| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08544735B2 |
Combicard transaction method and system having an application parameter update mechanism
Systems, methods and IC card devices are described for updating parameters such as unblocking or blocking or re-blocking an application on an IC card device whereby an integrated circuit card device gets issued with one or more active applications and optionally one or more dormant applications. Post issuance, triggered by a cardholder action when using a primary application, the issuer will send a command, e.g. in the form of a script to the card that will update parameters of another application, e.g. to ‘wake up’ the or each dormant application. An on-card mechanism is provided for the deblocking of the dormant application while the primary application is active. For any further transactions performed with the card, the cardholder will be offered a choice between the unblocked applications on the card. Optionally the oncard mechanism can also block or re-block an application or perform other actions. |
| US08544726B1 |
Method and system for providing an automated and integrated R and D tax credit tool
In accordance with one embodiment, one or more R&D project/activity survey tools are generated and used to obtain employee R&D activity data. Payroll data is automatically obtained and the employee R&D activity data and employee payroll data is used to determine a R&D cost data indicating a total cost to a business of all employee time devoted to qualified R&D. R&D tax credit qualification data for the business is also automatically obtained and the R&D cost data and R&D tax credit qualification data for the business is used to automatically calculate the R&D tax credit for the business. Any evidentiary data supporting the calculated R&D tax credit data is then automatically correlated and stored. |
| US08544723B2 |
Automatic analyzer with the function of rendering reagent information unreadable
The invention provides an automatic analyzer suitable for efficient reagent management. The analyzer allows continued use of existing reagent information storage media because reagent ID information that is no longer needed is overwritten so that it is unrecognizable to any analyzer. The invention relates to a method for automatically analyzing particular properties of an analyte by putting the analyte and a reagent into a vessel and measuring the reacted analyte-reagent mixture. The analyzer of the invention comprises: an information reader/writer for reading or writing regent information to/from storage media attached to reagent vessels; means for managing reagent information read from the storage media; means for processing reagents based on the managed information; and means for overwriting reagent information that has been judged unnecessary based on the managed information so that the unnecessary information is unrecognizable to any analyzer. |
| US08544719B2 |
Clear clasp reusable envelope
A resealable envelope is composed of a front panel and a rear panel attached to the front panel forming an interior pouch between the front panel and rear panel. A flap extends from the rear panel, the flap having an opening having an elongated width with two circular protrusions emanating from the top and bottom of the elongated width; the opening having a width greater than its height. A first adhesive has an adhesive layer on one side and a releasable surface layer an opposite side. The first adhesive is located at the top portion of the front panel such that the opening is in contact with the first adhesive when the flap is closed. A second adhesive strip is located on the outside of the flap over the opening such that the envelope is sealed when the flap is pressed against the resealable surface layer of the first adhesive. |
| US08544718B2 |
Paper container for liquid
The aim is to provide a paper container for liquid that has a strength to prevent breakage or leakage due to a shock in a long-distance transportation and also has no problems in opening the container when used.This invention is a paper container for liquid which comprises a laminated body which comprises a paper as base material thereof and a heat-sealant layer which is placed inner side of the container than the paper and which comprises a reinforcement layer and a liquid-contacting layer which is the side of contacting the liquid, wherein the reinforcement layer is a layer made of linear low-density polyethylene and the liquid-contacting layer is a layer made of low-density polyethylene and thickness ratio of the reinforcement layer and the liquid-contacting layer (thickness of reinforcement layer 5/thickness of liquid-contacting layer 6) that form the heat-sealant layer is in the range of 0.2-5. Moreover, it is characterized in that the density of the linear low-density polyethylene is in a range of 0.900-0.945 g/cm3. Furthermore, it is characterized in that the linear low-density polyethylene and the low-density polyethylene are additive-free resins to which no additives have been added. |
| US08544713B2 |
Apparatus and method of coating flux
An apparatus coats flux on a projection of a part mounted on a printed circuit board. The projection passes through the printed circuit board and projects from the printed circuit board. The apparatus contains a printed-circuit-board-holding member that holds the printed circuit board, a nozzle having an opening through which the projection comes in the nozzle and comes off the nozzle, a nozzle-moving member that moves the nozzle to a predetermined position, and a flux-supplying member that supplies the flux to the nozzle. The flux is coated on at least the projection by dipping the projection in the flux contained in the nozzle through the opening. |
| US08544708B2 |
Folding pick-up truck tool box
A tool box can be unfolded for use in holding tools or other items, and then folded up, to avoid taking up space in a pick-up truck cargo box when the tool box is not in use. The toolbox may have a folding panel assembly including a first panel, a second panel pivotally attached to the first panel, and a third panel pivotally attached to the second panel. The folding panel assembly is foldable into an open position and into a closed position. In the open position, one or more of the panels may be supported on left and right side end frames attached to the inner sidewalls of the pick-up truck cargo box. |
| US08544707B2 |
Resilient infill
The invention relates to a resilient infill for positioning in a channel in a crossbar of a roof rack or load carrier. The infill comprises a flexible upper portion and a base comprising a bottom. A pair of flexible, opposing side walls extend from the bottom and curve upwardly and outwardly to meet with outer edges of the flexible upper portion. The width of the upper portion is greater than the width of the bottom and the infill has a substantially hollow interior. The infill is compressible and makes minimal wind noise when positioned in the crossbar of a roof rack located on a moving vehicle. |
| US08544701B1 |
Pressurized fluid distribution system for beverage dispensing
A system for storing and monitoring a pressurized fluid includes a pressurized fluid source and a plurality of fluid lines in communication with the supply line of a beverage dispensing system. The fluid lines are configured to selectively permit the passage of the pressurized fluid when the pressure of the source (e.g., a tank) reaches a predetermined threshold value. Specifically, the tank includes a high pressure line, an intermediate pressure line, and a low pressure or reserve line. |
| US08544700B2 |
Epoxy injection controller
An epoxy injection controller including a housing having a housing body and a handle, the housing body having a front wall, opposing side walls, a bottom wall, and a rear wall, and the handle having a front wall. A cartridge holder configured to receive a cartridge of material is disposed within the housing. A trigger having a first end and a second end is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A rotatable link member having a first end and a second end is disposed within the housing, and is in engagement with the trigger. An actuator for dispensing material from the cartridge is selectively engaged with the link member. The actuator dispenses material from the cartridge when the trigger is unlocked, and the actuator is retracted from the cartridge and prevented from dispensing material from the cartridge when the trigger is locked. |
| US08544699B2 |
Non-rotating single post ram for inductor pump
An inductor pump system comprises a pump system, a ram system and a bearing assembly. The pump system includes a platen configured to engage a container. The ram system comprises a cylinder configured to support the pump system, and a piston extendable from the cylinder to vary axial positioning of the platen with respect to the container. The bearing assembly links the piston to the cylinder and is configured to prevent rotation of the pump system with respect to the ram system. |
| US08544684B2 |
Visual, bi-audible, and bi-tactile metered-dose transdermal medicament applicator
A bi-audible, bi-tactile, and visual transdermal delivery apparatus for delivering specific desired quantities of cream-base medicament or any flowable composition; comprising: a revolving platform with equispaced side tabs stemming from an outer and inner base rim responsible for yielding said bi-audible and bi-tactile sensations upon interaction with ticker tabs projecting form the bottom exterior wall of the house; a threaded screw-complex that interacts with an elevator to transport the medicament upwards; a house that confines an inner chamber to store the medicament; an applicator pad with a center outlet where the composition exits the chamber; and a safety cap. Equispaced digit tabs on the outer side wall of the rotatable platform indicate the amount to be delivered. The platform rotates 18° clockwise per actuation against equispaced line demarcations on the house delivering roughly a 1/20th of a milliliter of composition. |
| US08544683B2 |
Multiple component dispensing cartridge and method with side-by-side fluid chambers
A fluid cartridge for storing and dispensing first and second fluids includes a first tubular cartridge wall and a second tubular cartridge wall in side-by-side relation. First and second pistons are coupled for movement by a coupling portion and are respectively disposed within the first and second tubular cartridge walls to define first and second side-by-side fluid chambers. A fixed wall is disposed between the first and second fluid chambers. A force is applied to the first piston along the first central longitudinal axis of the first tubular cartridge wall and moves both the first and second pistons along and within the first and second fluid chambers as the coupling portion between the first and second pistons travels within an opening in the fixed wall. The opening may be a preformed slot or may be formed by a cutting element attached with the pistons as the pistons move during the dispensing operation. |
| US08544681B2 |
Bag dispensing machine for upward dispensing
The present invention relates to a device for dispensing plastic bags from a stack of bags, one at a time, for use in stores and shopping areas. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes at least one conveyor belt mounted about at least two rollers and is adapted and configured to engage a plastic bag from the stack of bags, a pressure mechanism for pressing at least one bag against the belt so as to cause the belt to engage the bag, means for rotating one of the rollers so as to cause it to drag an engaged plastic bag upwards to a dispensing area, and means for automatically stopping rotation of said belt after a single bag has been dispensed. If desired, the rate at which the bags are dispensed can also be set and controlled. |
| US08544677B2 |
One-piece lock-back lid
A drink-through plastic lid is injection molded in one piece to define a rim structure which snaps onto the rim of a cup and an asymmetric crown having a drink-through opening formed at the high point of an outer deck. An integral hinged flap with a C-shaped seal lip on the inside surface can lock by means of said lip into the drink-through opening when in one condition. The flexible outer edges of the flap latch into a lock-back recess which interrupts an intermediate inner deck formed between the outer crown deck and the floor of a well in the interior area of the lid. |
| US08544676B2 |
System for use with a consumable beverage
One aspect of the invention provides a system including a container defining a chamber for holding a beverage, a lid for engaging the container, a drinking straw located on the lid, and a fluid router detachable from the lid to facilitate the withdrawal of the beverage from the container. The fluid router includes a base adapted for placement in the proximity to an opening of the container, and a conduit having a first and a second ends disposed on the base. The fluid router can further include a connector disposed on the base and adapted to engage a thermal energy storage member located in the chamber. The first conduit end is adapted to engage the drinking straw. The system can further include a second straw engaged with the second conduit end and positioned in the chamber. |
| US08544675B1 |
Fluid reservoir assembly
A fluid reservoir assembly includes a base assembly defining an interior cavity that is adapted to receive a fluid. A cover assembly is engaged to the base assembly. The cover assembly includes a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. A first plurality of fasteners engages the first end of the cover assembly to the base assembly. The first plurality of fasteners has a first strength. A second plurality of fasteners engages the second end of the cover assembly to the base assembly. The second plurality of fasteners has a second strength. The first strength is less than the second strength. |
| US08544674B2 |
Combined lid and sieve for a shaker
A shaker has a container body, lid and sieve, with the lid and sieve detachably securable to one another, separate and apart from the lid and container body being detachably securable together. A substantially U-shaped track is situated around an internal surface of the lid to receive a mating projection of the sieve so that the sieve and lid can be snapped together in complementary fashion and detachably secured together by a snap fit. |
| US08544664B2 |
Child resistant container with inverting cap bottom lift
A child resistant container with inverting cap bottom lift features has a container main body adapted to receive a sprayer container with a top-positioned spray activator, and has at least one lift rod slot on its bottom; an inner cap for permanent connection to the open top of the container after a spray container is placed therein; and an outer cap with at least one downwardly projecting lift rod. The inner cap has a spray activator orifice large enough to permit a spray activator of a spray container to pass therethrough and small enough to prevent a spray container connected to the spray activator from passing therethrough. A user removes the outer cap, inverts it and pushes up through the bottom to raise up the spray container enough to expose the spray activator and its nozzle for spray use. |
| US08544662B2 |
Central datum feature on railroad coupler body and corresponding gauges
A coupler body for a railcar coupler, said coupler body comprising at least one central datum feature that does not wear during coupler use. |
| US08544659B2 |
Greeting card display fixture
A greeting card display includes an upper tier and a lower tier positioned below the upper tier. The upper and lower tiers include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards. Some of the pockets of the upper tier and/or the bottom tier, typically the pockets of the bottom rows, can present greeting cards in a full-facing manner to display all or substantially all of the full face of each greeting card. The upper tier can include a card highlighter, positioned along one of the rows, configured with pockets to present and highlight cards placed therein. |
| US08544658B2 |
Functionalized thin film polyamide membranes
The present invention relates to a method of preparing RAFT, ATRP or NMRP functionalized thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membranes on a microporous substrate. A further aspect of the invention is the subsequent modification of the thin film composite polyamide membrane by controlled free radical polymerization (CFRP) to yield membranes having new chemical and physical properties, e.g. antifouling and/or antibacterial properties. Further aspects of the invention are the functionalized thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membranes on the microporous substrate itself and the membranes modified by controlled free radical polymerization. |
| US08544657B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing contaminants from industrial fluids
A filter system for removing contaminants from oil based industrial liquids and the like includes a support tube with a permeable sidewall through which the industrial liquid flows in an inside out direction. A multilayer coalescence media surrounds the support tube, and includes at least one layer of a non-woven fibrous material that is partially wettable by the dispersed water in the industrial liquid, and commences coalescence of the same to form small primary water droplets, and at least one sheet of a precisely woven monofilament fabric stacked on the downstream side of the non-woven material. The woven fabric is substantially wettable by the dispersed water, and has a fixed open mesh with uniformly sized and spaced apart pore openings which continue to coalesce the primary water droplets into large water drops which fall from the filter for collection along the bottom of the apparatus. |
| US08544656B2 |
Currency bill processing device and method
A currency bill processing system includes a transport mechanism that is configured to transport bills from an input receptacle along a transport path that extends generally horizontally past at least one detector. The transport path transitions generally-vertically upward between a first and a second output receptacle. The transport mechanism is configured to deliver some of the bills toward a first end of the system into the first output receptacle and some of the bills toward a second end of the system into the second output receptacle. The system provides access openings in a front side of the system that are proximate the first and the second output receptacles thereby permitting operator access into the first and the second output receptacles from the front side. |
| US08544655B2 |
Screen module for vibratory screening apparatus
A vibratory screening apparatus includes a screen module. The screen module includes: a panel frame having opposed side portions joined by opposed end portions, the end portions configured to locate the panel frame between spaced panel support rails; at least one intermediate portion extending between the opposed side portions and/or opposed end portions and dividing the panel frame into panel portions; the side portions and the at least one intermediate portion having engagement formations provided on upper surfaces thereof; and at least one pair of screen panels, the screen panels overlying respective panel portions of the panel frame and including complementary engagement formations on an underside periphery thereof for engagement with the peripheral panel engagement formations, defined by the engagement formations of the panel frame and panel support rails. |
| US08544654B2 |
Magnetic separator
A magnetic separator comprising a vibratory conveyor for vibratorily flowing non-ferrous articles and articles containing ferrous material within the magnetic field of a transverse extending magnet to magnetically capture the articles containing the ferrous material while allowing the non-ferrous articles to flow therepast. The magnet is periodically retractable to remove ferrous articles magnetically adhered thereto. The use of a set of transverse extending magnets enables a continuous on-the-go separation of articles containing ferrous material from non-ferrous articles without having to shut down the vibratory conveyor. |
| US08544649B2 |
Stackable containers and methods of manufacturing, stacking, and shipping the same
Stackable containers that, in various embodiments, are adapted to be vertically and/or horizontally interlocked with other, like, containers to, for example, increase the stability of stacks of the containers. In one embodiment, a stackable container comprises: (A) a top surface comprising a shoulder portion that extends upwardly from the top surface and that is substantially disposed within a perimeter defined by the top surface; (B) a bottom surface defining a stacking recess; (C) a plurality of substantially vertical side surfaces that extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. In various embodiments, a recessed portion of the bottom surface adjacent the stacking recess is adapted to substantially mate with at least a portion of a shoulder portion of a like container. |
| US08544644B2 |
Cradle for hand held electronic device
A cradle device adapted to receive personal electronic devices or hand held electronic devices. The cradle is formed of a silica gel compound and configured and sized to receive a hand held personal electronic device. In one aspect the cradle has a four sided frame which stretches and slips over and clips on electronic device allowing for the encasement of the electronic device on all four sides. Openings are strategically positioned in the frame to allow for access to functional buttons and ports on the electronic device. The cradle includes gripping structures extending between the frame for grasping or holding the cradle and electronic device. |
| US08544643B2 |
Waterproof camera case with a lock mechanism
A waterproof camera case includes first and second case members and a lock mechanism for locking the first and second case members together. The lock mechanism includes a side flip hingedly connected to a side of the rear case member and moveable between a flip open position and a flip closed position where an inner surface of the side flip abuts against a side of the front case member. A press member is pivotable about a first shaft mounted on the inner surface of the side flip and moveable between a non-pressing position and a pressing position. A free distal side of the press member is configured to press against a ledge projected from the side of the front case member on a surface oppositely facing the rear case member. A lock member is slidable along a second shaft mounted on the inner surface of the side flip and moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The lock member has a latch portion adapted to insert into a slot defined by a catch portion formed on the side of the front case member. A torsion spring is used to bias the press member in the non-pressing position, and a compression spring is used to bias the lock member in the locked position. |
| US08544640B1 |
Assembly for carrying, protecting and supporting a tablet computer or similar sized item
A carrying assembly for a tablet computer or similar object. A bag structure is provided that has an internal pocket. Padding areas exist around the internal pocket between the internal pocket and the bag structure. The padding areas are at least partially filled with padding material. The ends of a handle structure are attached to the bag structure. A fabric panel extends from the handle structure to the bag structure. The object is stored in the internal pocket. When needed, the object is removed. The bag structure is laid on one side so that the fabric panel lay flat on a surface. In this orientation, the handle structure and the bag structure combine to create a holding trough. The object is placed within the holding trough, wherein the object leans against the bag structure in an inclined orientation. |
| US08544636B2 |
Chuck
A chuck for actuating plastic material containers, in particular performs, along a conveying line, includes a structure, fixable to a link of a conveying chain, a body, defining a longitudinal axis, inserted into a longitudinal through-hole of the structure and adapted to axially slide and/or rotate about the longitudinal axis, provided with gripping means at a first end for gripping a container neck. The structure is provided with locking elements for locking the body in a predetermined angular position, with the body being provided with at least one indication element of the predetermined angular position. |
| US08544634B2 |
Reverse meter belt conveyor
A conveyor and a method for metering articles on a conveyor belt advancing in a direction of belt travel. Article-supporting rollers in the belt are actuated by a stationary bearing surface defining an upstream acceleration zone to accelerate articles forward along the conveyor belt. An activation belt advancing in the direction of belt travel at a speed faster than the conveyor belt provides a mobile bearing surface that actuates the belt rollers to rotate opposite to the direction of belt travel in a downstream deceleration zone. The conveyor belt also has regularly spaced retractable flights, which are retracted by contact with the stationary bearing surface in the acceleration zone and extended into a blocking position by contact with the mobile bearing surface in the deceleration zone. Articles in the deceleration zone are pushed rearward atop the rollers into metered positions against the leading faces of the flights. |
| US08544623B1 |
Cord organizing system for hair shears
An organizing system for an electrical clipper having a housing with side walls, a top and bottom surface, and an inner cavity, the top surface is removably attached to a side wall via an attachment means, a spring-loaded cord spool in the inner cavity having an axle around which a cord of a clipper can be wrapped and rotates to wind or unwind the cord, a bottom end of the axle removably engages a spool mounting component in the bottom surface of the housing, a cord slot allowing a cord of a clipper to penetrate the housing in a side wall, a release button on a top end of the axle protrudes through a hole in the top surface and is pressed to wind the cord of the clipper, and a power strip in the inner cavity of the housing has a cord that protrudes through the housing. |
| US08544617B2 |
Railroad and industrial vehicle disk brake pad
A railroad and industrial vehicle disk brake pad having a supporting plate and a number of friction members. Each friction member is elongated in shape, with two curved parallel long sides, and is fixed to the supporting plate so that the curves of the long sides form a substantially 0° angle with respective concentric circles of a disk to which the pad fitted. To prevent displacement of the friction members, these are fixed to the supporting plate with the interposition of antirotation means. |
| US08544616B2 |
Brake disc for bicycles
A brake disk for bicycles has an inner disk, two outer disks and multiple brake units. The brake units, rather than the outer disks, are used to rub with the disk brake pads. As each brake unit is a small lump, the brake units can be easily made of material with high abrasion resistance, high temperature resistance, and low heat conduction, and the brake units still can sustain sufficient strength. With those features of material, the brake disk for bicycles does not deform easily by the heat, and the glue between the outer disks and the inner disk does not melt easily by the heat from the outer disks. Because each brake unit, which is used to rub, is independent from the outer disks, the outer disks can be made of light material, and the whole weight reduces as well. |
| US08544603B1 |
Fall restriction device for climbers of wood poles
A fall restriction apparatus for climbers of wooden poles having a connecting component with at least a first bight portion adapted for connection to and retention within a center opening of a three slot-opening D-ring. The connecting component is sized so that when inserted within the central opening, it is restrained from rotating. The connecting component may have outwardly directed protrusions on at least its spine region. The affixed D-ring shape typically lies in a major plane orthogonal to a plane in which the remainder of the connecting component lies. Alternately, connecting component may be attached to other openings of the three-opening D-ring. The fall restriction apparatus also contains a buckle assembly which may have one or more cleats disposed on a rear surface to facilitate gripping a wooden pole. |
| US08544601B2 |
Sound-absorbing noise barrier
A sound-absorbing noise barrier, more specifically to one comprising: a main body which has a front surface and a rear surface and extends horizontally and in which a space is formed between the front surface and the rear surface; and a sound-absorbing material which is accommodated in the space of the main body and is disposed at a distance away from the front surface and the rear surface respectively, wherein the front surface of the main body is formed with vertically oriented alternating projections and recesses and is formed with a plurality of sound-absorbing holes, and the overall cross-sectional area of the sound-absorbing holes is at least 20% of the cross-sectional area of the front surface. The sound-absorbing noise barrier of the present invention can be variously employed in construction and industrial products, has good sound-absorbing characteristics across a wide frequency range, and can present an aesthetically appealing external effect. |
| US08544598B2 |
Soundproofing panel for turbomachine and turbomachine comprising such a panel
A one-piece soundproofing panel which is attached within an circumferential air blower casing of a turbomachine, with an axis, in which circulates an airflow from upstream to downstream, is disclosed. The panel includes a circumferential rigid seat with a longitudinal cylindrical part, arranged to axially extend with respect to the axis A of the turbomachine, having an outside surface, intended to come to extend facing with an internal surface of the air blower casing, and an internal surface to which is applied a soundproofing coating; and an annular fastening flange, formed at the upstream end of the longitudinal cylindrical part, radially outwardly extending, the fastening flange being arranged to cooperate with a fastening flange of the air blower casing. |
| US08544597B1 |
Tuned damper member
A method of making a damper member includes forming a lattice network of a first material using an additive powder forming technique. The lattice network includes interconnected pores. A matrix of a second, different material is then deposited within the interconnected pores to form a damper member having an acoustic attenuation that is tuned to dampen a target vibrational mode. |
| US08544595B2 |
Carbonaceous acoustic diaphragm and method for manufacturing the same
A carbonaceous acoustic diaphragm whose density is reduced while retaining the required stiffness is provided. Carbon nanofibers and spherical particles of PMMA are mixed into a carbon-containing resin such as a polyvinyl chloride resin, and the mixture is carbonized to vaporize the spherical particles of PMMA, thereby forming a porous structure having pores with the carbon nanofibers in a powdered form uniformly dispersed through amorphous carbon. By forming a multilayer structure by combining the porous layer with a layer that does not use PMMA, the density can be further reduced while retaining the stiffness. |
| US08544593B2 |
Motor drive apparatus and electric power steering system using the same
When an inverter or a coil set of one system in a motor drive apparatus having two systems fails, a power supply relay of a failing system interrupts power supply and a control circuit gradually reduces a current supply limitation value of a normal system to zero. Then when a steering torque becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control circuit increases the current supply limitation value by a predetermined amount. By reducing the current supply limitation value to zero once and then gradually increasing the current supply limitation value to generate steering assist torque, a driver will be caused to sense changes in the steering torque and surely notice occurrence of failure. |
| US08544590B2 |
Active hinge with reset mechanism
An active hinge with a reset mechanism that disables an additional degree of freedom in the hinge's movement to permit the trailing edge of a vehicle hood to lift is disclosed. The active hinge includes a deployment bracket on which a reset clip is mounted, a hood bracket for attachment to the vehicle's hood, and a body bracket for attachment to the vehicle's body. To re-lock the movement between the deployment bracket and the hood bracket resulting from the hood bracket rotating around a degree of freedom pivot, an engagement tab on the reset clip enters a notch in the hood bracket so that reset clip rotates until a locking tab on the clip engages a hole in the deployment bracket. The locking tab engaging the hole prevents further rotation of the hood bracket in either direction, to thereby maintain the active hinge in a reset position. |
| US08544585B2 |
Reinforced foam vehicle chassis
A light-weight vehicle component such as a vehicle chassis (100) formed from an internally reinforced rigid closed-cell foam (12). The reinforced closed-cell foam vehicle chassis (100) includes an outer layer of rigid closed-cell foam (108a), an inner layer of rigid closed-cell foam (108c), and one or more layers of reinforcing structural material (114) disposed between the inner and outer layers of foam. The reinforced closed-cell foam vehicle chassis incorporates reinforced attachment points (114a) for receiving and supporting vehicle components, such as suspension elements, steering components, a drive motor, and passenger accommodations. |
| US08544584B2 |
Construction vehicle
A construction vehicle includes a cooling device. The cooling device includes a radiator disposed on a vehicle body frame, an oil cooler disposed adjacent to the radiator with a rear surface side thereof being arranged to face in roughly parallel to a lower part of a front surface of the radiator, and an opening/closing mechanism including a rotary shaft. The rotary shaft is obliquely disposed with a top end portion thereof being arranged closer to the front surface of the radiator than a bottom end portion thereof is. The opening/closing mechanism is configured to pivot the oil cooler about the rotary shaft and simultaneously move the oil cooler with respect to the radiator. Either a counterweight mounted on a rear part of the vehicle body frame or a part of the vehicle body frame is disposed on a line horizontally extended from a bottom end portion of the oil cooler. |
| US08544580B2 |
In-wheel switched reluctance motor drive
A switched reluctance motor includes an inner stator having a plurality of stator poles with coil windings, the inner stator having a plurality of stator phases, an outer rotor configured to rotate around the inner stator, the outer rotor having a plurality of rotor poles, at least one position sensor configured to detect a position of the outer rotor, and a DC supply configured to sequentially supply current to excite the stator phases. |
| US08544578B2 |
System and method for extracting propulsion energy from motor vehicle exhaust
Engine exhaust is sent to a reformer, which produces hydrogen from fuel remaining in the exhaust. The hydrogen may be stored in a hydrogen tank, and may be used by a fuel cell to produce electricity to recharge a vehicle battery and/or to supply propulsion current to an electric propulsion system. |
| US08544577B2 |
Control system for hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle comprises an engine 2, a motor generator 4, a torque converter 6 with a lock-up clutch 5, and a ratio-change mechanism 7. A control system for the hybrid vehicle comprises a rotational sensor 22, which detects the slip ratio of the torque converter, and a hydraulic control valve 12, which controls the engagement of the lock-up clutch. While the vehicle is moving along with the accelerator pedal being released from its stepped down condition, a driving force from the wheels is transmitted to the motor generator 4 for energy regeneration. If the slip ratio of the torque converter is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value, then only the lock-up clutch is controlled into engagement. However, if the slip ratio is between the first threshold value and a second threshold value, then additionally the motor generator is controlled in cooperative operation. |
| US08544572B2 |
Car, walking apparatus, and method of determining shape of wheel
A car having a rotatable wheel, the car being able to run by rotating the wheel, the car having a leg used by the car for walking, and an attitude stabilization section for stabilizing an attitude of the car. |
| US08544569B2 |
Offset rock bit with pull back adapter
An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back 5 adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole. |
| US08544565B2 |
Lost circulation control fluids for naturally fractured carbonate formations
Compositions including relatively low reactivity acids and having a pH of from about 2 to about 5, mixed with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) and internal breakers may serve as fluids, in a non-limiting embodiment as drilling fluids, to open underground hydrocarbon reservoirs with carbonate contents of 10 wt % or above. The fluids initially have low viscosities. After the fluid flows out of the drill bit, the acids react with carbonates in the formation thereby increasing the pH of the fluids causing the VES to gel the fluid at the bottom of the hole and within the formation rock. Even when the subterranean formation contains naturally-occurring fractures, the viscosified fluid will reduce fluid loss into the formation. After drilling through the targeted formation, internal breakers in the viscosified fluids will break down the fluids to permit their removal, and production of the well with very little or no near well bore damage. |
| US08544563B2 |
Oil well perforators
An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator capable of providing an exothermic reaction after detonation is provided, having a housing, a high explosive, and a reactive liner where the high explosive is positioned between the reactive liner and the housing. The reactive liner is produced from a composition which is capable of sustaining an exothermic reaction during the formation of the cutting jet. |
| US08544560B2 |
Drive mechanism
A drive mechanism is described for moving/controlling objects/mechanisms/systems coupled with a drillstring and/or pipe. The drive mechanism may be axially arranged on a drillstring or pipe, compact, capable of fine control and delivering high torque or the like and may be electrically and/or hydraulically powered. The drive mechanism may comprising a driving member comprising a plurality of drivers linearly translatable with respect to the driving member, each driving member having at their ends a male engaging portion and an associated driven member, comprising a plurality of female receiving portions adapted to receive a male engaging portion, the arrangement being such that linear translation of a driver causes its engaging portion to engage with a female receiving portion and the action of the engaging portion produces a reaction in the receiving portion causing displacement of the driven member in a direction other than that of the translatable driver. |
| US08544557B2 |
Frame section pivot limiting device
A pivot limiting device for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a first frame section pivotally coupled to second frame section at a pivot location. The device includes a compression structure having a spring compressed to a preset load. The compression structure is coupled to the first frame section. A plunger includes a first portion positioned adjacent the second frame section and a second portion positioned adjacent the compression structure to move relative thereto between a first position placing no additional compression on the spring when the second frame section pivots in a first direction and contacts the plunger with a first force less than or equal to the preset load, and a second position further compressing the spring when the second frame section pivots in the first direction and contacts the plunger with a second force greater than the preset load. |
| US08544555B2 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing a catalyst occurring naturally in an oil field
A system and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits is presented. A method includes injecting syngas into the oil deposit for processing the oil to produce upgraded oil with a reduced density and viscosity. A natural catalytic bed of the oil deposit is utilized to aid a rate of processing the oil into upgraded oil. The upgraded oil with reduced density and viscosity is extracted from the underground oil deposit by transporting the upgraded oil aboveground. |
| US08544553B2 |
Sealing apparatus and method for a downhole tool
An apparatus and a method to seal and prevent leakage within a downhole tool are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first body portion having a first fluid flow path formed therethrough and a second body portion having a second fluid flow path formed therethrough. The second body portion is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the first body portion. The apparatus further includes a stopper connected to the second body portion and disposed within the first body portion. When the second body portion is in the first position, the stopper sealingly engages the first fluid flow path, and when the second body portion is in the second position, the stopper sealingly disengages from the first fluid flow path. |
| US08544552B2 |
System for pulse-injecting fluid into a borehole
For injecting e.g. water into ground formation around a borehole, and for superimposing pulses onto the outflow of the injected water, it is important that the pulses have a rapid rise-time. A piston is connected to a pulse-valve of the tool. A bias spring urges the piston towards its closed position. The piston is urged towards the open position by a differential PDAF between the supplied accumulator-pressure and the in-ground formation-pressure. When the pulse-valve is open, the PDAF is falling, until the force of the spring closes the pulse-valve. Then the PDAF rises, but now the PDAF acts over only a small area of the piston. When the PDAF is high enough to ease the pulse-valve open, suddenly the whole area of the piston is exposed to the PDAF, whereby the pulse-valve opens violently. |
| US08544551B2 |
Methods and devices for isolating wellhead pressure
A wellhead is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead includes a plug for sealing a side passage of the wellhead. The plug may include an outer member, an inner member extending through the outer member and coupled to the outer member with at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the outer member, and a moveable seal disposed around the outer member. In some embodiments, the moveable seal is configured to seal against the side passage in response to being moved on the outer member by the inner member. |
| US08544547B2 |
FRAC system split ring device
A wellhead system, in an embodiment, includes a first wellhead component with an internal bore, and a second wellhead component with a lower end disposed within the first wellhead component internal bore and an upper end disposed outside of the first wellhead component internal bore. The upper end of the second wellhead component has a groove disposed on an outer surface thereof. The wellhead system also includes a retaining member with a plurality of sections, wherein a portion of the retaining member is at least partially disposed in the groove on the second wellhead component, the retaining member is coupled to the first wellhead component, and an anti-rotation mechanism engages both the retaining member and the second wellhead component. |
| US08544546B2 |
Delivering water-soluble polysaccharides for well treatments
A method including the steps of: (a) providing a dispersion comprising: a water-soluble polysaccharide and a carrier fluid, wherein the carrier fluid comprises: (i) glycerol, and (ii) a mono-hydroxylic alcohol having 1-3 carbons, wherein the mono-hydroxylic alcohol is present in at least 0.1% by weight of the glycerol, wherein the polysaccharide is insoluble in the carrier fluid; (b) mixing the dispersion with at least water to form an aqueous well treatment fluid, wherein the polysaccharide is soluble in the aqueous phase of the aqueous wellbore treatment fluid; and (c) introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. |
| US08544541B2 |
Packer supported on bonded connection to a surrounding tubular
A packer or bridge plug has slips that bind to the surrounding tubular with an adhesive bond. The tubular wall is not penetrated but a roughening of the target location in the tubular can help the bond material to adhere to support the packer or bridge plug. A removable cover can overlay the surface to be bonded to the tubular and the cover can come off in a variety of techniques before the members to be bonded are radially extended. An acrylic adhesive can be the bonding agent. The packer or bridge plug can be made of mostly or entirely non-metallic materials to facilitate mill out. |
| US08544530B2 |
Heat dissipation device and method for manufacturing the same
A heat dissipation device includes a plurality of fins, a plurality of heat pipes connected to the fins in a thermal conductive relationship and a plurality of electric conductors extending through the fins. The fins are stacked together and spaced from each other. The heat pipes are extended through the fins. The electric conductors are electrically connected to the fins to enable consistent metal oxide films to be formed all over surfaces of the fins when anodizing the fins. |
| US08544528B2 |
Heat exchanger equipped with partitioning members for use in a vehicular air conditioning apparatus
In a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, a first blower unit is connected by a connection duct to a side portion of a casing having respective air passages defined therein, and a second blower unit separate from the first blower unit is connected to a lower portion of the casing. In addition, air is supplied to the interior of the casing from the first blower unit and is cooled by a first cooling section of an evaporator, whereas air that is supplied from the second blower unit is cooled by passing through a second cooling section in the evaporator, which is separated from the first cooling section by a pair of first and second partitioning members. |
| US08544526B2 |
Energy recovery in a steel mill
