Document Document Title
US08632459B2 Intra-subject observation system and intra-subject observation method
An intra-subject observation system includes a first liquid inserted into a desired organ of a subject; and a second liquid inserted into the organ without being mixed with the first liquid due to a specific gravity lighter than that of the first liquid. The system also includes a capsule medical apparatus inserted into the organ with an intermediate specific gravity between the specific gravity of the first liquid and that of the second liquid to acquire intra-subject information, which is output out of the subject by radio.
US08632457B2 Receiving apparatus and in-vivo information acquiring system using the same
An object of the invention is to receive, with a high sensitivity, a radio signal transmitted within a short time before a capsule endoscope reaches the stomach of a subject and acquire, in a satisfactory state, information on the interior of the subject such as image data picked up by the capsule endoscope. The receiving apparatus according to the invention includes a plurality of receiving antennas including a specified receiving antenna for receiving a radio signal from a capsule endoscope before the stomach is reached, a switching controller, an arrival determining unit and a mode switching unit. The switching controller performs a control operation for switching to and maintaining the receiving antenna in an initial mode or a control operation for switching to the receiving antennas in a normal mode. The arrival determining unit determines whether the capsule endoscope has reached the stomach or not. The mode switching unit instructs the switching controller to perform the control operation for switching to the initial mode, and upon determination that the stomach has been reached, gives the instruction to perform the control operation for switching to the normal mode.
US08632456B2 Pump with one-touch release
A pump that comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump bulb, a plurality of tubing, and at least one inflatable penile cylinder. The pump comprises a pump body, an inlet valve within the pump body, an exhaust valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and a deflate valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the exhaust valve. The deflate valve enables one-touch release by (i) providing a voluntarily-activated fluid bypass so that fluid from the at least one inflatable penile cylinder can return to the fluid reservoir through at least one of the plurality of tubing without sustained activation of the deflate valve, and (ii) closing upon subsequent inflation of the at least one inflatable penile cylinder when such inflation is initiated by squeezing the pump bulb so that fluid does not flow back to the fluid reservoir.
US08632454B2 Minimally invasive tissue support system and method with a superior tissue support and an inferior anchor
Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast or another tissue is supported. One method involves introducing a superior soft tissue anchor into a patient, the anchor having an inferiorly facing total surface area; and introducing at least one inferior soft tissue anchor into the patient, such that the at least one inferior soft tissue anchor is suspended from the superior soft tissue anchor, the sum of all of the at least one inferior soft tissue anchors having a superiorly facing total surface area. The inferiorly facing total surface area of the superior anchor can be greater, such as at least two times greater than the superiorly facing total surface area of the at least one inferior anchor.
US08632452B2 Peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor δ (PPARδ) and the development of preimplantation embryos
Methods and compositions for enhancing development of a preimplantation mammalian embryo and for increasing the live birth potential of an in vitro fertilized mammalian embryo are disclosed. An in vitro method of activating the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in a preimplantation mammalian embryo comprises culturing an embryo in an embryo culture medium, and upon or after commencement of expression of PPARδ in the cells of the embryo, activating the PPARδ by adding an amount of a PPARδ ligand to said medium effective to bind to PPARδ to deter apoptosis in the cells of the cultured embryo and/or increase proliferation of the cells of the cultured embryo.
US08632450B2 Method of treating urinary incontinence
A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient includes implanting in the patient a device having a band, two magnets, and a power source; placing the band around a urethra; and implanting the power source outside of a pelvis. The power source is operable to electromagnetically couple the two magnets thus constricting a lumen of the urethra.
US08632448B1 Proton scattering analysis system
Disclosed are systems and methods for characterizing interactions or proton beams in tissues. In certain embodiments, charged particles emitted during passage of protons, such as those used for therapeutic and/or imaging purposes, can be detected at relatively large angles. In situations where beam intensity is relatively low, such as in certain imaging applications, characterization of the proton beam with charged particles can provide sufficient statistics for meaningful results while avoiding the beam itself. In situations where beam intensity is relatively high, such as in certain therapeutic applications, characterization of the proton beam with scattered primary protons and secondary protons can provide information such as differences in densities encountered by the beam as it traverses the tissue and dose deposited along the beam path. In certain situations, such beam characterizations can facilitate more accurate planning and monitoring of proton-based therapy.
US08632445B2 Multi-purpose exercise apparatus
The present invention relates to a multipurpose exercise apparatus. More specifically, the multipurpose exercise apparatus is configured so that various kinds of exercise can be done by turning a crescent-shaped main body up and down according to the kind of exercise desire by a user, and by stepping on the main body to mount thereon or sitting down thereon, thereby allowing exercise to be enjoyed regardless of place or time and to even be enjoyed outdoors in addition to indoors and the efficiency of exercise can be maximized even with simple exercise movements. The present invention is characterized in that it has a plate shape, and it comprises a main body (100), wherein a convex surface (10) is formed at the upper part, a concave surface (20) is formed at the lower part, a handle groove (12) is provided at both the terminal parts descending along the curvature of the convex surface (10), and a supporting protrusion (22) is integrally projected at the lower part of the handle groove (12) so as to allow the main body to be separated by a certain distance from the ground; and a handle (200) which is installed on one side of the upper convex surface (10) of the main body (100) and can be attached thereto or detached therefrom.
US08632444B2 Portable workout apparatus having a pivotally mounted exercise bar
An exercise device is disclosed that is useful for performing various exercises including Pilates exercises. The exercise device includes a pilates tower having first and second sides. A first padded surface extends horizontally from the first side of the pilates tower. The first padded surface pivotally mounts to the pilates tower. A second padded surface extends horizontally from the pilates tower. A third padded surface is removably attached to the first padded surface. A pivot frame pivotally attaches to the pilates tower. The pivot frame extends over the second padded surface in one embodiment. In addition, the pivot frame can include a first horizontal bar. The exercise device can also include a second horizontal bar for use as a plie bar.
US08632443B2 Therapeutic-exercise pillow and methods of use
A therapeutic-exercise pillow is disclosed that facilitates exercises to be performed for general health and fitness, particularly in embodiments that incorporate resistance bands for the user's arms and legs, in order to strengthen and tone the body of side lay, supine, and prone positions. In many embodiments, the overall shape of the therapeutic-exercise pillow resembles a teardrop that is flattened on one side (the side that is intended to rest on the floor), and has strategic internal foam/padding layering and placement to help support the lower abdominal regions of persons with physiological and/or medial limitations that otherwise preclude exercising such regions. In some embodiments, a plurality of adjustable exercise-resistance members for arms and/or legs are removably attached to the therapeutic-exercise pillow.
US08632434B2 Drive device and vehicle with same
A drive device 1A includes: electric motors 2A and 2B that outputs drive powers; and planetary gear reducers 12A and 12B disposed between axles 10A and 10B connected to cylindrical shafts 16A and 16B serving as the output shafts of the electric motors 2A and 2B and to rear wheels LWr and RWr. The drive device 1A further includes: a one-way power transmission device that transmits the one-way rotation power of the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B; and a two-way power transmission device that transmits the two-way rotation power of the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B. The one-way power transmission device and the two-way power transmission device are disposed on transmission passages from the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B.
US08632433B2 Hydraulic control system for automatic transmission and control system for automatic transmission
Provided is an automatic transmission hydraulic control system with a first friction engagement element engaged at a first forward gear and establishment of a reverse gear, and a second friction engagement element to be engaged at least at establishment of a second forward gear different from the first forward gear. Also included is a range pressure output unit outputting a reverse range pressure, a first switching valve having a reverse range pressure input port receiving reverse range pressure, a control pressure input port receiving a control pressure from a linear solenoid valve, and first, second and third output ports. The system also includes a second switching valve having a first input port connected to the first output port, a second input port connected to the second output port, and a fourth output port connected to a hydraulic servo of the first friction engagement element.
US08632431B2 Drive wheel of an auxiliary unit belt drive of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a drive wheel (1) of an auxiliary unit belt drive of an internal combustion engine, having a running casing (2) which is operatively connected to a traction mechanism, having a hub (3) which is rotationally fixedly connected to the drive axle of an auxiliary unit, and having a damping device (4), which is arranged so as to act between the running casing (2) and the hub (3), for reducing rotary oscillations, with the damping device (4) comprising a spring store (5) which is arranged so as to act between the running casing (2) and the hub (3). In order that the running casing can be produced more economically, the invention provides that the running casing (2) is composed of a running part (6), a driver part (7) and a spring receptacle (8), with the running part (6) being rotationally fixedly and permanently connected to the driver part (7), and wherein the driver part (7) can be or is connected in a form-fitting manner to the spring receptacle (8).
US08632427B2 Golf green slope reading aid
The present invention provides a golf aid for determining the slope of putting green or other area of a golf course. More specifically, the invention provides a device for calibrating suspending Optionally, the device includes a ball marker and can include tools for assembling the device in a golf club.
US08632423B2 Golf ball
The present invention is to a golf ball having an equator at latitude 0° and two poles; and an equator region defined by latitudes 0 to 25°, a shoulder region defined by latitudes from more than 25° to less than 65°, and a pole region defined by latitudes 65° to 90°; and a dimple pattern on the surface of the golf ball having an average dimple volume of the equator region Ve, an average dimple volume of the shoulder region, Vs, and an average dimple volume of the pole region, Vp such that the ratio Vs/Ve is less than 0.97 and the ratio Vp/Vs is less than 0.97.
US08632420B2 Golf clubs and golf club heads
A golf club head enables the initial velocity of a ball to be increased and enables the carry to be lengthened. In some example structures, the golf club includes a face plate formed from metal and club head body (e.g., a crown and sole) formed from fiber reinforced plastic. A weighted body is provided inside the rearmost portion of the golf club head and a low rigidity portion whose width becomes gradually narrower as it approaches the rearmost portion is provided in the crown extending from the vicinity of the face plate to the rearmost portion.
US08632419B2 Golf club head
A golf club head (20) having optimized ball speed robustness is disclosed. The golf club head (20) preferably has one or more channels (100, 110, 120) disposed proximate to a striking face (40), and in some embodiments the one or more channels (100, 110, 120) substantially encircle the striking face (40).
US08632418B2 Golf club
A golf club includes: a shaft; a head including a hosel formed with a hosel hole; a shaft case with a substantially tube shape being bonded to a leading end of the shaft, the shaft case being inserted into the hosel hole, the shaft case being fixed to the hosel by a ring-shaped screw member fitted onto an upper portion of the shaft case and detachably screwed into a female screw in an inner circumferential surface of the hosel hole, wherein an outer side surface of a lower side part of the shaft case and a lower side part of the hosel hole have non-circular cross-section shapes.
US08632417B2 Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a first cylindrical structure having a cylindrical interior chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, a first rotation-inhibiting structure, and a securing structure; (b) a second cylindrical structure having a borehole for receiving the first cylindrical structure, and a second rotation-inhibiting structure that engages the first rotation-inhibiting structure and (c) a securing system for releasably engaging the securing structure. The shaft may extend at an angle from the shaft connection assembly so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head by rotating the first cylindrical structure or exchanging the second cylindrical structure.
US08632416B2 Golf clubs and golf club heads
A set of golf clubs in accordance with at least some examples of this disclosure may include one or more of the golf clubs which include an iron-type golf club head with a 3-piece configuration which may include a ball striking face; a golf club head body including a rear surface opposite the ball striking face, which may include a perimeter weighting member extending in a direction rearward from the ball striking face and along at least a portion of a circumferential area of the golf club head body; and an insert engaged with the golf club head body and positioned behind the ball striking face of the golf club head. Further, one or more of the golf clubs in the set may include iron-type golf club heads with a 2-piece configuration which may include a golf club head body and an insert engaged with the golf club head body. Additionally, one or more of the golf clubs in the set may include iron-type golf club heads with a 1-piece configuration.
US08632414B1 Feedback-based golf swing training aid
A golf swing training and aid device that provides feedback to the user that allows correction of golf swing flaws. The device comprises a neck collar attached to an elastic feedback means, such as a bungee cord. The feedback means attaches to a gold club through the vent hole of the golf club grip. When a user keeps constant tension on the feedback means throughout the swing, the device promotes or encourages: a more comfortable and effective grip; a stance and posture more conducive to produce good golf shots and to preserve balance; a wider and stronger shoulder turn; a parallel position of the club relative to the shoulders at the top of the backswing; a more efficient position of the club at the start of the downswing; a stronger impact; a vertical follow through; and a balanced swing finish.
US08632408B2 Entertainment device and method
An entertainment device operable to connect to a first on-line virtual environment comprises a group membership selector operable to select members of a group of entertainment devices connected to a first on-line virtual environment comprising a plurality of connected entertainment devices, a server evaluator operable to evaluate a plurality of servers of a second on-line virtual environment according to one or more criteria while the entertainment device is connected to the first on-line virtual environment, a server selector operable to select at least a first server of the second on-line virtual environment based upon the evaluation while the entertainment device is connected to the first on-line virtual environment, and a storage arrangement operable to cause the storage of server selection data defining the selected server.
US08632407B2 General gaming engine
An apparatus for implementing a game having a deterministic component and a non-deterministic component wherein a player uses the game through at least one player interface unit. Each player interface unit generates a player record indicating player-initiated events. A random number generator provides a series of pseudo-random numbers and a rules library stores indexed rules for one or more games. An interface registry stores mapping records where the mapping records are used to associate the player-initiated events to pre-selected rules in the rules library. A control means is coupled to the player interface to receive the output of the player interface unit, coupled to the interface registry, the rules library, and the random number generator. The control means processes the player record and returns an output record to the player interface unit where the output record is determined by executing the game's rules with reference to the pseudo-random numbers and predefined combinatorial algorithms for selecting sets of the pseudo-random numbers. In various embodiments, random numbers may be generated for use in a particular game or set of games, but not for use in all games.
US08632405B2 Method and system for using multi-channel communications to enhance gaming security
A method and system for using multi-channel communications to enhance security is described herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving in a first gaming device a set of gaming data stream portions over a plurality of data channels, wherein the gaming data stream portions are received from a second gaming device. The method further comprises combining ones of the set of gaming data stream portions into a gaming data stream.
US08632401B2 Game program, storage medium, game device and game system
In a game program for a multi-player game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.
US08632399B2 Gaming system having a common display, a first bonus game or a first bonus game paytable and an option to purchase a second bonus game or a second bonus game paytable with relatively expected higher values
A gaming system including a plurality of gaming devices and a shared or a common secondary display associated with the gaming devices. In one embodiment, the shared display is adjacent to one or more of the gaming devices of the gaming system. The gaming system includes at least one primary game and at least one secondary or bonus game. The bonus game is associated with a plurality of average expected payouts or values. In one embodiment, the bonus game that is played on the secondary display is associated with a higher average expected payout or higher values than the average expected payouts or values of the bonus game played on the individual gaming devices. When the player places a designated wager, they qualify to play the game on the secondary display and thus qualify for a chance to win the higher awards.
US08632390B2 Gaming device having multiple symbols at a single symbol position
A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels.
US08632387B2 Amusement devices and games involving elimination of game elements
Various embodiments of a game involving the elimination of game elements are described. Various methods and apparatus of described. Other embodiments are described.
US08632372B2 Swimming device for a swimmer or diver
A swimming device for a swimmer or diver is described, which has a monofin, a power transfer element for moving the monofin using muscle power, and a fastening device for fastening the power transfer element to the lower legs of the swimmer. The power transfer element has a lower leg section, a foot section, and a fin section. In order to achieve the highest possible propulsion in the water with the lowest possible use of force, the power transfer element flows dynamically, in cross section in the X-Z level with a longer Z axis and short X-axis.
US08632368B2 Electrical connector with separable contacts
A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a printed circuit and an array of mating contacts. Each mating contact includes a terminating end portion and a mating interface. The contact sub-assembly also includes an array of circuit contacts that is discrete from the array of mating contacts. Each circuit contact is engaged with and electrically connected to the printed circuit. Each circuit contact is separably engaged with and electrically connected to the terminating end portion of a corresponding one of the mating contacts such that the array of circuit contacts electrically connects the array of mating contacts to the printed circuit.
US08632367B2 Communications connector with a short conductive path to compensation
A communication jack is provided with plug interface contacts that have inner and outer contact members. A flexible printed circuit board is connected and supported between the inner and outer members. This results in a short conductive signal pathway between a plug-jack interface and crosstalk compensation provided on the flexible printed circuit board. The plug interface contacts of the jack are specially designed to provide good normal force to plug contacts of a plug inserted into the jack, as well as to securely hold the flexible printed circuit. Standard plug interface contacts may be utilized in combination with a flexible printed circuit board that is connected by welding or soldering to the plug interface contacts.
US08632363B2 Heat sealed connector assembly
Heat sealing a connector assembly can be performed by providing connector assembly in component accessible state, overlaying sealing tape on electrical contacts and housing, sealing tape being impregnated with heat sensitive adhesive, the overlaying leaving the dimples exposed, and sealing the connector assembly by applying heat to heat sensitive sealing tape.
US08632360B2 Coaxial cable connector having a collapsible portion
A coaxial cable connector is configured to connect a coaxial cable to a mating connector. The coaxial cable connector includes a connector body having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, the rearward end configured to receive a coaxial cable; an annular post disposed at least partially within the connector body; and a sleeve configured to be received within the connector body and movable from a first position to a second position relative to the connector body. The sleeve includes a collapsible portion configured to collapse radially inward in an asymmetric fashion toward the post as the collapsible sleeve is moved from the first position to the second position.
US08632358B2 Connection device for a solar module
The invention relates to a connection device (100, 101, 102, 103) for a solar module (400), the connection device (100, 101, 102, 103) having a housing (110, 111, 112, 113) and a contacting means (180), arranged in the housing (110, 111, 112, 113), for contacting a contact element (430) of the solar module (400). The connection device (100, 101, 102, 103) is distinguished by a blind mating connector (120, 150) arranged on the housing (110, 111, 112, 113) without an electrical connection to the contacting means (180), onto which connector a plug-and-socket connector (220, 250) can be plugged. The invention furthermore relates to a solar module with such a connection device (100, 101, 102, 103).
US08632352B2 Method and apparatus for locking a network cable in a jack
A method and apparatus provide for a physically small, simple, and inexpensive securing of a conventional RJ45 or similar plug into a conventional jack. A tab lock is configured to slide forward and backward along the plug, wherein when the tab lock is slid forward, a distally extending tongue reaches underneath a release lever to hinder the bending of the release lever. In this way a latch coupled to the release lever is prevented from un-latching with a corresponding latch in the jack. When the tab lock slides backward the tongue is removed from underneath the release lever and the plug may be removed from the jack. The tab lock further provides for visual identification of a particular plug.
US08632350B2 Card connector
A slide member includes a side edge holding part, which extends towards the front end edge of the housing, and a front end holding part, which is connected to the front end of the side edge holding part and extends in the transverse direction of the housing. The slide member is able to slide forward and backward along one side edge of the bottom wall part of the housing. The housing contains a mistaken insertion prevention convex part which the front end or rear end of a mistakenly inserted card contacts.
US08632346B2 Connection assembly on circuit boards
A connection arrangement with a plug element and a circuit board with plated-through holes. The plug element has a plurality of pluggable contact elements. The plated-through holes are arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the contact elements of the plug element. The plated-through holes and the contact elements that can be plugged into them, are matched to one another such that the plug element is manually connectable to the circuit board by inserting the contact elements into the plated-through holes and the plug element is manually removable. The contact elements are simultaneously pluggable into their associated plated-through holes. The contact elements include two legs having a space between them, with both legs of each contact element pluggable into a respective plated-through hole.
US08632339B2 Apparatus for simulated driving of a motor vehicle
The apparatus described is computer controlled and includes a visual display system with a triple screen arrangement in front of and on the sides of a driver of a vehicle positioned on a chassis dynamometer. Three projectors project virtual scenic imagery onto the triple screen arrangement which spans at least 180° relative to the driver. The virtual scenic imagery has a progression which is dependent upon the speed of at least one of the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, as controlled by the driver, when the motor vehicle is positioned on rollers of the dynamometer. The apparatus may include a steering sensing arrangement for providing signals of steering actions by the driver, which signals are used to deflect the virtual scenic imagery in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.
US08632336B2 Tooth implant
The tooth implant includes a conical screw section with a multiple thread, which broadens progressively from the rounded apical end thereof, is adjoined by a multiple micro-thread with a lower pitch. Such an implant has improved primary stability and avoids the injury of anatomical structures and with the micro-thread thereof avoids too high a compression and necrosis. In one example, an abutment with a post is fixed to the implant, which post includes a groove to which various structures can be clipped.
US08632334B2 Apparatus for blow molding
A method and apparatus for blow molding an article wherein a parison is positioned between substantially opposed mold closures. The opposed mold closures and at least one other mold closure are advanced, wherein the at least one other mold closure is advanced into abutment with at least one of another of the substantially opposed mold closures, and another of the at least one other mold closure. Thereafter, a gas may be injected within the interior of the parison to form a molded article, the mold closures retracted along their respective axes, and the molded article removed.
