enlarged portion defined by an outwardly divergent face. The mounting pin assembly also has a tensioning member extending between and coupling the boss of said retaining member and the locating member. The tensioning member is configured to cause relative contraction of the mounting pin assembly such that the locating member is drawn upon the locating surface of the retaining member towards the boss when a tensile force is applied to the tensioning member. |
| US08468724B2 |
Mounting of wear members
A retaining pin assembly for an excavator tooth assembly. The retaining pin assembly has opposable locating members each having a shank portion able to be slidably insertable via a respective retaining pin aperture on opposite sides of a wear member into a transversely extending mounting aperture of a mounting nose of an excavator. Each locating member also has an enlarged inwardly convergent tapered wedge portion adjacent a normally outer end. The retaining pin assembly also has a tensionable retaining member extending between the locating members from one side of the retaining pin assembly. When tension is applied to the retaining member relative contraction of the locating members occurs to urge the wear member into engagement with the mounting nose by wedging engagement between each of the wedge portions and a rear wall of respective retaining pin apertures. |
| US08468722B2 |
Shoe, in particular running shoe or ski boot, and skiing equipment
A shoe contains an adjustable space for the foot and several fluidically connected chambers. In order to adjust the space for the foot, the flowability of a magnetorheological fluid can be influenced by one or more devices that generate a magnetic field and thereby adjust the space for the foot resulting in a better fitting of the shoe. The novel system may also be implemented in orthoses (e.g., pronation correction) or in complete shoes with orthotics devices for correcting musculoskeletal abnormalities. |
| US08468715B2 |
Method for drying wood product and product obtained thereby
A method for forming an engineered wood product from pulpwood, comprising providing a quantity of pulpwood; crushing and scrimming the pulpwood to form a mat; drying in a first drying step the mat in a first pass dryer; applying a resin to the mat; and, drying in a second drying step the mat in a second pass dryer. The drying process controls moisture content using the rate of change between the entering and exiting airflow temperature. The resulting product has a high modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture. |
| US08468714B2 |
Method for the simultaneous storage and drying of sewage sludge
The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous storage and drying of sewage sludge, comprising the following steps: a) mechanically dewatering the sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; b) applying the dewatered sewage sludge to a floor of a greenhouse-type drying hall in which a transparent building envelope forms the roof over the floor; c) drying the sewage sludge using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; d) mechanically dewatering additional sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; e) introducing the dewatered additional sewage sludge into the drying hall and mixing the additional sewage sludge with the sewage sludge already in the drying hall; f) drying said mixture using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; and g) evacuating the mixture from the drying hall or repeating steps d) to f), wherein in step e), the additional sewage sludge is mixed with the mixture in the drying hall rather than with the sewage sludge in the drying hall. |
| US08468712B2 |
Method for bonding a transparent substrate to a liquid crystal display and associated device
A “dam and fill” method for bonding a transparent substrate to a liquid crystal display is disclosed which method provides means for effectively containing uncured/partially cured adhesive prior to bonding using the method. Also described is an associated device, made using the “dam and fill” method, which has precise targeted spacing between the transparent substrate and the liquid crystal display. |
| US08468708B2 |
Hemostatic patch
The present disclosure relates to a surgical patch and methods of using the same. The surgical patch includes a body having a substrate, a longitudinal slit bisecting at least a portion of the body, and at least one additional slit extending from the longitudinal slit defining a retractable section. The surgical patch of the disclosure may be used, for example, to provide hemostasis at a site of anastomosis. The present disclosure also provides kits including such surgical patches, as well as templates that permit one to cut the patch to a desired size and/or shape. |
| US08468706B2 |
Test device for testing distance between centers of two through holes
A test device for testing whether the distance between centers meets specifications includes a support member, a benchmark member set on a first end of the support member, to be positioned at the first through hole, a test member set on a second end of the support member, to be positioned at the second through hole, and a sliding member defining a receiving slot. The test member is also slidable in a direction perpendicular to the slidable direction of the test member. If the test member can enter the receiving slot, the first article is qualified, if test member cannot enter the receiving slot, the second article does not meet the required standard. |
| US08468701B1 |
Folding knife assembly
A folding knife assembly includes a blade assembly which is disposable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The blade assembly includes a fixed blade portion and a movable blade portion, wherein the fixed blade portion and moveable blade portion are cooperatively structured to engage one another in an interlocked configuration when the blade assembly is disposed in an open configuration. The folding knife assembly also includes a positioning assembly structured to facilitate disposition of the blade assembly between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A locking assembly is provided and is structured to operatively engage at least a portion of the positioning assembly to releasably secure the blade assembly in the open configuration, and to operatively disengage the positioning assembly to permit disposition of the blade assembly into a closed configuration. |
| US08468695B2 |
Machine and method for machining crankshaft ends
A machine which comprises two machining heads (1, 2) designed to machine crankshaft (5) ends and two machining stations (3, 4) designed to receive and secure at least one crankshaft (5). The machining stations (3, 4) are disposed between the two machining heads (1, 2). The crankshafts (5) are mounted in such a manner as to be disposed parallel to each other and oriented at 180°. |
| US08468694B2 |
Remanufactured cylinder liner flange replacement
The present disclosure, in one form, provides a process for remanufacturing a flanged cylinder liner, comprising the steps of machining a top portion of the cylinder liner to remove the cylinder liner flange, thereby creating a flange seat portion, preparing the top portion of the cylinder liner to receive a replacement cylindrical flanged sleeve collar, aligning the center axis of the cylinder liner with the center axis of the cylindrical flanged sleeve collar, placing the sleeve collar into contact with the cylinder liner such that the cylindrical flanged sleeve collar abuts with the flange seat portion and affixing the cylindrical flanged sleeve collar onto the liner. |
| US08468693B2 |
Dielectric device and method of manufacturing the same
A dielectric device has a first conductor and a dielectric disposed thereon. An intermediate region is formed between the first conductor and dielectric. In the intermediate region, an additive different from the first conductor and dielectric and the dielectric are mixed with each other. The additive contains at least one element of Si, Al, P, Mg, Mn, Y, V, Mo, Co, Nb, Fe, and Cr. |
| US08468691B2 |
Method for producing an electronic module by means of sequential fixation of the components, and corresponding production line
A process for manufacturing an electronic module including a printed-circuit board, at least one first-type component and one second-type component is disclosed. The process involves placing solder on the board, putting the first-type component in a first position, heating the entire board to melt the solder, resulting in soldering of the first-type component, putting the second-type component in a second position such that the second-type component has leads bearing on the board via the solder, and heating the solder locally to melt the solder such that the second-type component is soldered by applying two electrodes on each lead of the second-type component and making an electrical current flow between the electrodes to heat each lead of the second-type component. Each of the two electrodes directly contacts each lead of the second-type component to make the current flow between the two electrodes via the corresponding lead of the second-type component. |
| US08468690B2 |
Holding member for use in test and method for manufacturing same
A holding member for use in a test includes a base made of silicon or glass and chips in which devices are formed is mountable thereon. Positioning members made of resist sheets are formed on the top surface of the base. A resist film is formed on the bottom surface of the base, and suction grooves (intersection portions, connection portions) and support members are formed in the resist film. Suction holes are formed in regions of the top surface of the base where the chips are mounted, wherein the suction holes are formed through the base and communicate with the suction groove. |
| US08468689B2 |
Method of producing a multi-element assembly
A plurality of individual elements are imparted with reverse axial twist and collectively twisted into a multi-element assembly. Each individual element has an axial twist direction in an opposite direction from the axial twist direction of the collective multi-element assembly. The reverse axial torsion in the assembly tightly binds the plurality elements in the assembly to resist separation. |
| US08468687B2 |
Component mounting apparatus
In a component mounting apparatus, a picking member picks components and mounts them on a board through movements of a plurality of moving members driven by motors. The apparatus is provided with a regenerative electric power control section for controlling regenerative electric power produced by regenerating a motion energy when each of the motors is decelerated; power supply sections for the motors each for exchanging electric power with the regenerative electric power control section; and a control section. When two moving members are moved, the control section begins to start and accelerate one of the two moving members in synchronized relation with a timing of beginning to decelerate and stop the other moving member and controls the regenerative electric power control section to utilize a regenerative electric power which is obtained from the motor driving the other moving member, in starting the motor which drives the one moving member. |
| US08468685B2 |
Wire forming device
A wire forming device for applying a paste material on an insulating substrate to form a wiring pattern. The wire forming device includes a paste material application unit which includes an atomizing unit atomizing the paste material and a nozzle spraying the atomized paste material onto the insulating substrate. The atomizing unit includes: a medium supplying portion which mixes a medium with a carrier gas to form a mixed gas and an atomizing portion. The atomizing portion holds the paste material and brings the mixed gas into contact with the paste material to atomize the paste material, thereby making a mist stream of the mixed gas and the paste material as the atomized paste material fed to the nozzle. The wire forming further includes a mixing ratio adjusting unit adjusting a mixing ratio of the paste material to the mixed gas in the mist stream. |
| US08468678B2 |
Expandable retrieval device
A device for retrieving an intravascular device from a body lumen is disclosed. A retrieval device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a braided member coupled to an elongated shaft member. The braided member may include a number of filaments defining a radially expandable inner lumen configured to receive and encapsulate the intravascular device therein. An elastomeric jacket disposed about at least a portion of the braided member may encase the filaments. |
| US08468674B2 |
Device and method for supplying structural components to an assembly zone
A device for the preferably automated supply of structural components to an assembly zone for producing a fuselage portion of an aircraft by multi-shell construction is provided and can include at least one side shell support for introducing at least one side shell, and at least two positioning towers for moving and aligning at least one side shell inside device. The device enables side shells to be quickly and precisely supplied to an assembly zone for production of an entire fuselage portion. It is possible to dispense completely with the hitherto required manual and therefore time-consuming “hovering” of side shells and other large structural components, such as upper shells, lower shells, floor frames and other technical equipment systems necessary for the production of a fuselage portion, this process being prone to problems and difficult to control. |
| US08468663B2 |
Method for manufacturing an apparatus for generating electric energy
A method for manufacturing an apparatus for generating electrical energy may include; disposing a nanowire including a piezoelectric material on a first electrode, disposing an active layer, which is electrically connected to the nanowire, on the first electrode, disposing an insulating film on the nanowire, disposing a conductive layer on the active layer, and disposing a second electrode in proximity to the nanowire and substantially opposite to the first electrode. |
| US08468659B2 |
Fixing device
A device for fixing a first and second object with respect to one another includes a base which has a first channel or sleeve and a second channel or sleeve each suitable for receiving the first and second objects, respectively. A first member is and a second member are movably connected to the base. The first and second members can be moved into a locking position whereby the first member projects into the first channel, and the second member extends into the second channel. |
| US08468658B1 |
Adjustable belt assembly
An adjustable belt and buckle mechanism typically used with clothing, but not exclusive to this use. In one embodiment, the belt assembly has a unique design using hook-and-loop fasteners, as well as metal hook and eye fasteners, in combination with a double-loop buckle that joins the two ends of the belting via the buckle for an adjustable and easily closable belting, cinching, or tie down product. |
| US08468654B2 |
Hinge assembly and electronic device using the same
An embodiment of a hinge assembly includes a main body defining a shaft hole, a connecting shaft including an inserting end rotatably received in the shaft hole, and an expansion member forming a tapered portion and axially positioned in the shaft hole. An end surface of the inserting end toward the expansion member defines a tapered hole corresponding to the tapered portion, and the tapered portion is pressed into the tapered hole to expand the inserting end to resist the inner surface of the shaft hole, thus rotatably connecting the connecting shaft to the main body. |
| US08468652B2 |
Decelerating device
A decelerating device (1) comprises a cylinder (2) filled with a fluid, a bushing (3) for the closure of the cylinder (2) traversed by a rod (4) sliding in the cylinder (2), and a piston (5) guided to slide inside the cylinder (2) and fitted with means (7) for the calibrated through passage of the fluid, the piston (5) is separate from the rod (4) and there are also first elastic means (8) for the movement of the piston (5) in the direction of extraction from the cylinder (2) and second elastic means (9) independent of the first elastic means (8} for the movement of the rod (4) in the direction of extraction from the cylinder (2). |
| US08468648B1 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning air conditioner evaporator coils
An air conditioning coil cleaning system including a portable vacuum blower equipped with a plurality of fluid supply reservoirs and a fluid pump, a suction hose with an electric power cord and fluid supply lines attached to a remote hand held brush head containing an elongated oscillating wiper brush. Fluids may be selectively sprayed onto coils being cleaned while vacuuming to reduce airborne debris and debris accumulation in the coil catch pan. |
| US08468647B2 |
Surface treating head
A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt, which may be further enhanced by an air duct, in the form of a slot, which draws air over some of the working edges. The invention permits a tool with a lower profile to be manufactured than would be achievable by providing separate flow paths between the respective channels and the outlet. |
| US08468644B2 |
Method of and apparatus for cleaning a floor
An apparatus for use in cleaning a floor uses a flat mop including a generally flat mop head having a handle and absorbent fabric material. The mop head is foldable to a folded condition, wherein a loop of the fabric material depends from the folded parts. The fabric material is inserted into cleaning liquid to wet the material. The mop head is introduced to a wringer to wring the material between the jaws and a wringing surface. The damp absorbent fabric material is used to mop the floor. The floor is dried using a separate drying tool that includes a head secured to a handle, and one or more attachment devices to attach a dry absorbent cloth to the head. The floor is dried by applying the cloth to the floor using the tool and moving a dry portion of the cloth over the floor. |
| US08468640B2 |
Windshield wiper with vibration actuator