Energy is recovered from steel products produced in a steel mill where the products are transported into a storage area by first extracting heat from the steel products prior to or after transport into the storage area by heat exchangers for a predetermined period in which residual heat of the steel products is transferred by the heat exchangers into a heat-transfer medium to heat same. The heated transfer medium is then transferred via heat-transfer transport lines for power generation or for direct use of the process heat in other heat consumers. This transport of the heat-transfer medium from the heat exchangers to the power-generating plant in the heat-transfer transport lines is carried out only at pump feed pressure or using as a heat-transfer medium liquid mineral or synthetic thermal oil or a salt melt so as not to build up a steam pressure above 2 bar. |
| US08544524B2 |
Leading end assemblies for movable partitions including sensor assemblies, movable partition systems including sensor assemblies and related methods
Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly. |
| US08544521B2 |
Mobile tarping system
A mobile tarping system has a framework with a base section and a height adjustable main section connected to a cradle support. A rolled up tarp within the cradle support, can be unrolled and retracted by a spring-loaded roll-out and retraction assembly or a manual crank for covering the open container. The system is separate and independent from the container. Wheels extending from the base section permit the mobile tarping system to be transported between various containers, when a given container is filled with loose debris and must be covered. |
| US08544520B2 |
Automatic rim centering system for a tyre changing machine
The invention concerns vehicle wheel service machines, in particular automatic tire changers, having a wheel or rim mounting device (2) which is mounted rotatably about an axis (11) and to which a wheel (1) is to be fixed. The vehicle wheel service machine comprises first and second detectors (6, 7) and a controller to detect the rotational speeds of the rim mounting device (2) and the wheel (1) respectively. Furthermore, a method for controlling the rotational speed of the rim mounting device (2) is provided. If the detected rotational speeds are different, slipping is determined and eliminated by approximating the rotational speed of the rim mounting device (2) to that of the wheel (1). A rim mounting device (2) can comprise a rim mounting plate (23) having a rim support surface (24) with a high-friction lining adapted to increase friction between the rim mounting plate (23) and the wheel (1). |
| US08544518B2 |
Supply group of a packing band from reels, with an automatic change of the reel, for object-packing machines
A supply group of a packing band from reels, with an automatic change of the reel for an object-packing machine, includes a supply conveyor along which the packing band runs, a device for transversally cutting the band located at a start of the supply conveyor, a device for supporting one reel of the band of slim packing material and a device for supporting a second reel of band of slim packing material. The group includes a first entry conveyor of the first band from the first reel to the supply conveyor, a second entrance conveyor of the second band from the second reel to the supply conveyor, a device for advancing for introducing or extracting the front end of the first band to or from the supply conveyor, and a device for advancing for introducing or extracting a front end of the second band into or from the supply conveyor. |
| US08544517B2 |
Multi-layered air permeation preventing layer of pneumatic tires
The present invention provides a multi layered air permeation preventive layer of pneumatic tires having −50 to −10i É of the steep decreasing range of the elastic modulus includes inner liner layer of a non-drawn film formed from a polymer composition including 60 to 90 wt. % of a thermoplastic resin and 10 to 40 wt. % of an elastomer, and carcass layer coated on the inside and outside of the inner liner layer, the tire thus manufacture has no fracture under a severe deformation during the tire shaping process, facilitating the tire manufacture, and exhibits an air permeation preventive property as an excellent air permeation preventive layer. |
| US08544515B2 |
Ultralightweight runflat tires based upon negative poisson ratio (NPR) auxetic structures
Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or auxetic are used to make lightweight wheels and runflat tires. The NPR tires can be tailored and functionally-designed to optimally meet the runflat requirements for both military and commercial vehicles. NPR-runflat tires may be fabricated using standard materials and simple manufacturing processes, resulting in low-cost and high-volume production. In preferred embodiments the runflat tire designs are fully compatible with Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS), while providing a performance equivalent to current military vehicle solutions but at half the weight. An auxetic wheel according to the invention comprises a line defining an axis of rotation; and a plurality of concentric rings of unit cells surrounding the axis, each unit cell being constructed of a plurality of members defining a Negative Poisson's Ratio (NPR) structure. The outermost ring of unit cells is arranged to facilitate rolling terrain contact, such that the stiffness of the structure in the localized region of loading due to terrain contact increases as the wheel rotates. A layer of material may be disposed between the concentric rings of unit cells which in preferred embodiments comprise a plurality of nested-V shapes. A cover may be provided over the outermost ring of unit cells forming a tire which may, or may not, be inflated. |
| US08544514B2 |
Spoked wheel rim, mounted assembly incorporating it and its method of assembly
A spoked wheel rim for a wheeled vehicle, a mounted assembly incorporating this rim for such a vehicle and a method for assembling this mounted assembly is provided. This rim has two rim edges and a rim bottom covered by an annular ribbon that is flexible and sealed against the inflation gas that is intended to receive a tire and that is fitted with an inflation valve for inflating this tire. The ribbon includes a central portion conforming to the shape of this rim bottom and two lateral portions protruding axially from these rim edges. The lateral portions are capable of having a portion of their axial width cut off by the detachment of two respective peripheral sections of these lateral portions, so that this ribbon extends from one of the said edges to the other following this detachment. |
| US08544511B2 |
Tire with apertured shoulder block for improved temperature control
A tire is provided having a plurality of shoulder blocks separated by axial grooves and located along at least one side of the tire. Apertures extend through the shoulder blocks to connect with a circumferential groove. The apertures are located within a certain radial position relative to the axial grooves. Each aperture has a bottom positioned at a radial depth HB relative to the shoulder block and extends completely through the shoulder block along the axial direction. Each aperture has a radial overlap HL with the axial grooves. The ratio HL/Ho is about 0.15 or less and the ratio of HB/H is in the range of about 1.0 to about 1.1. |
| US08544508B2 |
Telescoping tube for transferring fuel
A telescoping tube for fuel transfer operations has a fixed part and a moving part, the moving part further having a dynamic sealing system which guarantees the sealing of the moving part against the fixed part, a cushioning system which absorbs the energy of the impact of the moving part against the fixed part in operations for extending and retracting the tube and protection systems against electrical discharges which ground the moving part to the fixed part, the aforementioned dynamic sealing, cushioning and protection systems all being incorporated in a single unit in the moving part of the telescoping tube. Additionally, the invention relates to an in-flight refuelling system for a tanker aeroplane, to carry out in-flight fuel transfer operations to a receiving aircraft, having a telescoping tube with the abovementioned characteristics. |
| US08544506B2 |
Method for making a rivet and rivet obtained by said method
The invention relates to a method for making a rivet (R), of the type comprising, by deformation of the material of a substantially cylindrical metal segment, the operations of preforming a milled head (100) at the end of a rod (200), characterised in that it comprises, by deformation of the material (cold stamping) the following operations: creating a portion with a lower diameter (210) from the free end; creating a substantially cylindrical hollow core (220) for forming a tubular portion; preforming the hollow core (220) as a truncated cone; performing the lower diameter outer surface as a truncated cone. The invention also relates to the rivet obtained by said method. |
| US08544504B2 |
Flexible and extendable spiral wound hose and method therefor
An expandable hose is provided which will expand to an extended length from a collapsed length and back again. The hose has a sidewall formed of a spirally wound flexible member which defines an axial passageway surrounding a center axis of said hose. Both side edges of the flexible member in the spirally wound position are engaged to a cap member which provides a skeletal structure to maintain the axial passageway open and to bias the hose back to a collapsed length from the extended length. A fold formed in the spirally wound flexible member allows for increased distance between the two side edges and an increased maximum extended length. |
| US08544503B2 |
Fluid conduit with self-healing protective sleeve
A fluid conduit having a self-healing sleeve in a spaced relationship from the conduit to provide protection against leaks due to ballistic projectiles, such as small arms fire. |
| US08544498B2 |
Manifold and distribution manifold assembly for air-entrained material
A manifold and distribution manifold assembly is described for use in dividing the flow of an air-entrained material from a primary distribution line into a plurality of secondary distribution lines. The manifold is formed of a single molded piece thereby reducing the overall tooling cost. One application of such a distribution manifold assembly is in an air seeder. |
| US08544494B2 |
System and method for controlling shutoff valves of compressed natural gas fuel tanks in a vehicle
A control system for a vehicle includes a fuel tank selection module, a fuel depletion determination module, and a fuel pressure balancing module. The fuel tank selection module closes (N−M) of N shutoff valves of N compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tanks, respectively, when an enable condition is met and the N shutoff valves have been open for a first predetermined period, wherein N is an integer greater than one and M is an integer less than N. The fuel depletion determination module determines whether the M CNG fuel tanks have provided a predetermined amount of fuel based a fuel parameter. The fuel pressure balancing module opens the N shutoff valves for the first predetermined period when the M CNG fuel tanks have provided the predetermined amount of fuel. |
| US08544493B2 |
Water hammer proof and silent check valve
A water-hammer proof and silent check valve comprises a shell (1), a spring (9), a flow guide body (10) and a cowl (11). The flow guide body (10) is provided with flow blocking boards (4, 6) which project from the outer surface of the flow guide body (10) and are capable of rotating around installation shafts (3, 7). A plurality of flow blocking boards are arranged in the flow passage in the axial direction of the valve, so that most part of pressure energy and kinetic energy are undertaken by the flow blocking boards by grading when liquid flows back to the valve, thus ensuring that the water hammer with large energy is divided into multiple water hammers with relatively smaller energy so as to greatly reduce the inner stress of valve bearing parts. |
| US08544491B2 |
Compressed air supply system for a commercial vehicle, and method for operating a compressed air supply system
A compressed air supply system for a commercial vehicle includes a compressed air inlet that can be coupled to a compressor, a filter unit that is coupled to the compressed air inlet via a delivery line, a discharge valve unit that is coupled to a discharge outlet and the delivery line, an energy saving control output that can be coupled to a control input of the compressor, a first valve unit and a second valve unit, wherein the discharge value unit, the energy saving control output, and the regeneration of the filter unit can be controlled via the value units. A first control input of the discharge value unit, the energy saving control output and the regeneration of the filter unit can be controlled via the first value unit. A second control input of the discharge value unit can be controlled via the second value unit. A method is provided for operating the compressed air supply system. |
| US08544481B1 |
Brush and toss
A disposable tooth care system including: a toothbrush and floss assembly having a toothbrush having a proximate end and a distal end; a handle; a pouch located in the inner volume, the pouch is flexible and contains toothpaste; a floss spool comprising a wound-length of dental floss; and an axle. The handle includes; an outer surface; an inner volume; and a forked end; a neck; a head with at least one dispensing aperture; bristles; and a button. The toothbrush and floss assembly comprises the toothbrush; the pouch located in the inner volume of the handle of the toothbrush; the floss spool carried by the axle rotatable in the forked end, the axle fixed to the handle within the forked end, the forked end located at the proximate end of the toothbrush. |
| US08544479B2 |
Hairclip device
A hairclip device includes a clip body having a hair clipping space through which a portion of hair of a user is adapted to pass. The hairclip device further includes a fixing member having a detaining portion and a pyramidal coupling portion. The detaining portion of the fixing member is connected with an end portion of the clip body. The coupling portion of the fixing member is detachably engaged in the other end portion of the clip body for positioning the clip body on the head of the user. The hairclip device can maintain a hairdo stably and can be easily removed from the user's head in order that the user can arrange different hairdos conveniently. |
| US08544476B1 |
Hair styling apparatus
In the specification and drawings a hair styling apparatus is described and shown with a first barrel half, a second barrel half, and a handle, the handle being releasably attached to the first barrel half and releasably attached to the second barrel half. |
| US08544473B2 |
Methods for treating eye conditions with low-level light therapy
Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal and other manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye. |
| US08544472B2 |
Dental device
A fastener suitable for connecting two parts of a dental splint together in a prearranged or predetermined spatial relationship to treat a person suffering from a sleep disorder is described. In one form the fastener comprises a base member and a cover member arranged to define a cavity therebetween. A movable connector is located within the cavity, the movable connector interconnecting the two parts of the dental splint. The fastener has an adjustor movably connected to the connector such that the position of the connector is moved in response to movement of the adjustor by adjusting the position of the adjustor, the connector in the form of a hook moves the other part of the dental splint so as to reposition the jaws of a person being treated for the sleep disorder. |
| US08544471B2 |
Apparatus and method for radiolucent anatomic positioning
An apparatus and method includes a first anatomic positioner for migrating a first anatomic part. The first anatomic positioner includes a first tapered arm for applying a motive force and a first arch at a distal end of the first tapered arm for contacting the first anatomic part. The first arch includes a varying width and a varying density where the first arch is asymmetrically offset from the first tapered arm such that a longitudinal axis of the first tapered arm extends through a lower portion of the first arch. |
| US08544469B2 |
Low profile filter respirator
A respiratory protective device in which a face piece (11) is located within the volume of a filter canister (10). The filter canister (10) can be in the form of a hollow section or sections which fit around all or part of the face piece (11) or on either side thereof. Contaminated air that has been purified in the filter canister (10) is ducted in an airtight manner through a hollow assembly (18) into the face piece (11). |
| US08544467B2 |
Determining suitable ventilator settings for patients with alveolar hypoventilation during sleep
A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during sleep. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during an awake learning period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during a treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator. |
| US08544466B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting and quantifying intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure
The present invention describes a method and apparatus for detecting and quantifying intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) of a respiratory patient breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. A processing device receives respiratory airway data from one or more sensors adapted to non-invasively monitor a respiratory patient, calculates from the respiratory airway data two or more parameters that are indicative of or quantify intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the patient, and generates a predicted quantitative value for intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure based on the two or more parameters. The respiratory airway data is transformed into a predicted quantitative value for intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi). |
| US08544463B2 |
Overmolded manifold O-ring
A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. The actuator includes a blocking portion that controls the movement of the plates. The blocking portion moves slidably within an O-ring that prevents loss of pressure from the artificial airway system. The O-ring may be molded in place using an injection molding process, thus ensuring good adhesion to the disk. |
| US08544460B2 |
Apparatus and method for heating ground
An apparatus and method is provided for preparing frozen ground for construction-type work includes using arrays of heat sources placed over the surface to be heated. The apparatus can warm the surface in preparation for the construction activity with energy penetrating into the ground affording efficient thawing of materials below 20 centimeters of depth. Heat sources used in the array can include emitted infrared radiation. |
| US08544459B2 |
Portable grill assembly
A portable grill assembly having a frame and a plurality of legs that are pivotally attached to the frame. A removable tray is matingly received within the frame and a screen is removably nested within the tray in spaced relation to the bottom of the removable tray to provide room for charcoal to be burned. At least one wind screen is detachably secured in the frame adjacent the grill to block wind from blowing on the grill. At least one wing is attached to the frame. |
| US08544454B2 |
Heat exchanger for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a heat exchanger (or a motor vehicle, comprising a first flow path (1) with a number of flow conduits (6) for conducting a fluid to be cooled, a deflection region (13), situated downstream of the first flow path (1) and a second flow path (2), situated downstream ol the deflection region (13). According to the invention, the flow conduits (6) of the first flow path (1) continue in the deflection region (13) and the second (low path (2) as continuous separate flow conduits (6). The invention also relates to a flow conduit (41, 41′, 61, 61′, 71, 71′, 81, 81′, 91, 91′) for a heat exchanger (30,40) for exchanging heat between a first fluid (31) and a second fluid (33). The aim of the invention is to guarantee an improved transfer of heat with a simultaneous acceptable pressure drop, whilst reducing the blocking risk. |
| US08544452B1 |
Combination air pressure system and plasma ion gas generator system for turbocharged diesel engine
A combination air pressure system and a plasma ion gas generator system adapted for mounting next to an intake manifold of a turbocharged diesel engine. The system includes a water holding tank for supplying water to a plasma ion gas generator. The gas generator includes a housing with a plurality anode and cathode electrode plates. The system also includes an on/off switch and amp meter. The on/off switch is connected to the vehicle's battery. When the system is turned “on”, power is supplied to the gas generator for generating combustible gases. The air pressure system includes an air line connected to a vehicle's high pressure air line. The system's air line is connected to the water holding tank for pressurizing the gas mixture before it's introduced in the intake manifold. |
| US08544449B2 |
Fuel supply device
A device for feeding fuel from a fuel tank (33) to a multi-fuel engine (12) that uses fuel in which alcohol and gasoline are mixed in an arbitrary ratio. The internal volume of a connecting line (84) provided between a fuel pressure governor (85) and a fuel injection device (50) is a volume equal to or greater than the amount of fuel consumed from startup of the engine until an oxygen sensor (88) reaches a measurement-enabling temperature. |
| US08544447B2 |
Throttle response modification device and method for vehicles equipped with electronic throttle control
One aspect is an electronic throttle control system including an electronic control unit configured to receive actuation signals indicative of a user action and to generate an actuation signal indicative of the user action. A throttle plate motor is configured to receive the actuation signal from the electronic control unit and to move a throttle plate in response thereto. A throttle position sensor is configured to sense the actual position of the throttle plate and to generate an actual position signal indicative of the throttle plate position. A throttle modifier is coupled between the throttle position sensor and the electronic control unit and configured to modify the actual position signal into a modified position signal, and to send the modified position signal to the electronic control unit. |
| US08544446B2 |
Fluid injection pressurization system
A system including, an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, a first injector to provide a first injection fluid to the combustion chamber, and a heated pressurization system to heat the first injection fluid in a pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient injection pressure. By heating the injection fluid in a pressure vessel, pressure in the vessel can be increased to a specified injection pressure. |
| US08544445B2 |
Over-compressed engine
A system and method are disclosed for fabricating and running an engine in two modes. The first mode is an efficiency mode having a high compression ratio and efficiency for low to medium loads. The second mode is a power mode having high power density for higher loads. The system may use a lean mixture in the efficiency mode, which mixture is made richer for more power in the power mode. The system may also use ignition timing to allow the efficiency mode and the high power mode to be at the same mixture. |
| US08544439B2 |
Air intake tract having a flexible sump
An engine air intake tract includes a flexible air intake duct having a flexible tubular body. A plurality of radially extending convolutes are formed in and spaced apart on an axially extending outer wall of the tubular body. Each convolute has a circumferential ring-shaped inwardly extending peak bordered by outwardly extending troughs. A liquid sump is formed into a lower portion of the tubular body and includes a plurality of spaced sump chambers with each chamber formed between and connected to at least two adjacent ones of the convolutes and extending radially outwardly from the convolutes. |
| US08544437B2 |
Starter mechanism having a multi-stage plunger relay
A plunger relay includes a movable actuating element on which a first solenoid actuator is acting in force-transmitting manner. The plunger relay has at least one second solenoid actuator, which is acting on the same movable actuating element in force-transmitting manner, and whose magnetic force is able to be set independently of the magnetic force of the first solenoid actuator. |
| US08544429B2 |
Valve control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A valve control apparatus includes a variable mechanism configured to vary operating states of two intake valves by varying a swing range of a single swing cam; a primary swing arm configured to receive swinging force from the swing cam by becoming in contact with the swing cam, and configured to open/close one of the two intake valves; a secondary swing arm configured to open/close another of the two intake valves; and a connection changeover mechanism configured to connect/disconnect the primary swing arm with/from the secondary swing arm in accordance with an operating state of engine. The connection changeover mechanism disconnects the primary swing arm from the secondary swing arm to maintain the another of the two intake valves in a non-lifted state, when the variable mechanism controls a swing amount of the primary swing arm within a range below a predetermined amount. The connection changeover mechanism connects the primary swing arm with the secondary swing arm to open and close both of the two intake valves together, when the variable mechanism controls the swing amount of the primary swing arm within a range greater than or equal to the predetermined amount. |
| US08544426B2 |
Coolant passage apparatus for internal combustion engine
A coolant passage apparatus 10 is formed by joining a plurality of resin moldings 31 and 32 which are each individually molded. A pair of coolant receiving pipes 11 and 12 for respectively receiving a coolant from a pair of engine heads and riser pipes 17 and 18 adjoining the coolant receiving pipes are provided, a central passage 19 is formed between the riser pipes, and a communicating tube 21 which is towards a radiator is formed to communicate with the central passage. Assuming that a line passing through the center of the central passage 19 is (indicated by) A and lines passing through the centers of the above-mentioned riser pipes are (indicated by) B respectively, each of the lines B is outwardly and obtusely angled with respect to the line A, and the riser pipes are respectively molded on both sides of the central passage to incline outwardly. |
| US08544425B2 |
Engine driven generator that is cooled by a first electrical fan and a second electrical fan
Some embodiments relate to an engine driven generator that includes a first electrical fan and a second electrical fan. The engine driven generator further includes a power source and a circuit connecting the power source to the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan. The circuit is configured to selectively connect the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan in series or in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at less than full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in series. |
| US08544419B1 |
Livestock insect-removal systems and related methods
Livestock insect-removal systems and methods. According to one embodiment, the system may comprise a structure with a defined path for passage of livestock. The system may comprise a container removably attached to the structure and a vacuum device within the container configured to generate a change in pressure within the container. The system may comprise a first duct to expel air from the container and direct air across the path and displace or dislodge insects. The first duct may further comprise a vent to expel bypass air from the first duct. The system may comprise a second duct, positioned along the path to draw air and dislodged insects into the container. |
| US08544418B2 |
Intelligent doghouse
An intelligent doghouse full-automatic processor includes a cage bracket module, and an automatic excrement treating device, a feeding module, a water feeding module, a snack feeding module, a disinfection and heat preservation device and a video/audio module which are arranged on the cage bracket module as well as an automatic door control module, a host computer control module, a network communication module, a background control service module, a terminal use program and the like. With the modules, an owner can remotely monitor an intelligent doghouse, perform video/audio conversation with a pet dog and control and manage the eating and drinking, defecation and entering and exiting cage of the pet dog, disinfection of the cage and temperature regulation of air inside the cage by a computer or a mobile phone through a network browser. Moreover, parameters of the intelligent doghouse can be set through network. |
| US08544413B1 |
Animal waste bag dispenser and collection station
An animal waste bag dispenser and collection apparatus may include an upright pole member, a dispenser housing and a receptacle. The dispenser housing may include a spindle, a mounting member, and a cover. The receptacle may include a receiving bin covered by a lid. The receiving bin may have a grooved sidewall configured to receive and mount the upright pole therein. The lid may removably cover the receiving bin, have a slotted wall configured to receive the upright pole therein, and have an opening configured to receive bags containing animal waste. |
| US08544412B1 |
Pet food holder
A holder for frictionally holding a container of pre-packaged pet food has a bowl into which the container of pre-packaged pet food in placed and an anchor arm extending radially outwardly from the bowl. A plurality of ribs protrude inwardly from the inside walls of the bowl. The ribs terminate in edges having a compound curvature which frictionally engage the outside walls of the prepackaged container of pet food to the extent that it cannot easily be dislodged by the efforts of a pet to consume the food that is in the container. The pet food holder is provided with a slip resistant bottom surface and is manufactured from a material that has sufficient elastomeric properties that the cavity can accommodate pre-packaged containers of various sizes and shapes and sufficient frictional properties as to promote frictional interaction with the surface upon which the pet feeder is placed. The anchor arm can be engaged by the pet's paw or wedged under fixed objects to further prevent it from moving about as the pet consumes its contents. |
| US08544410B2 |
Immobilization apparatus
The invention is an immobilization apparatus comprising: a container (1) having a nozzle (4) formed for exhausting a solution; a charging means (PS, 5, 4) for charging the sample solution within the container; and an airflow generating means for generating airflow (Af) crashing into the sample solution. The immobilization apparatus is configured to operate the charging means and the airflow generating means simultaneously, atomize the solution into microparticulate substances charged while maintaining its activity and functionality by the electrostatic force due to the charge of the sample solution charged by the charging means and the crash energy due to the crash of the airflow generated by the airflow generating means into the sample solution, and exhaust it from the exhaust outlet (4), and the charged microparticulate substances are deposited on a substrate (7) by the electrostatic force. |
| US08544402B2 |
Offshore buoyant drilling, production, storage and offloading structure
An offshore structure having a vertically symmetric hull, an upper vertical wall, an upper inwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper vertical wall, a lower outwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper sloped wall, and a lower vertical wall disposed below the lower sloped wall. The upper and lower sloped walls produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. A heavy slurry of hematite and water ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore structure includes one or more movable hawser connections that allow a vessel to be moored directly to the offshore structure during offloading. The movable hawser connection includes an arcuate rail with a movable trolley that provides a hawser connection point that allows vessel weathervaning. |
| US08544397B2 |
Row unit for agricultural implement
An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. An accumulator positioned adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder has a fluid chamber containing a diaphragm, with the portion of the chamber on one side of the diaphragm being connected to the hydraulic-fluid cavity in the hydraulic cylinder, and the portion of the chamber on the other side of the diaphragm containing a pressurized gas. |
| US08544396B1 |
Seed dispersing assembly
A seed dispersing assembly includes a housing configured to receive and disperse seeds. The housing includes a seed wing and a sealer plate attached together. The sealer plate has a top side, a bottom side, a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The seed wing has an upper surface, a lower surface, forward edge, a rearward edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The seed wing is abutted against and coupled to a seeding apparatus. The housing has a lumen therein that is in fluid communication with a seed inlet tube of the seeding apparatus. The sealer plate is attached to the lower surface. The seed wing and the sealer plate form a pair of ejection ports of the lumen at a juncture of the rearward edge and the back edge to eject seeds received by the lumen. |
| US08544395B2 |
Slurry fertilizer applicator
An applicator unit for applying slurry fertilizer beneath the soil with reduced soil displacement includes a spring-cushioned main mounting shank and a forward spring-biased coulter. A narrow applicator shank, mounted to the main mounting shank just above the surface of the soil, is oriented generally upright and includes a leading nose portion having a small low angle forward protruding tip and a tapered leading edge for forming a furrow without tilling the soil. The furrow is formed in four stages: by the small low angle forward protruding tip, the upright tapered leading edge of the sweep shank, by a bulge on each side of the casting near the soil surface, a slurry tube widens the slot further, facilitating the delivery of the slurry in the vertical slot. Swept back wings gently lift the soil to allow horizontal distribution of the slurry. |
| US08544391B2 |
Variable height support
A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range. |
| US08544389B2 |
Guide rail
A guide rail that is provided in a track and is brought into contact with a guide wheel of a vehicle to restrict a rolling direction of a running wheel of the vehicle, to thereby guide the vehicle along the track, includes: a rail that comprises a guide portion formed with a guide rail surface with which the guide wheel is brought into contact; and a vibration-isolating member that is provided so as to be in contact with a back surface of the guide rail surface of the guide portion. |
| US08544387B2 |
Progressive propellant charge with high charge density
A method for producing propellant charges with progressive combustion characteristic and a higher charge density than previously considered possible to achieve, intended in the first instance for direct-firing barrel weapons such as tank cannons. Combined in the charge are at least two radially perforated propellant tubes, which are arranged in their entirety inside or after one another, and which have at an e-dimension selected in relation to the actual type of propellant and its desired combustion characteristic, combustion or ignition channels, and which have circular outer and inner boundary surfaces, in conjunction with which, before initiation of the charge, at least one of the total number of outer surfaces of these propellant tubes that are available for initiation has been treated with an inhibition, surface treatment or surface intended to delay the propagation of ignition to that surface so that the combustion of the propellant tubes is partially mutually overlapping. |
| US08544386B2 |
Interposer having decurler
Embodiments herein comprise an apparatus that includes a printing engine and an interposer adapted to receive printed sheets from the printing engine. The interposer adds insert sheets between printed sheets. The interposer includes a decurler positioned within the interposer so as to decurl the printed sheets after the interposer adds the insert sheets. The printing engine adds a curl to the printed sheets and the decurler removes the curl from the printed sheets. The decurler can comprise a roller-based decurler, a heated decurler, a pressure based decurler, and/or a moisture-vacuum based decurler. |
| US08544382B2 |
Heat distributing cooking grate
The present invention relates to cooking grates for use in connection with grills, ovens and/or range tops. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a cooking grate that is designed to be used in conjunction with a barbecue grill, where the cooking grate is designed to evenly distribute heat across the entire surface of the grate in order to eliminate, and/or reduce, any “hot” or “cold” spots thereon. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a cooking grate that contains one or more heat transmitting members positioned in such a manner that heat is transmitted from the central portion of the cooking grate to the edge portions thereof, thereby facilitating a more even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface of the cooking grate. |
| US08544379B2 |
Cylinder block and method for the production of a cylinder block
A cylinder block has functional surfaces machined by cutting and with at least one cylinder (5) with a coating. To simplify the production of the cylinder block, the cylinder block (1) has an inwardly projecting collar (25, 26) at the end of the cylinder (5) to delimit the cylinder (5) in the axial direction. The side of the collar (25, 26) facing away the from the cylinder (5) constitutes a stop for a suction extraction device (46) that serves for extracting excess coating material by suction. |
| US08544378B2 |
Hydraulic system for construction equipment having float function
A hydraulic system for construction equipment having a float function is provided. The hydraulic system can perform ground leveling as making a boom descend due to its own weight without using hydraulic fluid that is discharged from a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic system includes a holding logic poppet mounted in the float valve to prevent an abrupt descending of the boom due to leakage of the hydraulic fluid through a flow path between the main control valve and the float valve during the operation of the boom cylinders. |
| US08544377B2 |
Mount for a motorcycle, a heavy weapon, or a motorcycle equipped with a heavy weapon
The present invention relates to a stand (100) for a motorcycle, a heavy weapon (70) or a motorcycle (1) equipped with the heavy weapon (70). The stand (100) includes a propping unit (101, 102 and 105) as well as pivoting means (103, 104) for enabling the propping unit (101, 102 and 105) to be swiveled between a working position and a storage position. The propping unit (101, 102 and 105) includes two propping elements (101 and 102). The pivoting means (103, 104) include a pivoting element (103), which allows a simultaneous swiveling and outward spreading motion of the propping elements (101 and 102) from the storage position in the proximity of the chassis of a motorcycle, the heavy weapon (70) or a motorcycle equipped with the heavy weapon (70) to the working position, and locking means (108, 109 and 110) for securing the propping elements (101 and 102) in the working position and in the storage position. |
| US08544375B2 |
System and method for providing a cooperative network for applying countermeasures to airborne threats
A system and method capable of providing a cooperative network for applying countermeasures to airborne threats is provided. The system contains at least one aircraft having an airborne countermeasures system (ACS) capable of controlling deployment of countermeasures located on the aircraft. The system also contains a central countermeasures management system (CCMS) capable of communicating with the ACS to control the ACS in deployment of the countermeasures located on the aircraft. The aircraft may be one of a series of aircrafts, where each aircraft within the series of aircrafts has a separate ACS thereon, and where each separate ACS is capable of controlling deployment of countermeasures located on an aircraft within the series of aircrafts on which the separate ACS is located. When multiple aircrafts are within the network, the CCMS is capable of communicating with each separate ACS in response to the airborne threat, to control deployment of the countermeasures. |
| US08544373B2 |
Spline arbor guided saw blade
A saw blade includes a saw blade body having a first face, a second face opposing the first face, and an axis of rotation extending between the first face and the second face. The saw blade includes a cutting element disposed about an outer periphery of the saw blade body. The saw blade includes a spline arbor interface portion disposed about an inner periphery of the saw blade body and having a peripheral face defining an eye disposed substantially collinearly with the axis of rotation of the saw blade body. The saw blade body defines a relief portion extending along at least a portion of an edge between the peripheral face of the spline arbor interface portion and at least one of the first face and the second face. |
| US08544370B2 |
Handle-operated tool with a multi-function tool tip employable for one or more purposes on different irrigation-related products
A tool incorporating a multi-function tool tip on an elongated shaft is disclosed for adjusting and maintaining different irrigation-related products of one or more manufacturers, having a handle configured at one shaft-end, and formed at an opposite shaft-end a multi-function tool-tip with a screw adjustment member located between two outwardly-extended generally planar members. In one tool function mode leading-edge portions of the planar members are sized and shaped to align and rotate within a conical recess of a first irrigation-related product and facilitate engagement of the screw adjustment member with an upper end of an adjustment screw centered within the conical recess. In other functional modes, the planar members are sized and shaped for insertion through an adjustment port of a spring-loaded slidably-positionable member of a second irrigation-related product to pull the member outward to a desired degree and/or make water emitting adjustments interiorly within the product. |
| US08544365B2 |
Ratchet tool
The ratchet tool has a housing, a ratchet mechanism and a locking plate. The housing includes a chamber and multiple locking grooves. The ratchet mechanism is mounted rotatably through the housing. The locking plate is mounted in the chamber of the housing and has multiple wings. The wings correspond to and engage the locking grooves of the housing in order to lock the ratchet mechanism and the housing. Therefore, users can easily assemble and disassemble the ratchet mechanism and the housing by taking out the locking plate when a broken component needs to be repaired or changed. |
| US08544363B2 |
Clamp device for rotation indexing apparatus for machine tool
Intended is to unitize a clamp device for a rotation indexing apparatus for a machine tool, thereby facilitating the maintenance of the clamp device and the assembly of the indexing apparatus including the clamp device. The rotation indexing apparatus (1) for the machine tool comprises the clamp device (2) for clamping a clamp disc (11) by causing a clamp element (6) to exert a pressing force on the clamp disc (11), thereby to bring a rotary drive target member (4) such as a circular table into a clamped state. Of the individual members constituting the clamp device (2), the individual major members excepting the clamp device (11) to be mounted on a rotating shaft (5) are unitized. |
| US08544356B2 |
Ball screw unit and electric power steering apparatus
A fitting recess portion that connects fitting holes to each other is formed in a peripheral face of a ball screw nut. A circulation member includes a pair of fitted portions that are fitted in the fitting holes, and a connecting portion that provides communication between the fitted portions. A communication groove that has an opening on the fitted end side of the connecting portion and that extends in the axial direction is formed in the connecting portion. When the connecting portion is fitted in the fitting recess portion and the opening of the communication groove formed in the connecting portion is blocked by a bottom portion of the fitting recess portion, a second path that forms a return path together with first paths formed in the fitted portions is formed. |
| US08544352B2 |
Sensor arrangement including a bracket for mounting a probe
A sensor arrangement including a probe and a bracket that are provided for a calorimetric mass flow meter for measuring the mass flow in a measuring tube. The probe is mounted in the bracket in such a manner that the probe is guided essentially without contact with a radial spacing through a probe recess a wall of the measuring tube and is positioned in a cross section of a flow-through area of the flow of the measuring tube. The bracket is designed in such a manner that the probe is thermally de-coupled from the measuring tube. The sensor arrangement for the calorimetric mass flow meter is capable of increasing the measuring accuracy and increasing the flexibility during operation. |
| US08544342B1 |
Vortex flowmeter
A vortex flowmeter has a flow conditioning structure entirely inside a flow tube and an externally mounted pair of ultrasonic transducers for detecting vortices generated by vortex shedding structures within the flow tube. The flow conditioning structure can be installed within a short flow tube section retaining the shedder and providing a flow passage having a desired shape. The use of external transducers, coupled with a selectable flow conditioning structure allows many calibration and maintenance tasks to be performed without having to shut down flow and access the passive components inside the tube. |
| US08544341B2 |
Device including an accelerometer in a watertight container for sensing a urine stream
A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine. |
| US08544340B1 |
Device for testing thin specimens in pure bending
An improved test fixture to evaluate thin composite laminates commonly used in deployable space structures. The fixture is designed to impart a pure moment into the coupon, a necessary improvement to prior test methods where results are obtained by fitting material properties in a nonlinear structural analysis of the test. Fixture mechanics allow for direct calculation of the coupon flexural modulus and allowable flexural strain based on two key measurements, fixture displacement and applied load. |