US08632332B2 Vertical concrete form with removable forming panels
A construction form system for forming concrete walls for use as above grade walls, foundations, frost walls, exterior envelopes, and the like, is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of pairs of opposing vertical forming panels spaced from each other to define a forming cavity disposed to receive a hardenable material. Each pair of opposing forming panels comprises an inner panel forming part of an inner wall and an outer panel forming part of an outer wall. The system also includes an outer rail positioned between each adjacent pair of outer forming panels and an inner rail positioned between each adjacent pair of inner forming panels. The inner forming panels comprise support panels configured to be selectively addable and removable from between each adjacent pair of inner rails prior to and subsequent to a pouring of the hardenable material into the cavity.
US08632330B2 Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools
Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part from a plurality of fibers positioned on a tool having a female mold surface. The mold surface can include a first side region, a second side region, an interior region between the first and second side regions, and transition regions between the first and second side regions and the interior region. The method includes positioning a compaction tool over the mold surface. The compaction tool includes a first pressing device and a second pressing device carrying the first pressing device. The method further includes pressing a first portion of the fibers against the transition regions with the first pressing device without generally compacting the portions of the fibers outboard of the transition regions. After pressing the first portion of the fibers, the method includes pressing a second portion of the fibers against the first and second side regions and shoulder regions of the mold surface outboard of the first and second side regions.
US08632323B2 Internal gear pump rotor, and internal gear pump using the rotor
A gear pump rotor is provided including a combination of an inner rotor and an outer rotor whose numbers of teeth are different by one, and the discharge amount of the pump is increased by an increase of the tooth depth. At least one of an addendum curve and a dedendum curve of an inner rotor is formed by a locus of one point on formation circles that satisfy moving conditions that the formation circles move from moving start points to moving end points while changing the distances from an inner rotor center to the centers of the formation circles. The centers of the formation circles move by a distance in the radial direction of a base circle, and the formation circles rotate by an angle at a constant angular velocity in the same directions of the moving directions of the formation circles.
US08632320B2 High-pressure compression unit for process fluids for industrial plant and a related method of operation
An integrated high-pressure compression unit for a process fluid that includes at least a first compression device able to compress the process fluid from a essentially gaseous initial thermodynamic state to an intermediate thermodynamic state, a second compression device connected mechanically to the first compression device and able to compress the process fluid from the intermediate thermodynamic state to a final thermodynamic state, a motor device able to drive the first compression device and the second compression device, and a pressure casing or housing in which at least the said first and second compression devices are mechanically coupled to each other.
US08632319B2 Device for powering the pump of a rocket engine using an inertia wheel
An apparatus for driving a pump for fueling a rocket engine of a space vehicle. The apparatus comprises an inertia wheel and a transmitting device to transmit a rotation of the inertia wheel to the pump. The apparatus further comprises a measuring device to measure the rotation speed of the inertia wheel a clutching device to decouple the wheel and the pump for a speed lower than a pre-determined speed lower, which is lower than the nominal rotation speed of the wheel. The invention is particularly applicable to a space vehicle comprising a rocket engine wherein the fuel supply system comprises at least one pump driven by the apparatus of the invention and a starting device to start the apparatus while the space vehicle is in flight.
US08632315B2 Air motor having ceramic valves
An air motor includes ceramic valves and valve plates to enhance performance and efficiency of the air motor.
US08632313B2 Turbine rotor blade
A turbine rotor blade which is enhanced in erosion resistance and reduced in stress corrosion cracking sensitivity is provided. When a blade tip end of the turbine rotor blade is hardened by heat treatment, hardness at an outer circumferential side in a radial direction is made higher than hardness at an inner circumferential side, and thereby, enhancement in erosion resistance and reduction in stress corrosion cracking sensitivity are made compatible with each other all over in a blade length direction.
US08632310B2 Rotor blade and method of making same
A helicopter rotor blade includes a structural composite skin defining a cavity therein; a composite spar disposed within the cavity and adhesively bonded to the skin, a portion of the spar exhibiting a C-shape in cross section; and a foam core disposed within the cavity and adhesively bonded to the skin. The structural composite skin forms an external, closed box structure configured to transmit mechanical loads encountered by the rotor blade.
US08632309B2 Blade for a gas turbine
A blade is disclosed for a gas turbine including an airfoil, which extends along a longitudinal axis from a blade root to a blade tip, and has a shroud segment at the blade tip. The shroud segment abuts with first and second edges against shroud segments of adjacent blades to form a ring-like shroud. The first and second edges are each provided with a respective side rail on the upper side of the shroud segment. Each of the side rails is subdivided into sections of different height and/or width.
US08632307B1 Ultra-light weight self-lubricating propeller hub
A propeller assembly includes a rotatable hub having a center metal hub portion and an outer composite hub portion. A set of composite propeller blades are mounted for pitch control rotation on the hub by a set of dry bearings.
US08632301B2 Low noise compressor rotor for geared turbofan engine
A gas turbine engine has a fan, a compressor section having a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion, a combustor section, and a turbine having a low pressure portion. The low pressure turbine portion drives the low pressure compressor portion and the fan. A gear reduction effects a reduction in the speed of the fan relative to a speed of the low pressure turbine and the low pressure compressor portion. At least one of the low pressure turbine portion and low pressure compressor portion has a number of blades in each of a plurality of rows. The blades operate at least some of the time at a rotational speed. The number of blades and the rotational speed are such that the following formula holds true for at least one of the blade rows of the at least one of the low pressure turbine portion and/or the low pressure compressor sections: (number of blades×rotational speed)/60≧5500. The rotational speed is an approach speed in revolutions per minute.
US08632297B2 Turbine airfoil and method for cooling a turbine airfoil
According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine includes a first sidewall, an airfoil positioned between the first sidewall and a second sidewall and a first passage in the airfoil proximate a high temperature region, the first passage configured to receive a cooling fluid, wherein the high temperature region is near an interface of the first sidewall and a trailing edge of the airfoil. The turbine further includes a first diffuser in fluid communication with the first passage, the first diffuser configured to direct the cooling fluid to form a film on a surface of the first sidewall.
US08632289B2 Tapping screw
Tapping screw (1) has conical portion (4) at the end of cylindrical portion (3) and thread (6) of tapered screw portion (M) disposed at conical portion (4) are formed of single-start threads roughly pitched, wherein the tip angle of conical portion (4) is conically formed at an acute angle of about 30 degrees, and second thread (7) extending in parallel with thread (6) of tapered screw portion (M) is disposed at the end of conical portion (4), forming double-start thread (6, 7) at the end of conical portion (4), and the axial length of tapered screw portion (T) formed of double-start thread (6, 7) is greater than the thickness (upper limit 1.6 mm) of the metal sheet to be fastened.
US08632285B2 Router table clamp system and router table including the clamp system
A router table clamp system for attaching a router to a router table, wherein the system includes a first plate that is fixed with respect to the router table, a second plate that is configured to cooperate with the first plate to enable the router to be removably attached to the router table, and a clamping mechanism configured and arranged to move the second plate with respect to the first plate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the clamping mechanism is in the locked position, the router is securely attached to the router table. The clamping mechanism also includes a lever assembly configured and arranged to move the second plate in a locking direction and an unlocking direction, which directions are both generally coincident with a plane defined by the second plate, wherein the locking direction is opposite of the unlocking direction.
US08632282B2 Mechanically stabilized earth system and method
A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements, where a soil reinforcing element is coupled to initial and terminal wires of the horizontal element. The soil reinforcing element may have a hook or similar coupling device on its end in order to be coupled to the initial wire. A strut may be coupled to the top-most cross wire of the vertical element and the terminal wire of the horizontal element to maintain the vertical element at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal element as backfill is added to the wire facing.
US08632280B2 Mechanically stabilized earth welded wire facing connection system and method
A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. The system includes a soil reinforcing element having a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires. The soil reinforcing element is coupled to a facing anchor configured such that at least a portion of the facing anchor is inserted through the wire facing and coupled thereto. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.
US08632279B2 Splice for a soil reinforcing element or connector
A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. A soil reinforcing element has a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires having lead ends that upwardly-extend. A bearing plate includes one or more longitudinal protrusions configured to receive and seat the upwardly extending lead ends and couple the soil reinforcing element to the wire facing, and in particular to the vertical element. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.
US08632276B2 Implement for processing, particularly sealing, ground surfaces under water, particularly bottoms and embankments of waterways, particularly canals, a method for setting up the same, a method for moving the same, a method for sealing ground surfaces using the same, and the like
A method and apparatus for processing underwater beds includes a plurality of polygonal hollow pipes arranged side by side, the upper ends of which form a horizontal, substantially flat working platform. Each hollow pipe has a horizontal projection with a flange extending vertically and a corresponding flange insertion aperture with a slot immediately above it running vertically and extending as far as the upper end of the hollow pipe, the aperture being further away from the upper end of the hollow pipe than the projection with the flange and having a greater horizontal dimension than the slot. Neighboring hollow pipes engage one another via a respective projection with a corresponding slot. The hollow pipes cannot be moved relative to one another horizontally. Individual pipes can only be pulled out individually in an upward direction at the platform outer edge.
US08632268B2 Implement having a reaction and delivery system
A reaction and delivery implement (100) that includes a handle (103) configured for user manipulation, a head (102) having a plurality of agent housing regions (120,130), the first agent housing region (120) housing a first agent and the second agent housing region (130) housing a second agent, the first and second agents being different is described. The head is configured to facilitate both prevention of intermixing of the first and second agents in a storage position as well as reaction of the first and second agents through intermixing in a delivery position so as to produce and apply a third agent to a contacted surface when in the delivery position. The reaction and delivery implement may be an oral care implement such as a toothbrush. The implement may also be motorized and may be used with a wide array of reactions.
US08632266B1 Printer for a mobile device
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a printing device for use with a mobile device are described herein. The printing device may include an image capture module to capture surface images of a medium and a positioning module to determine positioning information based at least in part on navigational measurements and the captured surface images. A print module of the printing device may cause print forming substances to be deposited based at least in part on the positioning information. A mobile device may include one or more features of the printing device including the image capture module, the positioning module, and the print module. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08632264B2 Privacy shutter for cameras
A unit which includes a camera includes a movable member which can close an optical input port to the camera to provide a zone of privacy in the vicinity of the unit. The member can be moved manually or remotely by electrical signals, or received wireless signals.
US08632262B2 Laser to fiber optical coupling in photoplethysmography
An embodiment of a laser to fiber coupling apparatus having a substrate 110 that supports a laser mount 120, to which is affixed a submount 130 and laser die 140, and an open slot mount 150, in which a light guide 160 is affixed with an adhesive 170, such that the light from the laser 140 is coupled into the light guide 160. The open slot arrangement permits the light guide to be moved in all six translational and rotational degrees of freedom to maximally couple the light from the laser to the light guide. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US08632259B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes an inner housing and a fixing module sleeved in the inner housing. The fixing module includes a fixing mechanism having a supporting member and a clamping member. The supporting member includes a first fixing portion axially defining a first restricting groove, a first fixing end and a second fixing end at two opposite ends of the first fixing portion, and the clamping member includes a second fixing portion axially defining two sliding grooves on two borders of the second fixing portion. The fixing module further includes a locking member sleeved on the fixing mechanism, a position member fixed at the first fixing end of the fixing mechanism, and an elastic member sleeved on the fixing mechanism with an end of the elastic member resisting with the position member and the other end of the elastic member resisting with the locking member.
US08632257B2 Rolling bearing and method for the production thereof
A bearing ring comprises a raceway for a rolling member as well as at least one lateral rim for axially guiding the rolling member. To produce the bearing ring a notch is introduced into a running surface of the bearing ring which faces the rolling member. A final contour of the bearing ring is created by means of a hard turning process.
US08632252B2 Grease baffle system
A grease baffle that may be installed and removed independently of an outer race of a bearing assembly, thus reducing or eliminating damage to the grease baffle during maintenance actions, eliminating the potential for damage to the bearing support body for maintenance actions requiring removal of the grease baffle but not removal of the outer race, and reducing maintenance time and maintenance costs. The grease baffle may be retained in the support body by a retaining ring or a resilient sealing member, and may be preloaded against a retaining surface.
US08632247B2 Radiation imaging system and method for detecting positional deviation
A radiation imaging system includes an X-ray source, first and second absorption gratings disposed in a path of X-rays emitted from the X-ray source, and an FPD. The second absorption grating is slid stepwise in an X direction relative to the first absorption grating. Whenever the second absorption grating is slid, the FPD captures a fringe image. From the captured plural fringe images, an intensity modulation signal of each pixel is obtained. A positional deviation detector calculates an amplitude value of the intensity modulation signal. The positional deviation detector compares a measurement of the amplitude value with predetermined first and second threshold values. If the measurement is less than the first threshold value, a warning signal is outputted. If the measurement is less than the second threshold value, an error signal is outputted.
US08632246B2 Irradiation system
The present embodiments relate to a system for irradiating a patient. The system for irradiating the patient includes a horizontal guide and a vertical guide. The vertical guide is connected horizontally-adjustably to the horizontal guide. The system also includes a support element that is attached vertically-adjustably to the horizontal guide and a radiation unit including a radiation source. The radiation unit is arranged on the support element. The irradiation system may be expanded by three further degrees of freedom.
US08632243B2 Microfluidic mixing using continuous acceleration/deceleration methodology
The present invention relates to a method for microfluidic mixing in a “lab-on-a-chip” environment. The methodology focuses on constant acceleration and deceleration about a mean angular speed with a rotating disk serving as the mixing platform. The methodology results in good mixing between different fluids.
US08632237B2 Light guide plate with adjustable illumination angle, illumination device with adjustable illumination angle, and method for adjusting illumination angle thereof
A light guide plate with an adjustable illumination angle and an illumination device using the same are provided. The light guide plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface further has a plurality of deformable microstructures thereon. The deformable microstructures will be deformed when an external force is applied to the deformable microstructures. The illumination device has a light source and a light guide plate that is disposed next to the light source. A light beam emitted from the light source enters into the light guide plate and leaves the light guide plate via reflecting or refracting by the deformable microstructures. By applying a different external force to the light guide plate, the deformation of the deformable microstructures will be varied. Therefore, the illumination angle of the light beam could be changed according to the deformation of the deformable microstructures.
US08632233B2 Vehicle lighting device with heat sink member and shade
A vehicle lighting device is provided which is capable of merely changing a shade, thereby using a first reflector and a second reflector as they are, to cope with a variety of light distribution pattern specifications, and which is capable of avoiding deformation of a shade due to a thermal effect even if incidence of sunlight going back has optically focused on the shade. In a heat sink member 40, there are arranged: a semiconductor-type light source 10; a first reflector 21 covering the semiconductor-type light source 10 therewith; a second reflector 22 for causing the reflected light from the first reflector 21 so as to be made incident thereto and then reflecting the incident light forward of the lighting device; and a shade 30 for shading a part of the reflected light from the first reflector 21 so as to be made incident to the second reflector 22. The shade 30 is configured as another member independent of the first and second reflectors 21, 22, and is arranged in the heat sink 40.
US08632230B2 Deep submersible light with pressure compensation
A deep submersible light may include a body defining a hollow interior and a solid state light source such as a plurality of high brightness LEDs mounted in the interior of the body. A transparent window may be mounted over the LEDs. The space between the transparent window and the LEDs may be filled with an optically transparent fluid, gel, or grease, which allows light to pass through and ambient water pressure to pass in, thus pressure compensating the LEDs by allowing them to see ambient water pressure. The transparent window may be mounted in the body for reciprocation in both a forward direction and a rearward direction to accommodate volumetric changes in the compensating fluid, gel, or grease caused by changes in temperature and water pressure as the manned or remotely piloted submarine travels from the sea surface to deep ocean depths.
US08632227B2 Heat removal system and method for light emitting diode lighting apparatus
One heat removal assembly includes a plurality of fins configured to receive heat from a light emitting diode. In the plurality of fins, two adjacent fins are separated by a gap width, and each fin has a fin length. The heat removal assembly also includes a duct configured to draw a stack-effect airflow through the plurality of fins to remove heat from the plurality of fins. The gap width separating two adjacent fins and the fin length of each of the fins are configured to prevent boundary layer choking the plurality of fins. The heat removal assembly also includes a conductor and a thermal storage system configured to receive heat from the light emitting diode.
US08632221B2 LED module and method of bonding thereof
The present disclosure provides a method including providing a light-emitting diode (LED) device (e.g., a LED element and PCB) and a heat sink. The LED device is bonded to the heat sink by applying an ultrasonic energy. In an embodiment, the bonding may form a bond comprising copper and aluminum. The PCB may be a metal core PCB (MC-PCB).
US08632218B2 Lighting device
A lighting device is provided. The lighting device includes: a light source module mounted on a substrate; a lens unit provided on the light source module and including an accommodating groove accommodating the light source module; a housing unit accommodating the lens unit therein to protect the lens unit from an outside; a supporting unit fixed to the substrate and including a coupling hole having the housing unit coupled thereto to thereby support the housing unit; and a height adjustment unit allowing the housing unit to be vertically-movably coupled to the supporting unit and adjusting a height of the lens unit such that the height of the lens unit is varied.
US08632217B2 Light head structure with adjustable focal length and lighting device thereof
A light head structure with adjustable focal length and a lighting device thereof. The light head structure includes a base, a threaded collar and a soft lens. The threaded collar has an assembling section, a receiving space for receiving the base therein and a protrusion section formed on an inner circumference of the threaded collar. The base has a recess for receiving a light-emitting element therein and an outer connection section for movably assembling with the assembling section. The soft lens has a focusing section in alignment with the light-emitting element. The focusing section has an extension section. The protrusion section of the threaded collar abuts against the extension section to attach the extension section to the outer circumference of the base. The thickness of the soft lens is adjustable to change the focal length and enhance the illumination. The lighting device can be easily manufactured to lower manufacturing cost.
US08632214B1 Light modules with uninterrupted arrays of LEDs
A light fixture includes multiple LED modules where each LED module includes a substrate on which one or more LED's are disposed. The LED modules can interface with one another in a variety of different configurations, such that when adjacent LED modules interface with one another, there is a substantially continuous array of LED's across the LED modules. Electrical connectors or other means for powering the LED modules are disposed such that they do not impact the continuity of light across adjacent LED modules.
US08632210B2 LED engine of finned boxes for heat transfer
A light emitting assembly (10) includes a heat sink (12) defined by a plurality of independent sections (14). Each section (14) includes walls (24, 26) extending transversely from the mounting surface (20) to define an open container. Light emitting diodes (52) are disposed at the bottom of each open container. Each section (14) includes first fins (32) extending outwardly from the walls (24, 26) and extending toward the first fins (32) of an adjacent section (14). In one embodiment, the sections (14) can be cantilevered to a planar surface (38) extending longitudinally across an end wall (24) of each section (14). In a second embodiment, the sections (14) can be interconnected by bridges (42) and then vertically mounted to a wall with a mounting bracket (44). The sections (14) can include second fins (34) extending from a heat transfer surface (22) facing opposite the mounting surface (20). The second fins (34) are disposed between the heat transfer surface (22) and the mounting bracket (44).
US08632208B2 Methodology of providing white lighting with colour combination
The present invention relates generally to a methodology of creating lighting of white color with the intended correlated color temperature (CCT) by having a processing means to instruct several lighting means groups, wherein each group has different CCT ranges, that are arranged together, to provide lighting of a fixed CCT, wherein the lighting means groups comprises lighting means with dominant wavelength (DWL) range of 585 nm and 595 nm representing amber, CCT range of 2500K and 3700K representing warm white and CCT range of 3700K and 5000K representing white and CCT range of 5000K and 7000K representing cool white.
US08632206B2 System of, and method for, indirect lighting
A light fixture is configured to provide indirect lighting from a light source through use of a light shield. The light shield blocks a percentage of the light emitted from the light source at a center of the light shield. The light shield decreasing blocks light emitted from the light source along a path between the center and an outer edge of the light shield.
US08632203B2 Lighting device with removable clip
A light producing device, such as a flashlight, may have a clip that is removably attached to a body thereof. The clip may comprise a split ring that substantially encircles the body and has a split therein and may also comprise an elongated portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated portion may be attached to the split ring substantially opposite the split. The clip may be readily removed from the body, such as to better facilitate hand holding of the light producing device, to facilitate maintenance or repair of the light producing device, and/or for storage/transportation of the light producing device.
US08632201B2 Display device with integrated photovoltaic cells, with improved luminosity
A display device, in particular digital display screen, with integrated photovoltaic cells, including (a) an array of image zones emitting light or backlit by a light source placed behind the array of image zones, (b) an array formed by a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of orifices, in which array two neighboring photovoltaic cells form an orifice, and (c) a lenticular array making it possible to focus the light emitted by the image zones into the orifice between two neighboring photovoltaic cells. The lenticular array of the display device is positioned between the array of image zones and the array of photovoltaic cells.
US08632200B2 Light source device and display device
A light source device which can prevent a stress from being generated on each of circuit boards when connected through a connector and fixed to a support body through a fixture, is provided. There are provided a plurality of circuit boards 2 having a light-emitting element 1 mounted on a one surface 2a and disposed apart from each other with a planar direction aligned, a support body 6 positioned on the other surface side of the circuit boards 2 for supporting the circuit boards, and a connector 5 for electrically connecting the adjacent circuit boards 2 to each other. Inserting holes 2c and 2d for inserting a fixture 8 for fixing the circuit boards 2 to the support body 6 are formed on the circuit boards 2 apart from each other, and a dimension of the inserting hole 2c is smaller than that of the other inserting hole 2d.