A scrubber assembly (14) for a windshield wiper (10) having a wiper arm (12) includes a scrubber housing (22) attached to the wiper arm. The scrubber housing (22) has an interior volume (66) and at least one opening (58). A rod (68) is at least partially disposed in the interior volume (66) and is displaceable from a first position to a second position. A brush assembly (42) is attached to the rod (68) with at least one flexible connecting member (76) that extends through the at least one opening (58) to the brush assembly. When the rod (68) is in the first position, a first portion of the flexible connecting member (76) protrudes from the opening (58), and when the rod is displaced to the second position, a second portion of the flexible connecting member that is larger than the first portion protrudes from the opening. |
| US08468639B2 |
Tool for extracting material from a container
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for extracting material from a container includes a handle and a knife blade. The handle has a neck and a primary axis. The knife blade is coupled to the handle and has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is configured to conform to a bottom surface of the container. The second edge is configured to conform to an interior wall of the container. An oblique angle is formed by the first edge and the second edge. Another oblique angle is formed between the primary axis of the handle and the first edge of the knife. |
| US08468633B2 |
Floor-cleaning equipment
A cleaning device includes a base body, a rotatable brush roller disposed on the base body, a dirt container disposed on the base body, a cloth holder attached removably to the base body, and a cleaning cloth attachable to the cloth holder. |
| US08468630B2 |
Wheel weight tool
A wheel weight tool includes a handle connected to a hammer head on a first end and having a first hook on a second end. The first hook may be adapted for removing a wheel weight. The hammer head has a soft end and a hard end. The hard end may include a second hook. |
| US08468626B2 |
Cab sleeper
The present invention is directed to a self-leveling sleeper having an interior gimbals member pivotally connected to an exterior gimbals member via a second pivoting means. The exterior gimbals member has a first pivoting means oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to said second pivoting means. An attitude sensor and correction sending unit is operably connected to control the displacement of the exterior gimbals member and interior gimbals member to displace a mattress platform to either a stowed position or a level position. |
| US08468618B2 |
Sink insert
A device that can be inserted into a sink to collect water for reuse, the device comprising a water tight body portion adapted to hold water, a drain opening to enable water to be drained from the device, closure means to enable the drain to be closed when not required, and means to hold the device generally within the sink. |
| US08468616B2 |
Vacuum-aided toilet
A vacuum-aided toilet comprises a toilet bowl, a deodorization pipeline, a flushing pipeline, a sensing switch (4) and a control device. A flushing port of the toilet bowl is communicated with the deodorization pipeline. The deodorization pipeline is communicated to a vacuum device. Inside the toilet bowl are provided a trap I (1.1), a trap II (1.2) and a draining port (1.3). The flushing pipeline being connected to the flushing port of the toilet bowl and the trap II (1.2), respectively. The sensing switch (4) is connected to a control device, which controls the deodorization pipeline and the flushing pipeline. An ejector (2.4) mounted on an air discharge pipeline (2.5) is directly driven by gas from an air outlet of a ventilating fan (2.2), so that vacuum is produced in a draining pipe. Thus the vacuum-aided toilet can save water and get rid of the odor. |
| US08468614B2 |
Fluid container carrying device and a neck protection device provided with such a fluid container carrying device
A fluid container carrying device including a back piece and a front piece forming a pocket having an opening for receiving and holding a fluid container, wherein the fluid container carrying device further including a first strap provided with a first fastener for fastening to a first side portion of a neck protection device, a second strap provided with a second fastener for fastening to a second side portion of the neck protection device, and a fastening means arranged on the back piece of the pocket for fastening to a rear lower member of the neck protection device. The present invention also relates to a neck protection device provided with such a fluid container carrying device. |
| US08474059B2 |
Apparatus and method for embedding and extracting information in analog signals using distributed signal features and replica modulation
Apparatus and methods are provided for embedding or embedding digital data into an analog host or cover signal. A distributed signal feature of the cover signal in a particular domain (time, frequency or space) is calculated and compared with a set of predefined quantization values corresponding to an information symbol to be encoded. The amount of change required to modify the signal feature to the determined target quantization value is calculated and the cover signal is modified accordingly to so change the feature value over a predefined interval. Information symbols are extracted by the opposite process. In one embodiment, the predefined value is a short term auto correlation value of the cover signal. |
| US08474056B2 |
Method and apparatus for token-based virtual machine recycling
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a virtual machine token associated with a virtual machine running on a particular device and a secure image of the virtual machine. The virtual machine token may include a timestamp indicating when the virtual machine was established. The apparatus may receive a token indicating that the particular device is attempting to access a resource. In response, checking the validity of the virtual machine running on the particular device based at least in part upon the timestamp associated with the virtual machine token and a time threshold associated with the virtual machine. If the virtual machine is invalid, then the apparatus may communicate at least one token to initiate the recycling of the virtual machine by replacing the invalid virtual machine with the stored secure image of the virtual machine. |
| US08474055B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing digital content
A method and apparatus for managing digital content are provided. The apparatus for managing digital content generated by applying digital rights management (DRM) includes: a content execution unit executing digital content; and a control unit confirming whether or not digital content is in a first period in which the digital content can be normally executed, and controlling the content execution unit so that, if the digital content is in the first period, the digital content can be executed normally, and if the digital content is in a second period which is not in the first period, the digital content can be executed in a manner which can be distinguished from that of execution in the first period. According to the apparatus and method, execution of digital content, which is close to expiration, can be controlled, thereby managing the expiration of the digital content for a user. |
| US08474052B2 |
User-administered license state verification
The product keys of software applications that can be utilized to identify, and activate to a higher functional state, legitimate copies of such software applications can be asymmetrically encrypted. Such encrypted product keys can be provided to potential purchasers without fear of theft of the original product keys. The encrypted product keys can be provided to an independent, trusted third-party validation authority that can decrypt such encrypted product keys and can, such as in conjunction with the software application manufacturer, verify the validity of the software applications associated with such product keys. For software applications bundled on a computing device, a tool can be executed by either the seller or potential purchaser to collect and display encrypted product keys for verification purposes. For software applications sold in an online environment, an escrow service can be utilized to keep, and provide when requested, product keys of software applications offered for sale. |
| US08474051B2 |
Information processing system, information processor, image forming apparatus, and information processing method
An information processing system including multiple apparatuses capable of executing one or more applications and an information processor connected to the apparatuses through a first network is disclosed. The information processing system includes a license status information obtaining part configured to obtain the license status information of the applications installed in each of the apparatuses from the corresponding apparatuses through the first network, a license data obtaining part configured to obtain license data authorizing usage of the applications from a computer connected through a second network based on the license status information, and a license data delivery part configured to deliver the license data to each of the apparatuses. |
| US08474047B2 |
Remote collection of computer forensic evidence
The invention is directed to techniques for allowing a user to remotely interrogate a target computing device in order to collect and analyze computer evidence that may be stored on the target computing device. A forensic device receives input from a remote user that identifies computer evidence to acquire from the target computing device. The forensic device acquires the computer evidence from the target computing device and presents a user interface for the forensic device through which the remote user views the computer evidence acquired from the target computing device. In this manner, forensic device allows the user to interrogate the target computing device to acquire the computer evidence without seizing or otherwise “shutting down” the target device. |
| US08474041B2 |
Autonomous diagnosis and mitigation of network anomalies
Autonomous diagnosis and mitigation of network anomalies may include creating a plurality of sketch matrices wherein each sketch matrix corresponds to an individual hashing function and each row in each sketch matrix corresponds to an array of hashed parameters of interest from multiple network devices for a given period of time, the parameters of interest being configurable by an administrator. A principal components analysis (PCA) input matrix is created for each of the sketch matrices by computing an entropy value for each element in the sketch matrices, and principal components analysis (PCA) is performed on each of the PCA input matrices to heuristically detect a network anomaly in real time. |
| US08474040B2 |
Environmental imaging
A method and system for detecting whether a computer program, sent to a first computer having an operating environment including a plurality of files, includes malware is provided. A second computer obtains a plurality of environment details of the operating environment of the first computer. The second computer simulates in the second computer the presence of the plurality of files in the operating environment by exhibiting the plurality of environment details without installing the plurality of files in the second computer. The second computer executes the computer program in the second computer with the simulation and determines whether the computer program attempts to access or utilize the plurality of files in a manner indicative of malware. If not, the second computer records and generates a notification that the computer program is not malware. |
| US08474035B2 |
VPN network client for mobile device having dynamically constructed display for native access to web mail
An integrated, multi-service network client for cellular mobile devices is described. The multi-service network client can be deployed as a single software package on cellular mobile network devices to provide integrated services including secure enterprise virtual private network (VPN) connectivity, acceleration, security management including monitored and enforced endpoint compliance, and collaboration services. The VPN network client is programmed to receive a web-based home page from an enterprise VPN appliance, process the web-based home page to identify a bookmark embedded within the response that corresponds to an enterprise webmail for the user and dynamically construct a user interface to have an input control native to the cellular mobile device for launching a native email client of the cellular mobile device to access the email without launching a web browser. |
| US08474030B2 |
User authentication system using IP address and method thereof
A method for authenticating a user by IP address check includes: receiving a URL and a session cookie from a client; determining whether or not an IP address of the client has been changed based on the session cookie; resetting the session cookie, if the IP address has been changed, by adding the changed IP address as a temporary IP address thereto; determining whether or not the URL is required to perform IP address check; requesting a re-login to the client if it is determined that the URL is required to perform IP address check; and adding the temporary IP address to a valid IP address list for the user if the re-login is successful. |
| US08474025B2 |
Methods and apparatus for credential validation
A secure credential validation compares stored and received modified credentials, e.g., biometric credentials, such that the validating system does not have access to the unmodified credentials. A capture system and a credential validation system are operatively coupled to a network (e.g., the Internet). The credential validation system is configured to store a set of modified stored credentials associated with the principal, receive a set of modified received credentials, and perform a credential validation procedure to validate the modified received credentials, wherein the credential validation procedure performs a one-way consistency test to compare the modified stored credentials and the modified received credentials. The credential validation procedure employs one or more similarity measures, e.g., a weighted quorum of exact matches, a discrete N-ball (or “N-shell”) intersection, or a client-based algorithm with encryption. |
| US08474018B2 |
Role-based attribute based access control (RABAC)
Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving an access request from a user device, the access request including an identity claim for a user; evaluating a risk of access based on matching an attribute of the user device with attributes stored in a user information database; authenticating the access request based on the identity claim and the risk evaluation to determine an authentication confidence level; generating a token based on the confidence level and the attribute matched; producing an authorization response based on inputs from the token, a risk based access control, a role based access control, and an attribute based access control, in which the authorization response determines whether to allow access to a system, deny access to the system, or request additional input from the user device. |
| US08474017B2 |
Identity management and single sign-on in a heterogeneous composite service scenario
A server device that includes a memory to store identity information for a group of users, policy information, and context information for a group user devices. The server device also includes a processor to receive, from another server device, a request for login credentials, associated with a user of a user device, that enable a third party application to access a service provider on behalf of the user, the request including identity information associated with the user and context information associated with the user device; verify the identity of the user based on a determination that particular identity information is stored in the memory; authorize the disclosure of the particular identity information based on a determination that the context information matches particular context information stored in the memory and that the policy information permits the disclosure of the particular identity information; and send the particular identity information, that includes the login credentials, to the other server device based on the verified identity and the authorized disclosure. |
| US08474015B2 |
System and method for managing feature enablement in an information handling system
A system to manage a key license includes an information handling system having non-volatile memory accessible to a processor. The non-volatile memory stores feature enablement information related to a feature that the information handling system is adapted to provide. The non-volatile memory stores instructions that are accessible to the processor and executable by the processor to send the feature enablement information to an external system after the information handling system is deployed, and to request the feature enablement information, or other feature enablement information, from the external system in response to receiving a request for the information handling system to provide the feature. |
| US08474014B2 |
Methods for the secure use of one-time passwords
Methods for authentication over unsecure networks using one-time passwords methods are provided. The methods establish a connection over a first channel between an authentication system and a user's computing system, then the authentication system determines information based on the connection over the first channel, such as the IP address and other information that can be readily found once the IP address is known. The information derived from the connection is then provided to the user over a second channel, and the user is given an opportunity to review the information before deciding whether to continue the login. If the information returned to the user over the second channel is suspicious, this can indicate to the user that the connection over the first channel has been compromised. |
| US08474011B2 |
On-line centralized and local authorization of executable files