| US08544339B2 |
Life monitor for a well access line
A well access line monitor. The monitor may be employed to directly interface and establish the current yield strength of a plastically deformable line such as coiled tubing or slickline. Such interfacing may take place in advance of, or during an application. Thus, the fitness of the line for the application may be established in real-time. Further, with comparison to a reference log of projected yield strength for the line over the course of multiple bend cycles, the remaining life of the line may also be established. |
| US08544334B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for compensating atmospheric pressure measurements in fired equipment
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing compensating atmospheric pressure measurements in fired equipment. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided compensating pressure measurements. The method includes providing a wind compensating ring tube having three or more apertures to equalize pressure inside the compensating ring tube, installing the wind compensating ring tube adjacent to a furnace, connecting a pressure transmission tube from the wind compensating ring tube to one or more pressure sensors, and transmitting pressure from inside the wind compensating ring tube to the one or more pressure sensors by the pressure transmission tube. |
| US08544333B2 |
Air pressure sensor for impact recognition
An air pressure sensor (100) for impact recognition is provided, having a chamber (R), and a sensor element (S) for generating a signal as a function of the air pressure being situated in the chamber (R). The chamber (R) is sealed off by a pressure compensation element (M, MV). The pressure compensation element (M, MV) is designed in such a way that penetration of interfering substances into the chamber (R) is prevented. However, transmission of pressure into the chamber (R) from the outside is possible. |
| US08544330B2 |
Method and system for cooling an ultrasound probe
The embodiments of the probe or the probe handle additionally include an integrally formed cooling structure with at least one dividing wall that is connected to an outer wall and an inner wall of the probe. The outer wall and the inner wall of the probe together form a medium flow space inside the probe, and the dividing wall divides the medium flow space into a continuous medium flow path where a predetermined medium travels to carry undesirable heat away from the probe handle. The undesirable heat is generated from electronic components and or an array of transducer elements in the probe handle. |
| US08544329B2 |
Ultrasonic testing method and equipment therefor
An ultrasonic testing equipment includes an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of transducers arranged along a predetermined annular curved surface, a transmission/reception control unit that causes at least two transducers of the plurality of transducers to transmit the ultrasonic waves to and receive the same from a tubular test object and a ultrasonic testing waveform display unit which displays ultrasonic testing waveforms received by the selected transducers radially corresponding to the propagation directions of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from and received by the selected transducers. The waveform display unit displays the waveforms radially with a point of time corresponding to an echo on an incident point of the ultrasonic wave to the test object contained in the waveform as a beginning point and displays circles indicating points of time corresponding to the echo on the internal surface and/or the external surface of the test object around the beginning point. |
| US08544327B2 |
Acoustic impedance sensor designed to measure the input acoustic impedance of a waveguide
The present invention concerns an acoustic impedance sensor designed to measure the input acoustic impedance of a waveguide. This sensor is characterized in that the source is a piezoelectric pellet that makes it possible for the determination of the acoustic impedance of a passive acoustic element to remain coherent for low frequencies while preserving an inexpensive implementation of the sensor. |
| US08544324B2 |
Quantum tunnelling sensor device and method
A sensor device, method of fabricating the same, and a method of sensing a physical quantity. The sensor device comprises a substrate; a flexure member, one end of the flexure member being attached to the substrate, and a free end of the flexure member having an edge surface; a counter surface formed on the substrate such that the counter surface faces the edge surface of the flexure member and such that a separation distance between the counter surface and the edge surface remains substantially constant for movement of the edge surface as a result of flexure of the flexure member, each of the edge surface and the counter surface including one or more conductor layers disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to a flexure direction of the flexure member; and means for applying an electrical potential difference between the conductors of the edge surface and the conductors of the counter surface for detecting a quantum tunnelling current therebetween. |
| US08544322B2 |
Jaw motion measuring system
There is provided a jaw motion measuring system that can attach a simple detector and can accurately carry out measurement of jaw motion. The jaw motion measuring system includes: an acceleration detector having at least an acceleration sensor that senses accelerations of three-axis directions, a flexible wire whose one end is connected to the acceleration sensor, an output terminal that is connected to another end of the flexible wire and outputs acceleration data of the three-axis directions, and an attachment portion that attaches the acceleration sensor to a chin portion of a lower jaw; and a jaw motion measuring device that acquires acceleration data corresponding to jaw motion from the acceleration detector, and carries out correction, with respect to the acquired acceleration data, of errors due to the acceleration sensor, and measures jaw motion expressed by acceleration waveforms. |
| US08544314B2 |
Carbon dioxide sensor with functionalized resonating beams
A carbon dioxide sensor comprising a first beam that includes a functionalized surface and a second beam that includes a functionalized surface such that reduced-drift differential sensing of carbon dioxide may be performed by monitoring changes in the resonant frequency of the first beam relative to the resonant frequency of second beam. |
| US08544311B2 |
Pipe end shape correcting apparatus for UOE metal pipe
[Problem] There is provided a pipe end shape correcting apparatus capable of improving the roundness without loss of work efficiency and the mechanical damage to a weld bead even in the case where the pipe ends of UOE metal pipes having various outside diameters are worked.[Solution] In a pipe end shape correcting apparatus for a UOE metal pipe for correcting the roundness of a pipe end portion by applying a pressure to the pipe end portion held between an inner surface-side die and an outer surface-side die, the inner surface-side die having an upper surface having a circular arc-shaped cross section and being fixed to an upper part of a base on the inner surface side, and the outer surface-side die having a lower surface having a circular arc-shaped cross section and being fixed to a lower part of a base on the outer surface side, each of the inner surface-side die and the outer surface-side die is split into a plurality of parts, and is fixed so that a space between the split die parts is located in a respective central portion of the split inner surface-side dies and the split outer surface-side dies. |
| US08544310B2 |
Method of molding forged product from roughly shaped material
A forged product having thick end parts, and a thin part between the thick parts, is formed by extruding a forging stock such that the cross section of the forging stock varies along the direction of extrusion, wherein in any cross section in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extrusion, the forging stock has two thick end parts, a thin part intermediate the end parts and transitional parts with varying thickness between the thin part and each of the thick end parts; cutting the forging stock in the direction perpendicular to the direction of extrusion to form cut portions; and forging each of the cut portions such that the thick end parts of the cut portions form the thick end parts of the forged product and the thin part of the cut portions forms the thin part of the forged product. |
| US08544309B2 |
Ostial stent flaring apparatus
Apparatus, kits and methods for flaring an end of a stent that can then be placed within the ostium of a vessel are disclosed. Areas in which ostial stents with flared ends could be used may include, e.g., the left main artery, renal arteries, sub-clavian artery, right coronary artery, circumflex artery, et al. |
| US08544308B2 |
Roll stand
The invention relates to a roll stand comprising at least one roll (1) having a rotation axis (a), said roll being supported in two installed parts (2, 3) disposed in the axial end regions of the roll (1) and each having a center plane (M), wherein the roll (1) can be positioned in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction (F) of the product to be rolled by means of at least one positioning element (4). In order to be able to introduce a bending moment acting counter to the roll bending moment into the roller in a simple manner and without additional elements, according to the invention, each installed part (2, 3) is connected to a bending lever (5, 6) and the positioning element (4) is disposed such that the positioning force thereof is introduced into the bending lever (5, 6) at a location (G) removed from the center plane (M) of the installed part (2, 3), and thereby into the installed part (2, 3). |
| US08544305B2 |
Conveying jig, method of manufacturing conveying jig, and method of heat-treating metal rings using conveying jig
Provided are a conveying jig, a method of manufacturing the conveying jig, and a method of heat-treating metal rings using the conveying jig. The conveying jig is provided with a base and ten holding shafts raised from the base. Ridges and grooves are alternatively provided in the side wall of each holding shaft. The metal rings are held in position by being engaged in the grooves in the holding shafts. The space enclosed within the holding shafts is communicated with the atmosphere, and this allows, when the metal rings held by the conveying jig are subjected to heat treatment in a heat treatment furnace, an atmospheric gas to circulate in the space enclosed within the holding shafts. |
| US08544300B2 |
Sock
To provide a functional area partially within the toe area on the sole side of the sock. Providing a needle-lowering area 1a which is knit by needle-lowering knitting and a needle-raising area 2 which is knit by needle-raising knitting at a specified position within the toe area 4 on the sole side of sock S, these being aligned in the course direction, and providing a first functional area 1 in which the needle-lowering area 1a and/or the needle-raising area 2 is knit with a functional yarn which differs from the yarn used in knitting the other areas 11 within the toe area 4 on the sole side. A first functional member 1 can be provided within a specified portion of the toe area 4 on the sole side. If the first functional member 1 is knit with a functional yarn having high frictional resistance, it becomes possible to increase the gripping force only of that specified portion. |
| US08544297B2 |
Apparatus and process to enhance the uniform formation of hollow glass microspheres
A process and apparatus is provided for enhancing the formation of a uniform population of hollow glass microspheres. A burner head is used which directs incoming glass particles away from the cooler perimeter of the flame cone of the gas burner and distributes the glass particles in a uniform manner throughout the more evenly heated portions of the flame zone. As a result, as the glass particles are softened and expand by a released nucleating gas so as to form a hollow glass microsphere, the resulting hollow glass microspheres have a more uniform size and property distribution as a result of experiencing a more homogenous heat treatment process. |
| US08544293B2 |
Vacuum sorption apparatus
A vacuum sorption apparatus includes a first volume region (1) in which a sorber (2) which periodically sorbs or desorbs a refrigerant and a condenser (3) are located, and a second volume region (4) located below the first, in which an evaporator (5) is located, wherein a separating body (6) is located above the evaporator (5) to minimize a free surface area of the liquid refrigerant. The separating body (6) is configured to be vertically movable to compensate for different filling level heights of the refrigerant. |
| US08544291B2 |
Refrigerator
The present invention relates to refrigerators. More specifically, the present invention relates to a refrigerator which has a residue tray for holding residue of water or ice from a dispenser when the dispenser is pushed in the door, thereby permitting to make simple and effective disposing of the residue of water or ice from the dispenser in the door. |
| US08544288B2 |
Dehumidification enhancement via blower control
The present invention provides a method for enhancing dehumidification of a conditioned space, while optimizing the effectiveness of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) devices that are present in the HVAC system. After the system compressor is shut off, the actual space humidity is compared to the desired humidity. If the actual humidity is very close to or lower than the desired level the indoor blower (air handler) is allowed to continue running. However, if the actual humidity is greater than the desired level by a specified amount, the blower is forced off for a period of time proportional to the difference between the actual and desired humidity. At the next compressor activation, the blower is allowed to run as normal. |
| US08544284B2 |
Method and apparatus for waste heat recovery and absorption gases used as working fluid therein
A method provides for waste heat power generation or heat recovery and for a driving power with an absorption process using low grade heat sources. An apparatus also provides for such waste heat recovery in absorption process and to the used vapor-salt working fluid. A low temperature heat source is used as a heating working medium to heat in a regenerator by heat exchange the absorption liquid working fluid from the absorber and consisting of a salt absorbent and ammonia or carbon dioxide as an absorbed agent to form the absorbent and the superheated high pressure absorbed agent. The superheated and vaporized absorbed agent enters into a turbine to provide energy and generate power via turbine expansion step. After heat release, the resultant low pressure absorbed agent is discharged from the turbine and returns to the absorption step and contacts with the absorbent from the regeneration step to form the absorption liquid which can enter into the next thermodynamic cycle process. |
| US08544282B2 |
Tank flow center for closed loop geothermal system
A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump. |
| US08544281B2 |
Cooling system and method for superconducting magnets
A method for cooling a superconducting magnet enclosed in a cryostat includes introducing a gas into a cooling path in the cryostat from an input portion into a cooling path cooled by a refrigerator outside the cryostat. A heat exchanger inside the cryostat above the magnet cools the gas. The cooled gas flows through a magnet cooling tube contacting the magnet. The cooled gas removes heat from the magnet, and to the heat exchanger to re-cool and return to the superconducting magnet, thereby cooling and/or maintaining the magnet at a superconducting temperature. |
| US08544280B2 |
Continuous detonation wave engine with quenching structure
A continuous detonation wave engine (CDWE) is disclosed. An example embodiment includes a generally annular combustion chamber dimensioned to allow a fuel mixture to detonate, a mixing chamber, and a fuel mixture channel that provides for fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the combustion chamber. At least part of the fuel mixture channel features a quenching structure dimensioned to substantially prevent detonation from spreading from the combustion chamber via the fuel mixture channel to the mixing chamber. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08544279B2 |
Method and apparatus for spectroscopic measurements in the combustion zone of a gas turbine engine
A method for measuring combustion parameters within a combustion zone of a gas turbine engine, the combustion zone being defined between an inner and outer casing. The method includes transmitting a beam from a transmit optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing off a portion of the inner casing and receiving a portion of the beam reflected off the inner casing with a receiving optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing. An apparatus for practicing the method includes a laser generating a beam and a transmitting/receiving optics pair, the transmitting/receiving optics pair being configured for operative association with a port in an outer casing of a gas turbine engine, whereby the transmitting/receiving optics are in optical communication by reflecting the beam off a portion of an inner casing. |
| US08544276B2 |
Gas turbine combustor having a dual fuel supply system
An object is to provide a low cost gas turbine combustor. The gas turbine combustor has a plurality of main nozzles annularly supported on a nozzle pipe base (11), and the main nozzles each have an oil fuel path for supplying oil fuel and a gas fuel path for supplying gas fuel. A plurality of the oil fuel paths are provided to penetrate the nozzle pipe base (11), and a plurality of lengths of upright piping (21) are provided to be connected to the oil fuel paths, respectively, and be erected on the nozzle pipe base (11). A plurality of lengths of connection piping (22) for interconnecting the lengths of the upright piping (21) in a polygonal shape at a minimum distance are provided outside the nozzle pipe base (11). An oil fuel supply section (14) is connected to one of the lengths of the connection piping (22) to distribute oil fuel to each of the oil fuel paths. |
| US08544275B2 |
Apparatus and method for storing heat energy
Method and apparatus for storing heat in industrial systems where large sources of stored energy are called upon to meet a work load, storing the heat content of a hot working fluid by using the hot working fluid as a heat transfer fluid in vapor form and depositing its heat content on a heat storage medium and then removing the cooled and condensed liquid phase of that heat transfer fluid, and when hot working fluid again is needed, the liquid heat transfer fluid is returned to the heated storage medium and is reheated as it passes through the hot storage medium and then is returned to the working system to be used as a hot working fluid. |
| US08544272B2 |
Solar receiver
A method for generating steam for a turbine electric power plant uses solar radiation. Solar radiation is directed onto a solar receiver. The solar receiver includes a first section, which receives feedwater input and is arranged to heat the feedwater input to generate steam using the directed solar radiation. Feedwater flows through a feedwater vessel to serve as feedwater input to an inlet of the first section of the receiver. Water is separated from the steam in steam separation vessel, which is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first section of the receiver. The feedwater input may be selectively preheated by a source of preheat other than solar energy in response to system operating conditions, predicted insolation schedule, or an electrical energy tariff schedule. |
| US08544266B2 |
Exhaust-gas aftertreatment system upstream of a turbocharger, method for purifying exhaust gas and vehicle having the system
An exhaust-gas aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle includes at least one exhaust line, at least one turbocharger and at least one exhaust-gas converter. The at least one exhaust-gas converter is provided between the internal combustion engine and the at least one turbocharger and has a first volume of at least 0.6 liters. A method for purifying exhaust gas and a vehicle having the system, are also provided. |
| US08544253B2 |
Device for inserting and extracting chain link pivot pins
A device (10) for the on-site fitting and extraction of pivot pins of large chain links, which include an alternating sequence of external links and internal links, each internal link including two parallel side pieces pierced at their ends, joined together at the ends by a tubular spacer, and articulated at the ends of the side pieces of the internal links on the pierced ends of the parallel side pieces of two consecutive external links via pivot pins, of the type which includes at least one cylinder (44) which is intended to selectively stress a pivot pin or a side piece of an external link in order to insert the pin or extract the pin, characterized in that it includes a pair of portable cylinder supports (46), supporting two pivoting cylinders (44), synchronized in displacement, and a control device (48) common to both cylinders (44). |
| US08544245B2 |
Packaging machine for multilayer lid foil
A deep-drawing packaging machine (1) includes a forming station (2) for forming containers (14) in a first web-like material (8), an insertion section (15) for inserting products (16) which reach at least one sealing level (28) or project over it, and a sealing station (3) arranged downstream thereof in a working direction (R) which is embodied to seal a second web-like material (10) onto the containers (14). The packaging machine further includes a means (11) for changing a distance (12) of layers (10a, 10b) of the second, at least two-layered web-like material (10). In another embodiment, a packaging machine includes an insertion section (15) and a sealing station (3) arranged downstream thereof in the working direction (R), in which at least one contact (25) is provided for thermal transfer via heat conduction between a sealing plate (22) and a heating plate (23) for heating a lid foil (10). |
| US08544239B2 |
Roof panel spacer
Devices, methods, and systems are provided herein for spacing an outer skin of a roof from the supporting structure of the roof such that the roof shields against weather elements, admits light, and allows advantageous air circulation. In one embodiment, a wedge-shaped device for spacing panels on a roof includes a bottom surface, a top surface inclined at an angle relative to the bottom surface, and an integral support structure connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, the support structure including a plurality of ribs and a plurality of nail boxes. |
| US08544236B2 |
Fascia bracket with quarter turn locking nut
A system for coupling a trim component to a body component having two generally perpendicular surfaces. A rotatable fastener is coupled to the trim component. The rotatable fastener has a plurality of force transmitting surfaces. |
| US08544234B2 |
Mechanical locking of floor panels with vertical snap folding
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel. |
| US08544231B2 |
Plastic panel having a hook-type profile
The invention relates to a floor panel (1) which is designed as a multi-ply laminate and comprises at least one plastic support (30), a décor layer (31) applied to a top face of the plastic support, a transparent covering (32) applied to the décor layer, and a backing layer (33) applied to the lower face of the elastic support, the panel having pairs of opposite lateral edges (3, 4; 5, 6) comprising complementary holding profiles. The holding profiles of at least one of the two lateral edge pairs are designed as form-locking complementary hook-type profiles and comprise a receiving hook (9) which faces the top face (2) of the floor panel, and a locking hook (10) arranged on the opposite lateral edge, which faces the lower face (7) of the floor panel. The locking hook (10) comprises a snap-in element (12, 13, 14) on a distal lateral face (11), said snap-in element being associated with a complementary snap-in element (22, 23, 21) on a proximal lateral face (20) of the hook profile having the receiving hook. |
| US08544229B2 |
Decking system with hidden dovetail fastener
This present invention relates generally to deck fasteners for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and more particularly with a deck fastener which does not protrude from the deck surface. |
| US08544224B1 |
Thermally efficient frames for use in construction of structures using insulated concrete forms (ICF) and methods for making and using same
A thermally efficient frame for use in a wall structure formed using an insulated concrete form comprising an exterior frame assembly having an exterior flange for locating said exterior frame assembly against an exterior portion of the insulated concrete form, an interior frame assembly having an interior flange for locating the interior frame assembly against an interior portion of the insulated concrete form, wherein the exterior frame assembly and the interior frame assembly cooperated to define an opening in said wall structure, and a thermal break thermally separating the exterior frame assembly from the interior frame assembly and methods for using same. |
| US08544219B1 |
Airtight trench drain system
A system adapted to remove radon gas and drainage liquid from a subterranean chamber or basement having a floor and an ambient environment. The system has a drainage channel forming a drainage portion and a venting portion. A valve is located between the drainage portion and the venting portion. Drainage liquid flows into the drainage portion and from the drainage portion through the valve into the venting portion. A pressure gradient is between the drainage portion and the venting portion. The valve substantially prevents the ambient environment from entering the venting portion while allowing drainage liquid to flow from the drainage portion into the venting portion. |
| US08544217B2 |
Glass building panel and building made therefrom
A building panel and a building formed therefrom, where the building includes a plurality of building panels arranged to form a cylindrical shape, where each panel comprises a single, or monolithic, glass piece, where each glass piece is substantially rectangular and includes two opposing long sides extending in a height direction and two opposing short sides extending substantially in a width direction, and where each glass piece forms an identical circular arc when viewed from either of the two opposing short sides. |
| US08544213B2 |
Transforming structure with tower shuttle
A transportable, transformable structure utilizing a tower shuttle apparatus for converting the structure from a closed, transportable unit to an open, stationary unit. The tower shuttle includes a connection post, including a socket joint, connected to a shuttle cart on casters. The socket joint is capable of receiving a ball connection at the base of a structural tower affixed to the transformable structure. This connection allows a single operator to fully assemble a mobile performance stage or other transportable, transformable structure with ease and with no damage to the stage deck. The tower shuttle allows the towers to be moved into position no matter the required direction. |
| US08544211B2 |
Door sash
The invention relates to a door sash having a cross-sectional shape including a design portion and a hollow portion formed on an inboard side with respect to the design portion and connected to the design portion, and is intended to provide a door sash which achieves weight reduction. The hollow portion is an extrusion mold of light metal, the design portion is a product having a variable cross-sectional shape in which the shape in the direction of the width of a vehicle is increased in length as it gets close to a waist line of a door, and the hollow portion is integrated with the design portion. The door sash further includes: a glass run holder positioned on an outboard side with respect to the hollow portion and configured to hold a glass run which a window glass comes into abutment with, the glass run holder being adjacent to the design portion, and a bracket which connects the glass run holder and the hollow portion. |
| US08544210B2 |
Mounting structure for frame garnish
A mounting structure for mounting a frame garnish on a door window frame of a vehicle is disclosed. The door window frame includes a vertical portion extending in a generally vertical direction so as to overlap a center pillar of the vehicle. The door window frame is formed to surround a door window glass of the vehicle. The vertical portion includes a hooking hole formed in an upper part of the vertical portion and an insertion hole formed in a lower part of the vertical portion. The frame garnish includes a main portion, a hooking portion, and an insertion portion. The insertion portion is inserted into the insertion hole in the vertically downward direction, and the hooking portion is inserted into and hooked to the hooking hole. |
| US08544207B2 |
Hydroponic plant growth systems with activated carbon and/or carbonized fiber substrates
A method and apparatus for growing plants (P) hydroponically includes a plant substrate material (52, 54, 56) comprising activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without the additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers are usable in bulk or manufactured into slabs (56) or other configurations by any of a variety of non-woven, woven, molding, or other techniques. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers are made from cellulosic or synthetic carbon fibers, for example, bamboo fibers. |
| US08544206B2 |
Compressed growing medium
A growing medium includes a bulking agent and a water-retentive polymer blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 2:1 to about 10:1, being substantially free of a water-soluble binder material. |
| US08544204B2 |
Wacky worm
The present invention is directed to an improved, modifiable wacky worm fishing lure. |
| US08544203B2 |
Laser aimed small arms ammunition
A projectile cartridge device designed with internal sighting and aiming system, which incorporates and leverages electromagnetic radiation as the means for aiming the projectile. |
| US08544202B2 |
Shooting rest assembly
A shooting rest assembly is engageable with a stand for supporting a weapon in the stand. The shooting rest assembly includes a base having at least one clamp for coupling to the stand. A platform is rotatably coupled to the base and has a platform frame and a telescoping member telescopically coupled to the platform frame. The telescoping member is configured to move along a longitudinal axis relative to the platform frame between a retracted position and an extended position. A front rest and a rear rest are spaced along the longitudinal axis and are mounted to the telescoping member in fixed positions so that each of the front rest and the rear rest move with the telescoping member as the telescoping member moves along the longitudinal axis between the retracted and extended positions relative to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08544194B2 |
Length-adjustable snowshoe
A length-adjustable snowshoe includes a frame and a carrier fixed to the frame. A connecting member mounted to the frame includes two receiving holes. A pivotal portion is formed on a top side of the connecting member. A compartment extends from the pivotal portion through one of the receiving holes. An extension member includes legs slideably received in the receiving holes and is slideable between first and second positions. A sliding member is mounted on the extension member to move therewith. A positioning member is received in the compartment and pivotable between a stop position and a releasing position. The positioning member in the stop position retains the extension member in any location including and intermediate the first and second positions. The extension member can slide between the first and second positions when the positioning member is in the releasing position. |
| US08544189B2 |
Modular footwear system
A modular sole assembly system for footwear and components thereof. |
| US08544183B2 |
Thermal shielding to optimize lyophilization process for pre-filled syringes or vials
A device for supporting at least one vessel containing a target material to be lyophilized generally includes a support panel, a central region, a perimeter region, a thermal shield, and at least one shielding cavity. The support panel has a support surface. The central region is defined by the support panel for supporting the at least one vessel. The perimeter region is also defined by the support panel and surrounding the central region. The thermal shield is positioned about the perimeter region and extends transverse to the support surface of the support panel such that the thermal shield and the support panel define a storage space for accommodating the at least one vessel. The at least one shielding cavity is defined by the thermal shield and contains a shielding material during a lyophilization process. The shielding material is distinct from the target material. |
| US08544182B2 |
Assembly for leveling new concrete and sub-grade
The assembly for leveling new concrete includes a driver that has a guide that is placed in a mounting structure so that the driver may be used to drive the mounting structure into the ground. The driver has both a removable rebar marker and conduit marker so that depending on whether an individual wants to use a screed pipe conduit or rebar as a support structure in their concrete the support structures are properly aligned. |
| US08544179B2 |
Inspection method of gauge for a self-locking threading of a tubular connection used in the oil industry
A method and a gauge for inspecting a self-locking threading provided close to one end of a tubular component used for exploration or operation of hydrocarbon wells, the threading including a lead with a constant width and thread root widths that increase in the direction of a distal surface of the tubular component. The gauge can be displaced in the self-locking threading to a locking position, the locking position then being marked and compared with a reference locking position. |
| US08544172B2 |
Clamping apparatus for a crimping machine and method for producing a crimped connection with a crimping machine and the clamping apparatus according to the invention
A clamping apparatus, for a crimping machine (1), which comprises a crimping tool head (2) with an end wall (9), in a cable feed direction, a crimping tool base body (3) with an anvil (4) and a front knife (21), an insulation stripping apparatus (5); a contact element feed apparatus (6); and a coupling part (7) for coupling the crimping machine (1) to the crimping tool head (2). The clamping apparatus (10) clamping the electric cable (8) to be processed both during the insulation stripping and crimping processes. The clamping apparatus (10) is connected to the crimping tool head (2) via its end wall (9) and is movable vertically with the crimping tool head (2). At least one of the clamping apparatus (10) and the crimping tool head (2) is arranged centrally in a longitudinal direction of the cable path (8′) above the anvil (4) and the front knife (21). |
| US08544171B2 |
Method of terminating a fiber optic cable
A method for terminating a fiber optic cable includes removing an end portion of an outer jacket of a fiber optic cable to expose a strength member and at least one optical fiber. A binder material of the strength member of the fiber optic cable is heated using a heat source to expose strength elements of the strength member. The strength elements are secured to a fiber optic connector assembly using an adhesive. |
| US08544169B2 |
Method of manufacturing a through-hole electrode substrate
A method of manufacturing a through-hole electrode substrate includes forming a plurality of through-holes in a substrate, forming a plurality of through-hole electrodes by filling a conductive material into the plurality of through-holes, forming a first insulation layer on one surface of the substrate, forming a plurality of first openings which expose the plurality of through-hole electrodes corresponding to each of the plurality of through-hole electrodes, on the first insulation layer and correcting a position of the plurality of first openings using the relationship between a misalignment amount of a measured distance value of an open position of a leaning through-hole among the plurality of through-holes and of a design distance value of the open position of the leaning through-hole among the plurality of through-holes with respect to a center position of the substrate. |
| US08544162B2 |
Tissue marker for multimodality radiographic imaging
An implantable tissue marker incorporates a contrast agent sealed within a chamber in a container formed from a solid material. The contrast agent is selected to produce a change, such as an increase, in signal intensity under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An additional contrast agent may also be sealed within the chamber to provide visibility under another imaging modality, such as computed tomographic (CT) imaging or ultrasound imaging. |
| US08544160B2 |
Stent crimping system and method
A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defines a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. A control unit is electronically programmed to control the mechanical components. A method of calibrating the control unit includes inserting a quill of known diameter into the iris and reducing the diameter of the iris onto the quill. |
| US08544154B2 |
Clamp assembly
A clamp assembly selectively grips material. The clamp assembly is connectable to an object, and includes a housing and a gripping assembly. The housing has a first end, a second end, a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions cooperate to define a material receiving slot. The first portion of the housing has an angular disposed channel and an angular disposed recessed portion. The second portion of the housing has a gripping surface. The gripping assembly is slidably disposed within the channel such that the recessed portion cooperates with the channel to define a travel path so that the gripping assembly can be selectively movable between a biased first position and a second position. In the biased first position, the gripping assembly extends into the material receiving slot. In the second position the gripping assembly is withdrawn from the material receiving slot. |
| US08544153B2 |
Lockable snap-clip fastener
A lockable snap-clip fastener with two spring-biased jaw members and a slidable locking bar. The locking bar is held in position by the same spring that biases the jaws. As the bar is held in either the locked or unlocked position, it must be positively actuated in order to transition from one configuration to the other. |
| US08544149B1 |
Gate stabilizer
A gate stabilizer for reducing sag-inducing stress on a gate comprising a support member and a stabilizer assembly, said stabilizer assembly including a rotating member having a first end portion adapted to engage said support member and a fixed member. The present invention further relates to a fence system incorporating said gate stabilizer. |
| US08544144B2 |
Vacuum cleaner and dust separation apparatus thereof
Provided is a dust separation apparatus of a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus includes a dust-collecting body defining a dust-storing part, a compressing member configured to compress dust stored in the dust-collecting body, and a lower cover on a lower side of the dust-collecting body, the lower cover opening and closing the dust-storing part. |
| US08544136B2 |
Automobile windshield wiper blade
An automobile windshield wiper blade has an elongated belt-shaped, flexible resilient support element, on the lower belt surface which faces the windshield and has an elastic rubber wiper strip extending along the windshield parallel to the longitudinal axis. A wind deflection strip on the upper belt surface has an incident surface facing the direction of driving wind. The deflection strip extends longitudinally, and has two sides that diverge from a common base point as seen in cross section, such that the incident surface is located at one exterior side and the wind deflection strip has a constant cross section along its entire length. The support element has outer edges, and the sides of the wind deflection strip have respective free ends that have respective claw-like extensions that grip the outer edges of the support element, wherein the wind deflection strip can be snapped or slid longitudinally onto the outer edges. |
| US08544133B2 |
Mopping device with a multi-turn actuator
A mopping device includes a mopping head having at least one of a mopping cloth, a mopping cover, a mopping bundle, and a mopping pad. The mopping device further includes a handle and a multi-turn actuator. |
| US08544130B2 |
Curved transition plates for pivotal dock leveler decks
Example dock levelers at a truck-loading platform include a stationary curved transition plate extending between a rear edge of the leveler's pivotal deck and a rear edge of a pit at which the leveler is installed. The transition plate has a curved portion that extends underneath the deck's rear edge. The plate provides a smooth transition for forklifts traveling between the platform and the deck, thus reducing and/or minimizing the jarring of the forklift and its driver. To prevent debris and obstructions from getting trapped within the deck's rear hinge, the rear edge of the deck rises up and over the transition plate as the deck pivots upward, thereby providing a self-cleaning effect. With the rear edge of an inclined deck being above the transition plate, water runoff from the deck drains onto the transition plate rather than through the hinge gap to a generally inaccessible area underneath the deck. |
| US08544126B2 |
Patient support with improved control
A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support surface supported in the frame, and a plurality of functional components associated with the patient support surface or the frame. The apparatus further includes a control system, with a controller, incorporated into the patient support surface or the frame and in operative communication with at least one of the functional components for controlling the component. The control system further includes a touch-screen in communication with the controller for controlling the functional component, which is positioned in the barrier around the patient support surface, and accessible at the exterior or interior surface of the barrier for access by a user. The touch-screen is configured to allow the user to select one or more of the functional components and control a parameter associated with the selected functional component. In addition, an icon is generated at the touch-screen representative of the parameter associated with the selected functional component, and with icon changing in response to the user adjusting the parameter associated with the selected functional component wherein the change in the icon gives the user feedback on the degree of change made by the user to the parameter associated with the selected functional component. |
| US08544124B2 |
Turning apparatus for multipurpose space utilization furniture
The present invention relates to multipurpose furniture which combines a bed and a desk, and is positioned between furniture facing each other. Since a turning apparatus for the multipurpose furniture is simplified, there is a reduction in all kinds of work processes and the work load required for turning of a turning member, of which a table surface and a mattress respectively used as a desk and a bed are formed on top and bottom, and manufacturing cost is decreased. In addition, when the multipurpose furniture is used as a bed, stability during sleep is increased and sleeping in comfort is doubled through minimization of the height from the surface. |
| US08544122B2 |
Plunger device
An improved toilet plunger for unclogging drains, such as those typically associated with a toilet, preferably comprised of a stem, a bell with a generally oblong opening, and a plurality of baffles attached to said bell. The unique shape of the bell and bell opening, combined with the presence and function of the baffles, make the improved plunger device particularly effective for unclogging modern trough-like toilet drains. |
| US08544120B1 |
Device for thermal signature reduction
A device for reducing a thermal signature of a person includes: a hood sized and configured to cover a head of a person, having an inner substantially waterproof layer, an outer water wicking layer, and at least one tube having a plurality of openings therethrough attached to the inner layer; and a pump in fluid communication with the tubes to urge water into the tubes and cause the tubes to dispense water to the outer water wicking layer via the openings. |
| US08544118B2 |
Sport helmet
A helmet padding consists of sets of tubes. An armature and tubes are connected and mounted within the shell. A fastener fastens a cage to the shell allowing sides of the cage to be mounted directly against the shell. The shell is molded with recessed portions receiving two branches of the chin bar on each side where they will be fastened to the shell to provide a smooth transition and reduce weight. An adjustment device includes a star wheel on each side of the helmet attached to an arcuate flexible strip extending rearwardly around the occipital area of the skull. A sliding mechanism attached to the strip allows the strip to be moved forward and backward to allow it to be tightened or loosened, respectively, with respect to the player's head. A ratcheting lateral adjustment device is also disclosed. |
| US08544113B1 |
Outfit for simulating pregnancy
In one aspect the pregnancy simulation outfit comprises (i) a vest, (ii) a pair of protuberances configured and arranged on an upper portion of a frontal area of the vest for depicting the enlarged breasts of a pregnant woman when the vest is worn, (iii) a weighted element, and (iv) a pouch in a lower portion of the frontal area of the vest accessible from the outside surface of the vest for accommodating insertion and removal of the weighted element into and out from the pouch while the vest is worn without doffing the vest. In a second aspect, the pregnancy simulation outfit comprises (a) a vest configured and arranged to bestow a frontal profile depicting a pregnant woman upon a wearer, (b) a pair of firm objects, and (c) a laterally elongated constriction belt configured and arranged to be worn around the midsection and having a pair of laterally spaced pockets configured and arranged for accommodating one of the firm objects into each of the pockets and pressing the firm object retained within each pocket against the diaphragm when the constriction belt is worn. |
| US08549661B2 |