US08632199B2 Lamp apparatuses
A lamp apparatus include a lamp body, at least an alternating current light-emitting diode and a plug. The alternating current light-emitting diode is disposed on a lamp body. The plug is electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode. In lamp apparatuses utilizing AC LED, heat generated thereby is almost concentrated on chips. Compared with conventional lamp apparatuses utilizing DC LEDs, heat generated thereby is distributed on chips and outer rectifier. In lamp apparatuses utilizing AC LEDs, heat generated thereby is almost concentrated on chips because AC LEDs operate directly with AC electric power, omitting a rectifier and preventing power loss during operation of power rectification. Therefore, the heat accumulated on the chips of the AC LEDs is enough to be used to evaporate essential oil. In another embodiment, the invention utilizes low-resistance pure water surrounding the AC LED to dissipate its heat.
US08632197B2 Illumination system and wavelength-transforming device thereof
An illumination system includes a wavelength-transforming device, a solid-state light-emitting element and a filter wheel. The wavelength-transforming device comprises a segment and a wavelength-transforming element disposed on the segment. The solid-state light-emitting element emits first color light in first waveband region to the wavelength-transforming device. The filter wheel is disposed on one side of the wavelength-transforming device for filtering lights via rotating. The first color light is excited as second color light in second waveband region by the wavelength-transforming device, so that the second color light is outputted with the rest of the first color light. The first and second color lights are transmitted through the filter wheel, such that three primary color lights are sequentially projected. The present invention achieves the advantages of reducing cost, simplifying fabricating processes, being available for high working temperature, and further improving image quality without using red phosphor agent or red solid-state light-emitting element.
US08632195B2 Catoptric objectives and systems using catoptric objectives
In general, in one aspect, the invention features an objective arranged to image radiation from an object plane to an image plane, including a plurality of elements arranged to direct the radiation from the object plane to the image plane, wherein the objective has an image side numerical aperture of more than 0.55 and a maximum image side field dimension of more than 1 mm, and the objective is a catoptric objective.
US08632191B2 Projector
A projector includes: an electro-optic device which modulates light emitted from a light source; a projection lens which projects the light modulated by the electro-optic device; and a lens shift mechanism which shifts the projection lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens, wherein the lens shift mechanism includes a shift unit which supports the projection lens and shifts the projection lens in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a guide unit which guides the shift of the shift unit, and a drive unit which moves the shift unit, and the drive unit includes a rotation section as a rotated part which has a first bevel gear rotating around a center axis extending in the same direction as that of the optical axis, and a transmission section which has a second bevel gear engaging with the first bevel gear and transmits the rotation of the rotation section to the shift unit.
US08632184B2 Self guided subjective refraction instruments and methods
A refraction device determines a refraction end point to provide corrective optics for a test subject. The device includes an adjustable optical system providing corrective optics to the test subject and an adjustable viewing target disposed along an optical path such as to be viewable through the adjustable optical system by a test subject. The adjustable viewing target includes a directional indicator linked synchronously to at least two choices of corrective optics presented to the test subject.
US08632183B2 Effective acuity and refraction targets
A viewing target for a visual acuity and refraction measurement includes at least one line comprising a width dimension that is below a resolution limit width (hereinafter “RLW”) of a test subject visual acuity, and an adjustable length dimension that is initially set at greater than the RLW of the test subject visual acuity. A base, at least approximately intersecting the line, has a thickness along the direction of the length of the line that is greater than the RLW of the test subject visual acuity. The length dimension of the line is adjustable in increments small enough to effectively approximate the visual acuity of the test subject by determining a shortest resolvable line and a next smaller line that is not resolvable by the test subject.
US08632175B2 High viscosity heat sensitive ink printing process
A high viscosity aqueous inkjet ink that is useful in ink jet printers. The ink having heat activated colorant solids that are not heat activated during the printing process, and are printed onto a substrate in the form of an image that can be transferred onto a subsequent or final substrate by applying heat and intimate contact between the two substrates. The ink can also be heat activated onto the substrate without further transfer by applying heat at the temperature that is suitable for the activation of the colorant.
US08632168B2 Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and methods for the manufacture thereof
A piezoelectric element, a liquid ejecting head and a liquid ejecting apparatus that have improved reliability are provided. Methods for the manufacture thereof are also provided. A piezoelectric element includes a vibration plate having a recess in a first surface, a first electrode formed in the recess, a piezoelectric layer formed on the vibration plate and the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer, wherein an upper surface of the first electrode forms a continuous flat surface together with the first surface.
US08632162B2 Nozzle plate including permanently bonded fluid channel
A printhead includes a nozzle membrane and a plurality of liquid chambers. Portions of the nozzle membrane define an array of nozzles. The nozzle array includes a length and each nozzle of the nozzle array includes an axis. Each of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a respective one of the nozzles of the nozzle array. Each of the plurality of liquid chambers includes a height dimension and a width dimension. The height dimension extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the respective nozzle. The width dimension extends in a direction along the length of the nozzle array. The height dimension and the width dimension have an aspect ratio of less than or equal to 9:1.
US08632156B2 Paper floating detection apparatus, paper conveyance apparatus and image recording apparatus
A paper floating detection apparatus is arranged at a conveyance path of a conveyance device which holds paper on a conveyance surface and conveys the paper in a conveyance direction while causing a surface of the paper to face a droplet ejection head. The detection apparatus includes: a light emission unit and a light reception unit arranged to face each other across the conveyance path, such that an optical path of detection light emitted from the light emission unit and received by the light reception unit is substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction, floating up of the paper from the conveyance surface being detected by detecting that the conveyed paper has shielded the detection light; and an air flow diverting guide member which is arranged in a periphery of the optical path and configured to prevent inflow of air having a temperature differential sufficient to affect the optical path.
US08632153B2 Printing system having multiple sided pattern registration
A printing system includes a media transport system and first and second printheads that print first and second patterns on first and second sides of the media, respectively. An image registration system includes a fiducial including an origin and first and second sides. A first camera captures a first fiducial image of the first side and origin and a first pattern image of the first pattern. A second camera captures a second fiducial image of the second side and origin and a second pattern image of the second pattern. A registration controller processes the first and second fiducial images and pattern images to determine a relative position of the first and second patterns. A print controller, controlling printhead operation, adjusts the registration of subsequently printed patterns on at least one of the first and second sides of the media based on the determined relative pattern position.
US08632151B2 Driving device for liquid discharging head, liquid discharging apparatus, and ink jet recording apparatus
Present invention provide a driving device of a liquid discharging head, a liquid discharging apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus that are capable of realizing a desired dot shape by suppressing the generation of the meniscus without sacrificing the discharge efficiency or the landing accuracy. According to the present invention, in a case where discharging is performed a plurality of times in one recording period, and one pixel is recorded by using a plurality of droplets, by configuring the wave height change time of a rear-end side wave height change part of the final pulse of a plurality of discharge pulses to be equal to or longer than a quarter of the resonant period Tc and configuring the pulse width of the plurality of discharge pulses to be a half of the resonant period Tc.
US08632148B2 Fluid ejection device and fluid ejection printer with a power amplifier stopping section
A fluid ejection device includes a modulator adapted to pulse-modulate a drive waveform signal forming a basis of a drive signal of an actuator to obtain a modulated signal; a digital power amplifier circuit adapted to power-amplify the modulated signal to obtain a power-amplified modulated signal; a low pass filter adapted to smooth the power-amplified modulated signal to obtain the drive signal; and a power amplification stopping section operating when holding a voltage of the actuator constant.
US08632147B2 Method for obtaining reaction solution dot shape information
A reaction solution dot shape information obtainment method to be employed for a transfer type inkjet recording method including applying a reaction solution to aggregate a color material component contained in an ink onto an image forming surface of an intermediate transfer member, forming an intermediate image by applying the ink containing the color material component onto the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer member onto which the reaction solution is applied, and forming an image by transferring the intermediate image from the image forming surface to a recording medium by pressing the recording medium to the image forming surface on which the intermediate image is formed, includes measuring a shape of an ink dot of the intermediate image formed on the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer member or the image transferred onto the recording medium, and obtaining shape information of a reaction solution dot from a measurement result of the ink dot shape.
US08632139B2 Electric control device
An electronic control device includes: an accommodation element; a cover element; a connection element for fixing the cover element to the accommodation element; an extending protrusion extending and protruding to an outside from a contact portion between the cover element and the accommodation element; and a control element formed in the accommodation space. The extending protrusion includes a protrusion portion, which protrudes toward a bottom side or a cover element side and is formed to cover the contact portion. A clearance having predetermined dimensions is formed between the protrusion portion and one of an outer wall of the cover element and an outer wall of the accommodation element, which is near the contact portion.
US08632138B2 Traction assembly
A traction assembly for replacing a wheel on a vehicle is disclosed. The traction assembly uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are pivotally mounted to a support frame which is coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support arm. The support arm is pivotally yet non-drivingly connected to the sprocket wheel and is pivotally connected to the support frame. The support arm is able to pivot forwardly and rearwardly, albeit in a limited fashion, with respect to the support frame. Such forward and rearward pivotal movements allow the weight of the vehicle to be transferred on the trailing portion, i.e. either the front or the rear portion, of the support frame depending on the direction of movement of the vehicle, thereby generally preventing the leading portion from diving or digging into the ground.
US08632137B2 Debris guard
A debris guard includes a plurality of fasteners and an outer cover including two or more sections that when assembled form an annular inner wall. Each of the two or more sections includes at least one mounting feature shaped to receive at least one of the plurality of fasteners. An inner guard includes a mounting portion and a seal.
US08632136B2 Brake control system
A brake control system displaces a primary piston by controlling an operation of the electric motor by a master pressure control unit according to the operation amount (Xop) of the brake pedal, thereby generating a hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder to supply it to wheel cylinders (Ba to Bd). The master pressure control unit sets a target relative displacement (ΔXT) between an input piston and the primary piston and a target hydraulic pressure (PT) in the master cylinder, and appropriately switch which is used to control a brake force. During regenerative cooperation, the master pressure control unit selects the control with use of the target hydraulic pressure, which enables easy execution of a hydraulic pressure control including a subtraction of the hydraulic pressure corresponding to a brake effect from the regenerative cooperation.
US08632135B2 Wheel with internal spinner and locking mechanism
A wheel has a hub, a rim, first and second supports supporting the rim around the hub, and a spinner rotatably mounted around the hub between the first and second supports. A spinner locking mechanism may be used to selectively lock the spinner to prevent rotation of the spinner with respect to the first and second supports, or unlock the spinner to allow rotation of the spinner relative to the first and second supports.
US08632129B2 Adjustable backrest
A backrest for supporting the back of a seated person, intended and adapted to form part of an article of seating furniture, such as a wheelchair, has the feature that the backrest consists of two parts, that is: a lower backrest part for supporting the sacral-lumbar part of the back of a seated person, and an upper backrest part for supporting the lumbar-thoracic part of the back of a seated person; both backrest parts can be moved independently of each other relative to the carrier; and a carrier therefor which has three degrees of freedom in a vertical plane, perpendicularly of the main plane of the backrests, relative to the frame tube, i.e. two degrees of freedom of translation corresponding to height and depth, and one degree of freedom of rotation around a horizontal rotation axis.
US08632127B2 Child safety seat with height adjustable harness
A child safety seat has a seat back (16) with an upper end (28), a lower end, a back side, and a front side (26). A harness (50) has a pair of shoulder straps (58) each having a portion positioned forward of and extending along the front side. A headrest (32) is coupled to the seat back near the upper end and has a bottom (40). The vertical position of the headrest is selectively adjustable along the seat back between a raised and a lowered position. A strap router (112) on the seat back directs the shoulder straps from the back side toward the front side. The shoulder straps are directed under the bottom (40) of the headrest. By selectively adjusting the headrest vertical position, the bottom (40) of the headrest adjusts the vertical position of the shoulder straps on the front side of the seat back by increasing or decreasing the useable length.
US08632121B1 Pole impact protection system
Pole impact protection systems for body-on-frame vehicles are presented that include first and second longitudinal frame members that are laterally connected by a tubular or non-tubular rigid and unbendable cross-member support. Upon impact on either side of an associated vehicle, the collision or impact energy is readily transferred to the opposite side of the vehicle thereby minimizing the damage to the passenger or occupant space within the vehicle.
US08632117B1 Armrest assemblies for vehicle doors
An armrest assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a substrate component configured for attachment to the door and defining a plurality of furrows. The armrest assembly further includes a cover component mated to the substrate component, wherein the cover component is formed from a foam and fills each of the plurality of furrows. A vehicle including the armrest assembly is also disclosed.
US08632115B2 Hatch system for a motor craft, in particular for an automobile vehicle
Hatch system (1) for a motor craft, in particular for an automobile vehicle, for example, the hatch (1) being mounted articulated about a substantially horizontal fixed main rotation axis (A) supported by the chassis of the motor craft, and being movable about the main rotation axis (A) manually or automatically by drive means (5) between a closed position and an open position, characterized in that, during a phase of movement of the hatch (1), the drive means (5) driving rotation of the hatch (1) about the main rotation axis (A) actuate means (7) for maneuvering the hatch (1) in rotation in the opposite direction about a secondary rotation axis (B), the combination of these two movements in rotation causing the hatch (1) to move in a substantially vertical plane without necessarily causing lateral movement of the hatch during this phase of movement of the hatch (1).
US08632113B2 Stowable seat arrangement for a motor vehicle
A seat assembly for a vehicle having a floor can include a seat bottom, a seat back, a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs. The seat bottom can have a seating side and an opposite lower side facing the floor. The front legs can be pivotably coupled to the vehicle and to the seat bottom via releasable locking mechanisms. The rear legs can be pivotably coupled to the seat bottom and releasably coupled to the vehicle. A pair of linking members can pivotably couple the front and rear legs to each other. The seat assembly can be movable from a deployed to a stowed position whereby the seat bottom can be pivoted forward about the front and rear legs while maintaining the seat bottom lower side facing the floor and the front and rear legs pivotably coupled to the vehicle and the seat bottom.
US08632102B2 Optically effective surface relief microstructures and method of making them
The present invention relates to an element comprising a surface area with a specific, optically effective surface relief microstructure (12). The surface relief microstructure has a surface modulation of top regions (13) and bottom regions (14), wherein in a first lateral direction of the surface area there is in average at least one transition from a top to a bottom region or vice versa within every 20 micrometer, and in a second lateral direction of the mask, which is perpendicular to the first direction, there is in average at least one transition from a first to a second zone or vice versa within every 200 micrometer. In the microstructure, (i) in the first direction the lateral arrangement of the transitions is non-periodic, and (ii) the top regions substantially lie in the same top relief plateau (15) and the bottom regions substantially lie in the same bottom relief plateau (16).Through scattering effects, the surface relief microstructures are suitable to display images with a positive-negative image flip, which advantageously have a distinct and saturated color appearance but at the same time do not show any rainbow colors.The invention also relates to methods for making such elements as well as to security devices comprising such elements.
US08632101B2 Method for securing a coloured opaque object
The invention relates to a method for securing a colored or uncoloured translucent or opaque object (1), in which a sticker (2) is affixed to the back of the object (1), said sticker comprising: a substrate including a watermark or pseudo-watermark (4) which is sufficiently transparent to allow the object (1) to be seen through the watermark or pseudo-watermark (4); and a luminescent agent which is positioned at least partially over the watermark or pseudo-watermark (4) between the watermark or pseudo-watermark (4) and the object (1).
US08632100B2 Security element
The present invention relates to a security element (16) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a microoptical moiré-type magnification arrangement for depicting a moiré image (84) having one or more moiré image elements (86), having a motif image that includes a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of lattice cells (24) having micromotif image portions (28, 28′, 28″), for the moiré-magnified viewing of the motif image, a focusing element grid (22) that is arranged spaced apart from the motif image and that includes a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of lattice cells having one microfocusing element (22) each, wherein, taken together, the micromotif image portions (28, 28′, 28″) of multiple spaced-apart lattice cells (24) of the motif image each form one micromotif element (50) that corresponds to one of the moiré image elements (86) of the magnified moiré image (84) and whose dimension is larger than one lattice cell (24) of the motif image.
US08632096B1 Systems and methods for hand wheel torsional vibration attenuation
Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating torsional vibration of a steering system. The apparatus can include a housing including a chamber. The housing can be couplable to a rim of a hand wheel of the steering system. The apparatus can include a mass disposed in the chamber of the housing. The mass can have a fixed stiffness. The apparatus can also include a damping fluid disposed in the chamber of the housing. The damping fluid can have a variable stiffness. The apparatus can include a control module that determines a torsional vibration experienced by the steering system and outputs a signal to vary the stiffness of the damping fluid in response to the torsional vibration in substantially real-time.
US08632090B2 Coaxial tube holder
A coaxial tube holder is provided, which essentially has a holder major body having an aperture for tightening and holding fork tube of bicycle. The holder major body has an abutment segment provided on the bottom side thereof, which is abutted against bearing seat body of head tube. An ornamental cover is inserted outside the holder major body. Then the assembly can be finished very easily and securely between the head tube and the fork tube by the holder major body. Further, the ornamental cover can be made in different color or to be transparent, or to have decorative body having pattern, veins or characters images thereon, so that the overall design can be more novel and dazzling to attract more consumer groups to purchase. Hence, benefit of enhancing competitiveness of industry can be achieved.
US08632088B2 Mobile ergonomic exercise tricycle apparatus and method
A mobile ergonomic exercise tricycle apparatus and related method of use, comprising: two front wheels; one rear wheel; two front handles, one for each hand of a rider; two pedals, one for each foot of the rider; and a connection between the pedals and the rear wheel such that actuation of the pedals by the rider's feet rotates the rear wheel to move the tricycle forward; wherein: the tricycle does not comprise any seat for sitting; and the pedals are positioned relative to the front handles such that when the rider's feet are atop the pedals and the rider's hands are touching the front handles, the rider is forced into a substantially upright, standing position when the apparatus is at rest and in motion.
US08632085B2 Bolted I-beam axle suspension system and method of construction
A suspension axle has beams that are bolted onto the axle. There are plates that are rigidly affixed to the front and rear of the axle with indentations on the inner end of the main portions and secondary portions of the beams that are sized to fit tightly over the plates. Bolts extend through openings in the axle end of the main portion and secondary portion and also through the plates and through the axle. The bolts have nuts thereon to securely hold the main portion and secondary portion in contact with the axle.
US08632080B2 Child carrier assembly for a shopping cart
A child seat assembly for use in a shopping cart and secured to the hinged rear gate of the shopping cart that is configured for lifting to expose a rear opening for nesting like carts. The child seat is secured in the lower one-third portion of the shopping cart rear wall height by hinged connections, such that the seat assembly is movable between a use and a non-use configuration, and the seat assembly is suspended in position by a strut member connected to the seat back and the rear gate at a position above the seat bottom.
US08632079B2 Snowskate and a tip for a snowskate
A snowskate, comprising: an upper deck having a first tip at one end of the snowskate, the upper deck having an upper surface for supporting a user while riding the snowskate; a lower deck having a second tip at the one end, the lower deck having a lower surface for contacting snow upon which the snowskate is ridden by the user; and, one or more trucks for mounting the upper deck above the lower deck; wherein the second tip extends above the first tip at the one end to thereby reduce the snow from gathering between the upper and lower decks when the snowskate is ridden in the direction of the one end.
US08632076B2 Annular sealing assembly, in particular for insertion between elements subjected to an offset positioning
A sealing assembly for insertion between first and second mechanical elements subjected to offset positioning, including a reinforcement ring and at least one elastomeric sealing element in which the reinforcement ring is at least partially embedded, the sealing element including an annular membrane shaped as a truncated-cone sleeve and free from the reinforcement ring, which membrane obliquely extends to protrude from the reinforcement ring, towards a symmetry axis of the sealing assembly and ends with at least one annular sealing lip intended to slidingly cooperate with the first mechanical element; the membrane has, in radial direction, a relatively thin thickness, thinner than that of the at least one sealing lip, so as to be highly flexible, and a plurality of stiffening ribs formed with the membrane, which extend in the axial direction, parallel to one another, spaced apart from one another to form longitudinally extending radial projections on the membrane.
US08632075B2 Seal assembly and method for flowing hot gas in a turbine
According to one aspect of the invention, a seal assembly includes a mounting structure coupled to an inner static structure in a turbine. Further, the seal assembly includes a brush seal member coupled to the mounting structure, wherein the brush seal member includes a first end that is in sealing contact with a rotor and a second end in sealing contact with a stator and wherein the brush seal member includes a plurality of bristles.
US08632073B2 Methods and apparatus for a seal
Methods and apparatus for a seal according to various aspects of the present invention include a seal operating in conjunction with a housing and a removable cover. A portion of the seal is attached to the housing and another portion of the seal is attached to the removable cover to enclose a joint between the housing and the removable cover. A cutter cuts the seal, which allows the removable cover to be removed.