A system and system for controlling the execution of executable files. The executables are identified by either a cryptographic digest or a digital certificate. The cryptographic digest is computed from the binary image of the executable. An executable that is attempting to execute is intercepted by a protection module that consults a database of stored rules over a secure channel to determine whether or not the executable can be identified as a permitted executable and whether or not it has permission to execute on a particular computer system under certain specified conditions. If a stored permission is available, it is used to control the execution. Otherwise, the user is consulted for permission. |
| US08474008B2 |
Methods and devices for managing events linked to the security of the computer systems of aircraft
The invention in particular has as an object methods and devices for management of events linked to the security of aircraft computer systems. After having received at least one information item relating to the detection (110) of at least one event, the latter is characterized (125) according to at least one rule of a plurality of predetermined rules, that can be updated, to allow the establishment of a security report according to the said characterization of the said at least one detected event. The said at least one event advantageously is detected according to a set of predetermined events, the said set of predetermined events being updated according to a previously detected event. |
| US08474007B2 |
System and method of controlling identity privacy in a communication session
A system and methods for controlling identity privacy in a communication session include processing, at a communication server, a request from a first participant of the communication session to add a second participant to the communication session. Based on the request, the communication server establishes a set of privacy rules related to the second participant that control sharing of identity information between the second participant and a third participant of the communication session. |
| US08474002B2 |
Method and system for adaptive disk management
Provided herein are at least one embodiment of systems and methods of adaptive disk management for a recording device employing a memory storage device such as hard disk storage so that memory storage device usage is tracked in the recording device and the memory storage device is controlled based on time-based patterns of user behavior. |
| US08473998B1 |
Network coding for multi-resolution multicast
A method, apparatus and computer program product for utilizing network coding for multi-resolution multicast is presented. A network source partitions source content into a base layer and one or more refinement layers. The network source receives a respective one or more push-back messages from one or more network destination receivers, the push-back messages identifying the one or more refinement layers suited for each one of the one or more network destination receivers. The network source computes a network code involving the base layer and the one or more refinement layers for at least one of the one or more network destination receivers, and transmits the network code to the one or more network destination receivers in accordance with the push-back messages. |
| US08473994B2 |
Communication system and method
A media appliance and corresponding method, the media appliance comprising a video signal source such as a TV receiver, and signal processing apparatus for generating a corresponding sequence of frames for output to a screen. The appliance comprises a client application programmed to capture one of the frames and use the captured frame to generate an image to represent a user in relation to bidirectional communications over a packet-based network. |
| US08473992B2 |
Multichannel data transfer apparatus and its method
The multichannel data transfer apparatus is connected to a transmission line in which a plurality of connected nodes have their respective transmission channels and transmit compressed data in a predetermined present embodiment in accordance with bandwidths assigned to the respective channels, and the multichannel data transfer apparatus includes a calculating device that, when there is a request to change the number of transmission channels used to transmit compressed data in the transmission period, calculates a data compression rate and a transmission bandwidth for each of the transmission channels to be used in transmitting the compressed data to the transmission line when the number of the transmission channels is actually changed, and a notifying device that notifies each transmission channel of at least one of the calculated transmission bandwidth and transmission compression rate. |
| US08473988B2 |
Display apparatus and display method
There is provided a display apparatus including display means for displaying images, electronic program guide display means for causing the display means to display an electronic program guide, selection means for draggably & droppably selecting the part of the electronic program guide displayed by the electronic program guide display means, icon display means for, when the part selected by the selection means is dragged, causing icons corresponding to the part to be displayed by being superimposed on the electronic program guide, and execution means for, when the part is dropped onto the icon caused by the icon display means to be displayed by being superimposed on the electronic program guide while the part displayed in the electronic program guide being dragged by the selection means, causing a function associated with the icon to be executed. |
| US08473984B1 |
Dynamically switching between unicast and broadcas on a mobile communications network
A method, system, and medium are provided for dynamically switching between unicast and broadcast carriers for delivering content in a mobile network. A first listing of channels is provided to a client mobile device, wherein a first unicast content stream is associated with a first channel. A determination is made to provide an event through a broadcast carrier over the first channel. The first content stream is disassociated with the first channel, and the broadcast event is associated with the first channel. A broadcast alert is communicated to the client mobile device to indicate the change. A second listing of channels is provided to the client mobile device. |
| US08473982B2 |
Interface for watching a stream of videos
A computing device provides a display of a plurality of channel previews for a plurality of channels in a channel control area in a user interface, the display distinguishing a first channel preview of the plurality of channel previews that pertains to a first channel of the plurality of channels. The computing device further provides a display of a first set of video previews for a first set of videos in a video control area in the user interface, the first set of video previews being associated with the first channel preview. Responsive to the computing device receiving an input identifying a second channel preview of the plurality of channel previews that pertains to a second channel of the plurality of channels, the computing device replaces the first set of video previews in the video control area with a second set of video previews associated with the second channel preview. |
| US08473981B1 |
Augmenting metadata of digital media objects using per object classifiers
A metadata augmentation system trains individual classifiers associated with digital objects, such as digital videos. Textual features of the classifiers determined to be significant from the weights of the classifier are chosen to be added to the video as metadata. |
| US08473980B2 |
Method of processing EPG metadata in network device and network device for controlling the same
A method of processing EPG metadata in a network device includes performing a services discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider, and requesting specific SGDDs (service guide delivery descriptors) or specific fragments. |
| US08473977B2 |
Dynamic advertisement copy insert
A method of dynamic advertisement insertion is disclosed where an essentially limitless number of non-staged, unbound advertisement advertisements are made available for advertisement insertion. The dynamic advertisement insertion may include the use of stage, bound advertisements so as to permit dynamic insertion of staged and non-staged advertisements. |
| US08473976B2 |
Consumer managed credit based advertisements
A device may include a storage device and a processor. The storage device may be configured to store video programs and advertisements. The processor may be configured to display a graphical user interface that provides a list of video programs and advertisements stored in the storage device, receive a user selection of a video program and advertisement in the list of video programs and advertisements, provide the advertisement to a content presentation device for user viewing, track whether the device plays the advertisement, determine a number of credits for playing the advertisement, and credit the user account based on the number of credits. |
| US08473973B2 |
Recordable optical record carrier
The present invention relates to a recordable optical record carrier for recording information using a radiation beam having wavelength λ and incident on an entrance surface of the optical record carrier comprising, in this order: a protective layer facing the entrance surface; first recording stack (L0), the recording stack comprising a recording layer of an organic dye material and a groove structure; a transparent spacer layer sandwiched between the neighboring recording stacks; and a second recording stack (LN) comprising a recording layer, wherein the groove depth of the recording layer of the first recording stack (L0) is in a range from 0.241*λ/nS to 0.362*λ/nS, where nS is a refractive index of a material in a land between grooves on the groove structure. |
| US08473970B2 |
Framework for integrating applications
A framework for integrating applications using the Workflow Toolkit provides a graphical development environment for developing an Extensible Workflow. The Workflow Toolkit may include a user interface displaying a first list of application programming interface (API) services provided by a first application and a second list of API services provided by a second application. The Workflow Toolkit may then generate an integration component in response to a user selecting both a first API service from the first list and a second API service from the second list. The integration component can then be called from the first API service, and the integration component in turn calls the second API service. In response to the second API service being called, the second API service may return a result. When this result is received by the integration component, the integration component may return an integration result based on the result received from the second API. |
| US08473969B2 |
Method and system for speeding up mutual exclusion
In a multiprocessor computer system, a lock operation is maintained with a thread using non-atomic instructions. Identifiers are assigned to each thread. Flags in conjunction with the thread identifiers are used to determine the continuity of the lock with a thread. However, in the event continuity of the lock with the thread ceases, a compare-and-swap operation is executed to reset the lock with the same thread or another thread. Similarly, in the event there has been a collision between two or more threads requesting the lock, a compare-and-swap operation is executed to assign the lock to one of the requesting threads. Accordingly, prolonged ownership of a lock operation by a thread is encouraged to mitigate use of atomic operations in granting of the lock to a non-owning thread. |
| US08473965B2 |
Net-timer daemon
User space applications can utilize custom network protocol timers. A registration request is received from an application to register a custom timer. Responsive to receiving the registration request, a handle is created. The handle is a pointer to be used by the application to reference the custom timer. The handle is forwarded to the application. When a custom timer is required, a request to use a custom timer is received from an application. The kernel is then requested to start the custom timer. A determination is then made as to whether a receipt confirmation is received from the kernel before expiration of the custom timer. |
| US08473964B2 |
Transparent user mode scheduling on traditional threading systems
Embodiments for performing cooperative user mode scheduling between user mode schedulable (UMS) threads and primary threads are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, an asynchronous procedure call (APC) is received on a kernel portion of a user mode schedulable (UMS) thread. The status of the UMS thread as it is being processed in a multi-processor environment is determined. Based on the determined status, the APC is processed on the UMS thread. |
| US08473955B2 |
Reducing processing overhead and storage cost by batching task records and converting to audit records
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for processing documents for electronic discovery. A request may be received to perform a task on documents, each document having a distinct document identifier. A task record may be generated to represent the requested task. The task record may include information specific to the request task. However, the task record need not include any document identifiers. At least one batch record may be generated that includes the document identifier for each of the documents. The task record may be associated with the at least one batch record. The requested task may be performed according to the task record and the at least one batch record. An audit record may be generated for the performed task. The audit record may be associated with the at least one batch record. |
| US08473954B2 |
Executing operations via asynchronous programming model
A method and a system execute operations, called jobs, via an APM model, in a MES system. The job execution is requested in an application defining an abstract Job class. The abstract Job class includes: an abstract method for job execution, called Execute, wherein a set of jobs to be executed is implemented, at engineering time, within the Execute method, when implementing a set of classes derived from the abstract Job class; a method for executing the job in asynchronous mode, called ExecuteAsync, the ExecuteAsync method runs the Execute method by following APM rules; and a method for executing the job in synchronous mode, called WaitForExecution, the WaitForExecution method runs the ExecuteAsync method waiting for its completion. At run time, by the application, requests the job execution in asynchronous mode by invoking directly the ExecuteAsync method or in synchronous mode by invoking the WaitForExecution method. |
| US08473953B2 |
Batching transactions to apply to a database
Provided are a method, system and program for batching transactions to apply to a database. A transaction manager receives a plurality of transactions to apply to a database and adds the transactions to a work queue. One of a plurality of agents processes a batch of transactions from the work queue. Each agent executes a batch of transactions from the work queue against the database independent of the operations of other of the agents executing batches of transactions. The agent applies the transactions in the batch against the database and commits the transactions in the batch to the database in response to completing all of the transactions. |
| US08473952B2 |
System and method for communication between concurrent transactions using transaction communicator objects
Transactional memory implementations may be extended to include special transaction communicator objects through which concurrent transactions can communicate. Changes by a first transaction to a communicator may be visible to concurrent transactions before the first transaction commits. Although isolation of transactions may be compromised by such communication, the effects of this compromise may be limited by tracking dependencies among transactions, and preventing any transaction from committing unless every transaction whose changes it has observed also commits. For example, mutually dependent or cyclically dependent transactions may commit or abort together. Transactions that do not communicate with each other may remain isolated. The system may provide a communicator-isolating transaction that ensures isolation even for accesses to communicators, which may be implemented using nesting transactions. True (e.g., read-after-write) dependencies, ordering (e.g., write-after-write) dependencies, and/or anti-dependencies (e.g., write-after-read dependencies) may be tracked, and a resulting dependency graph may be perused by the commit protocol. |
| US08473949B2 |
Methods for supporting users with task continuity and completion across devices and time
Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing task continuity and supporting task completion across devices and time. A task management application is configured to monitor one or more interactions between a user and a device. The interactions can include the use of the device, the use of one or more applications, and/or other tasks, subtasks, or other operations. Predictive models constructed from data or logical models can be used to predict the attention resources available or allocated to a task or subtask as well as the attention and affordances available within a context for addressing the task and these inferences can be used to mark or route the task for later reminding and display. In some embodiments, the task management application is configured to remind or execute a follow-up action when a session is resumed. Embodiments include providing users with easy to use gestures and mechanisms for providing input about desired follow up on the same or other devices. |
| US08473948B1 |
Method for synchronizing independent cooperative thread arrays running on a graphics processing unit