Apparatus for performing magnetic resonance force microscopy on large area samples
An apparatus for performing magnetic resonance force microscopy on one or more large area samples comprising a base plate, one or more heat sink plates coupled to the base plate, one or more suspension mechanisms coupled to the base plate and the heat sink plates, a probe head suspended from the one or more suspension mechanisms for scanning the one or more samples and a sample cylinder comprising a sample stage coupled to the probe head for sample positioning and an outer drum for isolating the sample stage. |
| US08549659B2 |
Non-volatile memory for anti-cloning and authentication method for the same
A method and a non-volatile memory apparatus for cloning prevention is provided. The non-volatile memory apparatus includes an Enhanced Media Identification (EMID) area, which is located in a specific area of the non-volatile memory, and stores an EMID for identifying the non-volatile memory; and an EMID encoder for modifying the EMID by a preset operation in conjunction with an arbitrary value. |
| US08549658B2 |
Provisioning credentials for embedded wireless devices
A system and method are used to connect an installed device to a local premise network, such as a home network provided by a router in the home. A user may use a host device, such as a mobile telephone that is already connected to the home network to provide the home network credentials to the installed device without having to enter the home network credentials manually into the installed device such as a thermostat. |
| US08549656B2 |
Securing and managing apps on a device
Apps are secured or security-wrapped either before they are downloaded onto a device, such as a smartphone or tablet device, or after they are downloaded but before they are allowed to access the device operating system and cause any potential damage to the device. An app provider, such as an employer or a cellphone provider, can secure its apps before consumers download an app from their app store or marketplace. The app is secured before it is allowed to access the operating system of the device, thereby preventing the app from malicious behavior. Core object code of the app is obtained and the digital signature is removed. App object code is substituted with security program object code, thereby creating a security-wrapped app. The security-wrapped app is prepared for execution on the device and is re-signed with a new key. |
| US08549650B2 |
System and method for three-dimensional visualization of vulnerability and asset data
The system and method for three-dimensional visualization of vulnerability and asset data described herein may provide a management console that integrates various active vulnerability scanners, various passive vulnerability scanners, and a log correlation engine distributed in a network. In particular, the management console may include a three-dimensional visualization tool that can be used to generate three-dimensional visualizations that graphically represent vulnerabilities and assets in the network from the integrated information that management console collects the active vulnerability scanners, the passive vulnerability scanners, and the log correlation engine distributed in the network. As such, the three-dimensional visualization tool may generate three-dimensional representations of the vulnerabilities and assets in the network that can be used to substantially simplify management of the network. |
| US08549646B2 |
Methods, media and systems for responding to a denial of service attack
Methods, media and systems for responding to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes detecting a DoS attack, migrating one or more processes that provide a service to an unaffected system; authenticating users that are authorized to use the service; and routing traffic generated by authenticated users to the unaffected system. |
| US08549643B1 |
Using decoys by a data loss prevention system to protect against unscripted activity
A computing device executing a data loss prevention (DLP) system tracks bait data on at least one of the computing device or a network. The DLP system identifies a potential security threat in response to detecting unscripted activity associated with the bait data. The DLP system performs an action in response to identifying the potential security threat. |
| US08549640B2 |
System and method for computer security
A system and method are disclosed for providing security for a computer network. Content is generated for a computer associated with the network. It is determined whether a user should be routed to the generated content. If it is determined that the user should be routed to the generated content, the user is so routed. |
| US08549639B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing and mitigating malicious events in a communication network
A controller (104) for managing operations of a communication network has a communication element (202) for monitoring data traffic of an IP address in the communication network and for controlling operations of the communication network, a memory for storage (204), and a processor (206) for controlling operations of the communication element, and the memory. The processor is programmed to select (302) an IP (Internet Protocol) address to analyze, monitor (304) for the effects of malicious software originating from the IP address utilized by one or more customers, detect (306) a suspected malicious event, and restrict (312) Internet access to one or more customers suspected of interrupting service of the communication network. |
| US08549637B2 |
Website defacement incident handling system, method, and computer program storage device
A website defacement incident handling system and associated methodology and non-transitory computer program storage device for detecting a defacement of a website and taking appropriate corrective action upon detection of the defacement. The website defacement incident handling system receives web page information and snapshot images corresponding to websites and performs comparisons against corresponding information and snapshot images of a reference website. Probability scores indicating the likelihood that a website has been defaced are calculated based on the comparisons and corrective actions are taken as appropriate to protect the affected website. |
| US08549636B2 |
Information processing apparatus, authentication method, and computer program
An information processing apparatus includes: a software storing unit that stores software; a storage recognizing unit that recognizes, when a storage having stored therein first authentication information for enabling a function of the software stored in the software storing unit is connected to the information processing apparatus via an interface unit, that the storage is connected and transmits second authentication information uniquely corresponding to the function of the software to be enabled to the storage; and a function managing unit that enables, when the first authentication information and the second authentication information compared by the storage coincide with each other, the function of the software on the basis of a notification informing that the first authentication information and the second authentication information coincide with each other issued by the storage, the storage deleting the first authentication information. |
| US08549635B2 |
Malware detection using external call characteristics
A malware scanner 2, for malware such as computer viruses, worms, Trojans and the like, utilizes the external call characteristics associated with known items of malware to identify the presence of malware within a computer file. Malware written in a high level language when compiled can take a variety of different forms as object code, but these different object code forms will usually share external call characteristics to a sufficient degree to allow the presence of such external call characteristics to properly and accurately generically identify different compiled variants of the source code malware. |
| US08549633B2 |
Security controller
A security controller has first and second read request paths for performing security checking of read requests received from a master device and for controlling issuing of the read request to a safe device. If the first read request path is selected for an incoming read request then the first read request path controls issuing of the read request in dependence on result of the security checking. If the second read request path is selected, then the incoming read request is issued without waiting for a result of the security checking, and tracking data is stored indicating the result of the security checking. When receiving a response to a read request issued using the second read request path, a response path modifies the response to mask read data if the tracking data stored for the corresponding read request indicates that a security violation occurred. |
| US08549628B2 |
Method and apparatus to measure the security of a system, network, or application
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related security evaluation system including one or more of the following: determining, at the security evaluation system, a plurality of security dimensions to be evaluated for the target system; determining a reference value for each of the plurality of security dimensions, wherein each reference value is representative of a minimum target value for the associated security dimension of the target system; evaluating the security of the target system to generate an actual value for each of the plurality of security dimensions; and generating a security index representation that displays the reference value and the actual value of each of the plurality of security dimensions for the target system. |
| US08549627B2 |
Detection of objectionable videos
A video that advertises a particular web site may be a form of video spam. For example, pornographers often advertise their web sites by displaying a link to their web sites in videos, and then placing the videos on video-sharing services. This type of video spam may be detected by analyzing the video for the presence of text and then determining whether the text is a URL. If the text is a URL, the URL may be checked to determine whether it points to an objectionable web site. The determination of whether a URL points to an objectionable web site may be made by comparing the URL with a blacklist and/or whitelist, or by retrieving the URL and analyzing the retrieved content. If a video is found to be an advertisement for an objectionable web site, action may be taken, such as removing the video from a content database. |
| US08549626B1 |
Method and apparatus for securing a computer from malicious threats through generic remediation
A method and apparatus for securing a computer from malicious threats through generic remediation is described. In one embodiment, the method for securing a computer from malicious threats through generic remediation includes processing at least one malicious threat to the computer, wherein the at least one malicious threat is not associated with a specific remediation technique and examining information regarding prior remediation of the at least one malicious threat by at least one computer to determine at least one remediation technique for the at least one malicious threat. |
| US08549624B2 |
Probabilistic shellcode detection
Various embodiments include a method of detecting shell code in an arbitrary file comprising determining where one or more candidate areas exist within an arbitrary file, searching at least one nearby area surrounding each of the one or more candidate areas within the arbitrary file for an instruction candidate, and calculating for any such instruction candidate a statistical probability based on a disassembly of instructions starting at a found offset for the instruction candidate that the disassembled instructions are shellcode. |
| US08549621B2 |
Client apparatus and a method therefor
To limit access to a document according to a plurality of types of access authorities set to the document when a server apparatus for limiting access to the document having a setting of a plurality of types of access authorities to operate the document cannot limit access to the document according to the access authority, an apparatus includes a conversion unit configured to convert a document into a plurality of documents having a setting corresponding to each of the plurality of types of access authorities, and a generation unit configured to merge the plurality of documents formed through conversion by the conversion unit, so as to be handled as one document, to generate one merged document. |
| US08549611B2 |
Systems and methods for classification of messaging entities
Methods and systems for operation upon one or more data processors for assigning a reputation to a messaging entity. A method can include receiving data that identifies one or more characteristics related to a messaging entity's communication. A reputation score is determined based upon the received identification data. The determined reputation score is indicative of reputation of the messaging entity. The determined reputation score is used in deciding what action is to be taken with respect to a communication associated with the messaging entity. |
| US08549609B2 |
Updating firewall rules
A host rule mapping module in a firewall server may receive an update notification from a name server. The update notification may indicate a change to an address associated with a host name of a host machine. In response to receiving the update notification, the host rule mapping module may request a record corresponding to the host name identified in the update notification. The host rule mapping module may receive a contents of the record in response to the request from the name server, and update a firewall rule corresponding to the address identified in the update notification to include the contents of the record. |
| US08549603B2 |
System and method for addressing a unique device from a common address book
A method and system for addressing a unique device from an address book, the method having the steps of: receiving a message having a root token and a secondary token; checking whether the root token exists within the address book, if no, creating a record in the address book with the root and secondary token; and if yes, checking whether the secondary token exists within the address book, if yes, providing a representation of the unique device; and if no, storing the secondary token against the root token in the address book. |
| US08549599B2 |
Fingerprint authentication server, client computer and fingerprint authentication method
A fingerprint authentication server device is disclosed. The fingerprint authentication server device includes a database in which user IDs and the registered fingerprint data of plural users are stored; and a hash value table including user hash values of the user IDs and the registered fingerprint data of the users. The fingerprint authentication server device is configured to receive a hash value of a user ID of a user to be authenticated and a hash value of registered fingerprint data associated with the user ID from a client computer; perform a search in the hash value table to determine whether there are hash values corresponding to the received hash values in the hash value table; and transmit a determination result to the client computer, thereby to cause the client computer to perform a fingerprint authentication process for a user for which correspondence of the hash values has been confirmed. |
| US08549590B1 |
Systems and methods for identity authentication using a social network
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for identity authentication using an social network. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for authenticating an identity of a target person. The method can include determining, from a first system graph, connections between one or more hypothetical identities and a plurality of related entities associated with the one or more hypothetical identities; determining, from a second system graph, one or more real entities associated with the target person; identifying matches comprising common real entities associated with the target person and related entities associated with the one or more hypothetical identities based at least in part on the determined connections; and providing an indication of identity authentication of the target person based at least in part on the identified matches. |
| US08549587B2 |
Secure end-to-end transport through intermediary nodes
A communication network encrypts a first portion of a transaction associated with point-to-point communications using a point-to-point encryption key. A second portion of the transaction associated with end-to-end communications is encrypted using an end-to-end encryption key. |
| US08549586B2 |
System utilizing a secure element
An electronic device includes a receiver configured to receive, from an entity, a request to perform a function. The electronic device also includes a secure element to verify the request to perform the function. The secure element includes hardware programmed with instructions to verify that a security of the secure element has not been breached. The secure element also includes software including instructions to determine an access right for the entity requesting performance of the function, and to perform the function when the hardware verifies that the security of the secure element has not been breached and the access right indicates that the entity is authorized to request performance of the secure function. |
| US08549584B2 |
Physical security triggered dynamic network authentication and authorization
A unified access control component (UACC) can maintain information relating to network access information and physical location information associated with respective users who may access a network that can include network resources (e.g., applications, information). The UACC can cross reference the network access information (e.g., user network access events, credentials, and policy) and physical location information (e.g., user physical access events, credentials, and policy) and can generate and enforce a unified network access policy based on network access information and physical location information associated with a particular user. After network access privileges have been granted to a user, the UACC can continue to monitor the user. The UACC can include a dynamic authentication component that can request a user re-authenticate if a change in the physical location and/or network access associated with the user is detected, such that a re-computation of network access privileges is desired. |
| US08549580B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing software security
A method and apparatus for providing software security is provided. In the software security method, an installation file of software that includes at least one execution file and at least one data file which are stored in a user terminal is executed. Accordingly, at least one virtual execution file corresponding to the at least one execution file and at least one virtual data file corresponding to the at least one data file are installed in a user area of the user terminal, and the at least one execution file, the at least one data file, and a controller for controlling the at least one virtual execution file and the at least one execution file are installed in a security area of the user terminal. |
| US08549575B2 |
Dynamic synchronization of media streams within a social network
A method of synchronizing first and second streams of a multimedia content program is operable for determining a temporal difference indicative of a relative timing between first and second streams of the program, the first stream being provided to a first multimedia processing resource (MPR) and the second stream being provided to a second MPR. The method includes manipulating at least one of the streams to reduce the temporal difference until the temporal difference is less than a predetermined threshold and enabling a viewer of the first stream to interact with a viewer of the second stream regarding the program. Interactions are visually detectable on a first display screen corresponding to the first MPR. |
| US08549570B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing network resources used by multimedia streams in a virtual pipe
Some embodiments are directed to a method performed by a pipe control node for managing network resources that are used to transport network traffic. The method includes allocating network resources to a virtual pipe for transporting a plurality of multimedia streams through the network. Utilization of the network resources by the plurality of multimedia streams transported through the virtual pipe is monitored relative to the network resources allocated to the virtual pipe. The network resources that are used by the plurality of multimedia streams transported through the virtual pipe are managed in response to the monitored utilization. Some other embodiments are directed to a corresponding pipe control node that manages network resources which are used to transport network traffic. |
| US08549566B2 |
Method of processing non-real time service and broadcast receiver
A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information. |
| US08549565B2 |
Power balancing signal combiner
Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna, including at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signals received by the LNB to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, a plurality of tuners, respectively coupled to the outputs of the multiswitch, for tuning to a plurality of specific portions of the satellite signals in a respective fashion, the specific portions of the satellite signals selected based on commands received from a plurality of receivers, and an interface for delivering the specific portions of the satellite signals to the plurality of receivers, wherein the specific portions of the satellite signals are combined into a single combined signal and delivered to the plurality of receivers on a single output of the interface. |
| US08549564B1 |
Wireless video uplink system that wirelessly broadcasts a network access provider identifier
A wireless access system comprises a base station and a control system. The base station wirelessly broadcasts a pilot signal including a network access provider identifier that identifies a wireless video service. The base station wirelessly receives a wireless video uplink request from a wireless video device in response to the pilot signal. The control system processes reservation data for the base station to determine if the wireless video device has a current wireless video uplink reservation and directs the base station to provide a wireless video uplink to the wireless video device if the wireless video device has the current wireless video uplink reservation. The base station wirelessly receives video data from the wireless video device over the wireless video uplink as directed by the control system. |
| US08549562B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US08549561B2 |
TV user interface with recommended content entry in favorites menu
A “recommendation” genus entry is added to the list of other genre in a TV “favorites” menu. Entries in the recommendation genus entry are depicted in a stack and sorted by recommendation strength and channel number. A user can elect to hide the recommendation entry from the favorites menu. |
| US08549557B2 |
Delivering personalized media items to multiple users of interactive television by using scrolling tickers
A system and method of delivering personalized media items to users of an interactive television is disclosed. The system comprises a television terminal, a computing device and a remote control device. The computing device further comprises a set top box. The computing device may be connected to a server through a communication network. The system stores a personal profile for each of its users. Personal mobile devices associated with the users are connected wirelessly to the computing device. Identities of the users may be transmitted from the personal mobile devices to the computing device. Media items are selected based upon the personal profiles according to a predetermined algorithm. Selected media items may be delivered using scrolling tickers displayed on the television terminal. |
| US08549556B2 |
Contextual advertising
A contextual advertising system and method receives video data and multiple advertisements associated with the video data. The system and method identify object content in the received video data and generates a video signal representing the video data. The video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image. User interaction with the displayed video image is monitored by the system and method. An advertisement is selected from the multiple received advertisements for display to the user. The advertisement is selected based on the user interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the video data. |
| US08549555B2 |
Interactive product placement system and method therefor
A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product. |
| US08549554B2 |
Dynamic replacement of cinematic stage props in program content
Stage props, such as consumer products, in legacy program content are replaced with dynamically replaceable assets. Such assets can be used for advertising purposes in that images of different products and services can be inserted therein and are changeable via a network. Such assets may be created by identifying props in the content for replacement, determining location and visual effects information for each identified prop, and creating a reference file that includes the content and the location and the visual effects information associated with each identified prop. A value may be determined for each asset or advertisers may bid on the assets to yield additional advertising revenue channel for the content. The content may be played back by broadcasting the content and reference information designating parameters for inserting the assets into the content. Replacement images, such as images of products, may be obtained via a network. The visual appearance of each replacement image may be modified using visual effects information so the inserted objects appear natural as if they were part of the original scene. |
| US08549552B2 |
Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles
Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles are disclosed. An example implementation includes collecting audience measurement data with a media monitoring device fixed in a vehicle and transmitting the audience measurement data from the media monitoring device to a shuttle located within the vehicle, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device. |
| US08549548B2 |
Disc tray for printing device
A disc tray for a printing device includes a driving mover including a first guiding portion; a main body including a disc receiver having a holding portion and a sloping portion connected with each other, a second guiding portion engaged with the first guiding portion, and a third guiding portion, with the driving mover driving the main body by way of the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion to move the main body; and a supporter including a fourth guiding portion engaged with the third guiding portion to allow the fourth guiding portion to move along the third guiding portion. The supporter and the holding portion are used to support a printed disc. When the disc receiver receives the printed disc, the supporter is moved to be veiled under the main body for dropping the printed disc from the sloping portion of the disc receiver. |
| US08549547B2 |
Disk clamping mechanism and disk drive system, with movably supported clamper
A disclosed disk clamping mechanism includes a turntable fixed on a rotational shaft of a spindle motor to rotate a flexible thin optical disk, a stabilizer member configured to suppress a run-out of the flexible thin optical disk by an applying aerodynamic force to the rotating flexible thin optical disk so as to stabilize the run-out of the rotating flexible thin optical disk, and a clamper movably supported in a center of the stabilizer member in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the flexible thin optical disk. In the disclosed disk clamping mechanism, the flexible thin optical disk is sandwiched between the turntable and the clamper such that the turntable and the clamper rotate the flexible thin optical member sandwiched in-between. |
| US08549537B2 |
Middleware bridge system and method
This invention relates to a middleware bridge system, for bridging a kernel space module and a user space middleware having a user space interface, including: a kernel space bridge manager, for providing a kernel space interface to receive function call request from the kernel space module; an user space bridge manager, for bringing a function call relating to the function call request to the user space middleware through the user space interface, and receiving a return data from the user space middleware; wherein the architecture of the kernel space interface is the same with the architecture of the user space interface. The present invention further includes a middleware bridge method thereof. |
| US08549535B2 |
Distributed taskflow architecture
A method, a system and a product are disclosed for executing a taskflow in a distributed taskflow architecture and for providing the latter. In at least one embodiment, the taskflow is generated by interconnecting modular tasks, having a synchronization mechanism in order to be able to execute the taskflow on different processing instances both in an online mode and in an offline mode and in order to allow a change between the modes even during performance of the taskflow. |
| US08549531B2 |
Optimizing resource configurations
Systems and methods for monitoring the performance associated with fulfilling resource requests and determining optimizations for improving such performance are provided. A processing device obtains and processes performance metric information associated with processing a request corresponding to a set of resources. The processing device uses the processed performance metric information to determine a resource configuration to be associated with the set of resources. In making such a determination, the processing device can assess performance metric information collected and associated with subsequent requests corresponding to the content associated with the set of resources and using each of a variety of alternative resource configurations. The processing device may also consider a number of factors. Aspects of systems and methods for generating recommendations to use a particular resource configuration to process a subsequent request corresponding to the content associated with the set of resources are also provided. |
| US08549526B2 |
Access control apparatus and access control method
The disclosed access control apparatus and method controls an I/O device to perform processing of access requests in a predetermined order including inputting access requests from multiple tasks to cause the I/O device to perform file processing, storing and managing information about file priorities, obtaining a file priority corresponding to an access request, managing a queue having multiple queues for which the processing priorities corresponding to the file priorities are set and causing the access request to be stored in any of the queues corresponding to the file priority, and obtaining the access requests stored in the queues in an order based on the processing priorities set for the queues and sends the access requests to the I/O device. |
| US08549525B2 |
Method for tuning service performance of multi-task system and multi-task system thereof
A method for executing a first and a second task in M time units is disclosed. The method includes comparing the priority of the first task and the task. If the first task has a higher priority than the second task, the first task is executed. The first task is then suspended after the first duration, and the second task is executed for a second duration. |
| US08549523B2 |
Performing runtime analysis and control of folding identified threads by assuming context of another thread and executing in lieu of another thread folding tool
A computer program product for performing runtime analysis on and control of a multithreaded computer program. One embodiment of the present invention can include identifying threads of a computer program to be analyzed. Under control of a supervisor thread, a plurality of the identified threads can be folded together to be executed as a folded thread. The execution of the folded thread can be monitored to determine a status of the identified threads. An indicator corresponding to the determined status of the identified threads can be presented in a user interface that is presented on a display. |
| US08549517B2 |
Address assignment method, computer, and recording medium having program recorded therein
An address assignment method includes a first notification step of selecting a range of use of addresses to be assigned to the virtual network interface card from the set of addresses, and notifying another physical machine of the range of use via a network, the first notification step being carried out by the physical machine that creates the virtual machine; a storage step of storing the range of use, the storage step being carried out by the physical machine notified of the range of use at the first notification step; and a second notification step of selecting the range of use of addresses to be assigned to the virtual network interface card in the virtual machine to be created from the set of addresses excluding the stored range of use, and notifying another physical machine of the range of use via the network. |
| US08549516B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling, by a hypervisor, access to physical resources
A system for controlling, by a hypervisor, access to physical resources during execution of a virtual machine includes a physical disk and a hypervisor. The physical disk is provided by a computing device and stores at least a portion of a virtual disk. The hypervisor executes on the computing device. The hypervisor allocates, to the virtual disk, an amount of access to the physical disk. The hypervisor determines that a level of utilization of the physical disk has exceeded a threshold. The hypervisor limits, in response to the determination, access by the virtual disk to the physical disk. |
| US08549510B2 |
Firmware update apparatus and method
The firmware update apparatus is configured so that data required for update is accessible from both of normal firmware and emergency firmware and is provided with a section which sets the next-time boot destination to the emergency firmware during update, a section which saves a file before update into an area originally occupied by an update file, a section which inspects that a file required for booting the normal firmware is not broken or confirms that activation is actually possible from a virtualized environment, during activation of the emergency firmware, a section which restores the state before update by the saved files before update and a new update procedure automatically generated by reversing the contents of operations of the update procedure, and a section which, for each update file, describes a necessary reactivation target in the update procedure. |
| US08549508B2 |
Mechanism for performing instruction scheduling based on register pressure sensitivity
A mechanism for performing instruction scheduling based on register pressure sensitivity is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes performing a preliminary register pressure minimization on program points during a compilation process of a software program running on a virtual machine of a computer system. The method further includes calculating a register pressure at each of the program points, detecting an instruction to be scheduled, and performing instruction scheduling of the instruction based on a current register pressure at a current scheduling point and potential register pressures at subsequent scheduling points. |
| US08549507B2 |
Loop coalescing method and loop coalescing device
A loop coalescing method and a loop coalescing device are disclosed. The loop coalescing method comprises removing an inner-most loop from among nested loops, so that an outer operation provided outside of the inner-most loop is performed when a condition of a conditional statement is satisfied, generating a guard code by applying an if-conversion method to the conditional statement, and converting a guard by using an instruction calculating the guard of the guard code, the instruction calculating the guard using a register where information related to a period of time corresponding to the number of iterations of the inner-most loop is stored. |
| US08549501B2 |
Framework for generating mixed-mode operations in loop-level simdization
Generating mixed-mode operations in the compilation of program code for processors having vector or SIMD processing units is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, program instructions making up the body of a loop are abstracted into virtual vector instructions. These virtual vector instructions are treated, for initial code optimization purposes, as vector instructions (i.e., instructions written for the vector unit). The virtual vector instructions are eventually expanded into native code for the target processor, at which time a determination is made for each virtual vector instruction as to whether to expand the virtual vector instruction into native vector instructions, into native scalar instructions, into calls to pre-defined library functions, or into a combination of these. A cost model is used to determine the optimal choice of expansion based on hardware/software constraints, performance costs/benefits, and other criteria. |
| US08549498B2 |
Integration of trace selection and trace profiling in dynamic optimizers
Integrated trace selection and profiling in dynamic optimizers may include selecting a trace head based on profile of basic blocks that are executed. The basic blocks executed from the trace head may be recorded as a trace. The trace may be added to a trace nursery in non-compiled state. The trace may be interpreted and profiled until the trace matures. Under a profiling mode, path sensitive runtime information such as values, types, targets of call-sites, and exit frequencies can be collected. The trace may be moved out of the nursery to a compilation queue in response to determining that the trace has matured based on an execution count of the profiled trace. |
| US08549497B2 |
High-level hypermedia synthesis for adaptive web
A process for dynamically generating browser-ready code from a high-level code description of a web page written in a first predefined language having one or more adaptive features and from one or more constraints associated with a request for such browser-ready code. |
| US08549496B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for automatically generating a computer program using consume, simplify and produce semantics with normalize, transpose and distribute operations
A code generator and multi-core framework are executable in a computer system to implement methods as disclosed herein, including a method for the code generator to automatically generate multi-threaded source code from functional specifications, and for the multi-core framework, which is a run time component, to generate multi-threaded task object code from the multi-threaded source code and to execute the multi-threaded task object code on respective processor cores. The methods provide transparency to the programmer, and during execution, provide automatic identification of processing parallelisms. The methods implement Consume-Simplify-Produce and Normalize-Transpose-Distribute operations to reduce complex expression sets in a functional specification to simplified expression sets operable in parallel processing environments through the generated multi-threaded task object code. The result is a code generator which compiles transparent declarative code into multi-threaded code and that in the process identifies and assigns parallel processing paths to improve overall processing performance. |
| US08549495B2 |
Using appropriate level of code to be executed in runtime environment using metadata describing versions of resources being used by code
A method for using an appropriate level of code to be executed in a runtime environment. Code in a non-Java format is translated into a Java source file. During the translation process, metadata is generated from a configuration file where the metadata includes version information of the resources (e.g., JSTL) being used by the code written in the non-Java format. A determination is made as to whether to recompile the non-Java code based on software components, referred herein as “listener components,” determining whether the versions of the resources being used by the non-Java code performs acceptably well in the runtime environment. If a listener component determines that a version of a resource being used is not acceptable, then the non-Java code is recompiled with a newer version of the resource. In this manner, an appropriate level of code is executed by the runtime environment. |
| US08549491B2 |
Apparatus and method for application testing of embedded system
Provided is to an apparatus for application testing of an embedded system which can cross-develop an application program installed in the embedded system regardless of the type of a target system. A virtual environment for testing the application program adopted in the target system is constructed on the basis of information inputted through a user interface and the application program is tested by configuring a virtual target system in the constructed virtual environment. According to the present invention, the application program adopted in the target system can be developed and tested without constructing a cross-development environment for each target system in an environment in which various kinds of embedded systems are developed. |
| US08549490B2 |
Static code analysis for packaged application customization
A method for static code analyzing customizations to a pre-packaged computing solution can include establishing a communicative connection from a recommendation generation module to a pre-packaged computing solution and authenticating into the pre-packaged computing solution. Customized program code can be extracted from the pre-packaged computing solution and a call graph of the customized program code can be constructed such that the call graph indicates method calls to different interfaces for program code of the pre-packaged computing solution. Finally, a report can be generated identifying customized program code to be adapted to a new version of the pre-packaged computing solution based upon changes in the different interfaces shown by the call graph to be used in the new version of the pre-packaged computing solution and modifications required for the customized program code to call the different interfaces in the new version of the pre-packaged computing solution. |
| US08549489B2 |
Computer source code generator
A programming editor and creator allows users with minimal knowledge of a computer language syntax to generate computer source code using a structured rather than freeform process. A predefined command sentence is provided representing at least a portion of a programming command, and includes words, which may be defined as constant or enterable words. Enterable words may be required or optional, and correspond to entry components. Each word may be defined according to word types, including list words, variable list words, variable words, mathematical words, condition words or Boolean words. Enterable words may include repeatable words which may be inserted multiple times within a command to create conditional statements, mathematical equations and string concatenations. Input values are provided for the entry components. The predefined command sentence with the input values is converted to a completed command sentence corresponding to the programming command, which is translated to a target programming language. |
| US08549487B2 |
Automated identification of redundant method calls
Detection of redundant or duplicate method calls in a running program is provided. One or more methods can be selectively called when a program is running. Specified data is collected each time that a call to a given one of the methods occurs, wherein a given call to the given method is associated with a set of arguments comprising one or more particular argument values for the given method. The collected data includes an element uniquely identifying each of the particular argument values. The collected data is stored at a selected location, and a call threshold is selected for the given method, wherein the call threshold comprises a specified number of occurrences of the given call to the given method. The collected data is selectively analyzed at the storage location, to determine whether an occurrence of the given call to the given method has exceeded the call threshold. |
| US08549485B2 |
Method and system for concise expression of optional code snippets in interrepted languages
A method and apparatus for the concise expression of optional code snippets in interpreted object-oriented programming language software applications is described. In one embodiment, the method includes defining a first class where the first class is a concise expression class that includes one or more objects. The method may also include including the concise expression class in a second class that includes one or more objects of the second class. The method may also include executing an expression in a software application to evaluate an object of the second class and returning an instance of an object of the concise expression class when data associated with the object of the second class does not exist within the software application. |
| US08549482B2 |
Displaying subtitles
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to display subtitles are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes selecting a test script that corresponds to an application, and superimposing a subtitle bar including a test instruction from the test script over a portion of a display of the application within a user interface so that the subtitle bar reduces interference with viewing a region of interest of the display, wherein the test instruction provides an action a user is to perform to test the application. |
| US08549481B2 |
Web-based integrated test and debugging system
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for a web-based integrated test and debugging system is provided. The method includes configuring a proxy widget on a server to communicate with a debug widget on a browser, and configuring the proxy widget to communicate with an integrated development environment (IDE) external to the server. The method also includes running a process on the server associated with one or more process-control widgets on the browser. The method further includes polling the IDE via the proxy widget to access a debug and test infrastructure of the IDE for debug data associated with the process, and relaying the debug data associated with the process from the proxy widget to the debug widget to provide web-based integration of testing and debugging on the browser while the process is running on the server. |