US08632072B2 Puzzle with polycubes of distributed and low complexity for building cube and other shapes
An assembly puzzle comprising different polycubes that can be arranged to form a cube comprising sixty-four unit cubes. Included in the puzzle are polycubes of a sufficiently distributed complexity to allow meaningful hints to be given without actually providing a solution. Furthermore, the polycubes can be arranged in different configurations to build a wide variety of shapes other than a cube.
US08632066B2 Paper sheet cassette and image forming device
A paper sheet cassette includes a paper sheet containing part for loading and containing paper sheets, a pair of side edge positioning members provided so as to move toward or away from each other in a width direction of the paper sheets for determining a position of the paper sheets in their width direction, an interlock mechanism for synchronously moving the pair of side edge positioning members toward or away from each other, a latch member which is movable along with a first member of the pair of side edge positioning members and is provided with a lock tooth portion formed thereon, and a lock member which has a latch claw which can be brought into or out of engagement with the lock tooth portion and is movable along with a second member of the pair of side edge positioning members.
US08632065B2 Sheet processing apparatus
The sheet processing apparatus processes a sheet having an image formed thereon by an image forming apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet folding unit for folding the sheet having an image formed thereon, a sheet tray loaded with the sheet folded by the sheet folding unit to be taken out, and a control unit for controlling the sheet processing apparatus as a whole. The sheet tray includes a mechanism capable of adjusting an angle with a virtual plane and a detection device detecting a change of the angle with the virtual plane. The control unit prohibits ejection from the sheet folding unit to the sheet tray, based on the detection result of the detection device and the content of the folding processing by the sheet folding unit.
US08632063B2 Positioning fixture
A positioning fixture includes a clamping member, a supporting member, and a magnet. The clamping member includes a base body and an end portion protruding from the base body. The supporting member includes a main body and at least one protruding portion protruding from the main body towards the clamping member. The main body includes a mounting surface adjacent to the protruding portion. The main body defines a receiving groove at the mounting surface. The protruding portion engages with the end portion. The magnet is mounted on at least one of the supporting member and the clamping member, and at least another one of the supporting member and the clamping member is made of magnetic material. The optical component receives in the receiving groove, and the magnet provides a clamping force to clamp the optical component by using the supporting member and the clamping member.
US08632062B2 Elastomeric high capacity laminated rotary wing aircraft bearing for rotary wing aircraft
An elastomeric high capacity laminated (HCL) bearing for rotary wing aircraft and method of making is provided. The elastomeric HCL bearing is mold bonded using structural adhesives with a given elastomeric subassembly tensile strength between a first metal first laminate end structural bond shim and a second metal distal laminate end structural bond shim. The structural adhesive has a limited elongation and a first end tensile strength ≧elastomeric subassembly tensile strength.
US08632061B2 Active vibration isolating support apparatus
In a so-called motoring state at the time of engine starting before actuating engine, there is a problem that a roll vibration, which is generated when an engine revolution speed Ne is at a predetermined engine revolution speed and vibrates the engine and the vehicle body largely, can not be suppressed. For this reason, the present invention provides an active vibration isolating support apparatus in which the roll vibration can be suppressed in the motoring state at the time of engine starting.
US08632060B2 Bumper for manipulator
A bumper includes a supporting member, a base, a flange, a connecting arm, and a resetting assembly. The base is fixedly connected to the supporting member. The connecting arm has a rotating portion rotatably positioned between the flange and the supporting member. The resetting assembly includes a resisting member and an elastic member. The resisting member is slidably connected to the supporting member. The elastic member is configured for producing an elastic force to drive the resisting member to resist the rotating portion of the connecting arm. One of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a receiving groove, and the other one of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a restricting protrusion rotatably engaging in the receiving groove.
US08632049B2 Self-retaining plastic snap plugs
A plug for closing off a bore of a hydraulic spool type valve is provided. The plug includes a polymeric body having a plurality of integral projecting studs which have a snap fit engagement with an inward radial protrusion of the bore within the hydraulic valve.
US08632047B2 Shear blade geometry and method
A pair of shear blades and a blowout preventer having the pair of shear blades. The shear blades are configured to cut a tubular inside the blowout preventer. The shear blades have different geometries of the front cutting surfaces. One geometry promotes a secure positioning of the tubular relative to the first blade while the second geometry promotes a puncturing of the tubular by the second blade.
US08632043B2 Seat shell with integrally formed latch handle holder and fore-aft position adjustment assembly
A fore-aft adjustable vehicle seat formed of a plastic seat shell having an integrally formed latch handle recess molded into the shell that pivotally receives and retains a latch having a handle at one end and that is disposed in pivotal engagement with the shell at its opposite end. The latch is provided by an elongate bar that is spring biased outwardly into a slide plate engaging position that opposes fore-aft seat movement. A preferred latch handle recess includes a recessed latch seating channel integrally molded into the shell in communication with a latch receiver pocket integrally molded into the shell in which one end of the latch bar is pivotally received with engagement between the latch bar and shell defining a pivot about which the latch is biased by a coil spring outwardly toward a seat position adjustment opposing position where the latch bar releasably engages the slide plate.
US08632038B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting heights of objects
Embodiments include methods and apparatus for adjusting heights of objects. One embodiment is a leg adjusting assembly that has a housing connected to a leg of a table. A foot mechanism extends outwardly from the housing and from the leg. When a force is applied to the foot mechanism with a foot of a user, a rod vertically moves in the housing and adjusts a height of the table.
US08632037B1 Hose holder
A hose holder is provided for securing a hose in a desired position to direct fluid from the hose into a desired location such as a container. The holder may include a mounting bracket configured for coupling to a support structure or may be integral to a container. A guide member is coupled to the mounting bracket or container. A pair of spaced skewed rings is coupled to the guide member. The rings are configured for receiving a hose therethrough whereby the rings hold the hose in a static position relative to the guide member.
US08632036B1 Integrated articulating thermal isolation system and method
There is provided an integrated articulating thermal isolation system having an articulating actuator assembly, a support frame assembly, and a thermal blanket assembly. The thermal blanket assembly has a pair of non-articulating blankets positioned on exterior surfaces of the support frame assembly and a pair of articulating blankets disposed between the non-articulating blankets. Each articulating blanket has a plurality of stiffener elements. The system further has a harness assembly, a deployable assembly interface element, and a vehicle interface element. When the articulating actuator assembly is actuated, the articulating blankets are guided by the support frame assembly from a stowed position to a deployed position through motion of the articulating actuator assembly.
US08632027B2 Scraping, hauling and compacting machine
A device for gathering and removing chicken litter from chicken houses and for compacting the litter onto a compost pile. The scraper, hauler and compacter cleans and levels the floor of a chicken house as the scraper is being pulled by a tow vehicle such as a small tractor. A tiltable container is filled with the litter as scraping is done. When the container is full, the apparatus is towed to a compost pile where the scraper is either backed onto the pile or can be pulled up onto the pile. The container is tilted and the tailgate is opened. The apparatus is configured such that the wheels are in the rear and when the container is tilted into an unloading position with the tailgate hanging down in front of the wheels, the tailgate levels the litter out as the apparatus is moved forward. The wheels compress the litter onto the compost pile. Therefore, emptying, leveling and compacting the litter are all accomplished in one fluid motion, leaving the compost pile level and ready to receive another load immediately.
US08632025B2 System and method for ground material characterization in a grinding system
A stream of ground particles is characterized by irradiating it with electromagnetic radiation and detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted from the irradiated particles. The detecting system includes an imaging system and a color image sensor for imaging the particles by way of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the particles. The color image sensor has sensor image elements for spectrally selective detection of the electromagnetic radiation.
US08632022B2 Spray guide
A spray guide is disclosed herein for implementation a spray assembly comprising a spray wand and a spray nozzle. The spray guide includes an arm having a first end and a second end. A mechanism is used for removably attaching the first end of the arm to the swivel angle head, so that the arm will extend over the swivel angle head and the spray nozzle. A wheel is also provided. Another mechanism is provided for rotatably connecting the wheel to the second end of the arm. When an edge of the wheel is placed in a corner joint between a wall and a ceiling and the spray want manually moved therealong, the wheel will rotate in the corner joint to allow paint to be evenly sprayed from the spray nozzle onto an area of the wall adjacent to the ceiling. Also disclosed herein is a spray nozzle assembly for use with a handheld sprayer. Further, a spray guide designed for minimizing overspray is also disclosed herein.
US08632018B2 Methods and apparatus for applying product
An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.
US08632017B2 Damper control system
A damper control system having energy efficient mechanisms. The system may use a heat-to-electric power converter such as a thermopile. Heat may come from a pilot light used for igniting a flame for an appliance. The system may store electric energy in a storage module which could be a sufficiently large capacitor. The system may monitor the position of a damper in a vent or the like and provide start and stop movements of the damper using minimal energy. One way that the system may control electrical energy to a damper motor or another electrical mover of the damper is to use pulse width modulated signals.
US08632015B1 Method and apparatus for dynamic, on-demand creation of financial transaction cards having nonuniform data storage formats
A system and technique for manufacturing multiple financial transaction cards substantially simultaneously even though their respective parameters, including the format of data in a readable/writable medium thereon, may vary from card to card. A surface of a card contains a writable/readable medium for storing variable data and a two-dimensional data matrix. The variable data may be recorded on the writable/readable medium and may include an identifier which uniquely identifies the gift card from all other gift cards in the production set. The data stored in the two dimensional matrix serves as a reference to a data record, which may include data identifying another item, such as a greeting card or other carrier mechanism this, with which the card may be matched.
US08632014B2 Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a radiating plate, a wireless IC chip, and a feeder circuit board, on which the wireless IC chip is mounted. The feeder circuit board includes a resonant circuit with an inductance element, and the resonant circuit is electromagnetically coupled with the radiating plate. The wireless IC chip is interposed between the radiating plate and the feeder circuit board.
US08632011B2 Systems and methods for illuminating a scan volume of an optical code reader
Methods and systems of illuminating a scan volume of an optical code reader are disclosed. In an example configuration, an illumination source associated with the optical code reader is set to a first illumination mode based on a user-configurable parameter that at least partially defines a first depth of field of the optical code reader when the illumination source illuminates the scan volume; while the illumination source is in the first illumination mode, the scan volume is monitored for an indication of whether an object is detected in the scan volume; and if an object is detected in the scan volume while the illumination source is in the first illumination mode, the illumination source is set to a second illumination mode.
US08632010B2 Photoelectric conversion apparatus and driving method thereof
A photoelectric conversion apparatus which includes a plurality of sensor chips wherein each sensor chip is arranged into a plurality of unit blocks each having plural photoreceiving elements. A common signal reading line is provided, through which signals are read out from the plurality of photoreceiving elements of the plurality of sensor chips. After sequentially reading out signals from first photoreceiving elements included in each of the plurality of unit blocks in a first sensor chip, and before sequentially reading out signals from photoreceiving elements other than the first photoreceiving elements included in unit blocks of the first sensor chip, signals are read out to the common signal reading line from the photoreceiving elements included in the unit blocks in sensor chips other than the first sensor chip. Thus, a multi-chip type image sensor having a smaller chip size with desired performance is provided.
US08632008B2 Controlling device and method for controlling an apparatus
A controlling device that controls an apparatus includes a display unit configured to display an image representing a certain scene included in content that is being played back by the apparatus; and an obtaining unit configured to obtain image data of the image from an apparatus that is providing the content.
US08632004B2 Card processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, includes an operation surface section, a card reader provided on one side of the operation surface section and configured to read card information, and an operation button provided near the card reader on the operation surface section and recessing a predetermined dimension from the operation surface section.
US08632000B2 Mobile phone ATM processing methods and systems
Embodiments provide systems, methods, processes, computer program code and means for using mobile devices to conduct transactions with ATM devices.
US08631998B1 Solar powered illuminated mailbox post
A solar powered, illuminated mailbox post assembly includes a support post structure for supporting a mailbox operatively thereon. The support post structure includes a vertical post section for mounting in the ground and extending upwardly therefrom. The vertical post section has an interior chamber. A light unit is disposed in the chamber and includes a light source and a rechargeable power supply operatively connected to the light source for energizing the light source and causing the light source to illuminate. There is at least one solar collector operably connected to the rechargeable power supply for collecting solar energy and converting such energy to electric power that is directed to the power supply for recharging thereof. At least one window is formed in the vertical post section adjacent the chamber. The window bears indicia that are highlighted for display upon the window when the light is illuminated and light is transmitted through the window.
US08631993B2 Surgical instrument with double cartridge and anvil assemblies
An end effector for use with a surgical instrument having a first cartridge assembly configured to deploy a first set of fasteners and a second cartridge assembly disposed distally of the first cartridge assembly. The second cartridge assembly is configured to move between an open position and an approximated position relative to clamp tissue. A central rod extends between the first cartridge assembly and the second cartridge assembly.
US08631992B1 Feeder belt with padded staples for true multi-fire surgical stapler
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; at least one staple including a crown fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt, the crown having a first width, and a free end extending from the crown; and at least one pad wider than the first width, wherein each pad is associated with a corresponding crown. An exemplary surgical method using that exemplary apparatus may include placing the feeder belt in proximity to tissue; penetrating the free end of at least one staple into tissue, such that tissue is positioned between the free end and the crown; compressing the free end of at least one staple toward the crown, such that a compressive force is exerted toward the crown; distributing the compressive force across the pad of at least one staple; and shearing at least one staple from the feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one feeder belt having two lateral edges; staples, where each staple includes a first end frangibly connected to a corresponding feeder belt and a second free end; and where the staples form at least one row, each row including at least two staples; and at least one pad, where each pad is located along a corresponding free end of a corresponding staple.
US08631986B2 Fastener driver with an operating switch
A fastening tool includes a drive assembly configured to drive a fastener from the fastening tool, a work contact element moveable between an extended position and a depressed position, a trigger moveable between a release position and a fire position, an electric power source, an electronic control unit configured to deliver electric power from the electric power source to the drive assembly, and a single electric switch connected to the electronic control unit and configured to indicate that the work contact element is in the depressed position and the trigger is in the fire position.
US08631982B2 Safe attached to the hitch of a vehicle
A safe is provided comprising a main box having a predetermined size, such that the safe may also be used as a step; a lockable flip lid pivotally connected to the inside of said main box; a top lid, pivotally connected to the upper edge of said main box such that it disguises the said flip lid, and configured such that it is capable of being used as a step; and means for locking the safe to the hitch of a vehicle.
US08631978B2 Assembly of a nozzle and surrounding element
A tundish assembly, including an element, for preventing or limiting steel reoxidization in the continuous casting of molten steel, is used in combination with a refractory nozzle. The element has an orifice engaging the outer surface of the nozzle, a main surface surrounding the main orifice and having a lowest level lower than the top outer edge of the nozzle inlet portion, and a periphery having an upper face surrounding the main surface of the element. The upper face of the periphery of the element is higher than the main surface of the element and is higher than the surface of the bottom well of the tundish. The main surface of the element is arranged so as to contact molten steel in a tundish.
US08631977B2 Closure for a container
The present invention relates to a closure for a container, in particular for a fluid product, with a first part having an outlet opening, and with a second part having a carrier section, which carries a closing surface, wherein said first part and said second part are arranged movably against each other at least between a first position and a second position, and wherein, in said first position, said outlet opening is closed by said closing surface, while, in said second position, the outlet opening is open, wherein the first part confines a first cavity, through which the product can be transferred out of the container to the outlet opening and said carrier section, in said second position, is arranged at least partially within said first cavity. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing said closure.
US08631974B2 Multi-flavor valve
A multi-flavor valve for dispensing at least three flavors of beverages includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths, a water flow path, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. Three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths. The water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve has beverage flavor switches for selecting the beverage flavors for dispensation. The valve includes an electronics module electrically connected to the solenoids and to the beverage flavor switches, the electronics module causing one of the syrup flow path solenoids to open the corresponding syrup flow path of the syrup corresponding to a selected flavor switch, and causing the water flow path solenoid to open the water flow path, causing the valve to dispense the selected beverage flavor.
US08631973B2 Single-use cartridges for the storing and dispensing of dental two-component impression materials
Single-use cartridges for the storing and dispensing of dental two-component impression materials have a closable external chamber with a cylinder-shaped external wall, a cylindrical closable internal chamber that is arranged coaxially or eccentric therein, a mixing element including housing and mobile mixer that is to be mounted separately or connected firmly to the external chamber at its inlet end. Either the internal cylindrical chamber is arranged such that it can be rotated and forms the drive shaft for the mobile mixer part of the mixing element, or the drive shaft extends parallel to the central axis through the internal cylindrical chamber or forms the central axis. The content of the chambers can be dispensed by means of conveying means whose axial thrust motions can be controlled independent of each other.
US08631968B2 Tissue advancement device for tissue boxes
An apparatus comprises a first plate being configured for supporting a quantity of tissues within a tissue dispenser box. A second plate is configured for resting on a bottom portion of the tissue dispenser box. A resilient structure is configured for urging the first plate in an upward direction. The resilient structure is further configured to be positioned between the first plate and the second plate. Attachment mechanisms are joined to a bottom portion of the first plate and a top portion of the second plate. The attachment mechanisms are configured for joining the resilient structure to the first plate and the second plate.
US08631966B2 Specimen container with cap having a snap-fit partially open position
The specimen container comprises a cap, a body and a connector. The cap has an inner surface defining a hollow. The body includes a vial having a rim and an opening bounded by the rim. The connector couples the cap and body in a manner which permits cap movement between a fully-seated position on the vial, to form a sealed specimen container; and a position apart from the opening, to permit ingress to the vial. The connector can be adapted such that, in use, when the cap is disposed at the position apart from the opening, and in the absence of external forces, the connector holds the cap at the position apart from the opening. Snap-fit intermediate positions of the cap can be provided between the position apart from the opening and the fully-seated position and the cap can be adapted to reduce evaporative losses when intermediately positioned.
US08631965B2 Container with removable side panels
A container having removable side panels and spacer inserts, the spacer inserts disposed within the gap between adjacent side panels, whereby said side panels are raised to remove them from the container and wherein the spacer inserts preclude removal of a lower side panel unless the adjacent upper side panel is raised sufficient distance to remove the spacer insert.
US08631961B2 End wall closure apparatus
Size reduction of a barrel-type casing using a shear key is aimed for while ensuring a necessary area of a head cover end surface. A shoulder is formed on the axially outer side of the outer circumferential surface of a head cover. The inner surface of a casing is provided with a circumferentially extending groove. Shear key structure includes a first shear key member disposed in the shoulder and the groove, such that at least a portion of its outer circumferential surface is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the groove, and a second shear key member disposed adjacent to the first shear key member in the groove, the second shear key member having an axially projecting shoulder, its outer circumferential surface being in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the casing. The first and second shear key members are circumferentially segmented respectively into three or more members, and each member is radially fixed to the casing but not axially fastened to each other, to allow slight displacement between the first and second shear key members by a shear force.
US08631956B2 Reusable, combined multi-part product shipping box and display tray
A reusable combined multi-part product shipping box and display tray. There are two generally rectangular trays, each defining four sides, with four barrier portions projecting upward from each tray proximate its edges, one barrier portion at about the center of each of the sides, and four corner posts, one projecting up from each corner of the tray. There is also a generally rectangular sleeve defining four sides and four corners, and open ends that are about the same size and shape as the trays, the sleeve adapted to engage with the trays to close its open ends and form a shipping container, the sleeve adapted to sit on the tray inside of and up against the barrier portions, with each corner of the sleeve located outside of and against a corner post, such that the sleeve is tightly engaged with the trays.
US08631955B2 Electrical service assembly and connecting system for mounting same in building structure wall
An electrical service assembly for mounting in a building structure wall includes an entrance panel housing, a power meter base and a connecting system connecting the power meter base to the entrance panel housing. The connecting system includes a body having a first surface abutting the power meter base, a second surface abutting the entrance panel housing and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface whereby the body spaces the power meter base from the entrance panel housing. The connecting system further includes a clamping mechanism, such as a set of fasteners, clamping the power meter base, the entrance panel housing and the body together in an assembly configuration where a wiring through-hole formed in the entrance panel housing is in register with a wiring through-hole formed in the power meter base.
US08631954B2 Stopper for a container neck and a molding machine for molding a plastics material for the purpose of fabricating such a stopper
The stopper (1) has a tubular skirt (12) for fastening it around the container neck, an end wall (10) perpendicular to the central axis (X-X) of the skirt, and an annular sealing lip (16) extending into the skirt from the inner face (10A) of the end wall. A protrusion (22) connects the inner face of the end wall to the inner face (16B) of a peripheral portion of the lip in order to transmit a movement of the end wall to the lip in the event of excess pressure in the container. In order to release this excess pressure reliably and in a manner which is easy to carry out, the protrusion occupies all the space delimited jointly by the inner face of the end wall, by the inner face of said lip portion and by a geometric plane (P) which passes through said lip portion and intersects the inner face of the end wall along a straight line (L) orthoradial to the axis of the skirt.
US08631950B2 Test tube management device
A sample tube holder (10) having a generally flat elongate flexible body (12) and one or more of sets of non circular apertures (16) each having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension, in the body, each set having two or more apertures (16) arranged in a line such that each set of apertures defines at least one inner portion (30) between adjacent apertures (16) of the set and at least one outer portion (32) adjacent each aperture at the end of the line extending away from the respective inner portion.