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for synchronizing the execution of multiple cooperative thread arrays (CTAs) implementing a parallel algorithm that is mapped onto a graphics processing unit. An array of semaphores provides synchronization status to each CTA, while one designated thread within each CTA provides updated status for the CTA. The designated thread within each participating CTA reports completion of a given computational phase by updating a current semaphore within the array of semaphores. The designated thread then polls the status of the current semaphore until all participating CTAs have reported completion of the current computational phase. After each CTA has completed the current computational phase, all participating CTAs may proceed to the next computational phase. |
| US08473946B2 |
Efficient recording and replaying of non-deterministic instructions in a virtual machine and CPU therefor
The output of a non-deterministic instruction is handled during record and replay in a virtual machine. An output of a non-deterministic instruction is stored to a buffer during record mode and retrieved from a buffer during replay mode without exiting to the hypervisor. At least part of the contents of the buffer can be stored to a log when the buffer is full during record mode, and the buffer can be replenished from a log when the buffer is empty during replay mode. |
| US08473945B2 |
Enabling system management mode in a secure system
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for enabling system management mode in a secure system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor includes sub-operating-system mode logic, virtual machine logic, and control logic. The sub-operating-system mode logic is to support a sub-operating-system mode. The virtual machine logic is to support virtualization. The control logic is to prevent virtualization from being enabled when the sub-operating-system mode is disabled. |
| US08473942B2 |
Changable deployment conditions
Methods and apparatuses receive a plurality of files including a software package having code to execute a program on a system with specific attributes, the software package to contain a list identifying specific system attributes required to execute the program. An installation process for the software package is initialized on a system with at least one system attribute that is compatible with the program but not identified by the list of system attributes in the software package, the installation process to identify the system attributes and configured to fail if the system attributes differ from the list in the software package. The installation process identifies an external list of system attributes from the plurality of files separate from the software package wherein the external list of attributes identifies the compatible attribute. The installation process is then executed based on the external list of system attributes. |
| US08473941B2 |
Dynamic file system restriction for portable storage devices
A method of installing an application on a portable storage device is disclosed. The method includes receiving file system commands issued by an installer application and selectively intercepting and modifying at least one file system command before the at least one file system command is executed with respect to a destination file system. The method restricts access to a first file system located at a fixed storage memory device and directs access to a second file system located on the portable storage device. |
| US08473940B2 |
Communication apparatus, data processing system, control method for communication apparatus, control method for data processing system, and program therefor
A communication apparatus that, when distributing data to a plurality of apparatuses, enable use of the data distributed to each of the plurality of apparatuses without being bound by a prescribed time as in the prior arts. Control is provided so as not to execute at least one portion of functions among a plurality of functions that are executable by a communication apparatus until it is determined that update processing of control data for controlling the communication apparatus based on an update data is completed and control data that is stored in an another communication apparatus has been updated with the update data. |
| US08473938B1 |
Security patch update processor
A method, system, and program product are provided for updating software deployed on computers in an enterprise computer network wherein each computer has a software update agent installed to enable the computer to receive software patch updates. The method includes determining a required software component and updates based upon a location in a configuration file; determining a version of the agent and updating the agent if required; selecting a server from which required updates are to be downloaded; scanning a plurality of software components on a selected computer and comparing the components with updates available on the server to determine required updates; downloading the required patches from the server; and installing the patches on the selected computer. The system includes components that perform the method steps when operated on a computer in the network. A computer readable medium implements the method for updating software deployed on computers in a network. |
| US08473934B2 |
Method for mapping applications on a multiprocessor platform/system
In one aspect, there is a formalized method for mapping applications on a multiprocessor system. In particular re-use possibilities are explored, e.g. focus on data transfer and memory access issues, with the aim of obtaining low-power and low-energy mappings and/or to overcome memory performance or energy bottlenecks. |
| US08473931B2 |
Method, system and program product for optimizing emulation of a suspected malware
A method, system and program product for optimizing emulation of a suspected malware. The method includes identifying, using an emulation optimizer tool, whether an instruction in a suspected malware being emulated by an emulation engine in a virtual environment signifies a long loop and, if so, generating a first hash for the loop. Further, the method includes ascertaining whether the first hash generated matches any long loop entries in a storage and, if so calculating a second hash for the long loop. Furthermore, the method includes inspecting any long loop entries ascertained to find an entry having a respective second hash matching the second hash calculated. If an entry matching the second hash calculated is found, the method further includes updating one or more states of the emulation engine, such that, execution of the long loop of the suspected malware is skipped, which optimizes emulation of the suspected malware. |
| US08473930B2 |
Handling signals and exceptions in a dynamic translation environment
A method for executing non-native binaries on a host computer architecture comprises receiving the guest executable binary into a computer readable medium. The guest executable binary is executed on the host computer architecture by translating the guest executable binary into a translated executable binary. Each instruction of the translated executed binary is then executed on the host computer architecture. Signals are responded to by placing signal information on a signal queue and deferring signal handling until a safe point is reached. A computer system implementing the method is also provided. |
| US08473928B2 |
Call graph simplification/comparison and automatic initial suspects finding of performance degradations
In one embodiment, a method for call graph analysis is provided. The method includes determining a plurality of nodes in a call graph. The plurality of nodes represent resource consumption of functions of a software program executed in a software system. A simplification factor is determined. A first set of nodes in the plurality of nodes is then eliminated based on exclusive values for the plurality of nodes, inclusive values for the plurality of nodes, and the simplification factor. An inclusive value for a node is a first amount of resources consumed by the node and any descendent nodes of that node. An exclusive value for the node is a second amount of resources consumed by the node. A simplified call graph is output including a second set of nodes in the plurality of nodes. The second set of nodes does not include the eliminated first set of nodes. |
| US08473924B1 |
Enabling efficient use of an endpoint
Application profiles for applications stored on the endpoint are defined. An application profile identifies components on the endpoint associated with an application with which the application profile is associated. Applications on the endpoint accessed by a user to perform a task are monitored. A task profile associated with the task is created and stored, the task profile associated with the application profiles for the applications accessed by the user to perform the task. |
| US08473918B2 |
Method for singleton process control
A method for singleton process control in a computer environment is provided. A process identification (PID) for a background process is stored in a first temporary file. The PID is stored by a parent process and subsequently accessed by the background process. The background process is exited if an active PID is determined to exist in a second, global temporary file. The PID from the first temporary file is stored into the second, global temporary file. A singleton code block is then executed. |
| US08473908B2 |
Administration of differently-versioned configuration files of a medical facility
In a method, system and computer program product for administration of different versions of a configuration file for configuration of medical apparatuses in a clinical system, the configuration file can also be locally changed at the apparatus itself and be made centrally available. Together with one configuration file, a set of versions regarding the configuration file is automatically administered while maintaining consistency of the data. |
| US08473906B2 |
Systems and methods for parallel distributed programming
The present invention relates generally to computer programming, and more particularly to, systems and methods for parallel distributed programming. Generally, a parallel distributed program is configured to operate across multiple processors and multiple memories. In one aspect of the invention, a parallel distributed program includes a distributed shared variable located across the multiple memories and distributed programs capable of operating across multiple processors. |
| US08473904B1 |
Generation of cache architecture from a high-level language description
Generation of cache architecture from a high-level language description is described. A description of an application in a high-level programming language is obtained. A data flow representation is generated from the description suitable for providing an implementation in hardware. The generating includes: identifying accesses to memory associated with the description; determining that at least a portion of the accesses to memory do not have one or more data dependencies for locally cacheable data; and assigning the portion to a distributed cache. |
| US08473901B1 |
Non-literal representation of programming language code
Exemplary embodiments may provide methods, systems and devices for providing non-literal representations of programming language code. The non-literal representation of a portion of code may provide a representation of the semantics of the portion of code that is different from the source code representation. The non-literal representation may change the way the code is output to a user in order to improve readability of the source code, and may not modify the underlying structure or semantics of the code. While improving readability of the code, the non-literal representation may also retain important information about the underlying code associated with the non-literal representation. |
| US08473895B2 |
Providing diverse solutions using design space exploration
A design space exploration (DSE) system automatically discovers viable solutions within a design space. The DSE system operates by creating or receiving a design specification that is described using a design language. The design specification contains a collection of constraints that an acceptable architecture is expected to satisfy. The DSE system then symbolically executes the design specification to provide a logical formula. The DSE system then interacts with a theorem prover module to identify one or more solutions to the formula. Finally, the DSE system converts the solutions into a user-interpretable form (e.g., expressed in the format of the modeling language) for viewing by a user. Each solution pertains to an architecture that satisfies the collection of constraints. The DSE system ensures that the solutions are diverse by disfavoring any solution that is deemed similar to any solution that has been previously encountered. |
| US08473894B2 |
Method and system for monitoring metadata related to software artifacts
Collecting and storing an artifact identifier for one or more artifacts, project identifiers for one or more software projects that use each artifact, and information about the temporal version for the artifacts. Collecting and storing project information related to the software projects, including a project identifier for each project, and contact information for a user of each software project. Collecting Metadata associated with the software artifacts, which includes information identifying the artifact, information about security risks associated with the artifact, information about a license associated with the artifact, or information indicative of a level of use or user rating of the artifact. The metadata is periodically or continually monitored to determine whether there has been any actionable change, and notifying the user about the actionable change. |
| US08473891B1 |
System and method for integrated circuit layout editing using reference frames
An automated system, and method of operating the same, for editing the floorplan, placement, and toplevel wiring routing in a layout of an integrated circuit. Components in the layout of the integrated circuit, such components including functional blocks or subchips, and also wire segments of the toplevel wiring, are associated with horizontal reference frames and vertical reference frames. Each reference frame has its position, in the orthogonal direction, specified by a position of a reference line. The positions of subchips and wire segments within the reference frame are expressed as offsets from the reference line. Movement of components is accomplished by moving the reference frame in the orthogonal direction, and updating the reference line position while maintaining the offset values constant. |
| US08473890B2 |
Timing error sampling generator and a method of timing testing
A timing error sampling generator, a method of performing timing tests and a library of cells are provided. In one embodiment, the timing error sampling generator includes: (1) a hold delay element having an input and an output and configured to provide a hold violation delayed signal at said output by providing a first predetermined delay to a clock signal received at said input, said first predetermined delay corresponding to a hold violation time for a path to be monitored and (2) a hold logic element having a first input coupled to said input of said hold delay element, a second input coupled to said output of said hold delay element and an output at which said hold logic element is configured to respond to said first and second inputs to provide a clock hold signal when logic levels at said first and second inputs are at a same level. |
| US08473889B2 |
Routing storage structure based on directional grid points and routing method thereof
The present invention provides a routing storage structure based on directional grid points and a routing method thereof. The routing storage structure includes a grid matrix having N×M grid points for storing a grid identifier corresponding to each grid point, where both N and M are natural numbers; a grid value acquisition module for acquiring the grid identifier corresponding to the current grid point from the grid matrix during a routing operation; and a grid value setting module for setting the grid points contained by the blocks in the routing plane and/or the grid points that the routing passes through as corresponding grid identifiers in accordance with a predetermined setting rule. |
| US08473888B2 |
Systems and methods of designing integrated circuits
A method of designing an integrated circuit includes defining at least one dummy layer covering at least one of a portion of a first metallic layer and a portion of a second metallic layer of an integrated circuit. The second metallic layer is disposed over the first metallic layer. The first metallic layer, the second metallic layer and a gate electrode of the integrated circuit have a same routing direction. A logical operation is performed to a file corresponding to the at least one of the portion of the first metallic layer and the portion of the second metallic layer covered by the dummy layer so as to size at least one of the portion of the first metallic layer and the portion of the second metallic layer. |
| US08473879B2 |
On-chip leakage current modeling and measurement circuit
At least one N-type transistor and at least one P-type transistor separate from the digital circuit are sized to represent the total area of the corresponding type transistors in the digital circuit. The gates of the N-type transistor and P-type transistors are set to voltages according to the corresponding off-state logic levels of the digital circuit. The N-type and P-type transistors form a portion of corresponding current mirror circuits, which can provide outputs to a leakage current monitor and/or a control circuit such as a comparator that determines when leakage current for the N-type or P-type devices has exceeded a threshold. The output of the measurement/control circuit can be used to determine a temperature of and/or control operation of the digital circuit or the system environment of the integrated circuit. |
| US08473878B2 |
Lithographically enhanced edge determination