| US08549474B2 |
Method and system for implementing WS-policy
A method and system for implementing WS-Policy is described. In one embodiment, the system includes an API that may be used to call one or more methods for processing a WS policy file. These methods are associated with one or more classes. |
| US08549469B2 |
System and method for specification and implementation of MVC (model-view-controller) based web applications
A system and method for requirement specification for entire MVC (Model-View-Controller) based web applications, by providing processes and artifacts that are suitable for each of the areas of concerns, and cohesively combining them with standard object modeling. Some of the areas provided for include general static as well as the dynamic aspects presentation, web navigation and actions, and view to model data mapping; also provides the system and method to create application for target platforms using the resulting design specification and platform mapping information. |
| US08549464B2 |
Reusing expression graphs in computer programming languages
A reusable expression graph system and method that generates reusable expression graphs that can be used with potentially different input parameters in order to achieve computational efficiency and ease of programming. Reusable expression graph mitigate the need to rebuild an expression for each new value. This is achieved in part by creating a node called a “parameter node.” The parameter node acts as a generic placeholder for a leaf node in the expression graph. In addition, the parameter node acts as a proxy for a bindable term of the leaf node, and the bindable term can be either a value or one or more additional expressions. The parameter node then is bound to the bindable term and the expression is evaluated with that bindable term instead of the placeholder. The parameter node created by embodiments of the reusable expression graph system and method works across many different programming languages. |
| US08549463B2 |
Die expansion bus
A die expansion bus efficiently couples a supplemental portion of a processing system to an original portion of the processing system on a die. The die expansion bus couples bus subsystems of the supplemental portion of the processing system to the bus subsystems of the original portion of the processing system. The original portion of the processing system is arranged to control the data resources of the supplemental portion of the processing system by accessing memory mapped control registers associated with the bus subsystems of the supplemental portion of the processing system. |
| US08549460B2 |
Supplying power to integrated circuits using a grid matrix formed of through-silicon vias
An integrated circuit structure includes a chip including a substrate and a power distribution network. The power distribution network includes a plurality of power through-silicon vias (TSVs) penetrating the substrate, wherein the plurality of power TSVs forms a grid; and a plurality of metal lines in a bottom metallization layer (M1), wherein the plurality of metal lines couples the plurality of power TSVs to integrated circuit devices on the substrate. |
| US08549455B2 |
Methods for cell phasing and placement in dynamic array architecture and implementation of the same
A semiconductor chip is defined to include a logic block area having a first chip level in which layout features are placed according to a first virtual grate, and a second chip level in which layout features are placed according to a second virtual grate. A rational spatial relationship exists between the first and second virtual grates. A number of cells are placed within the logic block area. Each of the number of cells is defined according to an appropriate one of a number of cell phases. The appropriate one of the number of cell phases causes layout features in the first and second chip levels of a given placed cell to be aligned with the first and second virtual grates as positioned within the given placed cell. |
| US08549454B1 |
System and method for automated configuration of design constraints
In one embodiment, a method for propagating design constraints between a module and a module instance in a circuit design is provided. A port of the module and a port/pin of the circuit design are determined, between which constraints are to be propagated. The determination of the port/pin includes determining whether or not pin of the module instance corresponding to the port is directly connected to a top-level port of the circuit design. In response to determining that the pin is directly connected to a top-level port, the top-level port is selected as the port/pin. In response to determining that the pin is not directly connected to the top-level port, the pin is selected as the port/pin. Design constraints are propagated between the port and the selected port/pin. The propagated design constraints are stored in a storage device. |
| US08549449B2 |
Mutual inductance extraction using dipole approximations
Various methods for analyzing mutual inductance in an integrated circuit layout are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, for instance, a circuit description indicative of the layout of signal wires and ground wires in the circuit is received. The signal wires and the ground wires are grouped into at least a first bundle and a second bundle, wherein the first bundle and the second bundle each comprise a respective signal-wire segment and one or more corresponding ground-wire segments. A representative dipole moment is calculated for the first bundle. Using the representative dipole moment, the mutual inductance between the first bundle and the second bundle is calculated. Computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods or storing design databases created or modified using any of the disclosed techniques are also disclosed. |
| US08549440B2 |
System and method for toy adoption and marketing
A method provides a virtual presentation of a product and includes registering at least one registration code for at least one product on a website; after successful registration, viewing a virtual replica of the at least one product on the website, accessing at a least a subset of features on the website that allow user interaction with the virtual replica of the at least one product, and purchasing one or more virtual furnishings for at least one virtual room on the website, in which room said virtual replica is viewable. |
| US08549438B2 |
Split mode command button
Systems and methods for control of a split mode command button are disclosed. The method includes displaying a button to a user, the button including a primary function area incorporating a primary function available for immediate selection and a secondary function area incorporating a drop-down menu of at least one secondary function. The method further includes accepting a selection of a secondary function and executing the secondary function. The method also includes updating the button such that the secondary function is associated with the primary function area and the primary function is associated with the secondary function area and displaying the updated split mode command button to a user. |
| US08549426B2 |
Apparatus and method for configuring an on-screen image in a mobile telecommunication handset upon connection of earphone
Apparatus and a method for configuring an on-screen image in a mobile telecommunications handset making it possible for a multimedia menu to be displayed when a connected earphone is recognized, thereby allowing a user to conveniently select a multimedia application without having to use a keypad for initiating an instruction to perform the multimedia application. |
| US08549424B2 |
System and method for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search
Methods and systems for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search are provided. A method for selecting items in response to ambiguous keystrokes entered by a user and unambiguous metadata associated with a previously selected search result includes receiving ambiguous keystrokes, selecting and presenting a first subset of items and metadata associated with the items presented based on the ambiguous keystrokes. The method also includes receiving a selection of one of the items from the user, and, in response to a locking operation received from the user, locking in fixed relation at least one of the ambiguous keystrokes to at least one metadata term associated with the selected item. The method further includes, subsequent to receiving the locking operation, selecting and presenting a second subset of items based at least in part on the locked metadata term, and presenting the second subset of items. |
| US08549419B2 |
Mobile terminal providing graphic user interface and method of providing graphic user interface using the same
A mobile terminal providing a graphic user interface and method of providing a graphic user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment a mobile terminal may comprise a control unit, a touch screen display unit coupled to the control unit, and a memory storing instructions to be executed by the control unit. In one embodiment a method may comprise displaying and then moving one or more icons around the screen of the mobile terminal, detecting a designation of a point on the screen, and executing a predefined action based on a distance from a location of the designated point to a location of at least one of the icons. Another embodiment may detect an application related event, display an indicator icon, and execute a predefined action in response to the event detection. |
| US08549414B2 |
Utilizing social relationship information to discover a relevant active meeting
An active meeting can be identified that occurs in a collaborative environment that is an electronic meeting system. The meeting can be associated with a meeting identifier, a ranking value, and/or a plurality of participants. Relationship information of the participants with regard to a specified entity can be determined. Relationship information can include a social network relationship, presence information, and/or collaboration metadata. A ranking value, which is a numerical or alphanumeric value, for the meeting can be programmatically established based on the relationship information. |
| US08549411B2 |
Method of reactive targeted advertising
In one inventive aspect, a method of reactive targeted advertising provides for display of advertising, via the internet, to computers of users. In a particular example, a plurality of keywords are stored in a memory. The method comprises determining whether one or more of those keywords are used in a web page, and for any keywords determined to be used, an advertisement is selected using those keywords. The advertisement is for display on the computer of the user who is accessing the web page. A request is received for the selected advertisement, and the advertisement is provided, from an advertising server and over the internet, for display on the computer of the user. |
| US08549408B2 |
Multi-functional peripheral and multi-functional peripheral control system
A multi-functional peripheral 21 according to this invention operates in accordance with a web browser software, and includes: a web browser section 5 configured to store cookie information received from a web server section 53 into a setting information database 6; and an apparatus control section 7 configured to manage the cookie information in accordance with a mode set by a verification mode setting section 13. In a case where the mode set by the verification mode setting section 13 is a user verification inactive mode, the apparatus control section 7 discards the cookie information from the setting information database 6 after operation of the web browser section is terminated. |
| US08549407B2 |
Multi-dimensional dynamic visual browsing
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to present a first plurality of visible images indicating a corresponding group of visible element navigation pathways associated with a first level of an online marketplace, receive a selection of one of the first plurality of visual images to provide a selected image, and navigate to a second level of the online marketplace along the visible element navigation pathways by presenting a second plurality of visible images representing one of a super-category including the selected image and a sub-category included in the selected image, wherein the first and second levels form part of at least three levels of visual navigation. Selections may be saved for future manipulation, review, and navigation as a collection of thumbtacked images. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08549400B2 |
Techniques for encoding media objects to a static visual representation
Techniques for encoding a media object are provided. First information is determined from an input media object. Second information is then determined from the input media object. A first visual representation is created based on the first information and a second visual representation is created based on the second information, wherein an output media object is constructed from the first and second visual representations. |
| US08549394B2 |
Apparatus and method for helping in the reading of an electronic message
An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining whether the meaning of a word in an electronic message should be presented to a user, according to a dynamic determination of whether the user knows the meaning of the word. A communication control unit receives a message sent from user A to user B. A morphological analysis unit extracts a word from the message, and a history acquisition unit acquires history information on viewing, usage, or the like of the word by user B. A display determination unit determines whether the meaning of the word should be displayed, according to the acquired history information, the language level of user B, and the difficulty level of the word. The meaning of the word is presented to user B according to the determination result. |
| US08549393B2 |
Generation of electronic forms
A computerized system, method, computer program product, client processing system and/or server processing system for generating electronic forms are disclosed. In particular, the computerized system is configured to obtain selection data indicative of a selected form template including one or more component templates; present a form composition environment including a plurality of components available for composing a form, wherein the plurality of components available includes at least one templated component being a modification of a base component defined by one of the component templates; generate form composition data indicative of a user composing, within the form composition environment, a form composition using at least one of the templated components; and generate the electronic form based upon the form composition data. |
| US08549392B2 |
Customizable spreadsheet table styles
Table styles provide a way to format an entire spreadsheet table quickly and easily. According to described implementations, table styles can be created and customized for repeated use in a spreadsheet application. As a result, a user does not have to manually modify multiple formatting options for each table included in one or more spreadsheets. A graphical user interface is also described that provides simple user access to existing table styles that can be modified according to the user's requirements. |
| US08549390B2 |
Verifying content of resources in markup language documents
A markup element of a markup language document references a resource with a resource indicator. A method for verifying the content of the resource includes extracting a characteristic of the content from the markup element, retrieving a resource according to the resource indicator, and comparing a characteristic of the content of the retrieved resource to the extracted characteristic. A computer readable program for authoring a markup language document when executed on a computer causes the computer to include in a markup element of the markup language document a characteristic of the content of a resource that is referenced by the markup element with a resource indicator. |
| US08549389B2 |
Systems and methods for 1553 bus operation self checking
Systems and methods for 1553 bus operation self checking are provided. In one embodiment, a fault tolerant computer comprises a self-checking processor pair that includes a master processor, a checking processor, and self-checking pair logic; a 1553 bus transceiver; and a device comprising 1553 self-checking logic coupled between the self-checking processor pair and the 1553 bus transceiver, wherein the 1553 self-checking logic manages data communication between the 1553 bus transceiver and the self-checking processor pair. The 1553 self-checking logic includes a primary logic and a secondary logic that operate in lock-step. When the 1553 self-checking logic writes data to the 1553 bus transceiver, the 1553 self-checking logic compares a first 1553 formatted message generated by the primary logic to a second 1553 formatted message generated by the secondary logic, and generates an error indication when the first 1553 formatted message does not match the second 1553 formatted message. |
| US08549387B2 |
System and method of decoding LDPC code blocks
A receiver apparatus comprises a LDPC decoder that can apply an accelerated belief propagation method for iteratively decoding each code block. When the number of iterations reaches a certain threshold value, the accelerated belief propagation method can adjust the initial condition used in each iteration. The initial condition is adjusted so as to enhance the likelihood of convergence in the iterative method. As a result, performance of the decoder and receiver apparatus can be improved. |
| US08549386B2 |
Pre-decoded tail-biting convolutional code decoder and decoding method thereof
A pre-decoded tail-biting convolutional code (TBCC) decoder and a decoding method thereof are provided. The decoder includes a pre-decoder, a storage module, and a control module. The pre-decoder receives a current state, a neighboring state, and a current path status corresponding to sequential data encoded in TBCC, generates predicted decoded bits, and determines whether states corresponding to minimum path metrics of neighboring stages are in continuity according to the current state, the neighboring state, and a current path status. The storage module is connected to the pre-decoder and stores the predicted decoded bits. The control module is connected to the storage module and the pre-decoder. In addition, the control module selects to output the decoded bits from the storage module when the continuity between the states corresponding to the minimum path metrics of the neighboring stages reaches a truncation length. |
| US08549383B2 |
Cache tag array with hard error proofing
A cache memory system includes a cache controller and a cache tag array. The cache tag array includes one or more ways, one or more indices, and a cache tag entry for each way and index combination. Each cache tag entry includes an error correction portion and an address portion. In response to an address request for data that includes a first index and a first address, the cache controller compares the first address to the cache tag entries of the cache tag array that correspond to the first index. When the comparison results in a miss, the cache controller corrects cache tag entries with an error that correspond to the first index using the corresponding error correction portions, and stores at least one of the corrected cache tag entries in a storage that is external to the cache tag array. The cache controller, for each corrected cache tag entry, replays the comparison using the least one of the externally stored corrected cache tag entries. |
| US08549382B2 |
Storage drive with LDPC coding
For storage drives with LDPC encoded data, read techniques are provided whereby an errantly read memory unit (e.g., faulty LDPC codeword) may be recovered. |
| US08549380B2 |
Non-volatile memory error mitigation
Techniques for decoding levels in non-volatile memory. A level of a cell in a multi-bit non-volatile memory is read. A minimum of Log-Likelihood Ratio (LLR) and a modified LLR to decode the level, wherein the modified LLR is a function of a misplacement probability is used. A value corresponding the decoded level is written to a volatile memory. |
| US08549379B2 |
Classifying a criticality of a soft error and mitigating the soft error based on the criticality
Methods and systems mitigate a soft error in an integrated circuit. A map is stored in a memory, and the map specifies a criticality class for each storage bit in the integrated circuit. A mitigative technique is associated with each criticality class. The soft error is detected in a corrupted one of the storage bits. The mitigative technique is performed that is associated with the criticality class specified in the map for the corrupted storage bit. |
| US08549376B1 |
Vector turbo codes
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for error correction utilizing turbo code and signal transmission with error correction utilizing turbo code. A sequence of data is divided into a plurality of elements. Each element is encoded separately in parallel utilizing turbo encoding and decoded separately in parallel utilizing turbo decoding. The encoding and decoding of each element may be performed by an encoder and a decoder dedicated to that respective element. The control mechanism that controls each encoder and decoder may be identical, similar to a SIMD (single instruction, multiple data) architecture, allowing each element to be encoded and decoded separately in parallel utilizing turbo encoding and decoding. The encoding and decoding of each element separately in parallel utilizing turbo encoding and decoding may utilize the same interleaver permutation. |
| US08549369B2 |
Semiconductor-based test device that implements random logic functions
A semiconductor-based test device includes a plurality of testing clusters and a pseudorandom global stimulus source coupled to the testing clusters. Each testing cluster includes a plurality of data registers and logic elements configured to perform random logic functions for generating test data for the plurality of data registers. The pseudorandom global stimulus source generates a pseudorandom binary stimulus for the logic elements. At least some of the plurality of testing clusters are coupled together to support inter-cluster fan-out and fan-in of data register output. |
| US08549366B2 |
Memory refreshing circuit and method for memory refresh
The optimization of a refresh cycle is carried out in harmony with the error occurrence state in the memory with the presence of a normal patrol controlling section controlling a normal patrol operation that patrols the memory; an additional patrol controlling section controlling an additional patrol operation that patrols, if a first error in the memory is detected during the normal patrol operation, an error occurring area in which the first error occurs and which is included in the memory; a measuring section (15) measuring, if a second error is detected in the error occurring area during the additional patrol operation, an error frequency representing information of error in the error occurring area; and a refresh cycle adjusting section adjusting the refresh cycle in accordance with the error frequency measured by the measuring section. |
| US08549364B2 |
Failure detection and recovery of host computers in a cluster
In one or more embodiments of the invention, communication among host agents providing high availability in a computer cluster is implemented by reading and writing to files on a shared data store. Each host agent holds a lock on a file on the shared data store corresponding to a liveness indicator for the host agent and a coordinator host agent periodically monitors the liveness indicators for host failures. |
| US08549354B2 |
Managing rollback in a transactional memory environment
A system and technique for managing rollback in a transactional memory environment is disclosed. The system includes a processor, a transactional memory, and a transactional memory manager (TMM) configured to perform a rollback on the transactional memory. The TMM is configured to, responsive to detecting a begin transaction directive by the processor, detect an access of a first memory location of the transactional memory not needing rollback and indicate that the first memory location does not need to be rolled back while detecting an access to a second memory location of the transactional memory and indicating that a rollback will be required. The TMM is also configured to, responsive to detecting an end transaction directive after the begin transaction directive and a conflict requiring a rollback, omit a rollback of the first memory location while performing rollback on the second memory location. |
| US08549345B1 |
Methods and apparatus for recovering from a failed network interface card
Methods and apparatus for processing a network connection in a computer system including a software network protocol stack and a network interface card including a hardware network protocol stack are disclosed. State information associated with the network connection is provided to or received by the driver associated with the network interface card. The driver provides the state information to the network interface card, thereby enabling the network interface card to process the network connection. In addition, any packet that is processed by the network interface card is also provided to the driver. Since the driver can maintain a copy of the state information and a copy of the data packet, the software network protocol stack can obtain the state information and the data packet from the driver in the event of a failure of the network interface card. |
| US08549342B1 |
Method and apparatus for fine edge control on integrated circuit outputs
A device for adjusting the timing of at least one edge of an output pulse created in response to a reference pulse is disclosed. Such a device may include a first memory circuit having two or more first memory cells and a second memory circuit also having two or more second memory cells. The first memory circuit may be configured to periodically sample the reference pulse at the rising edges of a first sample clock while the second memory circuit may be configured to periodically sample the reference pulse at the falling edges of the first sample clock. A combinatorial logic circuit may also be included to produce the output pulse having at least one adjusted edge based on a set of timing instructions and timing information provided by the first and/or second memory circuits. |
| US08549341B2 |
System and method for reducing latency associated with timestamps in a multi-core, multi-threaded processor
A system and method are provided for reducing a latency associated with timestamps in a multi-core, multi threaded processor. A processor capable of simultaneously processing a plurality of threads is provided. The processor includes a plurality of cores, a plurality of network interfaces for network communication, and a timer circuit for reducing a latency associated with timestamps used for synchronization of the network communication utilizing a precision time protocol. |
| US08549339B2 |
Processor core communication in multi-core processor
Embodiments of the disclosure generally set forth techniques for handling communication between processor cores. Some example multi-core processors include a first set of processor cores in a first region of the multi-core processor configured to dynamically receive a first supply voltage and a first clock signal, a second set of processor cores in a second region of the multi-core processor configured to dynamically receive a second supply voltage and a second clock signal, and an interface block coupled to the first set of processor cores and the second set of processor cores, wherein the interface block is configured to facilitate communications between the first set of processor cores and the second set of processor cores. |
| US08549338B2 |
Low-power data loop recorder
A system and method are disclosed for capturing pre- and post-event data for random events using minimum power. Real-time data is captured and stored in a continuous loop in a segment of a first memory. Upon detection of a designated event, a second memory is powered-on and post-event data is stored to a segment of the second memory. After a designated data capture window, the second memory is powered-off and real-time data is captured in an unused segment of the first memory. The post-event data may be captured in the unused segment of the first memory and later transferred to the second memory. Auto-address logic monitors and controls the storage and retrieval of pre- and post-event in the first and second memory. An energy management system determines and controls which segments of the first and second memory should be powered-on or kept in the stasis mode to store event data. |
| US08549334B2 |
Electric power control support device and electric power control support method
An electric power control support device (101) includes: an electricity consumption receiving unit (102) that receives, from each of devices, operation data indicating a time period during which the device is operating; an electricity consumption history storage unit (103) storing the received operation data; a subordinate-superior relationship determination unit (105) that determines, from the devices, a superior device operating independently and a sub device operating in conjunction with the superior device, based on a temporal position relationship between operating sections temporally overlapping each other; a power-off forgetting determination unit (107) that specifies the sub device operating while the superior device is not operating; and the energy saving support execution unit (108) that supports energy saving for the sub device specified by the power-off forgetting determination unit (107). |
| US08549330B2 |
Dynamic energy management
A computer system with reliable dynamic energy management includes a thread synchronized energy configurator, the thread synchronized energy configurator extending an instruction decoder of the computer system and the thread synchronized energy configurator is disposed to append an energy configuration field including energy configuration bits to pipeline control bits of instructions in the instruction decoder, a thread synchronized dynamic frequency shifter (DFS), the thread synchronized DFS disposed to set control signals indicative of a frequency shift both per thread and per pipeline, and a thread synchronized general purpose register (GPR) super scaler, wherein the GPR super scaler is disposed to optimize thread operation based upon the set control signals. |
| US08549328B2 |
Memory controller, memory system including the same, and method for operating the same
A memory controller includes a first interface unit, a processor, a randomization unit, a state conversion unit, and a second interface unit. The first interface unit exchanges data with an external device, and the processor determines whether to randomize or state-convert the received data. The randomization unit randomizes data received through the first interface unit in response to the processor and generates randomization information in response to the randomization operation. The state conversion unit state-converts data received through the first interface unit in response to the processor and generates conversion information in response to the state conversion operation. The second interface unit receives the randomized data and the randomization information from the randomization unit, receives the state-converted data and the conversion information from the state conversion unit, and exchanges at least one of the randomized data, the randomization information, the state-converted data and the conversion information with a memory. |
| US08549327B2 |
Background service process for local collection of data in an electronic discovery system
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for a local collection tool that is configured to run as an authorized background service process. As such, the local collection tool of the present invention is capable of being executed in the absence of the device user's credentials. As a result, local collection can be accomplished without the user being present or covertly without the user's knowledge of collection process. Moreover, the back-up file generated by the collection tool may include encrypted data, which can automatically be decrypted by the collection entity through application of a master key. |
| US08549325B2 |
Reducing information leakage between processes sharing a cache
A method of impeding leakage of cache access behavioral information of a section of a sensitive process to an untrusted process, said sensitive and untrusted processes being performed by a processor within a data processing apparatus, said data processing apparatus further comprising at least one cache operable to store information required by said processor while performing said sensitive and untrusted processes, the method comprising the steps of prior to commencing processing of a section of said sensitive process by said processor, evicting information stored in locations of said at least one cache which may otherwise be evicted by said sensitive process loading information that may be required by said section of said sensitive process in said at least one cache; commencing processing of said section of said sensitive process by said processor; switching said processor during processing of said section of said sensitive process to said untrusted process in response to a switching request; on switching back to said section of said sensitive process from said untrusted process, evicting information stored in locations of said at least one cache which may otherwise be evicted by said sensitive process loading information that may be required by said section of said sensitive process in said at least one cache prior to recommencing processing of said section of said sensitive process. |
| US08549322B2 |
Secure data scanning method and system
A method of scanning secure data in a data store is performed in a manner that does not expose the scan data, the files being searched, or information about when matches occur between the scan data and the files. During the scan process, encrypted versions of searched files are compared to encrypted versions of match strings, and any resulting match data is encrypted before being written into a results file. In addition, to disguise when match entries are written, during the scan one or more encrypted dummy items are written into the results file. |
| US08549315B2 |
System and method for generating and managing administrator passwords
A password management system and method for securing networked client terminals and mobile devices is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for encrypting randomly generated administrator-level passwords and providing a means for decrypting the randomly generated passwords for single-use unrestricted access to a designated terminal or mobile device. When unrestricted access to the terminal or mobile device is required, the encrypted administrator-level password is decrypted using a shared symmetric key, which is generated during encryption of the administrator password, to reveal the administrator-level password for the terminal or mobile device. The administrator-level password is a single-use password, wherein upon use of the administrator-level password a new administrator-level password may be automatically generated for the corresponding terminal or mobile device. |
| US08549313B2 |
Method and system for integrated securing and managing of virtual machines and virtual appliances
Method and system for the integrated securing and managing of virtual machines and virtual appliances are presented. Sealing the virtual appliance at the computer of a sender, verifying authenticity of the sender at a recipient computer and managing the execution of the VA are performed in a seamless fashion. |
| US08549310B2 |
Method and apparatus for secure measurement certification
The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for acquiring a physical measurement, and for creating a cryptographic certification of that measurement, such that its value and time can be verified by a party that was not necessarily present at the measurement.The certified measurement may also include corroborative information for associating the actual physical measurement process with the certified measurement. Such corroborative information may reflect the internal or external state of the measurement certification device, as well as witness identifiers of any persons that may have been present at the measurement acquisition and certification.The certification may include a signal receiver to receive timing signals from a satellite or other external source. The external timing signals may be used to generate the time included in the certified measurement, or could be used to determine the location of the measurement certification device for inclusion in the certified measurement. |
| US08549304B2 |
System and method for controlled copying and moving of content between devices and domains based on conditional encryption of content key depending on usage state
A system and method is disclosed for allowing content providers to protect against widespread copying of their content, while enabling them to give their customers more freedom in the way they use the content. In accordance with one embodiment, content providers identify their content as protected by watermarking the content. Consumers use compliant devices to access protected content. All of a user's compliant devices, or all of a family's devices, can be organized into an authorized domain. This authorized domain is used by content providers to create a logical boundary in which they can allow users increased freedom to use their content. |
| US08549302B2 |
Downloadable conditional access system, channel setting method and message structure for 2-way communication between terminal and authentication server in the downloadable conditional access system
Provided are a Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS), and a channel setting method and a message format for a 2-way communication between a terminal and an authentication server in the DCAS. The DCAS may include: a verification unit to verify an electronic signature and an integrity with respect to a message received from the authentication server; an extraction unit to extract network access information of the authentication server from the message in which the electronic signature and the integrity are verified; and a channel setting unit to set a communication channel with the authentication server based on the extracted network access information. |
| US08549298B2 |
Secure online service provider communication
Computer-readable media, systems, and methods for encrypting communications between a client and an online service provider to ensure the communications are secure. In embodiments an authentication request is received from a user agent associated with the client and the authentication request includes identification information and authentication information. Additionally, it is determined that the identification and authentication information are associated with a user. An authentication ticket is created that includes a user identification and an authentication and indicates to the online service provider that the user is authenticated to access one or more services. Further, a session key is generated and an encrypted session key is embedded into the authentication ticket. The session key is encrypted and the private key is known only to the online service provider and the public key is known at least by an authentication server. |
| US08549295B2 |
Establishing secure, mutually authenticated communication credentials
Establishing secure, mutually authenticated communication between a trusted network and a perimeter network. Servers on the perimeter network may be securely and automatically configured to communicate with the trusted network. Servers not functioning properly may be stopped from communicating with the other servers. Credential information relating to a perimeter server may be automatically, and regularly, updated without intervention. |
| US08549294B2 |
Securing home agent to mobile node communication with HA-MN key
The invention is a new protocol for securing the communication link between the Home Agent and the Mobile Node. A cipher key and an integrity key are generated at a home AAA server and are also generated independently at the Mobile Node. The two keys generated at the home AAA server are transmitted to the Home Agent to secure information packets transmitted between the Mobile Node and the Home Agent. The cipher key and integrity key are used to establish a security association used for information packet transmissions. The cipher key is used to encrypt the information packets, and the integrity key is used to ensure that the contents of the encrypted message are not altered. |
| US08549288B2 |
Dynamic creation and hierarchical organization of trusted platform modules
A trusted platform module is presented that is capable of creating, dynamically, multiple virtual trusted platform modules in a hierarchical organization. A trusted platform module domain is created. The trusted platform module creates virtual trusted platform modules, as needed, in the trusted platform module domain. The virtual trusted platform modules can inherit the permissions of a parent trusted platform module to have the ability to create virtual trusted platform modules themselves. Each virtual trusted platform module is associated with a specific partition. Each partition is associated with an individual operating system. The hierarchy of created operating systems and their privilege of spawning new operating systems is reflected in the hierarchy of trusted platform modules and the privileges each of the trusted platform modules has. |
| US08549287B2 |
Ciphering as a part of the multicast concept
The invention proposes a method for transmitting a message to a plurality of user entities in a network by using a multicast service, comprising the steps of encrypting a multicast message by using ciphering, and sending the encrypted multicast message to the plurality of user entities simultaneously. The invention also proposes a corresponding multicast service control device and a corresponding user entity. |
| US08549285B2 |
Method and apparatus for anonymous IP datagram exchange using dynamic network address translation
Methods, apparatus, system and computer program are provided for concealing the identity of a network device transmitting a datagram having a network layer header. A unique local identifier and broadcast address are determined in accordance with a next-hop address. A partially encrypted network layer header is determined by encrypting a plurality of identifying portions of the network layer header, where one portion of the network layer header is the unique local identifier. The datagram is encapsulated with another network layer header whose address is set to the broadcast address. The encapsulated datagram can be received and detunneled, and an address of a recipient can be extracted from the network layer header. The datagram is then admitted into a network domain. |
| US08549279B1 |
Encryption and tokenization architectures
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for transmitting a character string. Such embodiments provide systems and methods to: (1) store a character string in storage devices; (2) associate a unique token with the character string; (3) associate a sub-string of the character string to identify that the unique token is associated with the character string without revealing the character string; (4) access the character string by using the unique token; and (5) transmit the character string to a device or user requesting the string. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for transmitting a unique token associated with a character string. Such embodiments provide systems and methods to: (1) access the unique token by using the character string; and (2) provide the unique token to a computer device or user requesting the string. |
| US08549275B2 |
Method and apparatus for secure execution using a secure memory partition
A processor capable of secure execution. The processor contains an execution unit and secure partition logic that secures a partition in memory. The processor also contains cryptographic logic coupled to the execution unit that encrypts and decrypts secure data and code. |
| US08549273B1 |
Method and apparatus to present a unique background image on a personal computer display when the computer system is booted from an external drive
A backup system on an external bootable personal computer drive that presents a unique and specific wall paper display on the computer monitor when the operating system residing on the drive is booted when the drive is externally attached to the computer system. The invention is used to make it obvious to the user that the original system drive has been replaced by a cloned or imaged drive. The invention consists of a software program and a graphics file. The software program recognizes the case where the drive it resides on has been booted over an external bus and when that event occurs the software program substitutes a specific graphic file for the normal wall paper file used to display the background on the computer display. |
| US08549272B2 |
Information handling system image management deployment of virtual machine images to physical information handling systems
Images for information handling system manufacture and maintenance are created and managed by manipulating the images as virtual machines through a secure remote network interface, such as a virtual private network or virtual desktop infrastructure. Operating system and application installation and updates, such as service packs and patches, are performed on a virtual machine of the image to adjust the image as desired, and then the image is transformed for loading on physical information handling systems, such as newly manufactured information handling systems or deployed information handling systems in need of maintenance. |
| US08549268B2 |
Computer-implemented method of processing resource management
A computer-implemented method for managing processing resources of a computerized system having at least a first processor and a second processor, each of the processors operatively interconnected to a memory storing a set of data to be processed by a processor, the method comprising: monitoring data accessed by the first processor while executing; and if the second processor is at a shorter distance than the first processor from the monitored data, instructing to interrupt execution at the first processor and resume the execution at the second processor. |
| US08549263B2 |
Counter-based memory disambiguation techniques for selectively predicting load/store conflicts