US08631949B2 Tubulars storage device
A tubulars storage device for storing a plurality of tubulars which has a slot forming a path of displacement for tubulars allowing to place tubulars at respective storage positions distributed along the slot as well as removal of said tubulars from the slot. The device includes a rotary latch members shaft, which is mounted substantially parallel to the slot, and a drive connected to the rotary latch members shaft, said drive being adapted to effect controlled angular rotation of the latch members shaft. A plurality of latch members are mounted on the latch members shaft so as to rotate with the latch members shaft and are arranged at spaced apart locations along the latch members shaft.
US08631948B2 Dish rack with adjustable spout and removable drip tray
A dish rack has a wireframe, a drip tray having a base and a dish-receiving region provided on the base, and a drain channel that is removably coupled to the bottom of the base at the location of the dish-receiving region.
US08631947B2 Cyclone separator
A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a cyclone separator for a vacuum toilet system, with a casing; an input-side swirl generator, whose input openings impart a swirl to the inflowing fluid; a separating wall arranged in the casing, which encloses the fluid stream in the cyclone separator ring-like and whose interior cross section tapers downstream; and a collection tank in the casing for receiving and accumulating constituents separated out of the fluid. In addition, the invention relates to a wastewater tank and vacuum toilet system having such a cyclone separator.
US08631946B2 Composite semipermeable membrane and method for producing same
A composite semipermeable membrane comprising a porous support membrane on which a separating functional polyamide layer resulting from the polycondensation reaction of polyfunctional aromatic amines with polyfunctional acid halides is formed, wherein the separating functional polyamide layer has carboxy groups, amino groups, phenolic hydroxyl groups, and azo groups, wherein XA, the ratio of the amino groups (molar equivalent of the amino groups/(molar equivalent of the azo groups+molar equivalent of the phenolic hydroxyl groups+molar equivalent of the amino groups)) on a feed water contact surface of the separating functional polyamide layer (an A surface), is in the range 0.5 or less, and XB, the ratio of the amino groups (molar equivalent of the amino groups/(molar equivalent of the azo groups+molar equivalent of the phenolic hydroxyl groups+molar equivalent of the amino groups)) on a permeate-side surface of the separating functional polyamide layer (a B surface), i.e., the opposite side to the A surface, is in the range of 0.5 to 1. The present invention provides a composite semipermeable membrane that achieves a balance between high solute removal properties and a high permeate flow rate and has high organic-solvent resistance, and a method for producing same.
US08631944B2 Soil processing method and apparatus
A method and apparatus (1) for processing soil infested with plant root material. The method comprises depositing the soil on a vibrating conveyor support (105) at a substantially constant depth, wherein the vibrating conveyor support (105) is arranged to enable the plant root material to be hand-picked. In this way, soil throughput may be maximised without compromising removal of the plant root material. Further, fragmentation of the plant root material may be minimised. The soil may be screened using a vibrating screening mesh (107) to remove smaller particles prior to it being deposited on the conveyor. The soil may be heated, and the processed soil passed under an infrared detector (119) for detecting the presence of plant root material, to thereby objectively control quality.
US08631942B2 Food container with media player
Embodiments of a food container including a media player are provided. In some embodiments, the food container has an exterior, and the food container comprises at least one compartment sized and dimensioned to accommodate food. Additionally, the food container includes a media player configured to play media content. The container and/or media player includes at least one device that serves as an input device to select media content in the media player of for later play and activation device to activate the play of the selected media content. In another embodiment the container and/or media player includes two devices, one to select media content and another to activate play of the selected media content. The media content can be, for example, a message from a parent or other meal maker to a child for later play by the child during the day.
US08631940B2 Plastic dumpster
A unitary plastic container, which is optionally used for waste collection comprises a base, a front wall, a back wall and two opposing side walls, each wall extending upwardly from the base to define an open container top and an interior container volume. Each side wall has an outwardly extending sidewall portion which is outwardly offset relative to the rest of the container side wall. In each outwardly extending sidewall portion, an elongated cutout, indentation or channel is present. The elongated channel has a forward opening, a rearward opening and an elongated side opening extending from the forward opening to the rearward opening. The elongated channel lies within the interior container volume and divides the outwardly extending sidewall portion into two areas: an upper outwardly extending sidewall portion and a lower outwardly extending portion. The outwardly open elongate channel may be fitted with a reinforcing sleeve.
US08631939B2 Package for consumer product
A package comprising an externally visible face. The externally visible face comprises indicia, the indicia having disposed thereon a relatively glossy or shiny coating. The externally visible face is embossed in a portion corresponding to the indicia. The externally visible face comprises an additional coating surrounding the indicia, the additional coating being relatively non-glossy. The indicia is non-alphanumeric.
US08631934B2 Multi-functional video device support accessory
A multi-functional accessory that acts as a case for transporting an earphone and as a stand for holding a smart cellphone or MP3 player with a display in a landscape or portrait orientation. The accessory includes a housing comprising an upper case and a lower case pivotally connected together along one end with an earphone holding structure mounted on the inside surface on the lower case. The upper case includes two upper side arms and a lower resting lip that extends perpendicularly outward. The lower case includes an integrally formed transverse structure with two axles extending laterally into bores formed in the two side arms of the upper base to enable the upper and lower cases to snap fit together and pivot approximately 270 degrees. An earphone holding structure is attached to the lower case and fits into the space between the upper case and the lower case when closed.
US08631933B2 Bottle cap
A bottle cap containing different kinds of materials is coupled with a container inside an exterior material. The container is divided into a sealing portion coupled with a bottle neck and an operation part coupled with the exterior material. When the exterior material constituting the bottle cap is coupled with the bottle neck, the bottle cap is perpendicularly coupled to the bottle neck together with the container. Also, the side portion of the exterior material is sealed with a series of mechanical device along a screw thread or screw groove after the bottle cap is coupled with the bottle neck. When the exterior material is raised along the bottle neck by opening the bottle cap, materials stored in an inner storage space of the container fall into and are mixed inside the bottle.
US08631926B2 Device for pushing glass objects onto a conveyor belt
A device having a pusher for pushing glass objects from a resting plate to a conveyor belt moving at a uniform speed. The device has first, second and third electric motors, the first motor mounted to be stationary, and the second and third motors being moveable relative to the first motor. The three motors are connected to the pusher via various transmission parts and controlled independently for controlling the motion of the pusher.
US08631917B2 Elevator brake with magneto-rheological fluid
An elevator brake assembly includes a braking fluid for providing a braking force. A first magnet provides a first magnetic field that influences the braking fluid to provide the braking force. The second magnet selectively provides a second magnetic field that controls how the first magnetic field influences the braking fluid to control the braking force.
US08631909B2 Electromagnetic safety trigger
An electromagnetic safety trigger 46 includes a link 72 kinematically connected to a safety 70A, 70B of an elevator system mass, such as an elevator car or counterweight. An electromagnet 76 mounted on a linear actuator 74 is magnetically coupled to the link 72, and a spring 78 is connected between the link 72 and the elevator mass. The electromagnet 76 can be triggered to release the link 72, which allows the spring 78 to move the link 72 to engage the safety 70A, 70B.
US08631907B2 Elevator machine frame
An example elevator machine frame assembly (30) includes a plurality of support plates (32) configured to support at least selected portions of an elevator machine including a traction sheave (24). The support plates each comprise a plurality of mounting surfaces (50) that are aligned within a plane that intersects with an axis of rotation (56) of a traction sheave that is supported by the frame assembly. A plurality of support rods (36) are connected to the support plates (32). The support rods maintain a desired spacing between the plates and a desired alignment of the plates relative to each other. In a disclosed example, the support rods include a sound dampening material (44) such as sand in an interior of the rods.
US08631906B2 Compact climbing tree stand with telescoping footbed and a plurality of utilization modes
A climbing tree stand for enabling a user to climb a tree or other substantially vertical object to be climbed adaptable for use in a plurality of different utilization modes including a tree stand mode, a backpack mode, and a chair mode, the tree stand including a seat platform assembly having a pair of tree engaging members associated therewith movable between a first storage position and a second operative position for selectively engaging the object to be climbed, a footbed assembly having a pair of tree engaging members associated therewith movable between a first storage position and a second operative position for likewise selectively engaging the object to be climbed, and a pair of cable members, each cable member being respectively adjustably attachable to the seat platform assembly and the footbed assembly. The footbed assembly is further adjustable to change the overall length thereof and is adaptable for attachably receiving the seat platform assembly in a plurality of different orientations to achieve the backpack mode and the chair mode.
US08631905B2 Ladder apparatus
The present invention is directed to a ladder apparatus capable of being mounted to a vehicle. The ladder apparatus generally comprises a mounting support, a main ladder support for receiving an extension ladder, and a torsion support. The mounting support, the main ladder support and the torsion support are pivotally connected so that the apparatus can be raised from a retracted home position to an extended position. When the apparatus is in the extended position it can be set to a desired height and/or rotational position.
US08631902B2 Apparatus for elevating and positioning a work platform
Apparatus for elevating, laterally and rotationally positioning an aerial work platform relative to a support structure such as a mobile vehicle. In one embodiment a platform supporting carriage is mounted for sliding movement along a support beam affixed to a boom and the platform is mounted on the carriage permitting rotation of the platform about a substantially vertical axis. In a second embodiment a four bar linkage is used for longitudinally moving a rotatable platform. One or more powered means may be provided for elevating, leveling and longitudinally and rotationally positioning the work platform.
US08631901B2 Acoustic structure
An acoustic structure includes plate members defining a plurality of hollow regions in parallel relation to each other. Opening portions are formed in one surface (reflective surface) of the plate members in corresponding relation to the hollow regions and in such a manner as to communicate the hollow regions with an external surface. A plurality of sound absorbing members are provided in a dispersed fashion on regions of the one surface (reflective surface) other than the opening portions and neighborhoods of the opening portions. As a modification, a sound absorbing member may be loaded in one of the hollow regions and partly exposed to the outer space through the corresponding opening portion.
US08631900B2 Sound insulation floor structure and sound insulation floor component as well as method for reducing floor impact sound
A sound insulation floor structure comprises a floor backing member, a floor finishing layer, and an intermediate layer between the floor backing member and the floor finishing layer, the intermediate layer comprising a buffer member comprising a nonwoven structure. The nonwoven structure comprises a thermal adhesive fiber under moisture which is melt-bonded to a fiber of the nonwoven structure to fix the fibers. For example, the sound insulation floor structure may comprise, in sequence, a floor backing member 1, a buffer layer 2, an air layer 3, a hard layer 4, and a floor finishing layer 5. In the floor structure, a support member 6 is disposed between the buffer layer 2 and the hard layer 4. The support member may occupy 10 to 70% of a floor area. The sound insulation floor structure prevents subsidence of a floor member due to walking, achieves comfortableness to walk, and has improved floor impact sound insulation.
US08631897B2 Ceiling loudspeaker system
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame and back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through an appropriately-sized hole in the ceiling tile. In one or more embodiments, the method of the present invention comprises forming an appropriately-sized hole in a ceiling tile, laying an integrated back box and support frame on top of the ceiling tile, connecting wires from an external audio source to terminals provided at the back box, connecting wires provided on the inside of the back box to a loudspeaker cartridge, inserting the loudspeaker cartridge into the hole in the ceiling tile from below, fastening the loudspeaker cartridge to the support frame, and fastening a grille to the loudspeaker cartridge. In one or more embodiments, a variety of interchangeable loudspeaker cartridges having differing loudspeaker configurations are provided. In one or more embodiments, the support frame and back box assembly is configured to allow installation of more than one loudspeaker cartridge. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker cartridges are configured for use both with a back box and without back box.
US08631896B2 Steering wheel for a motor vehicle having superimposed steering
A steering wheel for a motor vehicle is provided. The steering wheel includes a steering wheel rim for rotating actuation of the steering wheel, a steering wheel hub for connecting the steering wheel with a steering shaft of a motor vehicle and a superposition drive for the actuation of a superposition steering by means of which said steering a steering angle created by actuation of the steering wheel rim can be superposed by a superposed angle that can be created by the superposition steering so that a respective rotation movement of a steering shaft connected with the steering wheel is composed of a steering angle that can be created by actuation of the steering wheel rim and a superposed angle that can be created by actuation of the superposition steering. An arresting appliance is provided on the steering wheel, separate from the components of the superposition steering for creating the superposed angle.
US08631888B2 Cowling structure for saddle-ride type vehicle
A cowling structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle for cooling an engine and providing a windshield for a rider. The cowling structure includes a seat for a rider to sit thereon, the seat is arranged behind and above an engine suspended from a vehicle body frame. An under cowl covers at least part of a lower portion of the engine. The under cowl is formed to cover at least part of a side surface of the engine. A guide portion is provided in an upper portion of the under cowl, the guide portion extending inward in a vehicle width direction and toward the side surface of the engine. An opening is provided in front of the guide portion, the opening introducing a flow of air into the under cowl. The guide portion has a slope surface which slopes downward from the front to the rear of the vehicle.
US08631887B2 Control apparatus and control method for hybrid vehicle
A vehicle includes a charging unit for externally charging a power storage unit with electric power received from an external power supply, and an electric power generation unit capable of generating electric power from drive force received from an engine. The power storage unit is configured to be internally chargeable with electric power received from the electric power generation unit. The vehicle travels in selected one of EV priority mode restricting internal charging of the power storage unit and HV priority mode controlling internal charging such that a state of charge of the power storage unit is kept within a predetermined range. When a predetermined operating condition is satisfied while the vehicle is traveling, a control apparatus generates an operation request to the engine. The control apparatus changes the operating condition of the engine depending on whether the mode is EV priority mode or HV priority mode.
US08631880B2 Power tool with impact mechanism
A power tool with a housing, a motor, a transmission, a spindle and an impact mechanism. The motor has an output shaft that drives the transmission. The transmission has a plurality of planet gears, a planet carrier journally supporting the planet gears for rotation about an axis, and a ring gear that is in meshing engagement with the planet gears. The impact mechanism has a plurality of anvil lugs, an impactor and an impactor spring. The anvil lugs are coupled to the ring gear and are not engaged by the planet gears. The impactor is mounted to pivot about the spindle and has a plurality of hammer lugs. The impactor spring biases the impactor toward the ring gear to cause the hammer lugs to engage the anvil lugs. A power tool having an impact mechanism with an external adjusting member that can be moved to vary a trip torque of the impact mechanism is also provided.
US08631878B2 Wellhead annulus seal assembly and method of using same
A ring like seal assembly for a wellhead assembly that seals between a pair of coaxial tubulars. The seal assembly includes a spring member for exerting an axial force on the seal. The spring member projects from an end of the seal assembly substantially parallel to the axis of the seal assembly and is compressed when installing the seal assembly between the tubulars. Compressing the spring member maintains an axial force on the seal assembly to keep the seal assembly radially deformed so that it can maintain sealing contact with both coaxial tubulars.
US08631876B2 Method of making and using a functionally gradient composite tool
A method of making a composite downhole article is disclosed. The method include forming at least one corrodible core member comprising a first material that is corrodible in a wellbore fluid at a first corrosion rate; and disposing at least one outer member on the core member, the outer member comprising a second material that is corrodible in the wellbore fluid at a second corrosion rate, wherein the corrodible core member has a composition gradient or a density gradient, or a combination thereof, and wherein the first corrosion rate is substantially greater than the second corrosion rate. A method of using a composite downhole article is also disclosed. The method includes forming a composite downhole article as described above; using the article to perform a first wellbore operation; exposing the article to the wellbore fluid; and selectively corroding the second corrodible member.
US08631874B2 Apparatus and method for managed pressure drilling
A drilling system employing a main tubular having a plurality of fluid inlet and outlet conduits positioned thereon and a concentric inner tubular having a plurality seals for sealing the annular space between the concentric inner and main tubulars. The fluid inlet and outlet conduits work in cooperation with the annular seals to selectively open and close for effective management of pressure within the tubulars.
US08631873B2 Tubing hanger—production tubing suspension arrangement
A tubing hanger body made from Non-CRA steel coupled to production tubing made from CRA material. The coupling includes pin threads at the top end of the production tubing which are arranged to be screwed into box threads of the tubing hanger body. A seal sub having metal-to-metal and/or elastomeric seals engages the top end of the production tubing and protects the tubing hanger body from contact with production fluid flowing from the production tubing below to a Christmas tree tubing above. The invention includes a method of repairing of an existing tubing hanger body where its through bore has been damaged. This allows the through bore to be over machined and a CRA sleeve installed to replace tubing threads and body material.
US08631872B2 Complex fracturing using a straddle packer in a horizontal wellbore
A method of inducing fracture complexity within a fracturing interval of a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises defining a stress anisotropy-altering dimension, providing a straddle-packer assembly to alter a stress anisotropy of a fracturing interval, based on defining the stress anisotropy-altering dimension, isolating a first fracturing interval of the subterranean formation with the straddle-packer assembly, inducing a fracture in the first fracturing interval, isolating a second fracturing interval of the subterranean formation with the straddle-packer assembly, inducing a fracture in the second fracturing interval, wherein fracturing the first and second fracturing intervals alters the stress anisotropy within a third fracturing interval, isolating the third fracturing interval with the straddle-packer assembly, and inducing a fracture in the third fracturing interval. The straddle-packer assembly comprises a first packer, an injection port sub-assembly above the first packer, and a second packer above the injection port sub-assembly.
US08631868B1 Treatment of subterranean formations
A method of preparing and using a subterranean formation stabilization agent. The stabilization agent includes a guanidyl copolymer and may be admixed with a fracturing fluid and optionally brine. The stabilization agent is effective in preventing and/or reducing, for example, clay swelling and fines migration from a subterranean formation contacted with the stabilization agent.
US08631865B2 Biotechnological process for hydrocarbon recovery in low permeability porous media
A biotechnological process for enhancing oil recovery of 14 to 25° API oil contained in carbonate or sandstone rock systems with low permeability utilizes indigenous extremophile microorganisms (first culture) from the oil well, a second culture containing selected microorganisms and its metabolites (gases, acids, solvents and surfactants), to improve oil mobility. Under anaerobic conditions, such microorganisms are able to grow in temperatures from 60 to 95° C., at pressures from 7 to 154.6 kg/cm2 and NaCl content from 5,000 to 45,000 ppm. Injection of indigenous microorganisms and a second culture for metabolites production into the well improves oil recovery after closing the system for periods from 5 to 10 days. The biotechnical process includes biostimulation (indigenous microorganisms) and bioaugmetation (second culture) to increase oil recovery.
US08631864B2 Durability of downhole tools
An apparatus for downhole operation. The apparatus comprising a support body having a surface located in a borehole and a coating on an at least a portion of the surface of the support body. The coating is an inert material selected for reducing friction and corrosion.
US08631863B2 Snap mount annular debris barrier
A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars.
US08631861B1 Packing unit for reciprocating pump polished rod
A packing unit is provided for use with a well having a reciprocating pump and polished rod. Packing assembly seals, a barrier fluid and a pressure transmitter cooperate with housed components to regulate the pressure on either side of a first packing sub-assembly and to pressure one side of a second packing sub-assembly. The barrier fluid is contained above the first packing sub-assembly and below the second packing sub-assembly with well fluids and accompanying pressures being contained below the first packing sub-assembly, such that, if leakage occurs, relatively clean barrier fluids are leaked instead of well fluids. The well fluids pressure and barrier fluid pressure are substantially balanced across the first packing sub-assembly. The first packing sub-assembly and second packing sub-assembly include components allowing their respective packing seals to move with, and remain sealed against, the polished rod when it deviates angularly or translationally from the initial vertical orientation.
US08631860B2 Water-cooled heat dissipation system and water tank thereof
A water tank includes a box, an air valve body, a valve core, a cap, and an elastic element. The box defines an accommodating space and a vent communicating with the accommodating space. The air valve body is extended out from the box and adjacent to the vent. The valve core is mounted to the valve body to airproof the vent, and comprises a first end inserted into the accommodating space through the vent and a second end opposite to the first end. The elastic element is arranged between the cap and the valve core. The valve core will open the vent to deform the elastic member and allow heated air in the accommodating space to leak out of the accommodating space through the vent, in response to an air pressure in the box is greater a reference air pressure.
US08631852B2 Investment castings and process
An investment casting process is provided in which a molten aluminum metal is cast into a refractory mold and thereafter cooled to solidify the metal in the mold. The improvement includes the step of cooling the mold and solidifying the metal therein which is carried out by placing the mold in a chamber adapted to retain a liquid. The mold is mounted in a stationary condition in the chamber. A coolant liquid is introduced into the chamber to immerse the mold in the liquid while maintaining the mold in a stationary condition.
US08631851B2 Brace for awning roller tube
Brace devoid of joints or welds for reinforcing a tube, such as the roller tube of an awning, the brace being formed from a pair of elongate metal strips mounted to each other along their respective longitudinal central portions, the edges of each strip forming integral feet at angles with respect to the strip, and the strips extending substantially radially from the mounted central portions to engage the interior of the tube at the feet.