During a calculation technique, at least a portion of a target pattern associated with an integrated-circuit design is modified so that polygons in the target pattern, which represent features in the design, result in acceptable accuracy during a photolithographic process that fabricates the target pattern on a semiconductor die. In particular, a set of polygon parameters associated with the polygons are modified, as needed, so that a cost function that corresponds to a difference between a modified target pattern and an estimated target pattern produced during the photolithographic process meets a termination criterion. A mask pattern that can fabricate the modified target pattern on the semiconductor die is calculated using an inverse optical calculation in which the modified target pattern is at an image plane of an optical path associated with the photolithographic process and the mask pattern is at an object plane of the optical path. |
| US08473877B2 |
Striping methodology for maskless lithography
The present disclosure involves a method of performing a maskless lithography process. The method includes receiving a computer layout file for an integrated circuit (IC) device. The layout file contains a plurality of IC sections. The method includes separating the computer layout file into a plurality of sub-files. The method includes striping the plurality of sub-files concurrently using a plurality of computer processors, thereby generating a plurality of striped sub-files. The method includes transferring the plurality of striped sub-files to a maskless lithography system. |
| US08473873B2 |
Multi-patterning method
A method includes receiving data representing a layout of a DPT-layer of an integrated circuit generated by a place and route tool. The layout includes a plurality of polygons to be formed in the DPT-layer by a multi-patterning process. First and second ones of the plurality of polygons to be formed using first and second photomasks, respectively are identified. Any intervening polygons along a first path connecting the first polygon to the second polygon, and separator regions between adjacent polygons along the first path are identified. The separator regions have sizes less than a minimum threshold distance between polygons formed on the first photomask. The separator regions are counted. A multi-patterning conflict is identified, if the count of separator regions is even, prior to assigning all remaining ones of the plurality of polygons to the first or second masks. |
| US08473870B2 |
Multi-screen hold and drag gesture
Embodiments of a multi-screen hold and drag gesture are described. In various embodiments, a hold input is recognized at a first screen of a multi-screen system when the hold input is held in place. A motion input is recognized at a second screen of the multi-screen system, and the motion input is recognized to select a displayed object while the hold input remains held in place. A hold and drag gesture can then be determined from the recognized hold and motion inputs. |
| US08473868B1 |
System and method for reverse hierarchical navigation within a user interface
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating navigation of a hierarchy including a plurality of categories within a user interface. A method includes displaying a first set of categories in the hierarchy as respective graphical images along a first axis of a user interface. A reverse navigation option is also displayed along the first axis with the first set of categories. The method continues by allowing the first set of categories and the reverse navigation option to be scrolled along the first axis to place the reverse navigation option within a focus area of the user interface. In response to the reverse navigation option being placed within the focus area, the user interface displays one or more ancestor categories of the first categories as respective graphical images along a second axis of the user interface. In response to an ancestor category being selected from the second axis, the user interface replaces the first categories with second categories along the first axis. The second categories include the selected ancestor category and one or more sibling categories of the selected ancestor category. |
| US08473860B2 |
Multi-layer user interface with flexible parallel and orthogonal movement
A user interface (UI) system calculates movements in a multi-layer graphical user interface. The UI system receives user input corresponding to gestures on a touchscreen. The UI system calculates a movement of a first layer in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) at a first movement rate. The UI system calculates a movement of a second layer substantially parallel to the movement of the first layer, at a second movement rate that differs from the first movement rate. The UI system calculates a movement (e.g., a vertical movement) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, in a UI element of one of the layers. |
| US08473859B2 |
Visualization and interaction models
Visual representations of system objects are associated, and one or more association characteristics of the associated visual representations are identified. Interaction models and/or visualization models are automatically selected from a plurality of interaction and/or visualization models based on the identified one or more association characteristic, and the selected interaction and/or visualization model is applied to the associated visual representations. |
| US08473857B1 |
Link annotation for keyboard navigation
A computer navigation system and method has one or more interactive links displayed on a display connected to a computer appliance, and one or more visual linktags associated with individual ones of the one or more interactive links, the linktags displaying one or more numbers, characters or symbols, the system enabled to initiate an interactive link in the display upon user input of one of the numbers, characters or symbols in a linktag. |
| US08473856B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program
An information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of reducing the workload of a developer and human errors and easily customizing a display menu are disclosed. The method includes the steps of reading the display menu data stored in an HDD based on an instruction received by a CPU of an information processing device via an operations device, extracting each of plural menu elements, writing the extracted menu elements in a CSV file in CSV format to create a CSV file from the display menu data, and creating a location data file and an element definition file from the created CSV file. |
| US08473850B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for displaying and managing content during a collaboration session
Methods and apparatuses share shared content from a presenter device with an attendee device; display the shared content on the attendee device; display an indicator associated with the shared content on the presenter device; and display a control tab configured to change a shared status. |
| US08473846B2 |
Anchor point in media
A computer-implemented method includes displaying, within a user interface in a digital media system, a project pane, displaying video content within the project pane, the video content aligned relative to a time line, adding overlay content to the video content, and anchoring a first position in the overlay content to a second position in the video content such that content corresponding to the first position is synchronized to content corresponding to the second position. |
| US08473839B2 |
Filtering shared content
The application concerns sharing content generated within a system for one or more application displays to be displayed on a first computing device of a first user. A second user is sent a message concerning sharing sharable content wherein the sharable content includes at least a portion of content from the one or more application displays that were generated for the first user. The message includes an access identifier and in response to the second user accepting the message, the system uses the access identifier to share with the second user said sharable content that was generated for the first user. Prior to providing the sharable content to the second user the sharable content can be filtered. Filtering can be performed according to parameters that can be provided by the first user or according to a default values. |
| US08473837B2 |
Method for expanding and collapsing data cells in a spreadsheet report
Data cells in a spreadsheet report are collapsed and expanded without disrupting other spreadsheet data. A user may want to drill down on data corresponding to a parent member of the report to display more detailed information about the parent member. Likewise, a user may want to drill up the displayed information corresponding to the parent member to hide detailed information associated with the parent member. Before expanding or collapsing a report, the spreadsheet is scanned for information to determine whether the display of other data in the spreadsheet would be disrupted by the expansion/collapse. The information may include cross-join information associated with the parent member, the number of child members associated with the parent member, the dimension of the report created by the parent member and the associated child members, and other reports that may be linked to the report that includes the parent member. |
| US08473835B2 |
Distributed scripting for presentations with touch screen displays
A live presentation may be prepared and displayed by providing a primary scripting room for preparing a presentation script and a control computer in the primary scripting computer for use by a control operator to view and/or edit possible contributions to the presentation script and for saving the presentation script being preparing. At least one remote scripting room may be connected to the primary scripting room by network to form a virtual scripting room therewith. A remote computer may provided in the remote scripting room for operation by a contributor to provide possible contributions to the presentation script viewable by the remote operator. At least portions of the saved scripted presentation may be presented on a display computer as the live presentation. |
| US08473833B2 |
Forward error correction method
This invention concerns packet recovery for real-time (live) multi-media communication over packet-switched networks like the Internet. Such communication includes video, audio, data or any combination thereof. The invention comprises forward error correction (FEC) algorithms addressing both random and burst packet loss and errors, and that can be adjusted to tradeoff the recoverability of missing packets and the latency incurred. |
| US08473831B2 |
Semiconductor memory apparatus and data read method of the same
Various embodiments of a semiconductor memory apparatus and a related data read method are disclosed. According to one exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor memory apparatus may include a global data bus, an error detection unit, a first data output unit, and a second data output unit. The global data bus transfers first data and second data. The error detection unit performs an error bit detection operation on the first data and the second data and generates a first error detection bit and a second error detection bit. The first data output unit combines the first data and the first error detection bit in series and outputs the combined bits. The second data output unit combines the second data and the second error detection bit in series and outputs the combined bits. |
| US08473830B1 |
Viterbi decoder method and apparatus with RI detector in servo channel
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for decoding data stored on a data storage medium. A disclosed decoding method and decoder include a radial incoherence (RI) detector that increases the probability of detecting RI and improves the decoding performance in terms of the bit error rate of the decoded signal. RI is detected by comparing an input signal to the decoder against a RI threshold value and generating a RI-type signal. The RI detector may include a filter for filtering out noise and error in the RI-type signal, an adaptive threshold unit that adjusts the RI threshold value based upon the RI-type signal, a transition-based threshold unit that adjusts the RI threshold value based upon each transition in the input signal, or a path-based threshold unit that adjusts the RI threshold value based upon a best surviving path corresponding to the input signal, in combination or alone. |
| US08473826B1 |
Hybrid soft decision hard decision reed solomon decoding
Embodiments in accordance with the invention utilize Reed Solomon (RS) forward error correction (FEC) coding in conjunction with M-ary Bandwidth Efficient Modulation (BEM) schemes and soft decision decoding to improve the robustness of high spectral efficiency communications links. In one embodiment, information symbols in communication data blocks are encoded utilizing Reed Solomon (RS) forward error correction (FEC) coding and transmitted with either M-ary phase shift keying (MPSK) or M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM). Using standard Reed Solomon (RS) hard decision decoding, a receiver either correctly decodes the received block or returns a decoding failure. In the event of a decoding failure, soft decision reliability information is used to identify received code symbols with a low probability of being correctly received and to generate new code symbol estimates that are used in the traditional Reed Solomon decoding algorithm. |
| US08473820B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data
A transmitting apparatus in a transport network, which performs forward error correcting encoding for each virtual lane set, which is a multiple of the number of transmission channels, in order to generate virtual frames including independent parity bytes for each of the virtual lanes. These generated virtual frames are transmitted through at least one transmission channel. A receiving apparatus for detecting the virtual frames for each virtual lane from a signal received through a transmission channel by using a frame assignment sequence, and performing forward error correcting decoding by using the parity bytes included in the virtual frames detected for each virtual lane. |
| US08473815B2 |
Methods and systems of a flash memory controller and an error correction code (ECC) controller using variable-length segmented ECC data
An ECC controller comprises an ECC encoder, an ECC divider, an ECC constructor and an ECC decoder. The ECC encoder is configured to generate ECC data with different lengths in response to information data to be stored into a flash memory. The ECC divider is configured to divide each ECC datum generated by the ECC encoder into one or more ECC segments according to the length of the ECC datum. The ECC constructor is configured to generate an ECC datum by combining one or more ECC segments for each information datum read from the flash memory. The ECC decoder is configured to correct the errors of the information data read from the flash memory device by using the ECC data generated by the ECC constructor. |
| US08473809B2 |
Data coding for improved ECC efficiency
Non-volatile storage devices and techniques for operating non-volatile storage are described herein. One embodiment includes accessing “n” pages of data to be programmed into a group of non-volatile storage elements. The “n” pages are mapped to a data state for each of the non-volatile storage elements based on a coding scheme that evenly distributes read errors across the “n” pages of data. Each of the non-volatile storage elements in the group are programmed to a threshold voltage range based on the data states to which the plurality of pages have been mapped. The programming may include programming the “n” pages simultaneously. In one embodiment, mapping the plurality of pages is based on a coding scheme that distributes a significant failure mode (for example, program disturb errors) to a first of the pages and a significant failure mode (for example, data retention errors) to a second of the pages. |
| US08473806B1 |
Layered quasi-cyclic LDPC decoder with reduced-complexity circular shifter
This disclosure relates generally to data decoding, and more particularly to iterative decoders for data encoded with a low-density parity check (LDPC) encoder. LDPC decoders are disclosed that use reduced-complexity circular shifters that may be used to decode predefined or designed QC-LDPC codes. In addition, methods to design codes which may have particular LDPC code performance capabilities and which may operate with such decoders using reduced-complexity circular shifters are provided. The generation of quasi-cyclic low density parity check codes and the use of circular shifters by LDPC decoders, may be done in such a way as to provide increased computational efficiency, decreased routing congestion, easier timing closure, and improved application performance. |
| US08473802B2 |
Technique for advanced ARQ buffer management in wireless communication system
An Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) transmitter for use in a wireless communication system and method for its operation are provided. The method includes determining unutilized capacity of an ARQ receiver buffer in an ARQ receiver, determining if the ARQ receiver buffer can support an ARQ block to be transmitted based on the determined unutilized capacity of the ARQ receiver buffer, and if it is determined that the ARQ receiver buffer can support the ARQ block to be transmitted, transmitting the ARQ block to the ARQ receiver. |
| US08473796B2 |
Error detection in compressed data
A device under test—DUT—, comprising the steps of receiving a first data sequence from the DUT in response to a first stimulus signal, wherein the data of a plurality of internal data sequences of the DUT is compressed into the first data sequence, comparing the first data sequence with expected data and for detecting errors in the first data sequence, and providing a second stimulus signal to the DUT in order to instruct the DUT to generate a second data sequence that comprises uncompressed data of the plurality of the internal data sequences at the positions where the errors have been detected. |
| US08473795B2 |
IC with wrapper, TAM, TAM controller, and DDR circuitry