A memory access management technique is disclosed, one embodiment of which relates to a technique to issue loads to a memory ahead of older store operations corresponding to the same target address. A processor may include load buffer entries having predictor table entries associated therewith, including saturation counters to record history of previous conflicts between loads and stores corresponding to the same target address. A watchdog unit may disable memory disambiguation (MD) if the MD causes too high a misprediction rate for load operation and store operation conflicts. In one embodiment, the MD is disabled if a flush counter value reaches a threshold. |
| US08549258B2 |
Configurable processing apparatus and system thereof
A configurable processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing units, at least an instruction synchronization control circuit, and at least a configuration memory. Each processing apparatus has a stall-output signal generating circuit to output a stall-output signal, wherein the stall-output signal indicates that an unexpected stall is occurred in the processing unit. The processing unit has a stall-in signal, and an external circuit of the processing unit can control whether the processing unit is stalled according to the stall-in signal. The instruction synchronization control circuit generates the stall-in signals to the processing units in response to a content stored in the configuration memory and the stall-output signals of the processing units, so as to determine operation modes and instruction synchronization of the processing units. |
| US08549257B2 |
Area efficient arrangement of interface devices within an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit is disclosed that comprises: a core comprising logic circuitry: a plurality of interface devices for transmitting signals to and from the processing core, the plurality of interface devices comprising two types of interface devices: one type being a power interface device for delivering power to the core; and a second type being a signal interface device for transmitting data signals between the core and devices external to the integrated circuit; wherein the plurality of interface devices are arranged in two rows, an outer row towards an outer edge of the core and an inner row within the outer row closer to a centre of the core the inner row comprising one of the two types of interface devices and the outer row comprising an other of the two types of interface devices. |
| US08549254B2 |
Using a translation lookaside buffer in a multiple stage memory address translation structure to manage protected microcontexts
Embodiments of an invention for using a translation lookaside buffer to manage protected micro-contexts are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interface and memory management logic. The interface is to perform a transaction to fetch information from a memory. The memory management logic is to translate an untranslated address to a memory address. The memory management logic includes a storage location, a series of translation stages, determination logic, and a translation lookaside buffer. The storage location is to store an address of a data structure for the first translation stage. Each of the translation stages includes translation logic to find an entry in a data structure based on a portion of the untranslated address. Each entry is to store an address of a different data structure for the first translation stage, an address of a data structure for a successive translation stage, or the physical address. The determination logic is to determine whether an entry is storing an address of a different data structure for the first translation stage. The translation lookaside buffer is to store translations. |
| US08549241B2 |
Method and system for frequent checkpointing
A virtualization platform provides fault tolerance for a primary virtual machine by continuously transmitting checkpoint information of the primary virtual machine to a collector process, such as a backup virtual machine. When implemented on a hardware platform comprising a multi-processor that supports nested page tables, the virtualization platform leverages the nested page table support to quickly identify memory pages that have been modified between checkpoints. The backup virtual machine provides feedback information to assist the virtualization platform in identifying candidate memory pages for transmitting actual modifications to the memory pages rather than the entire memory page as part of the checkpoint information. The virtualization platform further maintains a modification history data structure to identify memory pages that can be transmitted simultaneous with the execution of the primary virtual machine rather than while the primary virtual machine has been stunned. |
| US08549239B2 |
Network message logging and archival
A method includes receiving a message to be logged. In response to receiving the message, the message is written to a stream corresponding to an active archive. The active archive includes compressed messages. Also in response to receiving the message, the message is written to an active log without compression. |
| US08549238B2 |
Maintaining a timestamp-indexed record of memory access operations
A memory management system determines a timestamp for a memory access operation that accesses a block of data, and uses the timestamp to access a timestamp-indexed record. The timestamp-indexed record includes a plurality of record arrays, each of which corresponds to a different time range, and includes one or more record entries of a different array-specific time duration. The system selects a record entry that indicates a time range associated with the timestamp, and that indicates an amount of memory accessed during the indicated time range. The system then updates the selected record entry to account for the memory size of the block of data. |
| US08549237B2 |
Method and apparatus for use in data transfer
Apparatus for use in transferring data to or from a plurality of storage media, comprises means for identifying a most recently written to data storage media of said plurality of data storage media. |
| US08549235B2 |
Method for detecting address match in a deeply pipelined processor design
A method, apparatus and algorithm for quickly detecting an address match in a deeply pipelined processor design in a manner that may be implemented using a minimum of physical space in the critical area of the processor. The address comparison is split into two parts. The first part is a fast, partial address match comparator system. The second part is a slower, full address match comparator system. If a partial match between a requested address and a registry address is detected, then execution of the program or set of instructions requesting the address is temporarily suspended while a full address match check is performed. If the full address match check results in a full match between the requested address and a registry address, then the program or set of instructions is interrupted and stopped. Otherwise, the program or set of instructions continues execution. |
| US08549227B2 |
Multiprocessor system and operating method of multiprocessor system
According to one aspect of embodiments, a multiprocessor system includes a cache memory corresponding to each of the processors, a hierarchy setting register in which the hierarchical level of each cache memory is set, an access control unit that controls access between each cache memory. The hierarchical level of the cache memory for each processor is stored in a rewritable hierarchy setting register. Each processor handles a cache memory corresponding to another processor as the cache memory having a deeper hierarchy than the cache memory corresponding to the each processor. As the result, each processor can access all the cache memories, and therefore the efficiency of cache memory utilization can be improved and the hierarchical level can be set so that the latency becomes optimal for each application. |
| US08549225B2 |
Secondary cache for write accumulation and coalescing
A method for efficiently using a large secondary cache is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, such a method may include accumulating, in a secondary cache, a plurality of data tracks. These data tracks may include modified data and/or unmodified data. The method may determine if a subset of the plurality of data tracks makes up a full stride. In the event the subset makes up a full stride, the method may destage the subset from the secondary cache. By destaging full strides, the method reduces the number of disk operations that are required to destage data from the secondary cache. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also disclosed herein. |
| US08549219B1 |
Preventing hard drive failure and data loss due to vibration
A method to prevent data loss includes monitoring a vibration from a computer rack and, when the vibration is harmful to a hard disk drive in the computer rack, moving data in transition to the hard disk drive to another hard disk drive, spinning down the hard disk drive, and sending an alarm. The method further includes, after the vibration is no longer harmful to the hard disk drive, spinning up the hard disk drive, moving the data from the other hard disk drive to the hard disk drive, and clearing the alarm and adding an event to an alarm history. |
| US08549218B2 |
Low cost implementation for small content-addressable memories
A content-addressable memory (CAM) for managing the reallocation of erasable objects within a non-volatile memory is conceptually separated into two tables: a first table provides verification of whether or not a logical address has been reallocated and, if so, a second table provides the physical address of the reallocated erasable object. |
| US08549217B2 |
Spacing periodic commands to a volatile memory for increased performance and decreased collision
A periodic command spacing mechanism is provided for spacing periodic commands (e.g., refresh commands, ZQ calibration, etc.) to a volatile memory (e.g., SDRAM, DRAM, EDRAM, etc.) for increased performance and decreased collision. In one embodiment, periodic command requests are monitored and if a collision is detected between two or more of the requests, the colliding requests are spaced with respect to one another by a timer offset applied on a chip select basis. The periodic command spacing mechanism may be used in conjunction with command arbitration to make sure the periodic commands are executed without significantly impacting performance (e.g., Reads and Writes are allowed to flow). Preferably, the periodic command requests are initialized by generating an initial sequence of individual requests, each successive request in the initial sequence being generated spaced apart with respect to the previous request by a timer offset applied on a chip select basis. |
| US08549213B2 |
Nonvolatile storage device, access device and nonvolatile storage system
A nonvolatile storage device includes a nonvolatile memory that stores data and a memory controller that controls the nonvolatile memory. The memory controller accepts a pause instruction to pause writing from the access device within a period in which data from the access device are written, and writes the data received from the access device to the nonvolatile memory within a predetermined time interval, then pauses the writing and accepts read and/or write of new data from the access device. |
| US08549212B2 |
Flash storage device and operation method thereof
The invention provides a flash storage device. In one embodiment, the flash storage device comprises a flash memory and a controller. The flash memory comprises a plurality of blocks, wherein each of the plurality of blocks comprises a plurality of pages for storing data, and each of the plurality of pages has a physical address. The controller divides a plurality of logical addresses into a plurality of logical address ranges, records a plurality of partial link tables respectively storing a mapping relationship between logical addresses of a corresponding logical address range and corresponding physical addresses, stores the partial link tables in the flash memory, combines the partial link tables to obtain a link table, and converts logical addresses sent by a host to physical addresses according to the link table. |
| US08549210B2 |
Mirroring virtual machines from a primary host to a secondary host
A system and computer program product for mirroring virtual machines from a primary host to a secondary host. The system includes a processor tracking changes for each of a plurality of memory pages and processor states for one or more primary host virtual machines. Responsive to an occurrence of a checkpoint, the primary host virtual machines are stopped. A determination is made if each of the memory pages is frequently changed. In response to the memory page being frequently changed, the frequently changed memory page is marked as being writeable and copied to a buffer. In response to the memory page being infrequently changed, the infrequently changed memory page is marked as being read only. The one or more primary host virtual machines are resumed. A copy of the memory pages, the buffer and changes to the processor states are transmitted to the secondary host. |
| US08549209B2 |
Bridging device having a configurable virtual page size
A composite memory device including discrete memory devices and a bridge device for controlling the discrete memory devices. The bridge device has memory organized as banks, where each bank is configured to have a virtual page size that is less than the maximum physical size of the page buffer. Therefore only a segment of data corresponding to the virtual page size stored in the page buffer is transferred to the bank. The virtual page size of the banks is provided in a virtual page size (VPS) configuration command having an ordered structure where the position of VPS data fields containing VPS configuration codes in the command correspond to different banks which are ordered from a least significant bank to a most significant bank. The VPS configuration command is variable in size, and includes only the VPS configuration codes for the highest significant bank being configured and the lower significant banks. |
| US08549208B2 |
Cache memory having enhanced performance and security features
A cache memory having enhanced performance and security feature is provided. The cache memory includes a data array storing a plurality of data elements, a tag array storing a plurality of tags corresponding to the plurality of data elements, and an address decoder which permits dynamic memory-to-cache mapping to provide enhanced security of the data elements, as well as enhanced performance. The address decoder receives a context identifier and a plurality of index bits of an address passed to the cache memory, and determines whether a matching value in a line number register exists. The line number registers allow for dynamic memory-to-cache mapping, and their contents can be modified as desired. Methods for accessing and replacing data in a cache memory are also provided, wherein a plurality of index bits and a plurality of tag bits at the cache memory are received. The plurality of index bits are processed to determine whether a matching index exists in the cache memory and the plurality of tag bits are processed to determine whether a matching tag exists in the cache memory, and a data line is retrieved from the cache memory if both a matching tag and a matching index exist in the cache memory. A random line in the cache memory can be replaced with a data line from a main memory, or evicted without replacement, based on the combination of index and tag misses, security contexts and protection bits. User-defined and/or vendor-defined replacement procedures can be utilized to replace data lines in the cache memory. |
| US08549205B1 |
Providing a consolidated sideband communication channel between devices
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a protocol stack having a transaction layer and a link layer. In addition a first physical (PHY) unit is coupled to the protocol stack to provide communication between a processor and a device coupled to the processor via a physical link, where the first PHY unit is of a low power communication protocol and includes a first physical unit circuit. In turn, a second PHY unit is coupled to the protocol stack to provide communication between the processor and the device via a sideband channel coupled between the multicore processor and the device separate from the physical link, where the second PHY unit includes a second physical unit circuit. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08549202B2 |
Interrupt source controller with scalable state structures
A data processing system includes a processor core, a system memory, coupled to the processor core, that includes an interrupt data structure including a plurality of entries each associated with a respective one of a plurality of interrupts. An input/output (I/O) subsystem including at least one I/O host bridge and a plurality of partitionable endpoints (PEs) each having an associated PE number. The I/O host bridge, responsive to receiving a message signaled interrupt (MSI) including at least a message address, determines from the message address a system memory address of a particular entry among the plurality of entries in the interrupt data structure, accesses the particular entry, and, based upon contents of the particular entry, validates authorization of an interrupt source to issue the MSI and presents an interrupt associated with the particular entry for service. |
| US08549198B2 |
Communication protocol
One aspect relates to a communication protocol for communicating between one or more entities, such as devices, hosts or any other system capable of communicating over a network. Another aspect relates to a system architecture that permits more than one slave system (e.g., a slave device) to be connected to a master system (e.g., a master device) in a communication system implementing a master/slave protocol. In one aspect, a pass-through device is provided that facilitates communication and authentication to one or more downstream slave devices. Yet another aspect relates to a star-based configuration of slave devices coupled to the master, and protocols for communicating and authenticating slave devices. Another aspect relates to a protocol that allows communication between entities without a priori knowledge of the communication protocol. In such a protocol, for example, information describing a data structure of the communication protocol is transferred between communicating entities. Further, an authentication protocol is provided for providing bidirectional authentication between communicating entities. In one specific example, the entities include a master device and a slave device coupled by a serial link. In another specific example, the communication protocol may be used for performing unbalanced transmission between communicating entities. |
| US08549195B2 |
Communication apparatus and method in PLC
Disclosed is a communication apparatus and method in a programmable logic controller (PLC). In a communication method, a micro processing unit (MPU) decides whether or not an interrupt signal is generated. When it is decided that the interrupt signal has been generated, the MPU communicates with an external programming and debugging tool (PADT). |
| US08549193B2 |
Data transmission method, device and system
A data transmission method is provided, which includes: obtaining a current queue length of a queue corresponding to an output port; when the current queue length meets a back-pressure requirement, determining a back-pressure priority corresponding to the current queue length according to the current queue length and a mapping relationship between a preset queue length and the back-pressure priority, and generating back-pressure information, where the back-pressure information inhibits a line card from sending data with a data priority less than or equal to the back-pressure priority to the output port; and sending the back-pressure information to a line card. |
| US08549192B2 |
Stream data control server, stream data control method, and stream data controlling program
A stream data control server includes: a processable flow rate managing unit which manages a processable flow rate corresponding to an amount of data per unit time, which can be processed in each of storage units serving as storing destinations; a classified data flow rate managing unit which manages a data flow rate corresponding to an amount of data processed per unit time for each class of data to which a data priority is attached; and a storing destination control unit which controls the storing destinations of respective data based upon the processable flow rate of each of the storage units and the data flow rate for each class in such a manner that the data having higher data priorities are stored in the storage units having higher priorities within a range of the processable flow rate of each of the storage units. |
| US08549191B2 |
Method and apparatus for SATA hot unplug
A method and apparatus are provided for serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) hot unplug. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a connection of a SATA storage device to a SATA host interface by monitoring physical (PHY) layer signals derived from SATA communication terminals, by a controller of the host interface. The detection being based on phase locked loop (PLL) response of the PHY layer signals. The method further includes detecting disconnection of the SATA device based on the PLL response and outputting a notification, by the controller, when the PLL response indicates that the SATA device has been disconnected. |
| US08549188B2 |
Electronic device with main microcomputer and sub microcomputer
The present invention discloses an electronic device having a main microcomputer that controls some functions of the electronic device, and a sub microcomputer that executes a process according to an operation input from an external device by using a control program. The sub microcomputer has a first memory that stores plural control programs respectively corresponding to each different specification of the electronic device. The main microcomputer has a second memory that stores specification information to specify the electronic device and sends a selection instruction of the specification to the sub microcomputer based on the specification information stored in the second memory. The sub microcomputer selects the control program corresponding to the specification indicated by the selection instruction from the plural control programs stored in the first memory and then executes a process according to the selected control program. |
| US08549186B2 |
System and method for sharing a device across operating systems
A system for sharing a device across a plurality of operating systems is provided. The system includes a sharable bit in the namespace for identifying whether the device is sharable. The system further includes one or more operating systems that are adapted to recognize the sharable bit. |
| US08549185B2 |
Facilitating transport mode input/output operations between a channel subsystem and input/output devices
A computer program product is provided for performing an input/output (I/O) processing operation at a host computer system. The computer program product is configured to perform: obtaining a transport command word (TCW) at a channel subsystem for an I/O operation, the TCW including an address of a transport command control block (TCCB) having a transport command area (TCA) configured to hold a first plurality of device command words (DCW) and control data associated with respective DCWs, the first plurality of DCWs including a transfer TCA extension (TTE) DCW that specifies a TCA extension, the TCA extension configured to hold one or more DCWs and control data associated with respective DCWs; gathering the TCCB from one or more locations specified in the TCCB address and transferring the TCCB to the control unit; gathering the TCA extension specified by the TTE DCW; and transferring the TCA extension to the control unit. |
| US08549182B2 |
Store/store block instructions for communicating with adapters
Communication with adapters of a computing environment is facilitated. Control instructions specifically designed for communicating data to and from adapters are provided to facilitate the communication. The instructions explicitly target the adapters. Information provided in an instruction is used to steer the instruction to an appropriate location within the adapter, such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) adapter. |
| US08549180B2 |
Optimizing access to federation infrastructure-based resources
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing access to federation infrastructure-based resources. Various different layers within a federation infrastructure can signal location change events indicating the hosting location and/or access location for a resource is to be optimized. In response to a location change event, redirection information for accessing the resource is updated within the federation infrastructure. The redirection information is used to redirect resource access requests to appropriately optimized locations within the federation infrastructure. Redirecting resource access requests reduces communication within the federation infrastructure. |
| US08549179B2 |
Collaborative state machine framework for use in a communication network
An apparatus for use in a communication network comprises a state machine capable of transitioning between a plurality of states. The plurality of states comprises at least two concurrent states. The state machine operates in the at least two concurrent states concurrently. Each of the concurrent states may be associated with a task. At least a portion of the task associated with one of the concurrent states may be performed concurrently with at least a portion of the task associated with another of the concurrent states when the state machine operates in the concurrent states. |
| US08549175B2 |
Methods and apparatus for adaptively scheduling a finger stabilization algorithm
Methods and apparatus for adaptively scheduling a finger stabilization algorithm. A method is provided that includes comparing first and second finger determinations associated with a node, increasing a time interval between executions of a finger stabilization algorithm if differences between the finger determinations satisfy a first criteria, and decreasing the time interval between executions of the finger stabilization algorithm if differences between the finger determinations satisfy a second criteria. An apparatus is provided that includes a processor configured to compare first and second finger determinations associated with a node, and a timer coupled to the processor and configured to increase a time interval between executions of a finger stabilization algorithm if differences between the finger determinations satisfy a first criteria, and decrease the time interval between executions of the finger stabilization algorithm if the differences between the finger determinations satisfy a second criteria. |
| US08549173B1 |
User-space resource management
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for user-space resource management are described. In one aspect, a method includes receiving in a user memory space kernel resource information from a kernel executing in a kernel memory space, the kernel resource information identifying one or more kernel items in the kernel memory space that depend on kernel resources. The method further includes evaluating one or more resource management policies for one or more of the kernel items. The resource management polices are stored in the user memory space. The method further includes selecting a kernel item to be modified based on the evaluation in order to release some or all of the kernel resources, and communicating a request for modification of the selected kernel item to the kernel. |
| US08549167B2 |
Just-in-time transcoding of application content
The techniques discussed herein contemplate improved methods and systems for transcoding application content to minimize latency in just-in-time conversion of application formats. In embodiments, a target client device requests application content of a particular format from a content provider. If the content provider does not have a local copy of the requested format, the content is split to multiple segments and a first high-priority segment is identified. This first segment is converted using a dedicated high-performance computing unit and transmitted with minimal latency to the target client device for immediate rendering. Concurrently, remaining segments of the content are converted in multiple lower performance computing units and fed into the target client device. By ensuring that at least a first segment of the application is available for immediate rendering while other segments are converted, the transcoding application minimizes latency delay in rendering of the application in the target device. |
| US08549163B2 |
Passive parameter based demographics generation
A method for characterizing website visitors based on visitor passive parameters and using the characterization to select and/or market website content. The passive visitor parameters include data in the browser agent, time of a website visit, IP address, etc. Such visitor passive parameters are available each time a visitor visits a website. In a first step, a first embodiment of the method anonymously compares the visitor passive parameters with known demographics, for example, at financial websites, to create a statistical mapping between the visitor passive parameters and the demographics. In a second step, the mapping is used to estimate demographics data for future website visitors and then site content provided to the future website visitors is based on the estimated demographics. |
| US08549162B2 |
Image forming apparatus having web service functions
The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can transmit and receive data without any process part of an application corresponding to various communication protocols and easily add a communication protocol and an application. An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes connection request mediation means for, in response to a connection notice from a plurality of communication protocol daemons to transmit and receive data in accordance with respective different communication protocols, mediating connection instead of the communication protocol daemons by informing the application that a connection request is provided to the communication protocol daemons and a shared memory being used for delivery of received data and transmitted data between the application and the plurality of communication protocol daemons and being shared by the communication protocol daemon. |
| US08549161B2 |
Data communication method and data carrier therefor
The invention relates to a method for the data communication between a portable data carrier (10) and an external communication device, which both in each case comprise a TCP/IP protocol stack (24). In a first step the communication device sends communication data to the data carrier (10), the communication data comprising at least commands according to an Internet protocol of the application layer of the TCP/IP reference model and commands in the form of APDUs according to ISO/IEC 7816-4. The method additionally comprises the steps of transmitting the communication data between the communication device and the data carrier (10), of receiving the communication data by the data carrier (10) and of separating the received APDUs and the received Internet protocol commands from each other by means of the allocator unit (32) of the data carrier (10). Here, the mentioned commands are transmitted by means of TCP/IP and the allocator unit (32) separates the APDUs and the Internet protocol commands not until above the transport layer of the TCP/IP reference model. This permits the APDUs and the Internet protocol commands transmitted together with said APDUs in a joint TCP/IP data stream to be separated from each other in a simple fashion. |
| US08549160B2 |
Personal media relay for rebroadcasting streaming data
A Personal Media Relay (PMR) is used to retransmit data in a system for point-to-point data streaming over a TCP/IP network. It is “Personal” because it is downloadable by end-users will onto their own personal computers (PCs) in order to help their other devices (e.g. a mobile device) send or receive data. The user installs the PMR, which is a software application, onto a personal computer (PC) that is perhaps more powerful and accesses higher Internet bandwidth than the Sender. Subsequently, the user streams data from the Sender to the PMR, which resends the live streaming data to potentially many Viewers. During PMR installation and configuration, users are given the option of allowing others to utilize their PMR as well for rebroadcasting streaming data. |
| US08549156B1 |
Method and apparatus for sharing a stored video session
A method and apparatus for enabling a user to invite one or more participants in a SoIP network to join a shared video session hosted by the user are disclosed. The present method allows a user to order and store video selections in the network that the user can access later using a personal password. In one embodiment, for all the other users who are invited to join the shared video session, the network provides another one time password that the invited users can use to access the shared video session. |
| US08549155B2 |
Method and arrangement for enabling multimedia communication with a private network
A method and arrangement for enabling access to a home device in a private network from a remote device located outside the private network. The private network includes a multimedia gateway connected to a multimedia service network. A session invite message is sent from the remote device to the multimedia gateway. In response, connection parameters of a residential gateway in the private network are sent to the remote device, which are associated with the selected home device if a home device identification was included in the received message, or with a proxy function in the multimedia gateway capable of providing home device information, if no such identification was included in the received message. In this way, home devices in the private network can be easily and safely accessed remotely. |
| US08549154B2 |
Recovering stateful read-only database sessions
A process, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for rebuilding a database session when a previous database session becomes unavailable and the commands previously sent for execution on the previous database session satisfy certain criteria. The process includes determining whether or not a set of commands sent by a client for execution on the previous database session is acceptable to replay based at least in part on whether or not the set of commands satisfies one or more criteria. The process further includes determining that the previous database session is unavailable. In response to determining that the previous database session is unavailable, if the set of commands is acceptable for replay, the set of commands is sent for execution on a new database session to rebuild the state on the new database session. The process masks the outage from the application. |
| US08549153B2 |
Method and device of session control
A method and device of session control are used to resolve the problem that when there is a failure in the session control function bound with the user, the UE can not re-login in time or the session can not be continued. In the flow of the user initial login, an address information of P-CSCF bound with the user in HSS is saved, so that when the user is called, an available S-CSCF can get the address information of P-CSCF bound with the called user from the HSS, and inform the user to do re-initial login according to the address information of P-CSCF or complete the session continuation; further, the address information of the user in D-HSS is saved, so that when the user is called, an available A-CSCF can get the address information of the called user from the D-HSS, and inform the user to do re-initial login according to the address information of the called user or complete the session continuation. |
| US08549152B2 |
System and method for TCP/IP offload independent of bandwidth delay product
A network interface device may include an offload engine that receives control of state information while a particular connection is offloaded. Control of the state information for the particular connection may be split between the network interface device and a host. The at least one connection variables may be updated and provided to the host. |
| US08549150B1 |
Fractional redundant distribution of media content
A method and system for a client device to download media content directly from a group of other client devices which play a role of edge servers placed by a content service provider. According to some embodiments, an end user can use his/her client device to stream or download media content from the source client devices selected based on the geographic locality, network topology, etc. The fractions of data corresponding to a portion of media content are stored on the source client devices such that only a subset of the fractions of data are needed to recreate the corresponding portion. That is, by using the first received of the minimum number of fractions to reconstruct each portion of media content, the system does not need to wait for the slowest fractions to arrive, which contributes in reducing latency. |
| US08549145B2 |
Pre-access location-based rule initiation in a virtual computing environment
Methods, systems, and devices are described for updating resource access permissions in a virtual computing environment. In these methods, systems, and devices, a host computer system determines that a user associated with an existing session has moved from a first location to a second location, identifies at least one pre-access rule based on the second location, applies the at least one pre-access rule to the existing session before authenticating the user for access to the existing session in response to the determination that the user has moved to the second location, and authenticates the user at the second location for access to the existing session after the at least one pre-access rule has been applied to the existing session. |
| US08549141B1 |
User tracking without unique user identifiers
A computer memory attached to a user computer system that is used by a user is described. The memory contains an advertising characterization data structure that can be used to select advertising for the user. The data structure contains a identifier passed to the user computer system by a remote computer system. The identifier is mapped by a dictionary that is resident on the remote computer system to a set of actions performed by the user. |
| US08549139B2 |
Method and system for monitoring control signal traffic over a computer network
A system and method is provided for detecting, tracking and/or blocking control signal attacks, which can occur between local computer systems and/or between remote computer systems, network links, and/or routing systems over a computer network. The system includes a router monitor adapted to receive a plurality of control signals and related information from the computer network and to process the plurality of control signals and related information to detect one or more control signal anomalies. The router monitor is further adapted to generate a plurality of alert signals representing the one or more control signal anomalies. The system further includes a controller that is coupled to the router monitor and is adapted to receive the plurality of alert signals from the router monitor. The controller is constructed and arranged to respond to the plurality of alert signals by tracking attributes related to the one or more control signal anomalies to at least one source, and to block the one or more control signal anomalies using a filtering mechanism executed in close proximity to the at least one source. |
| US08549126B2 |
Application level broadcast in peer overlay network
A broadcast message may be initiated or received at a peer node. The node obtains an uplink bandwidth available for broadcasting the message over the network and a number of copies that can be broadcast based on the available bandwidth. The node determines a range of key values for finger nodes that should receive copies of the broadcast message from a finger table. The finger table entries include references to finger nodes and key values associated with the finger nodes. The node determines which other nodes should receive copies of the broadcast message from range of key values and the number of copies. The node also determines an End ID for each recipient node. A copy of the broadcast message and corresponding End ID is sent to a finger node if the finger node's key value is within a range of key values specified by the End ID. |
| US08549119B1 |
Error handling for device management configuration and operational data retrieval commands
An example network management device includes a network management module, and a reconstruction module. The network management module is configured to generate a data retrieval command to direct a managed device to retrieve a set of management variables stored within a database within the managed network device and send the data retrieval command to the managed device. The reconstruction module is configured to receive a plurality of partial responses generated by a deconstruction module of the managed device in response to receiving the data retrieval command and determining that the set of management variables does not fit in a single response, and combine the received plurality of partial responses into the requested set of management variables, wherein each of the plurality of partial responses is received as a separate message from the managed network device and includes a different portion of the requested set of management variables. |
| US08549118B2 |
Updating a domain name server with information corresponding to dynamically assigned internet protocol addresses
A computer implemented method includes receiving a broadband connection request from a remote computing device at a broadband service provider access device. The broadband connection request includes a broadband subscriber identifier. The computer implemented method includes dynamically assigning an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the remote computing device in response to receiving the broadband connection request. The computer implemented method also includes sending a message to a domain name server to update a record that includes a domain name associated with the broadband subscriber identifier to include the IP address assigned to the remote computing device. |
| US08549117B2 |
Method for address translator traversal in 3GPP networks
In response to an ACTIVATE PACKET DATA PROTOCOL (PDP) CONTEXT REQUEST message from a host, including a global reachability request option that requests a global IP address and a global port to be allocated to the host, a serving gateway transmits a CREATE PDP CONTEXT REQUEST message to an Internet gateway device. The CREATE PDP CONTEXT REQUEST message includes the global reachability request option. In response to a CREATE PDP CONTEXT RESPONSE message from the Internet gateway, where the CREATE PDP CONTEXT RESPONSE message includes a global reachability response option specifying therein a global IP address and a global port allocated to the host, the serving gateway transmits an ACTIVATE PDP CONTEXT ACCEPT message to the host, where the ACTIVATE PDP CONTEXT ACCEPT message includes the global reachability response option. As a result, the host does not need to establish a separate connection session to the Internet gateway device to acquire the same. |
| US08549109B2 |
Portable terminal, information processing apparatus, content display system and content display method
A portable terminal includes a receiving unit which receives content information, an external device communication unit which conducts communication with an external information device, a display unit which displays the content information received by the receiving unit, an acquiring unit which acquires identification information identifying the content information displayed by the display unit, an operation unit which receives an operation indication from a user, and a control unit which conducts control such that if a transmission indication of the identification information is received by the operation unit while the content information is being displayed, the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit is transmitted to the external information device and the display of the content information by the display unit is terminated. |
| US08549106B2 |
Leveraging remote server pools for client applications
Techniques for enabling client computing devices to leverage remote server pools for increasing the effectiveness of applications stored on the client computing device are described herein. In some instances, the server pools comprise a “cloud”, “cluster” or “data center” that comprises hundreds or thousands of servers connected together by a network that has an extremely low latency and high bandwidth relative to the network through which the client computing device connects to the server pool. The client computing device may request that the server pool perform a certain task for an application whose canonical state resides on the client. After computation of a result of the task, a server of the server pool then provides the result to the client. By doing so, the techniques dramatically increase the amount of resources working on the request of the client and, hence, dramatically increase the speed and effectiveness of the client-side application. |
| US08549104B2 |
System and method for managing access to a resource
A server system includes a processor and a data structure having an entry for a resource, the entry including a first sequence number. The server has communication procedures for receiving a request from a client to access the resource, where the request includes a second sequence number obtained from a service, and a resource request handling program. Upon receiving the request, the resource request handling program determines whether the server has any record of having previously received a request to access the resource. If not, the server returns a provisional rejection to the client, requiring the client to verify that it holds a lock on the specified resource. A provisional bit in the entry is initially set to indicate that the resource has not been accessed since the system was last initialized. The provisional bit is reset when a request to access the resource is granted. |
| US08549097B2 |
Web application for accessing media streams
A web page has a player for playing media objects, a sequencer which displays a play list that defines an order in which media objects are played by the player, and a media access area for containing a plurality of graphical icons. Each graphical icon representing a media object, and the graphical icons can be manipulated by a user to modify the play list. For example, the media icons may be dragged to the sequencer to add them to the sequencer. |