US08631850B2 Window assembly
A window assembly including a first sash and a second sash, the first and second sashes each including a pane of glass disposed between a pair of horizontal rails and a pair of vertical stiles, a frame configured to retain the first and second sashes along a vertical plane of the frame, and a mechanism configured to simultaneously and correspondingly move a second sash in second direction upon movement of a first sash in a first direction opposite the second direction.
US08631849B2 Transfer tool
A transfer tool A in the present preferred embodiment is provided with a refill 3 including a reel section 31 for holding a transfer tape T therein, a transfer head 35 capable of transferring a transferring material attached to the transfer tape T onto a transfer target, and a support plate 34 having the reel section 31 fixed thereto and being integrated with a base end 351 of the transfer head 35, wherein a engaging section 5 capable of prohibiting a relative turn between the base end 351 and each of a first case member 1 and a second case member 2 is provided between the base end 351 and each of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2.
US08631843B2 Dispensing system
A concentrate dispensing system for dispensing a fluid for dilution, comprises a bracket (1) and a bottle (2). The bracket (1) is arranged to releasably hold the bottle (2). The bottle (2) is arranged to dispense a predetermined quantity of the fluid to a first receptacle type, which is freestanding, when the bottle (2) is in a freehand mode and is not held in the bracket (1). The bottle (2) is arranged to dispense a predetermined quantity of the fluid to a second receptacle type (3), which is received and guided by the bracket (1), when the bottle (2) is in a bracket mode and is held in the bracket (1).
US08631842B2 Water balloon filler and tier
Novel water balloon filling devices and tying fixtures are disclosed herein. Preferred filling devices are configured to attach to a water spigot or hose and include a spring valve that is protected from internal water flow. Preferred tying fixtures can include two prongs having diverging end sections.
US08631838B2 Device with penetrable and resealable portion and related method
Device and method for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and hermetically resealing a resulting needle hole in the device by applying radiation thereto. The needle penetrable and resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and may include a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle. Such thermoplastic may include a predetermined amount of pigment that allows the thermoplastic to substantially absorb laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness thereof, and hermetically seal a needle aperture formed in the needle penetration region thereof in a predetermined time period.
US08631836B2 Coolant vacuum fill apparatus and method
An apparatus, system, and method are provided for bypassing a coolant reservoir with a fill tool connecting a source of vacuum pressure and a source of coolant (e.g., a vacuum coolant filler) to a vehicular cooling system inlet port. The fill tool bypass allows the coolant reservoir to be manufactured from a relatively structurally weak polymer material, which is subject to failure under vacuum pressure, while still allowing vacuum coolant filling to be used to charge the vehicular cooling system. Without the use of the bypass fill tool, the coolant reservoir would rupture under the vacuum pressures applied during vacuum coolant filling.
US08631830B2 Semi-disposable pre-conditioned air supply hose conduit and connectors for attaching end portions of the same
A tubular fluid conduit which is especially adapted for use in supplying pre-conditioned air to an aircraft being serviced, wherein the tubular conduit may be fabricated as a thermoplastic extrusion having a constant diameter dimension, whereby a first end portion may be fluidically connected to a large diameter supply conduit while a second end portion may be fluidically connected to a small diameter use conduit as a result of spiral wrapping the second end portion around the use conduit. Alternatively, the tubular conduit may be fabricated as a thermoplastic extrusion having repetitive sections with each section comprising relatively large diameter and relatively small diameter portions.
US08631823B2 Mixing faucet
A compact and low-cost mixing faucet for liquids of different temperatures is proposed that allows fine and accurate adjustment of the volume and temperature of the mixed outflow by single-handed operation. The mixing faucet is suitable for use of a ceramic perforated plate and/or thermostatic mixing valve. The actuation quantities can be converted by torque converters to rotational control variables in an ergonomically optimum type, magnitude and/or positioning of movement, such that both rotational control variables can be selectively adjusted when manually operated by accessing from a permanent direction of access. The hand position enables actuation of the faucet with only two fingertips, with torque limitable up to any degree of smoothness and a large angle of rotation at the associated rotary actuator. The rotational control variable for the outflow volume can be made ergonomically easier to reach and adjust from the direction of access.
US08631819B2 Gas supply system for pneumatic store ejection utilizing a removable, replaceable and on-board rechargeable gas storage vessel
A gas supply system includes a receiver assembly, a gas storage vessel coupled to the receiver assembly, a main poppet positioned at an end of the gas storage vessel and sealing the gas storage vessel when the main poppet is closed, a pilot poppet positioned in the main poppet and sealing the gas storage vessel when the pilot poppet is closed, and a chamber positioned behind the main poppet, wherein when the pilot poppet opens, gas from the gas storage vessel is released into the chamber to exert pressure on the main poppet to open the main poppet.
US08631818B2 Vertical float valve assembly
A vertical float valve for use in a fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve able to open and closed based upon the level of fluid within the fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve having a body portion. The body portion attached to a float portion via a four bar (4-bar) linkage.
US08631804B2 Clip for wig
A clip for wig is offered which can prevent warping of a wig base.The clip 1 for wig is constituted with a frame-like reversible member 10 and a plurality of comb teeth 20 attached to the reversible member 10, the reversible member 10 is constituted with an U-shaped frame material 11 having leg portions 11B and 11C protruding from both ends of a support portion 11A and a connecting portion 12 connected to respective leg portions 11B and 11C of the U-shaped frame material 11, a plurality of comb teeth 20 are fixed at the end portion of the support portion 11A of the U-shaped frame material 11, the outer shape of the support portion 11A is formed to have a curvature of the circular arc along the curved periphery of the wig base 30, and the support portion of the clip 1 of a wig is provided at the position close to the periphery, thereby to be fixed to the reverse side of the wig base.
US08631799B2 Respiratory therapy system including a nasal cannula assembly
A nasal cannula for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient and a method of treating a patient with sleep disorder. The nasal cannula comprises a pair of spaced apart supply lines which each have a head at one end thereof with a discharge opening located therein. The opposite end of each supply line is connectable to a high flow respiratory gas source. Each head is sized to be snugly received and retained within one of the nasal cavities of the patient while forming a sufficient leakage passage, between a portion of inwardly facing nasal cavity skin of a patient and a portion of an exterior surface of the head, to facilitate exhausting of any excess respiratory gas supplied to the patient through the leakage passage and also facilitate inhalation of any room air required in excess of the respiratory gas to be supplied to the patient.
US08631797B2 Systems, methods and apparatus for respiratory support of a patient
Spontaneous respiration is detected by sensors. An additional amount of oxygen is administered to the lungs via a jet gas current at the end of an inhalation procedure. Breathing volume, absorption of oxygen during inhalation, and clearance of carbon dioxide during exhalation are improved. If required, the exhalation procedure of the patient can be arrested or slowed by a countercurrent to avoid a collapse of the respiration paths. An apparatus including an oxygen pump can be connected to an oxygen source and includes a tracheal prosthesis that can be connected via a catheter. The respiration detections sensors are connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump. The tracheal prosthesis includes a tubular support body with a connection for the catheter, and the sensors are associated with the support body. The tracheal prosthesis and jet catheter are dimensioned so the patient can freely breathe and speak without restriction.
US08631795B1 Enhanced airway
An enhanced airway for creating an airway in a patient including a rigid connector with an insertion portion inserted into a flexible tube, and a padding member surrounding the flexible tube and the inserted portion of the rigid connector. The rigid connector includes a circuit end that may be directly coupled to an anesthesia circuit, reducing risk of fire caused by diffusing oxygen. The circuit end may also be covered by an oxygen mask or left open and uncoupled. The flexible tube enables a comfortable and less-injury prone creation of an airway in the patient's oral cavity. The rigid connector prevents a patient from biting down and collapsing the flexible tube and, if also inserted in the patient's airway, an endotracheal tube or a laryngeal mask airway. The padding member cushions the rigid connector, preventing damage and injury to a patient's teeth upon biting the rigid connector.
US08631793B2 Nasal respiratory mask system and connection/disconnection means used therein
The present invention relates to a nasal respiratory mask system comprising: a nasal mask that is tightly attached to the face of a user and serves as means for leading positive-pressure breathing gas to the nose of the user, a frame to keep the nasal mask at a predetermined position, and a headgear that is mounted on the head in order to attach the nasal mask tightly to the face; wherein, the headgear comprises, on the tip thereof, a headgear strap for adjusting the length of the headgear, the headgear strap comprises a headgear fastener that serves as means for connection/disconnection with the frame, the frame comprises a fastener catch that engages with the headgear fastener, and the fastener catch comprises an axisymmetric guide whose (rotation) axis is the insertion direction of the headgear fastener. The present invention provides a nasal respiratory mask system with which a headgear can be easily connected at the beginning of wearing, twisting of the headgear during wearing is prevented, and disassembly upon daily washing is easy.
US08631791B2 Apparatus and methods for administration of positive airway pressure therapies
The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for the administration of positive airway pressure therapies. The apparatus can include a housing, a blower and a mask. The housing is configured to be stably secured on the head of a patient. The blower is secured relative to the housing. A mask in fluid communication with the blower is configured to communicate pressurized air produced at least in part by the blower to the airways of a user.
US08631790B1 Automated ventilator with assisted compressions
A system for performing simultaneous ventilation and resuscitation of a patient includes an oxygen source, at least one inspiration control valve, a breathing apparatus, at least one expiration control valve, at least one indicator, and at least one timer. The breathing apparatus is configured to form an air seal with at least a portion of the patient's respiratory tract such that a gas including oxygen can flow from the oxygen source to the lungs. The at least one expiration control valve being configured to selectively actuate an exhalation valve. The at least one indicator for indicating when a rescuer should perform a chest compression. The at least one timer for synchronizing actuation of the at least one inspiration control valve, the at least one expiration control valve, and the indicator, thereby enabling continuous compressions to be provided to the patient while the patient undergoes inspiration and expiration.
US08631788B2 Artificial gills for deep diving without incurring the bends and for scavenging O2 from and dispelling CO2 into water or thin air
The invention provides a system whereby oxygen can be derived from seawater or from thin air at higher altitudes while simultaneously eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood. This allows prolonged underwater liquid breathing at greater depths without suffering from the bends or, alternatively, the ability of workers to breathe underwater or at high altitudes without having to rely upon air tanks or the like. The artificial gill comprises a plurality of concatenated modules each containing a semi-permeable membrane operative to transfer oxygen in a first direction and carbon dioxide in a second direction across the membrane. By providing multiple concatenated interconnected modules, oxygen becomes concentrated to allow breathing thereof. Because the system is connected in series with a person's blood supply, CO2 produced in the body is extracted and disposed of via the artificial gill. The semipermeable membrane preferably comprises a plurality of tubular fibers, each with a relatively large lumen when compared to present day blood oxygenators arranged as a bundle in a housing such that seawater or rarefied air passes over the exterior surfaces of the fibers while blood or Hgb flows through the lumens. The larger diameter fibers reduce hemolysis and clotting.
US08631786B2 Method, systems and sensor for detecting humidity
Methods systems and device for detecting humidity in air through use of an ammonia sensor included in the exhaust of an engine, such as a diesel engine are provided. In one example, a method for an engine having an exhaust with an ammonia sensor includes adjusting an operating parameter in response to ambient humidity, the ambient humidity based on a first ammonia sensor reading at a first exhaust air-fuel-ratio and a second ammonia sensor reading at a second exhaust air-fuel-ratio.
US08631783B2 Method and apparatus for controlling engine torque during intrusive testing
A control system and method for controlling an engine includes a control module. The control module includes an evaporation control valve module closing a canister purge valve during a system diagnostic. A torque determination module determines a torque change for an end of the system diagnostic. A torque adjustment module changes an engine torque to a changed torque corresponding to the torque change. The evaporation control valve module opens the purge valve at the end of the diagnostic.
US08631782B2 Active compression ratio modulation through intake valve phasing and knock sensor feedback
An internal combustion engine includes a piston reciprocable within a cylinder, a phase controllable valvetrain configured to alter the effective compression ratio of the engine, and a knock sensor. A method for controlling the engine includes controlling the valvetrain to a first effective compression ratio whereat knock is detectable by the knock sensor and thereafter controlling the valvetrain to reduce the effective compression ratio to a point whereat knock is no longer detectable.
US08631777B2 Rigid primer bulb pump
A hand operated primer pump for small marine or other engines generally spark ignition engines used on stern drive boats that prevents transfer of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. The primer generally mimics and replaces prior art rubber primer bulbs in general shape and possibly color, although it can be made in any shape or color. It generally contains a pump that delivers a precise measured amount of fuel with each stroke of the actuator. The primer can have an ergonomically designed actuator that creates the farthest distance from a fulcrum point for maximum leverage and hence, maximum ease of use. The primer is generally designed with a continuous molded fuel path to seal any source of hydrocarbon leakage as well as being made from materials that prevent transfer of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere.
US08631776B2 Assembled camshaft
An assembled camshaft includes an outer hollow camshaft body and an inner camshaft body disposed within the outer hollow camshaft body and mounted so as to rotate relative to it by a predetermined angle. The camshaft also includes at least two separate cam elements. A first cam element is connected with the inner camshaft body so as to rotate with it, and is disposed so as to rotate relative to the outer hollow camshaft body. A second cam element has at least two partial cam elements, in such a manner that a first partial cam element is disposed on the outer hollow camshaft body, so as to rotate with it, and a second partial cam element is connected with the inner camshaft body, so as to rotate with it, and is disposed so that it can be rotated relative to the outer hollow camshaft body.
US08631770B2 Mitigating the effect of siloxanes on internal combustion engines using landfill gasses
A waste gas combustion method that includes providing a combustible fuel source, in which the combustible fuel source is composed of at least methane and siloxane gas. A sodium source or magnesium source is mixed with the combustible fuel source. Combustion of the siloxane gas of the combustible fuel source produces a silicon containing product. The sodium source or magnesium source reacts with the silicon containing product to provide a sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or a magnesium containing silicate. By producing the sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or the magnesium containing silicate, or magnesium source for precipitating particulate silica instead of hard coating, the method may reduce or eliminate the formation of silica deposits within the combustion chamber and the exhaust components of the internal combustion engine.
US08631768B1 Method for manufacturing toy for cat and the toy for cat
A highly manufacturable toy for cats with which cats can play in direct contact contains silvervine. The manufacturing method involves the preliminary mixing step to form a molding compound by melting a resin raw material and then mixing the molten resin material with silvervine, and the molding step to melt the molding compound formed in the preliminary mixing step and then molding the molten molding compound into a toy shape. Silvervine is characterized in that the degree of activity to cats is increased when it is heated prior to the molding process.
US08631766B2 Horseback riding animal cradle
Disclosed is a horseback riding animal and article carrier attachable to a horse saddle. The device comprises a housing having upstanding sidewalls, a plurality of securement straps and an elastic contact pad. The housing is an open enclosure having upstanding sidewalls, a base and an open upper to support a pet or a plurality of personal items therein. Along the underside of the base and extended along a forward side of the housing is a contact pad that bears against a horse croup and the backside of a horse saddle cantle. An upstanding, horizontal and diagonal strap are provided along the sides of the housing connect to a saddle strap connectable to a saddle girth along both sides of the horse. The straps are length adjustable to tension the straps and draw the housing toward the horse and the saddle during use.
US08631763B2 Pet feeding dish and system
A pet feeding system that includes a dish assembly configured to regulate intake of food by a pet, such as a cat. The dish assembly includes a housing and a cooperating food-dispensing receptacle that dispenses food into a food-receiving chamber within the housing permitting a pet to access food in the chamber through at least one feeder port that only permits a paw of the pet to reach within the housing to get some food, while preventing direct access to the food by the head or muzzle of the pet. A lip can be provided adjacent the feeder port that provides an obstacle to free withdrawal of the food out of the feeder port.
US08631755B2 Traffic cone insert that supports caution tape
A device used with a traffic cone to support caution tape includes at least one head extending from a body. The head is received in the opening defined at the top of a typical traffic cone to support the device in an upright position with respect to the cone. The body of the device is adapted to support a section of caution tape. The body may define a slot that allows the tape to be supported in an unfolded condition.
US08631749B2 Seed tube egress-mounted seed sensor
A seed sensor for an agricultural planter adapted to be disposed proximate an egress end of a seed tube through which seeds pass during planting operations. The seed sensor capable of generating an output signal corresponding to the passage of seed therethrough.
US08631746B2 Rail car cover system
A rail car cover system that includes a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first closure mechanism. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second closure mechanism. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first closure mechanism engages the second closure mechanism to maintain the first cover section and the second cover section in the closed configuration.
US08631740B2 Method and apparatus for making an air-containing mixture
There is disclosed a system comprising a method and an apparatus for making an air-containing mixture 7, where air 8 is introduced into a viscous mass of raw mixture 5 for forming the air-containing mixture, and where the introduction of air is performed in connection with introducing the mixture in a treating unit 13. In the system, the raw mixture will be pumped under pressure through a nozzle 18 for forming least one jet 19 which is sprayed through an air space 17 against the surface 21 of the mixture, so that air is entrained in the mixture and that the air-containing mixture formed thereby is subsequently introduced in the treatment unit.
US08631736B2 Two-part piston for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a two-part piston (1) for an internal combustion engine, consisting of an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) which is screwed to the upper part. The upper part (2) and the lower part (3) are in contact with each other, partially by means of inner bearing surfaces (25, 26) defining the lower side of an upper ring rib (10) and the upper side of a lower ring rib (11), and partially by means of outer bearing surfaces (28, 29) defining the lower side of the ring wall (9) and the upper side of a collar (27) applied to the lower part (29). In order to avoid frictional rubbing, frictional heat sealing and pressure-related material heat sealing, at least one of the bearing surfaces (25, 26, 28, 29) is easily and economically provided with a chrome layer (30) which has a structured surface comprising a plurality of raised parts and recesses.
US08631733B2 Miter saw
A miter saw is provided with a base unit on which target material is placed, a table unit rotatably provided on the base unit, a swing unit for swinging up and down above the table unit, and a cutting unit provided on the swing unit and having a flat motor provided with a rotor having an output shaft and a coil disc provided with a plurality of coil pieces arranged in the circumferential direction about the output shaft when seen in the direction of the axis of the output shaft and a stator having a magnet arranged such that magnetic flux passes through the coil disc in the direction of the axis of the output shaft, and a rotating blade rotation shaft on which a rotating blade can be mounted and positioned substantially parallel to the direction of the axis of the output shaft of the flat motor, and a power transfer unit that transfers the power of the flat motor to the rotating blade.
US08631728B2 Radial centering surface of a stator core
A method for manufacturing a radial centering surface on an outer circumference of an annular laminated core of a stator comprises the steps of forming a stator with a hollow cylinder from strip-shaped laminations, preloading the stator axially before and during cutting, creating centering surfaces on an outer circumferential of the stator by using at least two cutting tools.
US08631727B2 Machine tool
A machine tool includes a spindle side position measuring unit measuring a spindle axial position in a spindle radial direction relative to a first reference position and a tool side position measuring unit measuring the position of a tool post relative to a second reference position. The spindle side position measuring unit includes a first scale extending in the spindle radial direction and a first readout unit, one of a base end portion of the first scale and the first readout unit is disposed at a spindle axis and the other of the base end portion of the first scale and the first readout unit is disposed at the first reference position. One of a base end portion of a second scale and a second readout unit is disposed on the tool post and the other is disposed at the second reference position.
US08631723B2 Ratchet wrench being conveniently assembled
A ratchet wrench includes a handle having a receiving hole, a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted in the handle, a direction controller pivotally mounted in the handle and provided at a periphery thereof with a guide groove, a pawl connected with the direction controller and engaged with the ratchet wheel, and a positioning member. When the direction controller is in a first position, a positioning ball of the positioning member is slidable to the receiving hole of the handle through the guide groove. When the direction controller is turned to a second position, the positioning ball is supported by a spring and engaged with a positioning notch of the direction controller so as to hole the direction controller in position.
US08631721B2 Actuator mounting
An actuator mounting, in particular, a clutch or brake mounting for a vehicle, includes a mounting housing (3) with an attachment shell (2) for attaching the mounting to a handlebar or a similar steering element, a hand lever (8) supported to rotate on the mounting housing (3), and a mechanical or hydraulic force transmission device arranged on the mounting housing (3). The actuator mounting includes a carrier plate (9) supported on the rotational bearing (7) in common with the hand lever (8) as an intermediate transmission element with multiple functions. The carrier plate (9) has contact points (16, 32, 34) for applying force to or tensioning the hand lever (8), the force transmission device, and the mounting housing stop (35).
US08631720B2 Industrial robot
The present invention is characterized by arranging a flow path 200 for supplying driving gas to a tool mounting portion 170 from a robot base 110 to the tool mounting portion 170 through the interiors of a rotation frame 120, a tube 220, a shoulder 140, a swing arm 150 and a tool mounting rotation arm 160.
US08631719B2 Arrangement of position transmitters on a selector rod
An arrangement of position transmitters on a selector rod for automatic speed change transmissions in motor vehicles, which interact with housing-mounted position sensors of an electrical speed detection circuit, at least one selector rod on its end regions being movably supported in cross walls of the housing of the transmissions and being actuated by means of a preferably electrohydraulically controlled speed selection unit where the selector rod projects through a through an opening in a cross wall of the transmission, which wall separates the oil compartment into the gear chamber which holds at least the speed selection unit and the position sensors, and the position transmitters are attached directly to the selector rod such that the selector rod with the position transmitters can be mounted through the through the opening as a mounting unit.