A device test architecture and a reduced device test interface are provided to enable efficient testing of embedded cores and other circuits within devices. The reduced device test interface is achieved using a double data rate (DDR) signaling technique between the tester and the device. The DDR test interface allows the tester to interface to test circuits within the device, such as IEEE 1500 and/or IEEE 1149.1 test circuits, to provide high test data bandwidth to the test circuits using a minimum of test interface signals. The test architecture includes compare circuits that allow for comparison of test response data to be performed within the device. The test architecture further includes a memory for storing the results of the test response comparisons. The test architecture includes a programmable test controller to allow for various test control operations by simply inputting an instruction to the programmable test controller from the external tester. Additional features and embodiments of the device test architecture and reduced test interface are also disclosed. |
| US08473791B2 |
Redundant memory to mask DRAM failures
A method comprises detecting a defective area in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The method further comprises establishing a redundant memory buffer at a per-memory module level. The method still further comprises loading the redundant memory buffer with a copy of data from the defective area. The method additionally comprises substituting data from the redundant memory buffer for data stored in the defective area upon a memory access to the defective area. |
| US08473787B2 |
Intelligent LUN generation and management
A method for generating and managing logical units (LUNs) in a storage network environment is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes determining a type of LUN, identifying one or more servers that will access the LUN, and identifying a storage system that will host the LUN. The method then generates a LUN name that encapsulates the type, the one or more servers, and the storage system. The method then assigns the LUN name to the LUN. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed herein. |
| US08473785B2 |
Computationally efficient tiered inference for multiple fault diagnosis
A computer based method and system for tiered inference multiple fault diagnosis is provided. The method includes using a computer processor to dissect a hypothesis space representing a production system having a plurality of production modules into tiers. Production modules in the current tier are partitioned into a group or a set of sub-groups. A fault diagnosis algorithm is applied to the group of each sub-group to identify an acceptable fault diagnosis. When no acceptable fault diagnosis is found, the process moves to the next tier to perform further investigations. The process continues to move to higher tiers until an acceptable fault diagnosis is obtained or the system instructs the process to end. |
| US08473784B2 |
Storage apparatus and method of data processing
A storage apparatus includes a backup processing unit that stores data stored in a first memory into a second memory as backup data upon occurrence of a power failure, a restore processing unit that upon recovery from the power failure restores the backup data backed up in the second memory to the first memory and erases the backup data, and an erasure processing termination unit that terminates the erasure processing upon a power failure occurring during erasure processing for erasing the backup data stored in the second memory, and a re-backup processing unit that re-backs up data in the first memory corresponding to the backup data erased from the second memory before the erasure processing is terminated by the erasure processing termination unit to a location in the second memory subsequent to a last location that contains the backup data which has not been erased. |
| US08473783B2 |
Fault tolerance in distributed systems
Fault tolerance is provided in a distributed system. The complexity of replicas and rollback requests are avoided; instead, a local failure in a component of a distributed system is tolerated. The local failure is tolerated by storing state related to a requested operation on the component, persisting that stored state in a data store, such as a relational database, asynchronously processing the operation request, and if a failure occurs, restarting the component using the stored state from the data store. |
| US08473780B2 |
Efficient data storage in storage device arrays
A method for data storage includes encoding data with an inter-device Error Correction Code (ECC), and sending the encoded data for storage on two or more storage devices. The data to be stored on each of the storage devices, and which has been encoded with the inter-device ECC, is encoded with an intra-device ECC, and the data encoded with the inter-device and intra-device ECCs is stored on the storage device. After storing the data, at least part of the stored data is retrieved and output by decoding the intra-device and inter-device ECCs, while using information related to one of the intra-device and inter-device ECCs in decoding the other of the intra-device and inter-device ECCs. |
| US08473778B2 |
Erasure coding immutable data
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods and computer storage media for erasure coding data in a distributed computing environment. A sealed extent is identified that is comprised of two or more data blocks and two or more index blocks. The sealed extent is optimized for erasure coding by grouping the two or more data blocks within the optimized sealed extent together and grouping the two or more index blocks within the optimized sealed extent together. The optimized extent may also be erasure coded, which includes creating data fragments and coding fragments. The data fragments and the coding fragments may also be stored in the distributed computing environment. Additional embodiments include monitoring statistical information to determine if replication, erasure coding or a hybrid storage plan should be utilized. |
| US08473777B1 |
Method and system for performing recovery in a storage system
Method and system for performing recovery for a replicated copy of a storage space presented as a logical object is provided. An attribute associated with the logical object for enabling the recovery is set and when the storage space is replicated the attribute is stored as metadata for the replicated copy of the storage space. Based on the attribute, a clone of the logical object is presented as a writable option to write to the first replicated copy. After the write operation where information is written to the clone, a second replicated copy with the clone information is created. The clone is deleted after the second copy is generated. |
| US08473774B2 |
Main device redundancy configuration and main device replacing method
A networking system architecture includes a plurality of main devices, one of the main devices acts as a master main device, and the other main devices act as slave main devices. If the master main device malfunctions, one of the slave main devices substitutes for the master main device to act as a new master main device. Priorities are set to the main devices, respectively. If a current master main device malfunctions, the current master main device may be replaced by a new master main device having the highest priority among the other main devices. |
| US08473773B2 |
Method and system to provide a compliance clock service suitable for cloud deployment
A method and system for providing an improved compliance clock service are described. An example method comprises establishing a system compliance clock (SCC) for a storage system that provides a compliant storage service, and establishing, for a volume in the storage system, a volume compliance clock (VCC). A current value of the SCC may be periodically updated based on hardware ticks monitored at the associated storage node. The volume compliance clock is to update its value based on a current value of the SCC. |
| US08473771B2 |
Integrated circuit having frequency dependent noise avoidance
A clock source generates a first clock signal for clocking a first clocked module and a rate adapting module produces an operation dependent clock signal from the first clock signal for clocking a second clocked module that is rate dependent. The first clock signal has a rate such that frequency dependent noise components associated with the first clock signal are outside a given frequency range that causes adverse performance in the first clocked module. |
| US08473769B2 |
Efficient routing of computing tasks
A mechanism is provided for routing a computing task to a computing resource for executing the computing task. A dispatcher receives a timestamp at which execution of the computing task can start on the computing resource and a duration that the execution would take. The computing resource is associated with a power consumption profile. The dispatcher estimates a power efficiency factor as a function of the power consumption profile, the timestamp and the duration thereby forming an estimated power efficiency factor. The dispatcher determines whether the computing resource can execute the computing task as a function of the estimated power efficiency factor. The dispatcher then sends the computing task to the computing resource in responsive to determining that the computing resource can execute the computing task. |
| US08473758B2 |
I/O port power control system and method
An input/output (I/O) power control system comprises an electronic device having at least one I/O port and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to, while the electronic deice is powered off, detect coupling of an external device to the at least one I/O port and, in response to detecting the coupling, provide power to the I/O port. |
| US08473751B2 |
Method for cryptographic data processing, particularly using an S box, and related device and software
A method for data cryptographic processing, that is implemented by an electronic entity and includes the conversion of input data (M′i−1), masked by an input mask (X), into output data, the conversion using a conversion table (S), and the method including the following steps: for at least one plurality of possible values (A) for the input mask (X), transferring the output value of the conversion table (S) corresponding to the masked input data (M′i−1) converted by the application of an unmasking operation using the possible value (A), into a table (T) at a position corresponding to a determined value (0) masked by the input mask (X) and converted by the application of an unmasking operation using the possible value (A); determining the output data using the value located in the table (T) at the position corresponding to the determined value (0). |
| US08473738B2 |
Mode of information transmission and complex protection
The mode is intended for application in simplex and duplex channels of arbitrary including low, quality with implementation of tasks for complex protection of information.The unified signal structure of stochastic q-ary (n, k, q, m)-code is used on the basis of any initial binary (n, k)-code with l-interleaving (q=2l) with m-fold repetition of blocks of the code (m=1, 2, . . . , mmax) with identical values of the data portion. Direct randomization of q-ary characters is performed on the transmitting side before transmission to the channel, on the receiving one—reverse randomization of q-ary characters. The code structure being applied represents ensemble of random codes varying for each block and q-ary character and ensuring transmission of any of all possible 2n signals to a data link on binary sequence of length n as result of change in the strategy in the course of fight against random interferences. |
| US08473734B2 |
Multi-service VPN network client for mobile device having dynamic failover
An integrated, multi-service network client for cellular mobile devices is described. The multi-service network client can be deployed as a single software package on cellular mobile network devices to provide integrated services including secure enterprise virtual private network (VPN) connectivity, acceleration, security management including monitored and enforced endpoint compliance, and collaboration services. Once installed on the cellular mobile device, the multi-service client establishes the VPN connection to concurrently include both a layer three (L3) tunnel that uses a first type of transport layer protocol of the operating system and a layer four (L4) tunnel that uses a second type of transport layer protocol of the operating system. The VPN handler determines whether network ports associated with the L3 tunnel are unblocked by an operating system and, when the network ports are unblocked, automatically transitions from the L4 tunnel to the L3 tunnel without terminating the VPN connection. |
| US08473733B2 |
Method for managing opaque presence indications within a presence access layer
A method for a presentity to provide private presence information for a watcher. The method includes the presentity providing the private presence information in an encrypted form. The method also includes a presence access layer obtaining the private presence information. The method also includes the presence access layer performing one of decrypting the private presence information and sending the decrypted private presence information to the watcher, and leaving the private presence information in the encrypted form and sending the encrypted private presence information to the watcher, wherein the watcher decrypts the private presence information. |
| US08473732B2 |
Method and system for secure block acknowledgment (block ACK) with protected MAC sequence number
Aspects of a method and system for protected MAC sequence numbers, as well as secure block acknowledgment (block ACK) with protected MAC sequence number are presented. In one aspect of the system a communicating station (STA) may protect the sequence number (SN) field portion of transmitted protocol data units (PDUs), for example data MAC layer PDUs (MPDUs), or frames. In another aspect of the system, starting sequence number (SSN) information communicated via control frames, such as block acknowledgment request (BAR) and block acknowledgment (BA) frames, may be protected. In another aspect of the system, communicating STAs may exchange management frames to enable the protection of SN information in data MPDUs and/or the protection of SSN values in control MPDUs. |
| US08473730B2 |
Computer with network detecting module and method for controlling computer when detecting network connection
A computer includes a control module and a basic input and output system (BIOS) storage module. The BIOS storage module stores BIOS programs. The BIOS storage module includes a detection sub-module and a switch sub-module. The detection sub-module is capable of detecting a network connection state. The switch sub-module is capable of controlling an on-off state of the detection sub-module. The control module is capable of executing a control operation to restrict a system function when a connected network state is detected by the detection module. |
| US08473729B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing the privacy and disclosure of location information
An approach for managing the privacy and disclosure of location information associated with a computer system. For one aspect, a request is received from a requestor for a location property associated with a location of a computer system. It is then determined whether a privacy preference associated with the requestor has been specified. If not, a user may be prompted to supply privacy preferences associated with the requester. The privacy preferences are then applied to determine whether or not to provide the requested information. A user setting, such as a basic input-output system memory location setting, may also be implemented to enable and/or disable location-aware computing. |
| US08473727B2 |
History based pipelined branch prediction
Systems and methods for history based pipelined branch prediction. In one example, access to prediction information to predict a plurality of branches within an instruction block is initiated in a same clock cycle of the computer processor as a fetch of the instruction block. The prediction information may be available to the predictor not later than a clock cycle of the computer processor in which the plurality of branches are decoded. |
| US08473726B2 |
Bad branch prediction detection, marking, and accumulation for faster instruction stream processing
An apparatus for extracting instructions from a stream of undifferentiated instruction bytes in a microprocessor having an instruction set architecture in which the instructions are variable length. Decode logic decodes the instruction bytes of the stream to generate for each a corresponding opcode byte indictor and end byte indicator and receives a corresponding taken indicator for each of the instruction bytes. The taken indicator is true if a branch predictor predicted the instruction byte is the opcode byte of a taken branch instruction. The decode logic generates a corresponding bad prediction indicator for each of the instruction bytes. The bad prediction indicator is true if the corresponding taken indicator is true and the corresponding opcode byte indicator is false. The decode logic sets to true the bad prediction indicator for each remaining byte of an instruction whose opcode byte has a true bad prediction indicator. Control logic extracts instructions from the stream and sends the extracted instructions for further processing by the microprocessor. The control logic foregoes sending an instruction having both a true end byte indicator and a true bad prediction indicator. |
| US08473722B2 |
Processor architecture for exact pointer identification