| US08549096B2 |
Scalable architecture
Exemplary embodiments may employ techniques for dynamically dispatching requests to resources operating in a distributed computing environment, such as a computing cloud, according to one or more policies. Embodiments may further dynamically adjust resources in the computing environment using predictive models that use current loads as an input. Embodiments may still further maintain a state for a processing environment independent of the type or configuration of a device used to access the environment on behalf of a user. |
| US08549095B2 |
Distributed decentralized data storage and retrieval
Systems and methods for distributed, decentralized storage and retrieval of data in an extensible SOAP environment are disclosed. Such systems and methods decentralize not only the bandwidth required for data storage and retrieval, but also the computational requirements. Accordingly, such systems and methods alleviate the need for one node to do all the storage and retrieval processing, and no single node is required to send or receive all the data. |
| US08549092B2 |
Memory network methods, apparatus, and systems
Apparatus and systems may include a first node group include a first network node coupled to a memory, the first network node including a first port, a second port, a processor port, and a hop port. Network node group may include a second network node coupled to a memory, the second network node including a first port, a second port, a processor port, and a hop port, the hop port of the second network node coupled to the hop port of the first network node and configured to communicate between the first network node and the second network node. Network node group may include a processor coupled to the processor port of the first network node and coupled to the processor port of the second network node, the processor configured to access the first memory through the first network node and the second memory through the second network node. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08549088B2 |
Document object model API for MIME
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a system and method for facilitating the interpretation of Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) data. Specifically, embodiments disclosed herein are directed to receiving MIME data and identifying structural information encoded within the MIME data. A MIME reader is then used to analyze the MIME data to interpret the encoded structural information and generate at least one primitive based on the encoded structural information. A MIME writer may be used to generate corresponding MIME data from the at least one primitive based on the encoded structural information. Embodiments also provide that corrupted MIME data interpreted by the MIME reader may be identified and corrected. |
| US08549085B2 |
Conditional communication
Conditional communication settings may be defined by a user of a communications device to be transmitted with a communication to a receiving device, where the receiving device may be restricted from performing a user-specified type of communication operations with a user-specified contact until the conditional communication settings are satisfied. The conditional communication settings may include a condition value setting, which may be a task to be performed by a recipient, a date and/or time, a location, an operation to be performed by a third party contact, or other suitable criterion. The receiving device may detect whether such condition value setting has been satisfied. Unless the condition value setting has been satisfied, the receiving device may be prevented from performing the user-specified type of communication operation with the user-specified contact. |
| US08549084B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for exchanging information between excavators and other entities associated with underground facility locate and marking operations
Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same. In yet another aspect, a requesting party may provide an acknowledgement of receipt (e.g., a “return receipt”) for one or more received notifications. |
| US08549081B2 |
Recognizing spam email
A system includes at least one router for routing email messages from a sender node to a destination node; a system memory; a network interface; a database; and a processor configured for: extracting the delivery path information from the email message; determining a network path for the email message using delivery path information; comparing the delivery path information with the plurality of prior delivery paths; determining a measure of similarity between the network path of the received email message and one or more of the plurality of prior email paths; and determining a spam score for the email received, based on the measure of similarity. |
| US08549075B2 |
Automatically locating users in proximity to a user of a social networking system
Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members are provided. According to one embodiment, contact content including an associated GPS identifier and status for web-based social network members located at or near the same location automatically appears on a GPS-enabled device. A further exemplary system includes a GPS-enabled device configured to receive a GPS identifier and a status representing a location and a current state for a web-based social network member, a processing module that associates the received GPS-identifier and the received status, and a communications module that sends the associated GPS-identifier and status to a server comprising a web-based social network database. Contact content in a web-based social network database record in the web-based social network database is updated to include the associated GPS identifier and status for the web-based social network member. |
| US08549074B2 |
Adjunct use of instant messenger software to enable communications to or between chatterbots or other software agents
A method and article of manufacture are provided for communicating confidential information during an electronic chat session. The chat session has a plurality of participants, including human users and associated software controlled agents. The software controlled agents have artificial intelligence. A first human user requests a first software controlled agent associated with the first human user to request information from a second software controlled agent associated with a second human user. The second agent receives authorization to release the requested information. The second agent transmits the requested information, wherein the transmitted information is not revealed to the human users. |
| US08549069B1 |
Validation of device activity via logic sharing
Methods for validating device activity by way of logic sharing are presented. In an example of the method, a text file comprising a script defining programming logic to be executed is received at a first device. The text file is accessed at a second device. Input data for an application executing at the first device is received at the first device. The input data is transmitted from the first device to the second device. The script is executed at the first device from the application using the input data to produce a first result. The script is also executed at the second device from an application using the input data to produce a second result equal to the first result. |
| US08549060B2 |
Concept for realistic simulation of a frequency spectrum
An apparatus for simulating a signal composed of a plurality of individual signals from respective signal locations at a simulation location, having a provider for providing the plurality of individual signals in the time domain, a transformer for transforming the individual signals to the frequency domain, a processor for processing the individual signals transformed to the frequency domain each depending on a signal channel existing between the simulation location and the respective signal location, a combiner for combining the processed individual signals transformed to the frequency domain to a combined signal, and a transformer for transforming the combined signal to the time domain for generating the simulated combined signal at the simulation location. |
| US08549057B1 |
Signal level control
An embodiment of a method for control of signal level is disclosed. In such an embodiment, a number for a pre-cursor set, a number for a cursor set, and a number for a post-cursor set are set corresponding to a weighted contribution of a pre-cursor symbol, a weighted contribution of a cursor symbol, and a weighted contribution of a post-cursor symbol, respectively, for the signal level. A number associated with a high-impedance set is determined. The number associated with the high-impedance set is determined by subtracting the number for the pre-cursor set, the number for the cursor set, and the number for the post-cursor set from a total available amount of units. The high-impedance set provides no weighted contribution to the signal level. Data is transmitted using the signal level set responsive to the pre-cursor set, the cursor set, and the post-cursor set. |
| US08549054B2 |
Arithmetic processing apparatus and arithmetic processing method
In an arithmetic processing apparatus, a dividing unit divides a second bit string into a low-order bit part having a bit width equal to a first bit width and a high-order bit part which is higher than the low-order bit part, a first arithmetic unit performs arithmetic operations for a carry to and a borrow from the high-order bit part; and a second arithmetic unit performs addition of absolute values of the low-order bit part and the first bit string. Finally, a selecting unit selects an output of the first arithmetic unit from among an arithmetic operation result with a carry, an arithmetic operation result with a borrow, and the high-order bit part itself, according to information about the high-order bit part, sign information of the first bit string and the second bit string, and an intermediate result of the addition of the absolute values by the second arithmetic unit. |
| US08549052B2 |
Security event update protocol
Methods and computer-readable mediums are provided. For example, in one method a request is initiated for a security event update. Thereafter, a last received event identification (“LREI”) for at least one event type is retrieved from memory and inserted a security event update request. The request is transmitted as a polling signal towards a device (e.g., a server or remote client). In another method, a request signal containing is received. An LREI for an event type is extracted from the request. The LREI is compared to an event identification stored in memory. The results are inserted into a response. An indication, is inserted into the response, that at least one event identification is greater than said LREI and is not inserted in the response. The response is transmitted. In yet other embodiments, the computer-readable mediums and systems are also provided which perform similar features recited by the above methods. |
| US08549049B2 |
Systems and methods for updating an application on a mobile information device
An application manager receives a descriptor for a MIDlet update from an MIDP server system. The application manager determines that the descriptor identifies an update to a MIDlet that is already installed on the MID. The application manager also identifies the MIDlet for which the update is intended, and determines that the update is valid with respect to the MIDlet. The application manager provides information from the descriptor to the user of the MID. If the user decides to download the update that corresponds to the descriptor, the application manager sends a request to the MIDP server system to transmit the MIDlet update to the MID. When the application manager receives the MIDlet update from the MIDP server system, an installer installs the file(s) of the MIDlet update in the existing MIDlet. |
| US08549048B2 |
Workflow database for scalable storage service
A method of managing workflows related to storage services provided by a service provider to a customer (via a management system) is presented. The management system includes a Web server and a workflow process. The Web server presents to a customer a task screen (or set of task screens) for a customer-selected work order request type so that the customer can prepare and submit a work order request to the management system. After receiving the work order request, the Web server uses information contained in and associated with the request to create a database object that includes some or all of the following elements: customer identifier; work order identifier, date/time of request; request state (e.g., new, open or closed); type of request; parameters or arguments to the request; and any textual description provided by the customer. The Web server stores the object in a database. The workflow process locates the new request in the database, performs the task specified by the request and closes the work order request by updating the object with the appropriate state. The workflow process generates a billable event corresponding to the work order request and enters that billable event in an account record of the customer that submitted the request. The account record can then be used to generate billing information. If the workflow process cannot complete the task successfully, an administrator of the service provider may perform the task, close the work order request and enter the billable event in the customer account record. |
| US08549043B2 |
Concurrent insertion of elements into data structures
A method of adding an element to a data structure may include atomically associating the element with the data structure if the element is not associated with the data structure. The element may be prepared for insertion into a location in the data structure. The method may also include atomically inserting the element into the location in the data structure if another element has not been inserted into the location. |
| US08549035B2 |
Operational information providers
In a computer program product, system and method for retrieving operational data, a front-end unit generates a query for operational data. In an embodiment, in response to the generation of the query, an operational information provider is sent to a back-end unit to retrieve real-time operational data from the back-end unit using a retrieval method specified in the operational information provider. The retrieved operational data, including the real-time operational data is received by the front-end unit from the back-end unit. |
| US08549031B2 |
Range definition method and system
A range-conversion method and system includes receiving data records. Each data record includes one or more data fields and a field value associated with each data field. One or more data fields are identified as a range-based data field. A plurality of text-based range descriptors are defined, such that each text-based range descriptor is associated with a range of field values for one of the range-based data fields. |
| US08549030B2 |
Methods and apparatus to enhance queries in an affinity domain
Methods and apparatus to enhance queries in an affinity domain are disclosed herein. An example method of providing a query service in an affinity domain includes receiving a query including one or more template identifiers that indicate conformance with a standard related to content of a document; generating an expression including the one or more template identifiers to define a search of a registry; performing the search of the registry according to the expression, wherein the search is configured to identify documents including the one or more template identifiers; and conveying the identified documents to an entity associated with the query. |
| US08549024B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjustable data matching
A method and apparatus for performing a matching operation on data are disclosed. With an exemplary embodiment, a programmable logic device can be used to search for data of interest to an application, where the programmable logic device processes streaming data against a data key to generate a signal indicative of a similarity between the streaming data and the data key and compares the generated signal with a defined threshold to thereby determine whether the streaming data is deemed a match to the data key, wherein the threshold is adjustable to control whether the programmable logic device performs an approximate match operation or an exact match operation, and further to control, for an approximate match operation, a degree of approximate matches returned by the approximate match operation. |
| US08549021B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system of controlling setting information for confidential document
An apparatus, method, and system of generating a confidential document by adding additional information to image data are described, each of which obtains administrator setting information set by an administrator, and user setting information set by a user. Information for display to the user is controlled based on at least the administrator setting information to satisfy the requirement set by the administrator setting information even when the user setting information differs from the administrator setting information. |
| US08549017B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, program, and recording medium
Disclosed herein are an information processing apparatus and method, a program, and a recording medium, in which a content is recommended to each user on the basis of even the metadata that is assigned with no classification. A metadata analysis block resolves metadata acquired by a metadata acquisition block into components. A dictionary data generation block generates dictionary data in which genre is correlated with keyword and each component. An associated information database generation block references the dictionary data to assign genre to the metadata which are assigned with no genre, thereby generating an associated information database of content. An associated information search block references the dictionary data to identify a genre from a keyword of interest data to search for associated information, thereby recommending content to the user. The present invention is applicable to personal computers or HDD recorders. |
| US08549005B1 |
Dynamic bitwise sharding of live stream comment groups
Groups of users accessing content are generated and modified to allow the users to more easily interact with each other. A number of groups and a maximum number of users in a group are received and used to generate shards. In one embodiment, the number of shards generated is based on the number of groups received. Each shard is associated with a unique shard identifier. In one embodiment, a user is associated with a shard when the user accesses content. For example, when a comment is received from a client device associated with a user, a user identifier is determined and associated with a shard. Using the shards, groups of users are generated. In one embodiment, a substring of the shard identifiers associated with the shards is determined and users associated with shard identifiers having the same substring of the shard identifier are included in a group. |
| US08549004B2 |
Estimation of unique database values
Estimation of unique values in a database can be performed where a data field having multiple information values is provided in the database. The data field can be partitioned into multiple intervals such that each interval includes a range of information values. An interval specific Bloom filter can be calculated for each of the multiple intervals. A binary Bloom filter value can be calculated for an information value within an interval specific Bloom filter. The binary Bloom filter value can represent whether the information value is unique. A number of unique values in the database can be determined based on calculated binary Bloom filter values. |
| US08549002B2 |
Cluster health indicator with dynamic load correlation
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with producing a proximity display of correlated load metrics associated with members of a cluster are described. One example method includes acquiring metrics data (e.g., load data) from nodes in a cluster. The example method may also include determining a cluster element state based on the metrics data and determining relationships between members of the set of related cluster elements. The method may also include identifying element metric representations for cluster elements based on cluster element states and identifying locations on a proximity display at which element metric representations are to be displayed. The locations may depend on relationships between cluster element states. The method may also include displaying element metric representations at the computed locations to produce a proximity display of correlated load metrics. |
| US08548998B2 |
Methods and systems for securing and protecting repositories and directories
A system and method for protecting a networked organizational data storage facility, which is accessible by a network environment, by mapping the network environment, profiling the network environment and filtering the network traffic based on said profiling of the network environment. |
| US08548995B1 |
Ranking of documents based on analysis of related documents
A ranking component refines an initial document ranking in which the initial ranking is based on a scoring criterion. The ranking component generates or receive a set of documents that are related to a document. The set of documents may be related in a number of ways, such as similarity in authorship or publisher. The ranking component then applies the scoring criterion to the set of related documents to generate a related set score. The related set score is used to refine the initial rankings. |
| US08548994B2 |
Reducing overheads in application processing
A method, a system and a computer program of reducing overheads in multiple applications processing are disclosed. The method includes identifying resources interacting with each of the applications from a set of applications and grouping the applications from the set of applications, resulting in at least one application cluster, in response to the identified resources, wherein overheads associated with re-initialization of agents assigned to the identified resources are reduced. The method further includes assigning an agent corresponding to each of the identified resources and initializing the agent corresponding to each of the identified resources. The method further includes identifying parameters associated with the identified resources, pre-processing the identified parameters for each of the identified resources, and also includes selecting a clustering means for the clustering. |
| US08548990B2 |
Presenting interactive images with search results
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for presenting interactive images associated with a search engine in association with a search engine results page (SERP) are provided. Upon receiving a search query at a search engine, it is determined that the search query content has a related interactive image associated with the search engine. An interactive image may be associated with the search engine, for instance, by having been previously presented as a background image for a search engine home page. A link to the interactive image may be presented as a search result on the SERP, the interactive image may be automatically presented as a background image of the SERP, or the interactive image may be determined to be related to an algorithmically-derived search result and a visual indicator thereof may be presented in association with the search result. |
| US08548986B2 |
Adaptive row-batch processing of database data
Architecture that provides for greater interoperability between column stores and row stores by leveraging the advantages both have to offer. The architecture operates automatically (e.g., dynamically) to move between row oriented processing mode and batch processing mode, and the combination thereof, when it is more beneficial to run in one mode relative to the other mode, or both modes. The auto-switching of data processing between batch and row oriented mode occurs during the execution of a single query. The architecture can automatically modify an operator in the query tree and/or remove an operator if desired at runtime for more efficient processing. This approach also accounts for memory constraints for either of row or column processing. |
| US08548982B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling access to custom objects in a database
In embodiments, methods and systems for controlling access to custom objects are provided. These techniques for controlling access to custom objects can enable embodiments to utilize a key for the protection of the security of data that is to remain private while not compromising efficiency of a query. The key for a requested custom object is identified and then used so that only an appropriate portion of a custom entity share table is searched to locate access information. It is then determined whether the user can access at least a portion of the custom object, and the appropriate and allowed data is sent to the user. |
| US08548979B2 |
Indexing for regular expressions in text-centric applications
A method, system, and article are provided for evaluating regular expressions over large data collections. A general purpose index is built to handle complex regular expressions at the character level. Characters, character classes, and associated metadata are identified and stored in an index of a collection of documents. Given a regular expression, a query is generated based on the contents of the index. This query is executed over the index to identify a set of documents in the collection of documents over which the regular expression can be evaluated. Based upon the query execution, the identified set of documents is returned for evaluation by the regular expression responsive to execution of the query over the index. |
| US08548975B1 |
Systems and methods for browsing historical content
A system graphically plots articles. The system executes one or more search queries to search stored articles and receives results of the executed one or more search queries, where the results identify selected articles of the stored articles. The system further designates a graphical marker for each of the selected articles and plots each of the graphical markers on a graphical display. |
| US08548974B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing geographically oriented internet search results to mobile users
A method of providing Internet search results to a user on a mobile platform. Search terms are received from the user via a web portal. Information pertaining to the user and/or to the platform is used to identify a marketplace relevant to the user. A search engine is selected based on the identified marketplace. The search terms are submitted to the selected search engine. |
| US08548972B1 |
Near-duplicate document detection for web crawling
A system generates a hash value for a fetched document and compares the hash value with a set of stored hash values to identify ones of the stored hash values with a sequence of bit positions, less than all of the bit positions, that match a corresponding sequence of bit positions of the hash value. The system also determines whether any of the identified hash values are substantially similar to the hash value and identify the fetched document as a near-duplicate of another document when one of the identified hash values is substantially similar to the hash value. |
| US08548971B2 |
Financial transaction reconciliation
Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses are disclosed for reconciling sets of financial transactions. A reconciliation input set of positive and negative numbers may be received, and a positive subset size and negative subset size may be determined for one or more reconciliation attempts. Maximum and minimum subset sums for the positive and negative subset sizes may be determined, and certain overlapping and non-overlapping portions may be identified between the positive subset sum range and the negative subset sum range. For any overlapping portions, a plurality of subset sum comparisons may be performed between positive subsets of the determined positive subset size and negative subsets of the determined negative subset size. |
| US08548960B2 |
Music processing method and apparatus to use music data or metadata of music data regardless of an offset discrepancy
A method to use music data or metadata of music data regardless of an offset discrepancy including steps of: determining code values according to a volume transition in every certain period starting from a coding start position on a time axis in music data; and generating a characteristic pattern indicating a characteristic of a volume transition of the music data using a series of the code values determined over plural periods. The code value can be configured to indicate whether an average volume in a certain period is increased or decreased from an average volume in a previous period, for example. |
| US08548950B2 |
Method and system for data archiving
Disclosed is a method and system for archiving data. A server computer (or any computing device) receives data transmitted over a network from a client computer, wherein at least some of the data was previously collected by a scientific instrument during an experiment. After receiving the data, the server computer updates (e.g., creates) an index for the received data, archives the received data, and automatically transmits a notification to the client computer that the received data has been archived. |
| US08548948B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a fine grained file data storage system
A method for maintaining access information for individual data portions within a file. Generally, the system disclosed herein provides a method for procuring and maintaining various access information specific to data portions within a file. Thus, by providing specific access information to a file data portion the access manager allows a process to perform processing on the individual file data portion. Consequently, the process can operate more efficiently since it is no longer required to access and perform processing on the entire file. |
| US08548947B2 |
Systems and methods for file maintenance
Systems and methods are disclosed that collect information for entries in a list. Multiple versions of the entries are maintained in a version object base. The elements are determined to be removable based on whether the elements are private versions or master versions. |
| US08548944B2 |
De-duplication based backup of file systems
File system backups are performed by copying information describing changes in the file system since a previous point in time. To restore data, a virtual restored file system (VRFS) structure is created corresponding to a snapshot of data copied from the file system that is stored in the backup file system. A client can read the data stored in the backup file system pointed at by the VRFS structure as well as write to the backup file system. Multiple clients can share blocks of data stored on the backup file system via the same VRFS structure or via multiple VRFS structures. If a client writes to a data block pointed at by a VRFS, a copy of the data block is made to which the client makes changes so that the data in the original data blocks is saved for other clients. |
| US08548935B2 |
Predicting a future property using reagents by measuring properties at points in time
A method for measuring specific substances and extracting objective information from the measurements that is especially applicable in immunoassays but can also be used in other assays which rely on affinity between binding partners. The invention overcomes problems and difficulties caused by disturbing or interfering phenomena by exploiting a mathematical algorithm which predicts the target value from a series of measurements performed during the reaction. The mathematical method of linear prediction is used for this purpose. |
| US08548932B2 |
Per-unit method for pricing data processing services
Data processing services are offered on a per-unit basis, where a unit is, for example, an application program running on a server. Environmental complexity, level of change, and type of environment are determined for each unit of the services and points are assigned. The points are summed to give a count of points for each unit, and the counts of points are summed to provide a total number of points. A baseline price for the services is divided by the total number of points to provide a per-point price. The price of any unit may then be determined by multiplying its count of points by the per-point price. When a new unit is added in, its count of points is determined. The baseline price is then adjusted by multiplying the count of points for the new unit by the per-point price, and adding the result to the previous baseline. |
| US08548925B2 |
Monitoring capabilities for mobile electronic devices
Improved computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device. |
| US08548924B2 |
Self-authorizing token
Self-authorizing tokens are disclosed. Typical embodiments employ a secure element and a secure element interrogator. Such tokens may be used for authorization of financial payments and other secure transactions. In some embodiments the secure element is provisioned with information about a particular payment card holder account. A secure element reader interrogates the smart element and derives information needed to authorize a transaction. In some embodiments the secure element and the secure element interrogator communicate using communications formatted according to ISO 7816-4. |
| US08548922B2 |
System and method for a private and secure payment system between two parties using a central system
A private and secure payment system has a portable wireless device belonging to party A with a payment function and a central system that is used to effect a private and secure payment transaction to a party B. At time of payment transaction from party A to party B, a party B identification and a payment amount is entered into the wireless device, a data record including at-least the party B's identification, the payment amount and the wireless device identification is transferred over the global network to the central system. The central system assembles payment transaction records from the party A pre-stored bank account data, to a central system bank and from the central system bank to a party B's bank account identification for submission to an automated clearing house and receives a payment approval record and sends a notification to the party A and party B's e-mail addresses. |
| US08548921B2 |
Generic value bearing item labels
The present invention provides an intuitively-based (WYSIWYG) user interface for generic value bearing item label custom specification of each label on a multi-part label set. According to the present invention, an interactive display such as is depicted in FIG. 13 would be provided on a display monitor of a plurality of independently interactive panels, wherein each panel corresponds to a particular label on a multi-part label set. As depicted in FIG. 13, the exemplary WYSIWYG generic custom VBI label specification interface of the present invention displays an interactive label display (1110) in which each separate label panel (e.g., 1120-11 through 1120-45) displays an independent postage rate class input field (e.g., 1125-11 with a postage rate class menu button, e.g., 1123-11). Once the user has selected the “Custom” option (1150), the user can set the price for each label by clicking on the individual rate input field (e.g., 1121-11) of the particular label panel (e.g., 1120-11), and inputting any amount, e.g., $0.37 (e.g., 1122-11); and then clicking on the corresponding postage rate class menu button (e.g., 1123-11) and selecting a postage rate class (e.g., 1125-11). |
| US08548920B2 |
System and method of authentication, monitoring, and advertisement distribution
A method including receiving, by a processor of a computing system, a submission from a user, authenticating, by the processor, the submission received from the user with a unique identifier of the submission, tracking, by the processor, the unique identifier to detect a presence of the submission, determining, by the processor, whether the presence is authorized, and distributing, by the processor, a portion of proceeds to the user if the presence is authorized is provided. Furthermore, an associated computer program product and computer system is also provided. |
| US08548918B1 |
Methods and systems for automated content distribution
Content distributions may be optimized based on data from past distributions, including recipients, content metadata, and distribution path strength parameters. A content distribution package may be assembled, with the package including content metadata and an optimized distribution path. Clients that receive the package may modify the distribution. The details of the modified distribution may be reported back for inclusion in the distribution history records. In some embodiments, updates to the distribution records may be reflected in real-time such that ongoing distributions of content may be adjusted in response to feedback regarding distributions of other content. Each client may maintain a content management queue for users to specify, for each content package, which content is to be downloaded, which content is to be disregarded, and parameters and preferences for further distribution of the package itself. |
| US08548916B2 |
Managing passwords used when detecting information on configuration items disposed on a network
Disclosed embodiments include a computer system for receiving an encrypted password from an ID management system. The computer system sends the encrypted password to a decryption system, where the decryption system decrypts the encrypted password. The decrypted password is then transmitted to the computer system, and the computer system transfers the decrypted password to a configuration item disposed on a network. Based on the password, the configuration item sends data concerning the configuration item to the computer system. |
| US08548904B1 |
Transaction risk analyzer
Methods and systems are disclosed for automatically identifying and managing potentially fraudulent transactions without adversely impacting legitimate customers. In one implementation, the methods and systems provide a transaction risk analyzer for analyzing a risk associated with a financial transaction. The transaction risk analyzer quickly and automatically evaluates a number of factors in connection with each transaction to determine the risk associated with the transaction. The factors may include, for example, the relationship of the customer to the financial services company, the identity of the customer, and the behavior pattern of the customer. A set of business rules may then be applied to these factors to help distinguish between potentially fraudulent transactions and legitimate transactions. Based on the business rules, the transaction risk analyzer may recommend certain actions to mitigate loss potentially resulting from the transaction. Such an arrangement helps lower the risk of fraudulent activity without penalizing legitimate customers. |
| US08548902B2 |
System for online lending services via an application service provider network
A method for online lending services with the creation and population of loan applications and other related documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) for subsequent access by applicant and other entities. Consumers use their Web browsers for access and said method includes an Application Service Provider (ASP) architecture, a loan origination site interface, and a secure server facility. |
| US08548900B1 |
FPGA memory paging
To improve the performance of a market data platform, a market data platform includes a hardware offload solution that allows received financial information to bypass the software portion of the platform and be written directly into memory. The hardware offload solution includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that takes over responsibility for some tasks that were previously performed in software. These tasks include performing line arbitrage on financial information feed pairs to ensure that an accurate copy of the financial information feed is obtained and stored in memory as quickly as possible. These tasks also include performing memory paging in order to allow financial orders to be stored and accessed in an efficient manner. |
| US08548899B2 |
System and method for optimizing order placement in an order queue in an electronic trading environment
Systems and methods for optimizing order placement in an electronic trading environment are provided. Global queue holder orders are placed in a tradeable object to reserve quantity for traders. Traders may submit order requests for quantity at price levels at which a global queue holder order is holding quantity. When a trader submits an order for a quantity at a price level at which quantity is being held, a gateway compares the order to the global queue holder order information stored in a database. If the trader's order coincides with a price level at which quantity is held, then the gateway virtually transfers ownership of that quantity to the trader, who then assumes the advantageous queue position. When the quantity associated with the order is filled, the fill information is sent to the gateway, which to the database to determine which trader is associated with the filled order quantity. |
| US08548896B2 |
Real time trading
A computer based system for executing transactions involving financial instruments, comprising a central host computer system, and a network of client computer systems including browser-based software which is adapted to present different interfaces to different trading parties, and also adapted to enable the different parties to set permission filters which control the presentation of information relating to their own trading, to other parties. |
| US08548892B2 |
Method and apparatus for deriving benchmarks for trading instruments
Benchmarks for the price of a financial instrument such as FX spot rate for a currency pair are calculated by an algorithm based on a previous benchmark and a market price. The market price is derived from a deal price and a quote price. The deal price is based on deals conducted since the last benchmark and the quote price is based on bids and offers entered since the last benchmark. For each of the deal and quote prices, a price, weight and scatter is calculated which is used to calculate a benchmark price, weight and scatter and a benchmark error. |
| US08548891B1 |
Computed-aided financing method for consolidated groups
A method for funding the purchase or construction of a real or personal property through issuing preferred stock is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a computer that is programmed to forecast multi-year financial results of a consolidated company, receiving inputs relating to market variables, and generating outputs forecasting incremental cash flow, earnings, and balance sheet liabilities to the consolidated company. The method further includes determining whether to issue common stock and preferred stock for financing a stock issuer's purchase or construction of the financed property by comparing the outputs with financial results attributable to leasing the financed property from an unrelated third party or purchasing the financed property using proceeds of a third party loan secured by the financed property. |
| US08548890B2 |
Expected utility maximization in large-scale portfolio optimization
A system and method efficiently solve the expected utility maximization problem in large-scale financial asset portfolio optimization. The system and method solve the expected utility maximization problem employing a factor representation of asset returns. Additionally, the system and method calibrate the optimization model to a benchmark to obtain unconditional mean returns and enable active management based on conditional expected return predictions. The system and method also enable options to be considered as part of the portfolio. |
| US08548887B2 |
Method of evaluating the performance of a family of target date funds
A method of evaluating the performance of a family of target date funds. A model of the family is constructed using realized rates of return (“returns”) for an evaluation period for each of the funds. The returns for each fund are assigned to the periods of the model corresponding to the periods during which the return was realized by the fund. An estimate of the wealth generated by the family may be determined as a function of the returns assigned to the model and a pattern of contributions. A benchmark portfolio may be selected and used to construct a model of the benchmark portfolio having the same number of periods as the model of the family. The model of the benchmark and the pattern of contributions may be used to determine wealth generated by the benchmark portfolio, which may be compared to the estimate of wealth generated by the family. |
| US08548886B1 |
Account opening system, method and computer program product
A system that facilitates opening of a bank account by banking personnel for a customer. The account opening system includes an automatic rate determination feature that uses customer information, account information and other criteria to determine an account interest rate. The rate determination system may also mediate rate negotiation between a personal banker and the customer by limiting the increase in rate awarded by the personal banker. An auditing system assigns numbers to a series of profiles, each describing a request to open an account. Profiles to be audited are determined by generating random numbers that fall within the range of assigned profile numbers. Random number generation is repeated until a threshold percentage of profiles have been selected for auditing. The account opening system includes a system for tracking the progress of the account application and for organizing information recorded by the personal banker during interactions with the customer. |
| US08548885B2 |
Fixed income securities ratings visualization
An arrangement is provided for enabling online retail fixed income. A fixed income online retail enabling mechanism analyzes a request received from a user to determine the requested operation related to online retail fixed income. If the request is for visualizing information related to securities in one or more fixed income capital markets, visual representations are constructed using color codes and real value ratings converted from corresponding ratings issued from different sources and presented to the user. If the request is for managing account information, the fixed income online retail enabling mechanism facilitates the needs of managing accounts. If the request is related to conducting a transaction related to fixed income securities, the fixed income online retail enabling mechanism performs operations to trade securities in one or more fixed income capital markets. |