US08631718B2 Caulking coupling device, switch and transmission switch
A punch includes a first caulking surface and a second caulking surface caulking margins of which axially differ in depth and sequentially formed in a peripheral direction, and includes a regulating surface opposing an outer peripheral surface of a caulking process portion to the first caulking surface of the first and second caulking surfaces, which has a deeper caulking margin, wherein the regulating surface regulates radial fillet movement by caulking of the caulking process portion to promote the fillet movement to the second caulking surface of the first and second caulking surfaces, which has a less deep caulking margin.
US08631714B2 Multifunctional specimen box
A modified multi-function specimen box is provided. The modified multi-function specimen box includes a box body (1). A box cover (2) is disposed on an opening of the box body (1). A fixed rotary spindle (4) is disposed on the box cover (2). The fixed rotary spindle (4) is capable of freely rotating with respect to the box cover (2). A sampling spoon (5) is disposed at the bottom of the fixed rotary spindle (4). A filter screen (3) is disposed in an inner cavity of the box body (1) in a direction perpendicular to the box cover (2), and the filter screen (3) divides the box body (1) into a liquid addition cavity (11) and a liquid suction cavity (12). The present invention achieves the dilution, uniform mixing, and filtration of a specimen.
US08631709B2 Pressure transducer structures having a plurality of conductive traces for curved surfaces
A novel flexible transducer structure is suitable for attaching to curved surface such as the leading edge of an aircraft wing. The structure comprises a thin flexible sheet of an insulating material with a leadless transducer secured to the sheet. The sheet is then placed over the curved surface and assumes the curvature of the surface. The transducer secured to the sheet provides an output of pressure according the pressure exerted on the sheet. The sheet basically is fabricated from a thin material such as Kapton and is flexible so as to assume the curvature of the surface with the transducer being exposed to pressure applied to the curved surface. The sensor in conjunction with the flexible sheet allows pressure to be measured without disturbing the air flow patterns of the measuring surfaces and because of its construction, is moisture resistant over a large variety of atmospheric conditions.
US08631704B2 Fatigue testing device for wind turbine blade testing, a method of testing wind turbine blades and a control system for a blade testing actuator
The invention provides a fatigue exciter for wind turbine blades. Wind turbine blades require excitation at or near their natural frequency to induce bending moments that simulate in service loadings and must be easily controllable and with the minimum of unnecessary added mass or force. The invention provides a device and a method by which force controlled feedback is used for finding an optimal excitation frequency. This force could be provided e.g. by a digital signal generator.
US08631700B2 Resonating sensor with mechanical constraints
A method and apparatus for sensing movement resonates a primary member in a flexure mode at a given frequency, thus causing the primary member to have top and bottom portions that resonate at substantially about zero Hertz. The method also secures the bottom portion to a first substrate, and mechanically constrains the top portion while resonating in the flexure mode to substantially eliminate vibrations in the top portion. Finally, the method generates a changing capacitance signal in response to movement of the primary member. When generating this changing capacitance signal, the primary member resonates in a bulk mode at a given frequency.
US08631699B2 Sensor subsystem for a lighting assembly
A sensor module includes a housing having a top and a bottom. A mounting surface is positioned proximate to the bottom of the housing. A sensor is positioned within the housing. A fixed component extends from the top of the housing. A moveable component is provided having a mounting surface. The moveable component is selectively coupled to the fixed component to variably position the mounting surface of the moveable component relative to the mounting surface of the housing.
US08631693B2 Wheel slip simulation systems and methods
A dynamometer may be configured to simulate the rotating inertial characteristics of a wheel-tire assembly slipping relative to a road surface and having rotating inertial characteristics different than the rotating inertial characteristics of the wheel-tire assembly being simulated.
US08631691B2 Abnormality detection device for EGR device
An abnormality detection device for detecting abnormalities in an EGR device for an internal combustion engine with a supercharger. The abnormality detection device includes an O2 sensor which is installed in an EGR path and disposed on the exhaust path side relative to the EGR valve, and an A/F sensor which is installed in the exhaust path and disposed downstream of a connecting portion between the exhaust path and the EGR path.
US08631683B2 Dialysis systems including non-invasive multi-function sensor systems
A dialysis system that includes a dialysis machine, a tube connected to the dialysis machine, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a head having a slot configured to receive the tube and a plurality of sensors secured to the head adjacent the slot. At least one of the plurality of sensors includes a light emitting element configured to transmit light through the tube when the tube is disposed in the slot and a light receiving element configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitting element after the light passes trough the tube.
US08631679B2 Additional calibration for analyte monitor
Embodiments provide a method and related systems that take into account the difference between a measured glucose value and the calibration level and the amount of elapsed time since the prior calibration. As one or both of these determined differences increases, the desirability of an additional calibration also increases. The methodology described herein thus analyzes the combination of change in glucose level as well as the time since the prior calibration. If the combination exceeds a predetermined value, the system recommends, but does not require, that the subject user perform an additional calibration.
US08631669B2 Optical fiber manufacturing apparatus and optical fiber manufacturing method
An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus including: a heating furnace in which an optical fiber is formed by melt-drawing an optical fiber preform; a sealing mechanism which is provided on an opening portion located at an upstream of the heating furnace and seals the heating furnace with an inert gas; a first pipe which is connected to the heating furnace and introduces the gas into the heating furnace; a second pipe which is connected to a lowermost compartment closest to the heating furnace among the compartments and introduces the gas into the lowermost compartment; and a gas flow rate control unit which controls a total sum of a flow rate of a gas supplied from the first pipe into the heating furnace and a flow rate of a gas supplied from the second pipe into the lowermost compartment to be substantially constant.
US08631668B2 System for and method of mixed-color cullet characterization and certification, and providing contaminant-free, uniformly colored mixed-color cullet
Methods of creating a batch of recycled glass from mixed color glass cullet. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving at a glass plant a weight and color composition percentage of a first batch of mixed color cullet. The glass plant also receives a weight and color composition percentage of a second batch of mixed color cullet. The weight and color composition percentage of the first batch and the second batch are combined to generate a combined weight and composition percentage. The combined weight and composition are percentage are used to generate, automatically at a glass plant, a formulation to produce glass of a desired color.
US08631667B2 Adsorption heat pump with heat accumulator
System including an adsorption heat pump with at least one adsorber and at least one heat accumulator and method for operating an adsorption heat pump. The system additionally includes a heat source configured to provide heat for a desorption at a temperature that is at least one of higher than temperature levels achievable through previous adsorption cycles in the at least one heat accumulator and not available in a predetermined quantity in the at least one heat accumulator. The at least one heat accumulator is structured and arranged to simultaneously store heat at different temperature levels therein. Adsorption heat released during an adsorption, which is not to be used for a later desorption, is dissipated to a heat sink. Adsorption heat to be used for the later desorption is stored in the heat accumulator at a temperature dependent on an adsorption temperature. Desorption heat is extractable at least in part from the at least one heat accumulator at a desired temperature.
US08631666B2 Modular CO2 refrigeration system
A cascade CO2 refrigeration system includes a medium temperature loop for circulating a medium refrigerant and a low temperature loop for circulating a CO2 refrigerant. The medium temperature loop includes a heat exchanger having a first side and a second side. The first side evaporates the medium temperature refrigerant. The low temperature loop includes a discharge header for circulating the CO2 refrigerant through the second side of the heat exchanger to condense the CO2 refrigerant, a liquid-vapor separator collects liquid CO2 refrigerant and directs vapor CO2 refrigerant to the second side of the heat exchanger. A liquid CO2 supply header receives liquid CO2 refrigerant from the liquid-vapor separator. Medium temperature loads receive liquid CO2 refrigerant from the liquid supply header for use as a liquid coolant at a medium temperature. An expansion device expands liquid CO2 refrigerant from the liquid supply header into a low temperature liquid-vapor mixture for use by the low temperature loads.
US08631662B2 Testing system and method for AC system in a vehicle
A pressure and prevacuum testing system for an AC system in a vehicle includes an air pressure source for pressurizing a cooling circuit of the AC system to a predetermined high pressure threshold and a vacuum source for prevacuuming the cooling circuit either to a predetermined prevacuum low pressure level or for a predetermined time period. The system also includes a pressure gauge for operatively measuring a pressure level in the cooling circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the air pressure source, the vacuum source and the pressure gauge. The controller compares the pressure level as measured by the pressure gauge to the predetermined high pressure threshold during a pressurized test of the cooling circuit and to the predetermined prevacuum low pressure level during a prevacuum test of the cooling circuit to determine if leaks are present in the cooling circuit.
US08631660B2 Integrated gasification combined cycle system with vapor absorption chilling
The present application and the resultant patent provide an integrated gasification combined cycle system. The integrated gasification combined cycle system may include a gas turbine engine, one or more power plant components, one or more carbon dioxide compressors, and a vapor absorption chiller. The vapor absorption chiller is driven by a waste heat source flow from the carbon dioxide compressors to produce a chilling medium flow to cool the power plant components.
US08631657B2 Thermodynamic cycles with thermal diluent
Thermodynamic cycles with diluent that produce mechanical power, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating and/or cooling are described. Systems contain a combustion system producing an energetic fluid by combusting fuel with oxidant. Thermal diluent is preferably used in the cycle to improve performance, including one or more of power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, temperature regulation, and/or cooling heated components. Cycles include a heat recovery system and preferably recover and recycle thermal diluent from expanded energetic fluid to improve cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. Cycles preferably include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates within a combined heat and power (CHP) system, and controls for power, thermal output, efficiency, and/or emissions.
US08631655B2 Gas turbine engine including apparatus to transfer power between multiple shafts
The gas turbine engine comprises at least one electrical generator and an electrical heater associated with a gas path of the engine. The heater is powered by the generator to selectively add heat to the gas turbine cycle.
US08631653B1 Fuel-less steam-driven electric generating system
A system for generating electricity including a water storage tank coupled to a heat exchanger and an oxygen generator. The oxygen generator separates water into oxygen and hydrogen and flows each element to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a fuel cell and a tube that water flows through adjacent the fuel cell. The operation of the fuel cell results in a by product of heat. The heat from the fuel cell is then transferred to water flowing through the tube and the water is converted to steam. The steam drives a turbine generator to produce electricity. The fuel cell generates water in its processing that is returned to the water storage tank.
US08631650B2 Hydraulic system and method for control
A hydraulic system is disclosed having at least two hydraulic circuits. The disclosed system apportions flow between the two hydraulic circuits based on an assumed flow rate that is held constant in both power-limited and non-power-limited conditions.
US08631649B2 Engine exhaust component
An engine exhaust component is provided. The engine exhaust component may include a plurality of coolant passages having parallel coolant flow, each coolant passage at least partially surrounding a respectively corresponding exhaust runner. The engine exhaust component may further include a coolant inlet manifold coupled to each of the coolant passages and a coolant outlet manifold coupled to each of the coolant passages. In this way, more even and controlled cooling can be provided.
US08631646B2 Methods and systems for variable displacement engine control
Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
US08631642B2 Regeneration assist calibration
A power system comprising an engine that produces exhaust, a fuel system that injects a fuel into the engine, an aftertreatment system that treats the exhaust, and a controller. The aftertreatment system includes an oxidation catalyst that converts NO from the engine into NO2, a particulate filter that traps soot from the engine, and a sensor that provides an indication of the amount of soot in the particulate filter. The controller increases an engine fuel injection pressure when the amount of soot in the particulate filter is above a threshold.
US08631641B2 Control device for vehicle
In a vehicle having mounted therein an engine including an injector that directly injects fuel into a cylinder, in the case in which a warm-up control required condition is established, catalyst warm-up control is executed if an amount of fuel diluted in oil is low, or even if the amount of fuel diluted in oil is high, when the temperature of the engine oil is less than the fuel volatilization temperature. In contrast, even in the case in which the warm-up control required condition is established, if the amount of fuel diluted in oil is greater than or equal to a determination value, and furthermore the temperature of the engine oil is greater than or equal to the fuel volatilization temperature, there is the possibility of negative influence on exhaust emissions, and therefore the catalyst warm-up control is prohibited.
US08631640B2 Jet engine nacelle equipped with a system for mechanically inhibiting a thrust reverser
The present invention relates to a jet engine nacelle comprising a forward air inlet section, a mid-section intended to surround a jet engine fan, and an aft section equipped with at least one thrust reversal system comprising, on the one hand, means for deflecting at least part of an air flow of the jet engine and, on the other hand, at least one cowl (12) mounted translatably along at least one guide rail (15) in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle, said movable cowl being able to switch alternately from a closed position, in which it provides the nacelle with aerodynamic continuity and covers the deflection means, to an open position in which it opens a passage in the nacelle and uncovers said deflection means, the nacelle being characterized in that the aft section is equipped with at least one stud (18) mounted such that it can move over a fixed structure of the aft section in the region of the guide rail between a retracted position, in which said stud is withdrawn from the running track of the rail and allows a translational movement of the movable cowl, and an engaged position, in which it forms a stop capable of preventing the movable cowl from sliding in the downstream direction of the nacelle.
US08631639B2 System and method of cooling turbine airfoils with sequestered carbon dioxide
A turbine power generation system with enhanced cooling provided by a stream of carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide source and a method of using a stream of carbon dioxide to cool hot gas path components. The turbine power generating system includes a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, a generator, and at least one shaft linking the compressor and turbine and generator together such that mechanical energy produced from the turbine is used to drive the compressor and the generator. Carbon dioxide that is sequestered from the exhaust of the turbine may be stored and injected back into the turbine to cool hot gas path components of the turbine.
US08631630B2 Closure head for container closure machines and container closure machine
The invention relates to a closure head for container closure machines (1) for closing bottles or similar containers with closures, having a head part, having a receptacle formed on a head part and open on the bottom of the closure head and the head part for one closure each, wherein the receptacle forms at least one radial and at least one axial contact surface relative to an axis of the receptacle for the closure received in the receptacle, and wherein the radial contact surface for at least force-fit retaining of the closure in the receptacle is formed of at least one displaceable segment displaceable at least radially to the axis of the receptacle at least in the area of the radial contact surface.
US08631629B1 Roof mounting assembly
A mounting system for a roof-mounted structure comprises: a roof having a surface; a shaft having a first end opposing a second end, and including a roof fastening portion at the first end and secured within the roof, an anchor portion for securing the roof-mounted structure at the second end, a drive part and a radially projecting shoulder surface oriented toward the roof fastening portion; and a washer positioned on the surface of the roof and disposed on the shaft such that the shoulder surface urges the washer into watertight sealing contact with the surface of the roof.
US08631627B2 Helical pole support bracket and method for supporting a pole
A method of installing a support structure is provided for use in soft or unstable soil. The method forms a hole in the earth to a depth sufficient to support the structure, such as a utility pole or post. A pole support is placed in the hole and driven downward into the earth to form a supporting base at the bottom of the hole. The pole support in one embodiment has a helical screw at a bottom end and a flat supporting plate at the top end. The pole support is rotated by a drive member into the earth to position the support plate at the bottom of the hole. The support plate can have a hole in the top face to receive the drive member for rotating the support member to drive the screw into the earth. The drive member is then separated and lifted from the hole. The pole or post is positioned on the support plate and the hole is back-filled.
US08631626B2 Universal construction framing connector
A universal framing connector, used to connect backing, blocking, bracing, and bridging to the framing system, framing members, and to adjacent surfaces.
US08631618B2 Batter angled flange composite cap
The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.
US08631614B2 Roofing product with integrated photovoltaic elements and flashing system
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
US08631612B2 Facing panel
The present invention relates to a facing panel, on the long side surfaces of which there are connecting or locking elements (5, 6) that are different or which complement each other along the two parallel long side edges (4, 4′) of the facing panel (1, 1′) so that the long side edges (4, 4′) of two facing panels (1) with different locking elements can be connected to one another. On the visible surface (7) of the facing panel (1, 1′) there is a single stripe (2) that is parallel to and spaced apart from one of the two long side edges (4, 4′); the color of said stripe (2) is darker than the color of the remaining visible surface, one and the same connecting or locking element (6) being formed along the long-side edge (4) of the facing panel (1, 1′) to which the stripe (2) runs parallel or to which it is close, one and the same connecting or locking element (6) being formed on the opposite long-side edge (4′), this being complementary to the connecting or locking element (5) or lockable thereto.
US08631611B2 Fortified flashing laminate
A fortified flashing laminate includes an uncured thermosetting polymeric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first layer of vulcanized adhesive tape covers at least a portion of the bottom surface of the polymeric layer, and a second layer of vulcanized adhesive tape covers a portion of the first layer of vulcanized adhesive tape to form a fortified area. The size and positioning of the second layer of vulcanized adhesive tape may be selected to fortify known vulnerable areas of flashing laminates.
US08631603B2 Fishing trigger device
A fishing trigger device alerts the fisherman of a fish bite and at the same time releases the fishing line to offer sufficient slack line for the fish to swallow the bait. The fishing trigger device includes a holder adapted to be inserted into a ground, the holder including a one piece device including a container and a pointed end and a trigger supported by the container, the trigger adapted to secure a fishing line prior to a fish bite, the trigger adapted to release the fishing line after the fish bite.
US08631601B2 Automatic or semiautomatic rifle with folding clamshell buttstock
An automatic or semiautomatic blackrifle type rifle having a receiver and a bolt carrier movably coupled to the receiver. An action system is connected to the bolt carrier for cycling the bolt carrier in the receiver. A folding butt stock is connected to the receiver, the folding butt stock being both foldable and collapsible.
US08631596B2 Material-handling bucket with scraper blade
An improved material handling bucket assembly is configured for construction or agricultural front loading or backhoe applications. Scraper and grader blades pivotally mounted relative to the bucket bottom cooperatively move to provide normal bucket operation, or scraping, or grading operations. A scraper blade selectively rotates between a first position closing an opening through the bottom wall of the bucket to a second position extending below the bucket for removing ground soil during a scraping operation and directing the removed soil into a collection chamber of the bucket. A single power source and linkage assembly controls movement of the scraper and grader blades, which also cooperatively move to change the size of the opening in the bottom wall during a scraping operation.
US08631595B2 Excavating apparatus with swivel mount employing swivel adapter with gear bearings having gears with divergent thickness
A swivel adapter mount can be mounted on the end of a boom of excavating equipment, such as a crawler excavator or on a backhoe. Rotation of the swivel adapter mount will impart rotation to an implement, such as bucket, mounted on the boom. This rotation is not possible with a conventional wrist joint on the boom of an excavator or backhoe. With the bucket swiveled using this swivel adapter mount, a slope may be defined on the sides of a ditch, by only using the backhoe or excavator. The implement can be swiveled or tilted about transverse axes as will as being manipulated by a conventional wrist joint. Gear bearings having gear teeth of divergent thickness are employed on the swivel adapter.
US08631591B2 Replaceable traction cleat for footwear
Adjustable traction is provided in a traction cleat by selectively restricting or not the amount of flexure permitted for a dynamic traction element on the cleat. Restricting flexure is alternatively achieved by an adjustably positionable ring or by rotating the cleat to align the dynamic element with different shoe sole topographical features. A dual locking post is provided to reduce the surface area required on the cleat hub for locking structures. The cleat is formed in a two shot molding process that permits elongations of the dynamic traction elements without sacrificing the integrity of the cleat structure.
US08631590B2 Article of footwear for soccer
An article of footwear with flexing portions disposed in an arch portion of a sole system is disclosed. The flexing portions in the sole system increase the curling toe flexibility of the article of footwear. In addition, the sole system includes trapping portions that enhance the ability of a wearer to stop and capture a ball. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes an asymmetric fastening system biased toward a medial side of the article.
US08631587B2 Impact-attenuation members with lateral and shear force stability and products containing such members
Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.
US08631582B2 Reciprocating electric shaver
A reciprocating electric shaver includes: a rotary motor; a pair of driving elements to which inner blades are individually attached; and a conversion mechanism coupled to the rotary motor and the corresponding driving element to convert rotating motion of the rotary motor to reciprocating motion of the pair of driving elements. Each driving element and coupling members coupled to the driving elements constitute driving blocks. The driving blocks include balance adjusters provided on the opposite sides of a rotation axis of the rotary motor from the driving elements included in the driving blocks, respectively.
US08631580B2 Lift arm assembly
A lift arm assembly includes a first arm casting including a first end, a second arm casting including a first end, and a tubular cross member attached to the first arm casting and the second arm casting. The lift arm assembly also includes a first arm tubular member including a first end attached to the first end of the first arm casting. The lift arm assembly further includes a second arm tubular member including a first end attached to the first end of the second arm casting such that the second arm tubular member is generally parallel to the first arm tubular member. At least one of the tubular cross member, the first arm tubular member, or the second arm tubular member has a continuous periphery, a maximum of one seam, and a substantially constant cross-section along substantially an entire length of the respective member.