The present invention relates to an object-based processor architecture which allows exact pointer identification by strictly separating pointers and data from one another in the memory and in the processor registers. The access to the memory is performed exclusively via pointers which refer to objects. An object contains separate areas for pointers and data and an attribute field for describing the length of the two areas. Both the pointers in the pointer registers and also the pointers in the pointer areas of the objects directly contain the address of the objects to which they refer. The suggested processor architecture allows the integration of automatic garbage collection, which may be implemented completely or partially in hardware. A real-time capable garbage collection may be implemented especially efficiently through hardware support. |
| US08473720B2 |
Method for providing data to a digital processing means
A method for providing generic formatted data to at least one digital data processor, configured to translate generic formatted data into specific formatted data. The generic formatted data includes data relative to logical blocks, at least one of the logical blocks corresponding to an object to be processed directly or indirectly according to specific formatted data by at least one processing platform with processor(s) and memory(ies), located upstream from the processor or integrated into the processor, the object being made up of elementary information of same type, all information being represented by at least one numerical value. |
| US08473716B2 |
Distributed processing system, information processing apparatus, and distributed processing method
According to an aspect of the embodiment, a user apparatus transmits a parameter on generation of drawing data to each of drawing data generation apparatuses through a network, to assign generation processing of the drawing data to each of drawing data generation apparatuses. The user apparatus receives the drawing data generated based on the parameter by each of the plurality of drawing data generation apparatuses through the network, and displays the received drawing data. The user apparatus changes the parameter corresponding to the displayed drawing data, and displays a new drawing data corresponding to the changed parameter. |
| US08473714B2 |
Pre-fetching data into a memory
Systems and methods for pre-fetching of data in a memory are provided. By pre-fetching stored data from a slower memory into a faster memory, the amount of time required for data retrieval and/or processing may be reduced. First, data is received and pre-scanned to generate a sample fingerprint. Fingerprints stored in a faster memory that are similar to the sample fingerprint are identified. Data stored in the slower memory associated with the identified stored fingerprints is copied into the faster memory. The copied data may be compared to the received data. Various embodiments may be included in a network memory architecture to allow for faster data matching and instruction generation in a central appliance. |
| US08473710B2 |
Multiple partitioned emulated electrically erasable (EEE) memory and method of operation
A method and system wherein a volatile memory is partitioned to have a first percentage of address space dedicated to a first classification of data which is data that is expected to have greater than a predetermined number of times of being modified and a second percentage of address space dedicated to a second classification of data which is data that is expected to have less than the predetermined probability of being modified. Address assignment of data to be stored in the volatile memory is made on a basis of predicted change of the data. Memory addresses of the first and second percentages of address space are respectively assigned to first and second sections of nonvolatile memory. The memory addresses of the first percentage initially consume a smaller percentage of an address map of the first section than the memory addresses of the second percentage of the second section. |
| US08473709B2 |
Virtual volume allocating unit and method which allocate a new virtual volume to adequately-sized unused volume areas
Allocation of virtual disk volumes of a size designated by the computer manager to a virtual computer and accessiblity from the virtual computer to the virtual disk voumes without requiring intervention by a hypervisor are to be achieved. In a computer, at least one virtual computer to be in execution on the computer, and a computer system in which the virtual computer has volumes for holding data, a virtualization mechanism has a virtual volume allocating unit and a virtual volume information supplying unit, and the virtual computer has a virtual volume driver for converting positional information on virtual volumes. Additionally, the virtualization mechanism holds the virtual volume information together with defining information for the virtual computer to which the virtual volumes have been allocated. |
| US08473706B2 |
Data processing circuit with multiplexed memory
A data processing apparatus contains several processing circuits each operating under control of its own periodic clock signal, so that the clock signals may have different frequencies and/or can be autonomous. The several processing circuits each have an output for outputting memory access requests, which remain at the output for a validity duration interval defined by the clock signal of the particular processor. A multiplexing circuit multiplexes the access requests to a memory. The memory needs a minimum memory repetition period before it can accept an access request following acceptance of a preceding access request. The clock periods of the processing circuits are longer than the minimum memory repetition period. A timing circuit selects acceptance time points at which each particular access request from a first data processing circuit is accepted. |
| US08473704B2 |
Storage device and method of controlling storage system
With respect to a storage system in which quick formatting and sequential formatting can be run concurrently, the time it takes to process an access request from a host is prevented from becoming prolonged even when a normal sequential formatting process is executed with respect to a storage volume which frequently incurs I/O penalties. The storage device measures the load from the host per configurational unit (storage medium) of LUs, and divides the LUs into a group of LUs whose load per storage medium is low, and a group of LUs whose load per storage medium is high. Further, the density per unit of LU capacity of I/O penalties incurred in a storage volume for which quick formatting is being executed is calculated. Sequential formatting is then executed, with priority, with respect to the LUs belonging to the group with low loads and in order of descending density of incurred I/O penalties. |
| US08473702B2 |
Information processing apparatus, execution environment transferring method and program thereof
Provided is an information processing device which enables transfer of an execution environment in a short time period without degrading basic performance of an execution environment and without requiring a large amount of memory.The information processing device comprises a basic side CPU 100 for executing basic processing and an addition side CPU 200 for executing additional processing, in which a transfer management unit 300 provided on the basic side CPU 100 transfers execution environment data 1000 including constitution information of an execution environment 30 of the additional processing to be executed on the addition side CPU and data in a memory corresponding to the execution environment to other information processing device and restores the execution environment to re-start the addition side CPU based on the received execution environment data 1000. |
| US08473699B2 |
Facilitating data compression during replication using a compressible configuration bit
A method is provided for facilitating data replication in a storage system. A logical volume of a first storage array of a replicated pair is preconfigured with one or more logical volume attributes, which include a compressible configuration bit that indicates whether data blocks to be stored to that logical volume are compressible during replication. Subsequently, with receipt of a data block at the first storage array to be stored to the logical volume, a check of the compressible configuration bit is made to determine whether the data block is compressible during replication, and if so, the data block is compressed for replication. The compressible configuration bit is placed into the payload region of the data packet being replicated to the second storage array. At the second storage array, the compressible configuration bit is used to determine whether to uncompress the replicated data block. |
| US08473697B1 |
Method and system for volume based snapshot restore
Method and system is provided to perform a plurality of checks before performing a volume based snapshot restore (“VBSR”) operation. The checks may be performed by an application executed at a computing system that interfaces with a storage system. The application may determine if there are any inconsistent LUNS and foreign mapped LUNs. The application may also determine if there are any new LUNs or any new snapshots since the snapshot, which is the basis of the restore operation was created. The application may further determine if there are any backup relationships with respect to a volume that is being restored. The application takes the information and provides a report to a user. The report allows a user to ascertain the consequences of proceeding with the VBSR operation. |
| US08473694B2 |
Memory device and memory system comprising same
A memory device comprises a memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory blocks each comprising a plurality of memory cells and a control setting circuit. The control setting circuit divides the memory blocks into at least first and second groups based on whether each of the memory blocks comprises at least one substandard memory cell, and sets individually control parameters of the first and second groups. The substandard memory cells are identified based on test results of the memory cells with respect to at least one of the control parameters. Each memory block in the first group comprises at least one substandard memory cell, and each memory block in the second group comprises no substandard memory cell. |
| US08473692B2 |
Operating system image management
In a data processing system including multiple logical partitions (LPARs), an application executes on a first logical partition (LPAR) of the multiple LPARs, where the application uses a first operation system stored in a first memory partition of a shared pool memory of the data processing system. A virtualization management component (a) initiates an update process that quiesces operations of the first LPAR, (b) pages in, via a virtual input/output server coupled to a first paging device, a first image of a second operating system from the first paging device to the shared pool memory; (c) changes one or more pointers associated with the application to point to one or more portions of the second operating system, such that the application uses the second operating system, when resumed; and (b) resumes execution the application. |
| US08473690B1 |
Using logical block addresses with generation numbers as data fingerprints to provide cache coherency
The technique introduced here involves using a block address and a corresponding generation number as a “fingerprint” to uniquely identify a sequence of data within a given storage domain. Each block address has an associated generation number which indicates the number of times that data at that block address has been modified. This technique can be employed, for example, to maintain cache coherency among multiple storage nodes. It can also be employed to avoid sending the data to a network node over a network if it already has the data. |
| US08473687B2 |
Computer cache system with stratified replacement
Methods for selecting a line to evict from a data storage system are provided. A computer system implementing a method for selecting a line to evict from a data storage system is also provided. The methods include selecting an uncached class line for eviction prior to selecting a cached class line for eviction. |
| US08473674B2 |
Information processing device including a plurality of cells to store data, storage control device that controls a storage section including a plurality of cells to store data, and storage control method of controlling a refresh operation of a storage section including a plurality of cells to store data
An information processing device includes a first storage section 2 that includes a plurality of cells to store data; a second storage section 3 that holds refresh intervals and the states of implementation of refresh operations for each of a plurality of the cells; and a control section that controls the refresh operation of each of the cells on the basis of the refresh intervals and the states of implementation of refresh operations held by the second storage section 3. The information processing device controls the refresh operation of each of the cells at refresh intervals set for respective cells. |
| US08473673B2 |
Memory controller based (DE)compression
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with (de)compressing data at a time and in a location that facilitates increasing memory transfer bandwidth by selectively controlling a burst-mode protocol used to transfer data to and/or from a memory are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes a memory controller configured to (de)compress memory, to manipulate size data associated with compressed data, and to selectively manipulate a burst-mode protocol employed in transferring compressed data to and/or from random access memory. |
| US08473669B2 |
Method and system for concurrent background and foreground operations in a non-volatile memory array
A method and system for permitting host write operations in one part of a flash memory concurrently with another operation in a second part of the flash memory is disclosed. The method includes receiving data at a front end of a memory system, selecting at least one of a plurality of subarrays in the memory system for executing a host write operation, and selecting at least one other subarray in which to execute a second operation. The write operation and second operation are then executed substantially concurrently. The memory system includes a plurality of subarrays, each associated with a separate subarray controller, and a front end controller adapted to select and initiate concurrent operations in the subarrays. |
| US08473664B2 |
Safe removal of external device from computing device
In some embodiments a computing device includes a coupler that is able to be coupled to an external device, and an eject button to signal the computing device that a user wishes to safely uncouple the external device from the computing device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08473662B2 |
Interrupt-handling-mode determining method of embedded operating system kernel
Provided is a method capable of providing an improved response property appropriate for the characteristics of a system by automatically choosing an interrupt handling mode used for each device. The method is a method in which the embedded operating system kernel determines a handling mode for all individual interrupts, the method includes: dividing interrupt handling modes into a first interrupt handling mode and a second interrupt handling mode which has a different process speed from the first interrupt handling mode, and variably determining a distribution ratio in which each of the interrupts are distributed to the first interrupt handling mode or to the second interrupt handling mode according to a predetermined process condition during boot-up. |
| US08473653B2 |
Semiconductor device, control method for the semiconductor device and information processing system including the same
The core chips each include a timing control circuit that outputs a timing signal synchronized with the outputting of parallel data to the interface chip. The interface chip includes a data input circuit that captures parallel data in synchronization with the timing signal. With this arrangement, the timing to output the parallel data and the timing to capture the parallel data are both synchronized with the timing signal generated in the core chips. Therefore, even if there is a difference in operation speed between each core chip and the interface chip, the parallel data can be accurately captured on the interface chip side. |
| US08473651B1 |
Isolated protected access device
A computer switching device is disclosed which enables switching between a local computer and a secure computer connected through a network. The device sits like a keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) and optionally audio device between the local computer and the local input/output devices, but connects to the secure computer through a network. Access to the secure computer is pre-configured in the switching device through access and security settings for a specific user to the specific secure computer. The switching device specifically prevents access to the secure computer by the local computer, printer, or storage devices such as fixed or removable media drives. Tamper detection is included to disable secure access on any tampering with the switching device. |
| US08473650B1 |
Method and system for collecting device information
Method and system for interfacing with a peripheral device is provided. A microcontroller of the peripheral device is used to respond to a standard request for basic device information from a computing system. When the request for basic device information is received, the microcontroller reads the basic device information from a general purpose memory instead of a dedicated memory. The microcontroller emulates a memory controller by formatting the information and then sending a response to the computing system in a standard, expected format. |
| US08473648B2 |
System and method of I/O path virtualization between a raid controller and an environment service module in a storage area network