| US08548884B2 |
Systems and methods for portfolio analysis
In one aspect, the invention comprises a computer-implemented method comprising: (i) electronically receiving data describing one or more risk factors driving volatility of each of a plurality of securities comprised in a specified portfolio; (ii) for each of the plurality of securities, categorizing each of the risk factors as a random variable and identifying a distribution that best fits each risk factor's historical behavior; and generating a return distribution for the security, based on the best fit distributions; and (iii) aggregating the security return distributions to generate a return distribution for the specified portfolio. Other aspects and embodiments comprise analogous software and computer systems. |
| US08548882B2 |
Determination of a bid value associated with a selected bidder
A method and associated system comprise obtaining historical auction data, determining, from the historical auction data, a first parameter that is a function of a joint bid distribution and a density function related to the joint bid distribution, selecting a bidder, obtaining a value distribution for the selected bidder, and solving an equation. The equation may include the first parameter and the selected bidder's value distribution, and not the value distribution of other bidders. The equation computes a bid value associated with the selected bidder for a given bid. |
| US08548879B2 |
Materials management system
A material management system includes integrated modules that cooperate to electronically manage a pooled inventory of material held at differing locations and used in the maintenance of multiple fleets of aircraft. The system includes a material request module for processing requests for material and for determining whether the requested material is present at one of the locations. A material transfer module responds to material requests by transferring parts between the differing locations. A material receiving and inspection module controls receiving and inspection of the material. A material shipment module manages the shipment of the material from a supplier in response to a material request. |
| US08548876B1 |
Automatic selection of product categories for merchandising
Disclosed are various embodiments for selecting a subset of categories of product items to be used in merchandising. The subset of categories may be selected on a basis of a measured level of interest in the product items. Based on the subset of subcategories that have been selected, merchandising presentations may be automatically formulated and presented to a customer. |
| US08548870B1 |
Transaction-driven social network
A transaction-based social network for a life science vertical industry is provided. A method for implementing the network includes qualifying a user to join the transaction-based social network based on a minimum set of qualifications. The method also includes creating, from input received by the user, an opportunity with respect to an offer, identifying members of a target user community in the network based on the input from the user, and posting the opportunity over the social network to the members of the target user community. The method further includes receiving at least one response from the target user community that is indicative of a bid to accept the opportunity. The method also includes providing a view of the bid for the user and, once accepted, executing a transaction based on a pre-negotiated fee. The executing includes validating regulatory compliance of content associated with the transaction. |
| US08548862B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for categorization of articles and associated images and for image merging thereof
An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a colored structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion. |
| US08548861B2 |
Multimedia B2B opportunity and error detection and resolution engine
A method and system for automatically handling exceptions in a business-to-business transaction. E-commerce internet gateways through which the business-to-business transaction passes are monitored for exceptions. When an exception is detected, an intelligent contact manager automatically determines and then locates the representative(s) authorized to resolve this exception. A unified communication system is then utilized to automatically contact and notify the authorized representative(s) of the exception. A web collaboration system is then utilized to automatically establish a collaboration session between representatives of the business-to-business transaction so that the exception can be readily resolved. |
| US08548860B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifying product sale transactions and processing product returns
The present invention relates to a computer-based system that provides a method for real time data storage and retrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactions and product return/warranty repair eligibility. An electronic product registration system is provided which stores information on purchased products and which enables a retail store or the like to verify compliance with return policies prior to accepting a product for return or replacement, thereby reducing improper or fraudulent product returns under warranty, while also providing related functionality to third parties such as law enforcement agencies and the like. |
| US08548857B2 |
Method and system for detection of credit card fraud
A method and system for detecting and preventing the fraudulent use of credit/debit cards. A number, referred to as a pre-stored Card Identity Key, is typically four or five digits in length, and the final two digits of this number are variable according to a formula which is applied at the time of the attempted transaction. The pre-stored CIK is created by the credit card owner or issued by the card-issuing financial institution, and is maintained in the card-issuing financial institution's computer database and used along with a software routine for validation. The software routine used for validation employs the formula, which is typically created and memorized by the card owner, to generate a dynamic Card Identity Key from the pre-stored Card Identity Key. The dynamic Card Identity Key must be entered by the card holder/user at a merchant terminal for validation of the transaction. Typically the internal time and/or date are displayed on the screen at the merchant terminal at the time the user's credit card is swiped, and at least a portion of the time and/or date shown is utilized in the formula to generate the dynamic Card Identity Key. |
| US08548845B2 |
Electric toll management
Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison. |
| US08548841B1 |
Supply expense analysis
A method for comparing a hospital's existing supply expenses to another hospital's existing supply expenses is described. The method includes determining a number of patient cases (Ci) associated with each diagnosis related classification (DRCi) from a plurality of DRCis, receiving a supply mix index weight (SMIi) value for each DRCi from the plurality of DRCis, and determining, with a processor, a weighted supply mix index value for each of the plurality of DRCis based on the SMIi value for each DRCi and the Ci for the corresponding DRCi. The method also includes determining an overall HCP supply mix index (HCPSMI) for the hospital based on the sum of the weighted supply mix index value for each of the plurality of DRCis and the sum of Ci for each of the plurality of DRCis, and outputting the HCPSMI for the hospital. Other methods, systems, and machine-readable media are also described. |
| US08548839B2 |
System and method for facilitating healthcare volunteering
Computer-implemented methods and systems for connecting and facilitating communication among healthcare volunteers, organizations, patients and donors are disclosed. A matching system to match volunteers, donors, organizations and patients to coordinate and manage providing low cost or free health care services is disclosed. An donation inventory management system is also disclosed. Dynamic volunteer coordination methods for responding to public health events are also disclosed. |
| US08548830B2 |
System and method for selecting healthcare management
The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a prospective insured to make an informed decision on healthcare insurance or a specific health care management decision by using a current medical profile to assist in their selection. Based on past medical care, as obtained from payor data, a number of different plans, each having different providers, different deductibles, different maximums, different reimbursement policies, etc., a person can make an informed decision. When a family has different payors for different family members, a proper blend of payors can be more easily selected since the payors (or a single payor) has a medical profile of each family member and also has information on providers in the network, prescription policies, deductibles, maximums, etc. |
| US08548829B1 |
System and method for loan guarantee insurance
Loan guarantee or surety insurance processes and systems for use in a commercial loan arrangement between a borrower and a lender, in which the borrower is typically required to provide to the lender a personal guarantee of some or all of the amount of the commercial loan to obtain the loan, wherein loan guarantee insurance of an insured amount is calculated and provided, in exchange for payment of premiums, by a loan guarantee insurance provider or similar third party in order to replace some or all of the personal guarantee amount required of the borrower. The terms of the loan guarantee insurance is calculated and based on information about the commercial loan, the underlying project, the borrower, and other underwriting criteria. |
| US08548822B2 |
Reactive workflow system and method
A system and method for determining the consequent step of a multi step procedure determines the identity of components usable in the procedure. Based on the components introduced and the context of the procedure at the time the component is introduced determines a consequent step and moves to that determined consequent step. |
| US08548821B2 |
Method for using market-based social networking website to create new funding and referral fees
In one embodiment, the method uses a social networking website and employs a monetary incentive to get members of their social network to identify potential funding sources for entities that are growing or need liquidity, wherein a funds seeker and a funds finder, who agree to terms of use of the secure website, act to enter into an exclusive rights contract providing for a contingent referral fee for the funds finder if the terms of the offered contract are met. If the funds seeker is qualified, many offers of introduction will be made. The funds seeker can enter into many exclusive rights contracts, for an equal number of funding sources, but will pay only one referral reward if only one funding source provides funds. |
| US08548820B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for targeting advertisements
Methods, systems, and products target advertisements to users. Clickstream data is received and compared to a purchase history. When a common attribute is determined, an advertisement associated with the attribute is retrieved and targeted to a user. |
| US08548815B2 |
Efficient design of MDCT / IMDCT filterbanks for speech and audio coding applications
A more efficient encoder/decoder is provided in which an N-point MDCT transform is mapped into smaller sized N/2-point DCT-IV and/or DCT-II transforms with isolated pre-multiplications which can be moved to a prior or subsequent windowing stage. That is, the windowing operations may be merged with first/last stage multiplications in the core MDCT/IMDCT functions, respectively, thus reducing the total number of multiplications. Additionally, the MDCT may be systematically decimated by factor of 2 by utilizing a uniformly scaled 5-point DCT-II core function as opposed to the DCT-IV or FFT cores used in many existing MDCT designs in audio codecs. The modified windowing stage merges factors from a transform stage and windowing stage to obtain piece-wise symmetric windowing factors, which can be represented by a sub-set of the piece-wise symmetric windowing factors to save storage space. Such features offer appreciable reduction in complexity and less memory usage than the prior art. |
| US08548814B2 |
Method and portable system for phonetic language translation using brain interface
A phonetic language translation system receives audio output from an audible program presented to the user, so as to identify any speech signal contained within the audio output. The speech signals are broken down into recognizable phonemes which make up the most basic elements of speech in spoken languages. The sequentially generated phonemes are then regrouped to form recognizable words in one of native languages spoken around the world. While watching the audible program, the activity of language area of user's brain is recorded using electrodes in the cap. The recorded language area brain signals are analyzed and compared with brain language area activity knowledge base to identify the native language of user. Sentences are formed using the grammatical rules of the native language. Each sentence is then translated into the identified native language and broadcast to the user using a voice synthesizer. |
| US08548809B2 |
Voice guidance system and voice guidance method using the same
A voice guidance system for providing a guidance by voice concerning operations of an information processing apparatus, comprises a detector that detects that a predetermined function of the information processing apparatus is disabled, and a voice guidance unit that outputs a voice message reporting a reason why the predetermined function of the information processing apparatus is disabled, in response to the detection output of the detector. |
| US08548807B2 |
System and method for adapting automatic speech recognition pronunciation by acoustic model restructuring
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media for recognizing speech by adapting automatic speech recognition pronunciation by acoustic model restructuring. The method identifies an acoustic model and a matching pronouncing dictionary trained on typical native speech in a target dialect. The method collects speech from a new speaker resulting in collected speech and transcribes the collected speech to generate a lattice of plausible phonemes. Then the method creates a custom speech model for representing each phoneme used in the pronouncing dictionary by a weighted sum of acoustic models for all the plausible phonemes, wherein the pronouncing dictionary does not change, but the model of the acoustic space for each phoneme in the dictionary becomes a weighted sum of the acoustic models of phonemes of the typical native speech. Finally the method includes recognizing via a processor additional speech from the target speaker using the custom speech model. |
| US08548805B2 |
System and method of semi-supervised learning for spoken language understanding using semantic role labeling
A system and method are disclosed for providing semi-supervised learning for a spoken language understanding module using semantic role labeling. The method embodiment relates to a method of generating a spoken language understanding module. Steps in the method comprise selecting at least one predicate/argument pair as an intent from a set of the most frequent predicate/argument pairs for a domain, labeling training data using mapping rules associated with the selected at least one predicate/argument pair, training a call-type classification model using the labeled training data, re-labeling the training data using the call-type classification model and iteratively several of the above steps until training set labels converge. |
| US08548802B2 |
Acoustic data processor and acoustic data processing method for reduction of noise based on motion status
An acoustic data processor according to the present invention is used for processing acoustic data including signal sounds to reduce noises generated by a mechanical apparatus. The acoustic data processor includes a motion status obtaining section for obtaining motion status of the mechanical apparatus, an acoustic data obtaining section for obtaining acoustic data corresponding to the obtained motion status, and a database for storing various motion statuses of the mechanical apparatus in a unit time and corresponding acoustic data as templates. The acoustic data processor further includes a database searching section for searching the database to retrieve the template having the motion status closest to the obtained motion status; and a template subtraction section for subtracting the acoustic data of the template having the motion status closest to the obtained motion status from the obtained acoustic data to reduce noises generated by the mechanical apparatus. |
| US08548801B2 |
Adaptive time/frequency-based audio encoding and decoding apparatuses and methods
Adaptive time/frequency-based audio encoding and decoding apparatuses and methods. The encoding apparatus includes a transformation & mode determination unit to divide an input audio signal into a plurality of frequency-domain signals and to select a time-based encoding mode or a frequency-based encoding mode for each respective frequency-domain signal, an encoding unit to encode each frequency-domain signal in the respective encoding mode, and a bitstream output unit to output encoded data, division information, and encoding mode information for each respective frequency-domain signal. In the apparatuses and methods, acoustic characteristics and a voicing model are simultaneously applied to a frame, which is an audio compression processing unit. As a result, a compression method effective for both music and voice can be produced, and the compression method can be used for mobile terminals that require audio compression at a low bit rate. |
| US08548792B2 |
Electronic language simulator system and method
Described are field of training devices and methods to simulate the use of interpreters and spontaneous verbal exchanges between participants who speak different languages. More particularly, the devices and methods simulate an environment wherein participants are communicating through a third-party interpreter, which simulates the use of an interpreter. Some embodiments of the devices include audio components that are configured in a manner that distorts direct verbal communication between two parties of a trilateral verbal exchange. Although the direct verbal communication is distorted, tonality and tempo of the communication can still be preserved. Further, visual information from the speaker is still conveyed. |
| US08548790B2 |
Rapidly determining fragmentation in computing environments
A mechanism is provided for determining fragmentation in a computing environment. A simulation of virtual machine requests for resources in the computing environment is run for a predetermined time. The simulation is scaled down when the predetermined time exceeds a threshold. The scaling down includes scaling down the resources in the computing environment and/or scaling down a number of the virtual machine requests. The scaled down simulation is run iteratively to estimate relative fragmentation of the virtual machine requests against the resources in the computing environment. |
| US08548789B2 |
Methodology for modeling the fuel rod power distribution within a nuclear reactor core
A method for modeling a nuclear reactor core that follows the history of each fuel pin and employs fuel pin flux form factors to explicitly track each fuel pin's fluence and burnup along its axial length and uses this information to obtain fundamental data for each fuel rod, i.e. fuel rod cross-sections, for each fuel pin segment. The data obtained for the fuel pins segments are employed to adjust the fuel pin flux form factors to match the real fuel pins' history so that the fuel rod power distribution can be precisely calculated based on the fuel rod cross-sections and the flux form factors. |
| US08548788B2 |
Technology computer-aided design (TCAD)-based virtual fabrication
A single finite element mesh is generated for predicting performance of an integrated circuit design. A plurality of sample points are identified for conducting a variability study on at least one parameter associated with the integrated circuit design. The sample points are selected to predict performance of the integrated circuit design when subject to variations in the at least one parameter due to variations in manufacturing processes to be used to manufacture the integrated circuit design. A parameterized netlist is generated corresponding to each of the sample points. A technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulation is run for each of the parameterized netlists, using the single finite element mesh for each of the parameterized netlists, until convergence is achieved, to obtain, for each of the parameterized netlists, at least one metric indicative of the performance of the integrated circuit design. A predicted design yield is developed for the integrated circuit design. |
| US08548785B2 |
Method for uncertainty quantification in the performance and risk assessment of a carbon dioxide storage site
A CO2 sequestration site is evaluated by incorporating a consistent petrophysical framework having uncertainties expressed in the form of probability density functions of wellbore measurements, by systematically propagating the uncertainties in generating probability density functions or cumulative distribution functions of the parameters used in a reservoir simulation, by using the reservoir simulation to transform the first set of parameters into output variables with uncertainties, and by using the output variables and uncertainties to generate an answer product from which uncertainty levels of performance metrics can be ascertained. |
| US08548783B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for controlling sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system
Systems and methods are provided for use in predicting sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system. Computation of the sand production predictions can include solving a system of partial differential equations that model the geomechanical reservoir system. Systems and methods also are provided for use in operating a geomechanical reservoir system based on the sand production prediction for controlling sand production in the geomechanical reservoir system. |
| US08548781B2 |
Method and system for determining a volume of a vehicle component and the disposition and connectedness of subcomponents therein
A method and system of determining a volume of a vehicle component. The system includes a computing device having a host application and analytical tool. The host application is configured to present an interface to a user and allow the user to modify a component model. The component model includes a three-dimensional representation of at least a portion of a vehicle component and has a virtual housing at least partially defining an internal cavity. The analytical tool is configured to generate a solid body representing the internal cavity and calculate a volume of the solid body. The analytical tool is configured to determine whether the internal cavity is bounded by the virtual housing, counting a number of external and internal faces traversed by the fluid during the simulated fluid flow, and determining a shortest path between the selected external and internal faces. |
| US08548775B2 |
Method for designing and/or selecting a device and/or material for implanting in tissues of the human or animal body and a device and/or material obtained thereby
A method for designing a device and/or bio material for implanting in tissues of the human or animal body, comprising the acquisition of a digital image of the structure of the recipient tissue and its breakdown and processing in fractal elements that enable the classification of the type of tissue and the design of the device and/or biomaterial so as to achieve an optimal coupling for the purposes of the integration and the stability of the implant in the tissue. An automatic and simplified procedure is also described, based on the analysis of the image of the tissues with a view to providing indications on the most suitable device and/or biomaterial to choose for a implant. |
| US08548774B2 |
Simulation environment for simulating physical system and/or sub-systems
A simulation environment for simulating a physical system or sub-system. The environment includes a plurality of elements that can be arranged to form any of a number of component objects or sub-component objects. The component or sub-component objects are assembled to form at least one assembly object that forms at least part of the system or sub-system. Each element is provided with mesh data, and rules of connectivity. The rules of connectivity govern the interconnection of the elements to form the component or sub-component objects. The mesh data for a particular element is automatically incorporated into each completed component or sub-component object that includes that particular element. |
| US08548772B2 |
Automated method and apparatus for detecting erroneous sample collection in clinical assays
An automatic method for identifying biological samples that are collected using the wrong blood preservative for subsequent analytical testing. The method also provides for identification and/or suppression of certain analytical test results that are substantially or partly adversely affected. The invention is particularly suited for use in point-of-care medical diagnostic testing. |
| US08548770B2 |
Portable monitoring devices and methods of operating same
A portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a motion sensor to detect user motion and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of motion of the user, an altitude sensor to detect a change in user altitude and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user, processing circuitry to calculate activity metrics of the user, wherein the processing circuitry: (i) calculates a motion metric using the motion data, (ii) calculates an altitude metric using the altitude data, and (iii) calculates at least one sleep metric of the user. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry may automatically determine a sleep mode of the user using the motion data and calculate at least one user sleep metric. |
| US08548768B2 |
System and method for evaluating and providing treatment to sports participants
The invention relates to a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of players engaged in a sports activity and a method for evaluating and treating players when the parameter exceeds a predetermined level. The system measures, calculates and records the parameter and then alerts trained personnel to apply the method to evaluate and treat players. When the system is configured for use with football, hockey or lacrosse, the system generally includes reporting units, a sideline controller, a database, and a signaling device, such as a wireless personal digital assistant. The physiological parameter data measured and collected by the reporting units are processed by the sideline controller for meaningful analysis or use. When the physiological parameter(s) exceeds a predetermined threshold level the sideline controller generates an alert that is received by the signaling device, which is typically worn by sideline personnel, such as coaching staff or trainers. After an alert occurs, the method for evaluating and treating a player is initiated. |
| US08548766B2 |
Systems and methods for gyroscope calibration
A method that compensates gyroscopes comprises rotating a sensor platform with three gyroscopes, three accelerometers and three magnetometers thereon; determining a first rotation vector Og based upon the rotation sensed by at least one of the three gyroscopes; determining a second rotation vector Om vector based upon the rotation sensed by the three accelerometers and the three magnetometers; and determining a compensation gain and a compensation bias for the at least one gyroscope based upon the first rotation vector and the second rotation vector. |
| US08548757B1 |
Method for calculating maximum allowable operating pressure and maximum operating pressure of a pipeline
A method for providing MAOP information for gas pipelines and MOP for hazardous liquid pipelines that is accessible continuously via a network. The method comprises obtaining a route identifier for a specific pipeline segment; collecting authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline segment; collecting non-authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline segment; calculating smart segmentation for the specific pipeline segment; identifying gaps in MAOP or MOP data based on the smart segmentation; filling the gaps in MAOP or MOP data; calculating MAOP or MOP for the specific pipeline; and showing valid and invalid MAOP to a user using an executive dashboard. |
| US08548756B1 |
System for calculating maximum allowable operating pressure and maximum operating pressure of a pipeline
A system for providing traceable, verifiable complete MAOP or MOP information for a specific pipeline to users in an automated manner that is viewable continuously via a network. The system comprises a processor in communication with the network; a data storage in communication with the processor. The data storage includes computer instructions for identifying a specific pipeline, providing a unique identifier for the specific pipeline, collecting authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline, collecting non-authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline, automatically identifying gaps in MAOP or MOP data, automatically identifying gaps in user established MAOP or MOP; automatically filling the gaps in MAOP or MOP data, calculating MAOP or MOP for the specific pipeline, and showing valid and invalid MAOP or MOP to a user using an executive dashboard. |
| US08548755B2 |
Flow rate measurement device
Switching a transmitting and receiving direction of two transducers (2,3) in the forward and the reverse direction, a time differential memory part (17b) storing a propagation time differential every K times a unit measurement process being executed, the propagation time differential being a differential between a propagation time of the ultrasonic wave signal in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a flow rate calculating part (15) calculating a flow rate of a passing fluid based on a lump sum of propagation times in both the forward and the reverse directions obtained at least every K times of a unit measurement process being executed, an estimating part (18) estimating a change in a momentary flow rate of the fluid based on the time differential obtained every K times of the unit measurement process being executed and storing thereof in a time differential memory part (17b), thus obtaining an accurate flow rate and detecting the change in the momentary flow rate. |
| US08548749B1 |
Path classification and estimation method and system for prognosticating asset life
Path classification and estimation method and system used in combination with a computer and memory for prognosticating the remaining useful life of an asset by classifying a current degradation path of a current asset as belonging to one or more of previously collected degradation paths of exemplary assets and using the resulting classifications to estimate the remaining useful life of the current asset. |
| US08548748B2 |
Determining thin film stack functional relationships for measurement of chemical composition
A method for determining chemical composition from optical properties of a stack formed with a process, by preparing test samples of the stack using known and intentional variations to the process to affect a variation in the chemical composition, measuring the optical properties of the test samples, measuring the chemical composition of the test samples, performing a processor-based regression analysis to determine an optical state function including correlations between the optical properties of the test samples and the chemical composition of the test samples, fabricating production samples of the stack using the process, measuring the optical properties of the production samples, and estimating the chemical composition of the production samples using the optical state function. |
| US08548745B2 |
Visual-servoing optical microscopy
The present invention provides methods and devices for the knowledge-based discovery and optimization of differences between cell types. In particular, the present invention provides visual servoing optical microscopy, as well as analysis methods. The present invention provides means for the close monitoring of hundreds of individual, living cells over time; quantification of dynamic physiological responses in multiple channels; real-time digital image segmentation and analysis; intelligent, repetitive computer-applied cell stress and cell stimulation; and the ability to return to the same field of cells for long-term studies and observation. The present invention further provides means to optimize culture conditions for specific subpopulations of cells. |
| US08548743B2 |
Method and apparatus to monitor reformation and replacement of CO2/CH4 gas hydrates
A method for monitoring production from a methane hydrate reservoir includes obtaining a plurality of temperature measurements in a wellbore connected with the methane hydrate reservoir; and deriving a parameter relating to conversion of methane hydrate to carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrate by injection of liquid CO2, wherein the deriving uses a modeling program and the plurality of temperature measurements, wherein the modeling program uses at least one parameter relating to a thermodynamic properties that are substantially different between methane and CO2. The at least one parameter relating to thermodynamic properties may include Joule-Thomson coefficients of methane and CO2. The parameter relating to the conversion of methane hydrate to CO2 hydrate may include a ratio of methane and CO2 in a mixed fluid. |
| US08548742B2 |
Non-contact measurement systems for wireline and coiled tubing
A system for measuring at least one parameter of moving cable, the system including a system power source, a digital camera adjacent a moving cable for taking digital images of the cable as the cable moves past the digital camera, the digital camera producing signals corresponding to the digital images, a signal processor for receiving the signals from the digital camera and for processing the images to produce processed image data, the signal processor for calculating measurements of the at least one parameter of the cable based on the processed image data, the system power source for powering systems devices, e.g., the digital camera and/or the signal processor. 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). |
| US08548741B2 |
Fleet tracking system having unicast and multicast functionality
A tracking system is disclosed for use with a fleet of machines operating at a common worksite. The tracking system may have a locating device located onboard each machine of the fleet of machine that is configured to determine a current location of an associated machine of the fleet of machines, and a communicating device located onboard each machine in communication with the locating device. The tracking system may also have a central controller located offboard the fleet of machines in communication with each communicating device. The central controller may be configured to receive an unacknowledged message from each communicating device relaying the current location of the associated machine. The central controller may also be configured to update a location listing of the fleet of machines with the current location, and to repetitively multicast the location listing to the communicating devices of the fleet of machines. |
| US08548740B2 |
System and method for wavelet-based gait classification
A motion classification system comprises an inertial measurement unit configured to sense motion of a user and to output one or more channels of inertial motion data corresponding to the sensed motion; and a processing unit configured to calculate a coefficient vector for each of the one or more channels based on a wavelet transformation of the respective inertial motion data, and to select one of a plurality of gaits as the user's gait based on the calculated coefficient vector of at least one of the one or more channels and on a plurality of templates, each template corresponding to one of the plurality of gaits. |
| US08548732B2 |
Navigation system for vehicle
A travel-estimated road, which a vehicle is estimated to travel, intersects with a cross road at an intersection. A search area shaped of a sector centering on the intersection is defined to have a central angle to include an extending direction of the cross road. An arc intersecting point is then defined where an outer circumference arc of the search area intersects with the cross road. A display position of the road name of the cross road on a road map is determined based on a line segment between the intersection and the arc intersecting point. Thus, the road name of the cross road can be displayed in a position, which is in proximity to the travel-estimated road so as to allow a user to clearly recognize that the displayed road name indicates the cross road irrespective of the configuration of the cross road. |
| US08548731B2 |
Navigation method, navigation system, navigation device, vehicle provided therewith and group of vehicles
A navigation system is described comprising at least a first and a second navigation device (201A, 201B) that each is capable of determining an initial estimation (P1A, P1B) of their own position,—the first navigation device (201A) having a facility (225A) for transmitting its relevant navigation information (P1A) to the second navigation device (201B),—the second navigation device (201B) having a facility (225B) for receiving the relevant navigation information (P1A),—at least one of the first and second navigation device (201A, 201B) having a facility (210A, 210B) for providing a proximity signal (Spr, S′pr) that indicates whether the first and second navigation device are within proximity of each other,—the second navigation device having a dead reckoning facility (210B) for calculating the initial estimation (P1B) of its position and a facility (250B) for improving an accuracy of estimating its own position using relevant navigation information (P1A) provided by the first navigation device (201A) for positions for which the proximity signal (Spr) was given. |
| US08548730B2 |
System and method for controlling object detection based on driver status
Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary and secondary keys and is configured to generate a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is operably coupled to the key ignition device. The controller is adapted to determine whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is adapted to generate a position notification signal indicative of the position of the object with respect to the vehicle. The controller is adapted to notify the primary and secondary drivers of the position of the object. The controller is adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the position notification signals based on whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. |
| US08548728B2 |
Display device for an aircraft including means for displaying a navigation symbology dedicated to obstacle avoidance
The general field of the invention is, within the framework of terrain anti-collision systems for aircraft, the presentation on navigation aid displays of a simplified symbology suited to these critical situations. More precisely, the symbols comprise at least one arrow representing the direction of the ground speed vector with respect to the axis of the airplane and at least one set of straight segments representing the limit boundaries in plan view beyond which the aircraft will inevitably crash. Other symbols such as the indication of the instructed course supplement this symbology. |
| US08548724B2 |
Positioning terminal and server
The positioning terminal of the present invention includes a positioning unit 103 configured to perform positioning processing for acquiring position information which indicate a current position of the positioning terminal, a route storage unit 104 configured to store a registered route formed by concatenating location points indicated by position information previously acquired by the positioning unit 103, a route matching determining unit 106 configured to determine whether or not the positioning terminal 10 moves on the registered route, and a continuous positioning control unit 109 configured to change a positioning interval at which the positioning unit 103 performs positioning processing from a time interval TI1 to a time interval TI2 which is longer than the time interval TI1, when it is determined that the positioning terminal moves on the registered route. |
| US08548723B2 |
Car navigation system
A car navigation system includes a distance sensor 2; an angular velocity sensor 1 for detecting angular velocity having a sensor detection axis in a vertical direction of a casing; an acceleration sensor 3 for detecting acceleration having a sensor detection axis in a back and forth direction of the casing on a horizontal plane; a body velocity and acceleration measuring unit 42 for measuring velocity and acceleration in the body direction of vehicle movement from the signal from the distance sensor; an angular velocity measuring unit 41 for measuring angular velocity from the signal from the angular velocity sensor; a body roll angle estimating unit 43 for estimating a body roll angle from the body direction of vehicle movement velocity and angular velocity; an acceleration sensor output estimating unit 45 for outputting, when the casing is set in the body with a rotation in a yaw direction, estimation values of the output signal of the acceleration sensor at every prescribed angle; and a yaw direction mounted angle detecting unit 46 for determining as a yaw direction mounted angle in the body an angle at a time when an estimated value is obtained which agrees most closely with a value remaining after subtracting from the signal from the acceleration sensor its offset component. |
| US08548720B2 |
System and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information
A system and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an aircraft computing system and a ground station system via a communication network provided by the ground station system. Further, aircraft taxi gate selection information and the passenger connecting flight information are substantially simultaneously displayed on a display device to a pilot upon establishing the communication link. Furthermore, the pilot is allowed to select an aircraft taxi gate based on the displayed aircraft taxi gate selection information and passenger connecting flight information. |
| US08548719B2 |
Real-time traffic condition measurement
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for identifying a first location, at time one, of a plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate a cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, identifying a second location, at time two, for each of the plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate the cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, calculating a vehicle speed for each of the plurality of automobiles using the first and second locations already identified, and creating a traffic condition measure for a route in proximity to the first and second locations. The computer program product may repeat this process in real-time to calculate a real-time traffic condition measure that may be a traffic density measure the computer program product may use to predict a travel time. |
| US08548714B2 |
Method for making uniform the thrust command of the engines of an aircraft
According to this invention, artificial force gradient means (9a) of a throttle control lever (4) for a turbo-engine comprise means (17) for adjusting the intensity of the artificial force gradient. |
| US08548713B2 |
Power demand management
A method is disclosed of determining the power demand on a power subsystem (2) of a system (1) by optimising a respective demand-dependent operating characteristic based on one or more operating conditions affecting the power subsystem, the method comprising: using a system-authority (3, 14) to determine system-level power demand limits on the basis of a system-level objective associated with an operating period; inputting the power demand limits to a separate power control processor (4, 16) configured for regulating the power demand on the power subsystem (2); determining each of said operating conditions; and using the power control processor (4, 16) autonomously to determine the overall power demand on the power subsystem (2) within said system-level limits, based on each of said operating conditions, thereby to optimise said operating characteristic. A method of regulating the power demand during the operating period is also disclosed. The method finds particular application in vehicles, turbomachinery and plant equipment, notably multi-engine aircraft and marine vehicles. |
| US08548710B1 |
Off-road wheeled vehicle speed limiting system
An open cockpit off-road vehicle has an engine, four wheels, side-by-side driver and passenger seats, and at least one safety belt which include a seat belt, first and second connecting portions selectively connected to each other, and one of a safety belt sensor and a safety belt switch sensing a state of this connection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connects the engine to the wheels. A control unit is connected to the engine. A vehicle speed sensor senses a speed of rotation of a shaft driven by the CVT. The control unit controls the engine in a vehicle speed limit mode when the first and second connecting portions are disconnected. When in this mode, the control unit controls the engine to limit the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and to permit the engine to reach a torque necessary to operate the vehicle at the predetermined speed. |
| US08548706B2 |
Device operable to control turning of vehicle
A device operable to control a turning of a vehicle, includes: a motion controller operable to: control a first adjuster so as to increase a drive force applied to at least one of front wheels and rear wheels situated in an inner side of the turning, and control a second adjuster so as to increase the braking force applied to at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels situated in an outer side of the turning; and control the first adjuster so as to increase the drive force applied to at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels situated in an outer side of the turning, and control the second adjuster so as to increase the braking force applied to at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels situated in an inner side of the turning. |