A system and method of I/O path virtualization between a RAID controller and an environment service module (ESM) in a storage area network (SAN) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a type of I/O request is identified by an input/output (I/O) control engine upon receiving an I/O request from a host computer via a RAID controller. Further, a priority is assigned to the received I/O request based on the type of I/O request by the I/O control engine. Furthermore, the processing of the prioritized I/O request is interrupted by the I/O control engine. In addition, the prioritized I/O request is separated into a command I/O request or a status request. Also, the separated command I/O request or the status request is sent to an associated queue in a plurality of solid state drive (SSD) buffer queues (SBQ) in the I/O control engine. |
| US08473646B1 |
Balancing latency and throughput for shared resources
Input and output (I/O) operations performed by a data storage device are managed dynamically to balance aspects such as throughput and latency. Sequential read and write requests are sent to a data storage device whereby the corresponding operations are performed without time delay due to extra disk revolutions. In order to minimize latency, particularly for read operations, random read and write requests are held in a queue upstream of an I/O controller of the data storage device until the buffer of the data storage device is empty. The queued requests can be reordered when a higher priority request is received, improving the overall latency for specific requests. An I/O scheduler of a data server is still able to use any appropriate algorithm to order I/O requests, such as by prioritizing reads over writes as long as the writes do not back up in the I/O queue beyond a certain threshold. |
| US08473645B2 |
Varying host interface signaling speeds in a storage array
An apparatus comprising an interface circuit and a controller. The interface circuit may be configured to calculate a speed signal in response to data traffic measured over a network. The controller may be configured to present and receive data from an array in response to (a) the speed signal and (b) one or more input/output requests. The interface circuit may generate the speed signal in response to a plurality of predetermined factors. The controller may present and receive the data at one of a plurality of speeds in response to the speed signal. |
| US08473639B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing non access stratum (NAS) procedure in multi-mode terminal
A method and apparatus for performing a NAS procedure in a NAS module of a multi-mode terminal are disclosed. A method for performing a NAS procedure in a multi mode NAS (mNAS) module of a multi-mode terminal includes receiving a NAS procedure request signal from a user, and selecting a first NAS; transmitting the NAS procedure request signal to a NAS module corresponding to the first NAS; receiving a NAS procedure response signal, that includes an execution result of a NAS procedure between the NAS module corresponding to the first NAS and a network, from the NAS module corresponding to the first NAS; performing synchronization between the NAS module corresponding to the first NAS and a NAS module corresponding to a second NAS according to the NAS procedure execution result; and transmitting a NAS procedure response signal including the NAS procedure execution result to the user. |
| US08473637B2 |
Method and apparatus for extended ordering over a wireless network of collections using priority and dependency levels
A method and system for extended ordering of collections of data for synchronization over a wireless network, each collection having an existing priority level, the method having the steps of: adding, to each collection, a dependency field having a dependency value; exchanging the priority level and dependency value for each collection; and ordering synchronization of the collections based on priority levels and dependency values of the collections. |
| US08473636B2 |
Information processing system and data management method
The server device includes: an allocation unit for allocating a unique identifier to each of first data and second data; a management unit for managing a correspondence between the identifier and a method for accessing the first data or second data identified by the identifier; a presentation unit for presenting the identifier managed by the management unit to the client device; a conversion unit for converting an identifier-specifying request for access to the first data or second data from the client device into a method for accessing the first data or second data corresponding to the identifier using an access method associated by the management unit with the identifier; and a data access unit for requesting access to the first data or second data using the access method converted to by the conversion unit, and sending an access result to the client device. |
| US08473634B2 |
System and method for name resolution
In accordance with various aspects, the present invention relates to accessing and publishing documents between two computer systems or nodes that are connected together in a network environment. The system and method for name resolution stores an identity information document containing a user-friendly handle signifying identity, such as an email address, and a machine location, such as an IP address, for the publishing computer system where the documents are stored. Next, the system and method intercepts an initial request for access to documents when the initial request includes a user-friendly handle and replaces the user-friendly handle with the machine location, so that network users may easily access these documents through knowledge only of the user-friendly handle. |
| US08473632B2 |
Packet receiving apparatus and processing method for the same
A packet receiving apparatus determines whether or not data to be stored in a buffer overlaps previously stored data based on information contained in a header portion of a received packet. If it is determined that the data overlaps, a checksum for the overlapping data is subtracted. If it is determined that the data does not overlap, a checksum for the data to be stored in the buffer is added. |
| US08473631B2 |
Method and system for managing high-bandwidth data sharing
A server arrangement for facilitating the exchange of content between a plurality of user system associated with a common group is provided by employing a centralized server for directing publishing and extracting of content and a plurality of associated servers for facilitating the transmission of content between the user systems. A publisher is directed by the central server to a specific data server where content is to be provided. A consumer is directed by the central server to a specific data server from which content is to be extracted. The system is particularly adept for facilitating the exchange of video data between members of a common group coupled to the Internet. |
| US08473629B2 |
Method and system for enhancing live stream delivery quality using prebursting
A method accelerates the delivery of a portion of a data stream across nodes of a stream transport network. A portion of a live stream is forwarded from a first node to a second node in a transport network at a high bitrate as compared to the stream's encoded bitrate, and thereafter, the stream continues to be forwarded from the first node to the second node at or near the encoded bitrate. This technique provides significant advantages in that it reduces stream startup time, reduces unrecoverable stream packet loss, and reduces stream rebuffers as the stream is viewed by a requesting end user that has been mapped to a media server in a distributed computer network such as a content delivery network. |
| US08473627B2 |
Multitenant hosted virtual machine infrastructure
A multi-tenant virtual machine infrastructure (MTVMI) allows multiple tenants to independently access and use a plurality of virtual computing resources via the Internet. Within the MTVMI, different tenants may define unique configurations of virtual computing resources and unique rules to govern the use of the virtual computing resources. The MTVMI may be configured to provide valuable services for tenants and users associated with the tenants. |
| US08473624B2 |
Method and system for routing text based interactions
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for routing interactions. A method may include receiving a message related to the interaction. Text included in the message may be analyzed. A destination may be selected for the message based on analysis of the text. The message may be routed to the selected destination. |
| US08473622B2 |
Multidevice session establishment for multimodal browsing
Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products for establishing a single session for processing a multimodal application with multiple devices and for distributing the multimodal application amongst the multiple devices participating in the single session based on the respective capabilities of each device are provided. A system, method and computer program product for allowing new devices operated by the same user to join in the previously established session for processing the multimodal application where the capabilities of the new device exceed that of all devices currently participating in the session are also provided. |
| US08473617B2 |
Media client architecture for networked communication devices
A media client for a networked communication device includes a user agent to communicate with a multimedia application in the networked communication device. The user agent provides a high-level application interface to the multimedia application. A signaling agent under the control of the user agent performs signaling operations necessary to establish and maintain communication sessions. A media agent under the control of the user agent performs media operations. The media client may be located in a network and remotely accessed by the multimedia application. The user agent, signaling agent and media agent have network interfaces that allow these elements to be distributed within the network and accessed remotely. |
| US08473616B2 |
Locator coding in a communications networks
A method for use in interconnected communications networks, comprising negotiating a locally unique interface identifier between a network entity and a network such that the locally unique interface identifier differs from any interface identifier used by either of the network entity and the network; and using the locally unique interface identifier to identify an egress interface from the network entity to the network, and using the locally unique interface identifier to identify an egress interface from the network to the network entity. By using a common locally unique interface identifier between networks and network entities on a path between a source or destination network entity and a core network, a globally unique locator for the source or destination network entity can be constructed by concatenating elements derived from a plurality of negotiated common local interface identifiers between networks and network entities on the path. |
| US08473606B2 |
Network monitoring system
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention solve the limitations of current monitoring systems by automatically and completely monitoring various networks devices and services. Specifically, a network monitoring system monitors all services and conditions on various networks. Moreover, the network monitoring system may provide an advance warning of potential failures and may diagnose any problems that may surface. |
| US08473605B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fast channel switching between real time content on a device
Methods and apparatus for fast channel switching between real time content on a device. In an aspect, a method includes receiving a channel selection indicator that identifies a channel comprising real time content to be rendered, determining whether the real time content can be rendered using an existing rendering pathway, and inputting the real time content into the existing rendering pathway if it is determined that the real time content can be rendered using the existing rendering pathway. An apparatus includes a user interface to receive a channel selection indicator that identifies a channel comprising real time content to be rendered, processing logic to determine whether the real time content can be rendered using an existing rendering pathway, and a rendering interface to input the real time content into the existing rendering pathway if it is determined that the real time content can be rendered using the existing pathway. |
| US08473596B2 |
Method and apparatus for web based storage on-demand
Rapid demanding for storage capacity at internet era requires a much flexible and powerful storage infrastructure. Present invention disclosed a type of storage system based a model of centrally controlled distributed scalable virtual machine. In this model, one or more service pools including virtual storage service pool and application service pools can be automatically created to meet the demands for more storage capacity from various applications. Specially this model provide a solid foundation for distributing storage volumes for supporting storage on-demand and sharing with exceptional management capabilities. |
| US08473593B1 |
Method for dynamically generating information objects based on a restful subscription request
Techniques disclosed herein describe a client and/or server process for managing Information Technology (IT) assets, such as servers and storage devices. The process dynamically generates customized information objects based on subscription requests. A client generates a request for information. The request specifies information associated with a specific managed entity or IT resource. A server that monitors the specific managed entity does not maintain such information in an existing information object. Information associated with the specific managed entity can be performance information, health information, usage information, and the like. A notification manager receives the request and identifies that existing subscription resources don not contain the requested information. The notification manager generates a new information object that contains the requested information, and notifies the client. |
| US08473592B2 |
Storage system and management method in storage system
An object of the present invention is to recognize the presence of a business-use computer that can be a management target of a management computer, and to register the recognized business-use computer as a management target host.A storage system includes business-use hosts 12 and 14, a management server 16 and a storage subsystem 18; wherein the business-use hosts 12 and 14 are connected via a SAN 22 to the storage subsystem 18, while the management server 16 is connected via a LAN 20 to the business-use hosts 12 and 14 and the storage subsystem 18. The management server 16 for recognizing business-use hosts that can be management objects, sends a communication request to all the IP addresses/ports within a range specified by the user, and registers business-use hosts returning a response in reply to the communication request as management targets. |
| US08473591B2 |
Information processing system, information processor, server, information processing method and program
An information processor (1) comprises: a history packet transmitter (11) for transmitting via a plurality of ports of a communication processor (2) a plurality of history packets; a request packet transmitter (12) for transmitting a request packet requesting transmission of a return packet; a packet transmission controller (13) for controlling transmission of a request packet; a return packet receiver (14) for receiving a return packet transmitted from a server (3); and a port keeping time detector (15) for detecting the port keeping time of the communication processor (2) based on reception of a return packet by the return packet receiver (14). The server (3) includes: a request packet receiver (31) for receiving the request packet; and a return packet transmitter (32) for transmitting the return packet to the history port of the communication processor (2) where a history packet passed when a request packet receiver (31) received a request packet. This configuration provides an information processing system for detecting the port keeping time of the communication processor. |
| US08473590B2 |
System and method for the configuration of network devices
A system and method is disclosed for configuring a network device. The system and method involves a network device that includes an external button for toggling the device between a managed mode and an unmanaged mode. When the device is toggled to a managed mode, an Internet Protocol (IP) address is temporarily assigned to the device and the device may be remotely configured. After configuration, the device can be returned to an unmanaged state, and the IP address assigned to the device is cleared. During the period that the device is in a managed state, an external indicator on the device is turned on to confirm that the device is in a managed state. |
| US08473583B2 |
System and method for transmitting and receiving a call on a home network
A system and method for transmitting/receiving a call on a home network. When a request for call transmission/reception is made, a CP selects a target electronic device to/from which to transmit/receive a call from among at least one electronic device, establishes a connection for call transmission/reception between a terminal and the selected target electronic device, and controls the call transmission/reception between the terminal and the selected target electronic device. |
| US08473582B2 |
Disconnected file operations in a scalable multi-node file system cache for a remote cluster file system
Facilitating access to data in a network, is provided. One implementation involves maintaining a scalable multi-node file system cache in a local cluster file system, and caching file data in a cache by fetching file data on demand from a remote cluster file system into the local cached file system over the network. The local file data corresponds to file data in the remote cluster file system. Upon disconnection from the remote cluster file system, all file operations are supported at the cache. Then, upon reconnection to the remote cluster file system over the network, the remote cluster file system is synchronized with the information cached in the cache during the disconnection even in the presence of failures. |