US08631579B2 Method for manufacturing injection hole member
A lead hole is formed in a base material of an injection hole member with a straight punch, and then, a taper hole is formed in the base material by widening the lead hole with a taper punch. An intersection line between a virtual plane perpendicular to a central axis of the lead hole and an inner peripheral surface of the lead hole is elliptic in shape, whose major axis is directed along an intersection line between a virtual plane, which includes the central axis of the lead hole and a thickness direction axis of the base material, and the virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis of the lead hole. An intersection line between a virtual plane perpendicular to a central axis of the taper punch and an outer peripheral surface of the taper punch is round in shape.
US08631575B2 Gas turbine rotor assembly methods
Method of assembling a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine having a plurality of components. The method comprises in one aspect calculating the bending forces due to the mass distribution along the rotor. In another aspect, an optimization routine iterates different rotor arrangements, comparing the calculated bending moments to determine a set of component positions that minimizes the bending forces.
US08631570B2 Through wafer vias with dishing correction methods
Methods of forming through wafer vias (TWVs) and standard contacts in two separate processes to prevent copper first metal layer puddling and shorts are presented. In one embodiment, a method may include forming a TWV into a substrate and a first dielectric layer over the substrate; forming a second dielectric layer over the substrate and the TWV; forming, through the second dielectric layer, at least one contact to the TWV and at least one contact to other structures over the substrate; and forming a first metal wiring layer over the second dielectric layer, the first metal wiring layer contacting at least one of the contacts.
US08631567B2 Method of manufacturing rigid-flexible printed circuit board
A method of manufacturing a rigid-flexible printed circuit board, including providing a base substrate in which coverlays are respectively formed on two sides of a flexible copper foil laminate on both sides of which inner circuit patterns are respectively formed; layering insulation layers and copper foil layers on portions of coverlays which are to be a rigid region of the flexible copper foil laminate; forming a via hole in the rigid region, and, simultaneously, forming first windows in the coverlays in a flexible region; forming outer circuit patterns including areas adjacent to the first windows; and applying solder resist in the rigid region to expose portions of the external circuit patterns, where the outer circuit patterns formed in the areas adjacent to the first windows include additional plating portions for covering portions of the coverlays.
US08631565B2 Method for manufacturing a solar module
A method for manufacturing a solar concentrator cell module assembly within an integrated circuit process, which solar concentrator cell module assembly includes at least one solar device and which solar device includes one printed circuit board and one Fresnel lens. A printed circuit board is assembled according to a pre-defined circuit board base design layout that allows pick and place of a single solar concentrator cell chip onto a circuit board base. Connections are provided for the solar concentrator cell chip in a serialized or a parallelized arrangement on the circuit board base, and a plurality of openings are formed in the circuit board base below a backside of the solar concentrator chip to enable attachment of cooling fingers. A solar device based on a solar device layout is assembled using the assembled circuit board base and one Fresnel lens, the solar device having a solar concentration ratio by modifying the solar device surface versus the solar cell surface and covering a full extension of the circuit board base, which circuit board base provides means for interconnecting a plurality of the solar devices to one another to form the solar concentrator cell module assembly.
US08631563B2 Apparatus and method for removing a dry tube assembly from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel
An apparatus for removing a dry tube assembly includes a mounting structure configured to mount the apparatus to a top guide of a reactor vessel, a clamping assembly configured to engage the dry tube assembly, and a positioning assembly that is configured to position and rotate the clamping assembly relative to the dry tube assembly. The dry tube assembly is buckled and removed without exercising a joint.
US08631558B2 Method for making dust cover, electronic device, and method for fixing dust cover to electronic device housing
A dust cover includes an anti-dust portion and an adhering portion integrally formed for framing the anti-dust portion. The anti-dust portion is a mesh sheet. The adhering portion is integrally formed on the anti-dust portion via a heat pressing process. The anti-dust portion is a coarser mesh, and the adhering portion is a mesh sheet with finer holes. The disclosure further provides a method for making the dust cover and an electronic device using the dust cover.
US08631553B2 Tube splicing machine
A tube splicing machine is provided which includes a frame on which a die holder is located. A swaging die is removably mounted in the die holder, and the die holder includes a main plate and a top plate that is removably connected to the main plate. A die holding opening is defined through a portion of the main plate and the top plate in which the swaging die is inserted. The swaging die includes two die parts that together define a die opening and are separable along a mid-line of the die opening. A splice fitting engagement plate with a splice fitting engagement portion is located on the frame, with the splice fitting engagement plate having an opening or an openable top to allow removable connection to a splice fitting. An actuator is connected between the splice fitting engagement plate and the die holder for moving the splice fitting engagement plate relative to the die holder from an initial position to a swaged position, in order to swage the splice fitting onto a length of hose or tubing. This allows a splice fitting to join quasi-endless lengths of hose or tubing in a simple manner.
US08631552B2 Plate joint for a parts fixture made of carbon fiber composite
A plate joint for joining two plates together includes a first plate and a second plate, with each of the first plate and second plate having a first edge and an opposite and generally parallel second edge. The first plate and second plate are connected together in a generally orthogonal orientation relative to each other with a finger joint defined by a notch in each plate which interlock with each other. The first edge of the first plate and the first edge of the second plate each have a groove therein which axially align with each other in and end-to-end manner. A locking pin is press fitted into the grooves in each of the first plate and the second plate.
US08631548B2 Method for producing crystallographically oriented ceramic
A method for producing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive body containing a crystallographically oriented ceramic including a particle-preparing step of preparing pseudocubic particles having substantially a cubic shape; a dispersing step of dispersing the pseudocubic particles in a solvent; a particle section-forming step of forming a seed section and a matrix section directly or indirectly on a base, the seed section being formed by arranging the dispersed pseudocubic particles in a predetermined plane direction, the matrix section being formed from matrix particles having a desired composition; and a firing step of firing the seed section and matrix section formed on the base.
US08631539B2 Accessory wand storage assembly for use with vacuum appliances, and vacuums using the same
A vacuum extension wand accessory storage assembly for use with a wet/dry vacuum that improves user access to the wands while simultaneously preventing accidental loss or dislodgement of the wands when the vacuum is not in use. The wand storage design includes the combination of a channeled, shaped surface formed in the bottom of the vacuum collection drum and an accessory attachment system on the bottom of the vacuum appliance having both front and rear securement assemblies which in combination secure the extension wands in place below the collection drum of the vacuum appliance in the event of vacuum transportation, lifting, or storage.
US08631532B2 Oral hygiene device
An oral cleaning tool for an electric oral hygiene device is disclosed. The oral cleaning tool includes a housing having a head section with a head cavity for accommodating a movable oral cleaning head and a neck section with a neck cavity and a handle coupling section; a first magnetic coupling element including at least a permanent magnet or a magnetizable element being provided in the neck section for mechanical handle drive shaft connection by magnetic interaction. The first magnetic coupling element is mounted at a motion transmitter, the motion transmitter extending inside the neck cavity to the head cavity, the motion transmitter arranged so as to be movable in a linear or longitudinal direction. The motion transmitter is coupled with the oral cleaning head, the oral cleaning head arranged so as to oscillate in a rotational direction.
US08631531B2 Apparatus and method for brushing teeth
A device and method for brushing all surfaces of all of a user's teeth simultaneously. The device comprises bristle strip surfaces that envelope all of a user's teeth, the bristle strips comprising bristle bundles that scrub all surfaces of a user's teeth due to a reciprocating motion of the bristle strips. To use the device, a user inserts the toothbrush bristle strips into their mouth so to engage the user's teeth. A power source, motor, and drive assembly are utilized to cause the bristles to reciprocate, cleaning all a user's teeth surfaces simultaneously.
US08631530B2 Cleaning device and system
This invention relates to a cleaning device (10) comprising a handle (20), a bendable elongated cleaning element (30) connected to the handle; and an elongated control element (40) having a first end (41) fixated at a top part (32) of the cleaning element. The control element is arranged along and inside of the cleaning element, and has a second end (42) arranged to be accessible at the handle. Controlled bending of the cleaning element is provided by applying a pulling force on the second end.
US08631525B2 Hide away bed rail
A bed rail having an operating position at one of the sides of a bed and a stored position between a mattress and box spring of the bed. To take down the bed rail, a guard frame portion is disengaged from a base frame portion, then the guard frame portion is pivoted and slid into the base frame portion. To set up the bed rail, the guard frame portion can be slid out of the base frame portion, pivoted relative to the base frame portion, then engaged to the base frame portion and into the operating position at a side of the bed.
US08631523B1 Back-scratching and washing device for use in a shower
The back-scratching and washing device for use in a shower includes a base that attaches to a smooth surface for use within a shower and features a plurality of interchangeable parts that attach to the base to perform a plurality of uniquely different skin engaging services. The interchangeable parts comprise rubber nodules, Loofahs, spring-loaded scrubbers, and bristled nodules. All of the interchangeable parts attach to the base via a spring pin located on a back of said part that engages one of an array of holes located on a front of said base. The device can be used to engage any part of a body, but is chiefly used for the back and hard to reach areas of said body. An array of suction cups located on a back of the base ensure secure attachment of the device to a smooth surface during engagement by an end user.
US08631522B2 Neck guard for use in a salon/barber industry sink
A neck guard for a salon/barber industry sink, wherein the sink has an indentation in a lip of the sink to accommodate a person's neck. One embodiment includes a cushioning portion which is curved to fit on top of the indentation, a stabilizing portion which extends downward from the cushioning portion, and a removable cover sheet which is positioned on an upper surface of the cushioning portion. The cushioning portion is rubber having a first durometer and the stabilizing portion is having a second, higher durometer. The stabilizing portion includes front and rear sidewalls, wherein the front sidewall is longer than the rear sidewall. The sidewalls have inner surfaces configured to contact the wall of the sink, wherein the inner surfaces have a traction pattern. One embodiment has a weight of at least one pound.
US08631517B1 Fabric fastener adjustably located between two prefabricated garment buttons
A garment securing device and adjustable positioning thereof. The garment securing device is a fabric fastener adjustably located between two prefabricated garment buttons. The fabric fastener adapted to secure a first shirt panel to a second shirt panel of a dress shirt including a collar button, a first torso button, and a second torso button, all symmetrically positioned and including associated eyelets. The fabric fastener includes a clothing button firmly attached with an adhesive to a first permanent magnet. The combination of a second permanent magnet and the first permanent magnet is to provide an alignment and the securing of the first shirt panel and the second shirt panel to each other between the first torso button and the second torso button.
US08631514B2 Protective element for sports pads and the like
An impact resistant insert for a protective pad and having a stiffener layer of impact resistant, thermoformable material retaining a preset curve at ambient temperature such as to substantially return to the preset curve upon deformation, the stiffener layer becoming temporarily more flexible under heat such that the preset curve can be modified to a different preset curve with the stiffener layer subsequently maintaining the different preset curve at ambient temperature. Also, an impact resistant insert for a protective pad and having a front layer of flexible material, a stiffener layer of multicell material having front and rear surfaces with the front surface being connected to the front layer, the stiffener layer being substantially resistant to impact forces, retaining a preset curve and substantially returning to the preset curve upon deformation, and a rear layer of flexible material connected to the rear surface of the stiffener layer.
US08631513B1 Disposable and reusable germ screen
Screen covers, devices, systems and methods of using the covers. The screen cover can have dome shaped front configuration and capital A rear side configuration that can be formed from a pliable material having a waterproof coated surface. The screen cover can have a closed front side, closed top, closed sides and an elastic band across the back having openings above and below the band. The screen cover can be disposable or reusable. Methods of using and removing the screen cover include removing the cover without contaminating the other hand that removes the cover.
US08635711B1 High throughput reproducible cantilever functionalization
A method for functionalizing cantilevers is provided that includes providing a holder having a plurality of channels each having a width for accepting a cantilever probe and a plurality of probes. A plurality of cantilever probes are fastened to the plurality of channels of the holder by the spring clips. The wells of a well plate are filled with a functionalization solution, wherein adjacent wells in the well plate are separated by a dimension that is substantially equal to a dimension separating adjacent channels of the plurality of channels. Each cantilever probe that is fastened within the plurality of channels of the holder is applied to the functionalization solution that is contained in the wells of the well plate.
US08635706B2 System and method for data mining and security policy management
A system and method to generate and maintain controlled growth DAG are described. The controlled growth DAG conveys information about objects captured by a capture system.
US08635705B2 Computer system and method with anti-malware
In some embodiments, approaches may provide an out-of-band (OOB) agent to protect a platform. The OOB agent may be able to use non-TRS methods to measure and protect an in-band security agent. In some embodiments, a manageability engine can provide out of band connectivity to the in-band and out-of-band security agents and provide access to the system memory resources without having to rely on OS services. This can be used for a trusted anti-malware and remediation service.
US08635703B1 Performance benchmarking for simulated phishing attacks
Described herein are methods, network devices and machine-readable media for conducting a simulated phishing attack on a first group of individuals, and performing an analysis of the group's performance to the simulated attack. In the analysis, an aggregate performance of the first group is compared with an aggregate performance of individuals from a second group. Standardizing the simulated phishing attacks for individuals from both the first and second groups is necessary in order for the performance of the first group to be fairly or meaningfully compared to the performance of the second group. To ensure uniformity in the simulated phishing attacks, messages thereof may be constructed from template messages, the template messages having placeholders for individual-specific and company-specific information.
US08635700B2 Detecting malware using stored patterns
In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a plurality of portions of a file and comparing the plurality of portions of the file to a plurality of stored patterns. The plurality of stored patterns include portions of known malware. The method also includes determining, from the plurality of portions of the file and based on the comparing of the plurality of portions of the file to the plurality of stored patterns, a set of matching portions. The set of matching portions include one or more of the plurality of portions of the file. In addition, the method includes determining a score for each portion in the set of matching portions and providing information regarding the set of matching portions. The information includes the scores determined for each portion of the set of matching portions.
US08635698B2 Antivirus system and method for removable media devices
A removable media device, which may be a USB attached device or other type of removable media device, includes a software program located on the device which upon startup or access, the software program scans one or more of electronic files stored on the removable media device and electronic files being transferred to or from the electronic media device and to or from a host computing system for the detection of viruses therein. The software program is further configured to block the transfer of detected virus-containing electronic files and to disallow the copy or writing of files to or from the removable media device to or from a host computing system that can not be scanned. The software program is further configured to block the encryption of files being written to a removable media device if such device contains hardware or software encryption if such files can not be scanned.
US08635693B2 System and method for testing network firewall for denial-of-service (DoS) detection and prevention in signaling channel
A device may measure a first performance, associated with legitimate traffic without attack traffic, of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based protection device implementing authentication; measure a second performance, associated with legitimate traffic and attack traffic, of the SIP-based protection device implementing authentication; and measure a third performance, associated with legitimate traffic and attack traffic, of the SIP-based protection device implementing authentication and return routability filtering. The device may also measure a first performance associated with legitimate traffic of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based protection device implementing rate-limiting filtering; measure a second performance associated with legitimate traffic and attack traffic of the SIP-based protection device implementing scheme filtering; and measure a third performance associated with legitimate traffic of the SIP-based protection device not implementing rate-limiting filtering without attack traffic.
US08635692B2 System and method for user friendly detection of spammers
A computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method involves: providing to a first client computing device a first instance of a first software program that includes a first secret ID value; receiving a first account creation request that includes the first secret ID value; associating the first account creation request with the first client computing device; and approving the first account creation request and creating a first account for the first client computing device if less than a first threshold of previous account creation requests that include the first secret ID value have been previously received, and a presumption that the first client computing device is a spammer does not apply; or denying the first account creation request if either the number of previously received account creation requests that include the first secret ID value is equal to or greater than the first threshold, or the presumption that the first client computing device is a spammer applies.
US08635684B2 Computer-implemented method for mobile authentication and corresponding computer system
In one embodiment of the present invention a computerized method includes receiving at a personal-mobile device a first communication, which includes information for requesting user verification for logging into an account of a user, via a computing device. The account is with a service provided by an application server. The method includes starting a personal-authentication application on the personal-mobile device in response to receiving the first communication, and receiving in the personal-authentication application a user verification for confirming logging into the account. The method includes logging into the account via the computing device based on receipt of the user verification. Embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced security for logging into an account that a user may have with a service by providing that a personal-mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, which is personal to a user, is configured as a security token for login to the account.
US08635678B2 Automated device provisioning and activation
A method and a network system for storing a plurality of device credentials associated with a device group comprising a plurality of wireless devices managed by an entity that is different from a network system operator, each of the plurality of device credentials associated with a different wireless device, each wireless device of the device group coupled or capable of being coupled to the network system over a wireless access network; providing a secure interface configured to assist the entity in creating or modifying at least a portion of a device-group service policy associated with the device group, the device-group service policy configured to assist the network system in controlling, monitoring, or accounting for device-group communications over the wireless access network; provisioning one or more elements based on the device-group service policy; identifying the device-group communications; and applying the device-group service policy based on the identified device-group communications.
US08635673B2 Dynamic application adaptation in software-as-a-service platform
Dynamic application adaptation in software-as-a-service platform, in one aspect, may receive an access permission associated with a published shared data management data object in the software-as-a-service platform having shared data management and a plurality of applications deployed, look up one or more rules associated with one or more features of an application deployed on the software-as-a-service platform, based on the received access permission, and activate or deactivate said one or more features associated with said plurality of applications based on said one or more rules.
US08635668B1 Link analysis tool for security information handling system
A security information handling system (IHS) receives a request to navigate to a webpage, such as a link, from a user IHS. A security IHS link analysis tool analyzes the link and determines if the link contains sensitive content. The security IHS link analysis tool transmits a network selection message to the user IHS indicating which network the user IHS should utilize based upon the content of the link.
US08635667B2 Electronic apparatus and terminal
According to one embodiment, an electronic device connected to an authentication device through a first communication network, and further connected to another electronic device through a second communication network, wherein the electronic device executes authentication of the electronic device and another electronic device by data delivery/receipt conforming to a predetermined procedure between the electronic device and the authentication device through the first communication network, and data delivery/receipt between the electronic device and another electronic device through the second communication network.
US08635665B2 Secure legacy media peripheral association with authentication in a media exchange network
Aspects for secure access and communication of information in a distributed media network may include detecting when a legacy media peripheral is connected to a PC and/or a media processing system on the distributed media network. One or more identifiers associated with the legacy media peripheral may be established and utilized to facilitate communication of the legacy media peripheral over the distributed media network. At least one legacy media peripheral identifier and at least one identifier of a user utilizing the legacy media peripheral may be requested. The legacy media peripheral identifier may be a serial number of the legacy media peripheral, while the user identifier may be a user password and/or a user name. Media peripheral association software may be executed on the PC and/or the media processing system and utilized for media peripheral association and authentication in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
US08635663B2 Restriction of program process capabilities
This document describes systems and methods for restricting program process capabilities. In some implementations, the capabilities are restricted by limiting the rights or privileges granted to an application. A plurality of rules may be established for a program, or for a group of programs, denying that program the right to take actions which are outside of the actions needed to implement its intended functionality. A security policy is implemented to test actions initiated in response to an application against the rules to enable decisions restricting the possible actions of the program. Embodiments are disclosed which process the majority of decisions regarding actions against a security profile through use of a virtual machine. In some embodiments, the majority of decisions are resolved within the kernel space of an operating system.
US08635662B2 Dynamic trust model for authenticating a user
A system that that dynamically authenticates one or more users is described. During operation, the computer system determines a trust level for a user, where the trust level is a function of elapsed time since the user previously provided authentication information. Next, the computer system calculates a transaction risk level based on a type of user transaction performed by the user. Then, the computer system requests additional authentication information from the user based on the trust level and the transaction risk level.
US08635657B2 Authenticated broadcast transmission utilizing a content retransmitter
A content retransmitter receives information for receivers and forms an authorized list by transmitting authentication prompts, receiving authentication information, and adding receivers if the authentication information for the respective receiver is verified to match stored user information. Subsequently, the content retransmitter may receive content and broadcast the received content to some or all of the receivers on the authorized list. Additionally, the content retransmitter may store the received content in a storage medium and provide the stored content to receivers on the authorized list upon request. The user authentication information received from the receivers may be passwords, biometric information, and so on. The received content may be broadcast to a subset of the authorized list corresponding to users who are related to the content. The related users may be determined by examining metadata about the received content, facial recognition analysis of users present in the received content, and so on.
US08635655B2 Input switching apparatus and input switching method of audio/video signal, and audio/video system
An input switching apparatus includes a plurality of AV signal input units; a communication unit that communicates with another AV device; an input selection unit that selects one of the plurality of AV signal input units; and a selection control unit that switches selection of the input selection unit in accordance with a switching request message for requesting switching of the input selection unit from an origin position to a destination position when the communication unit receives the switching request message. While the input position holding mode is activated, the selection control unit holds the selection of the input selection unit even when the switching request message is received, and transmits a message for causing another device to perform a switching from the destination position to the origin position.
US08635652B2 Method and apparatus for supporting mobility in a mobile broadcasting system
A method and apparatus for supporting mobility in a mobile broadcasting system in which Electronic Service Guide (ESG) discovery is required. The mobility support is classified into three ways according to three different aspects. The first way is to provide roaming information for a local IPDC operator having a roaming partner among local IPDC operators. In the second way, a terminal transmits a query message for requesting transmission of information on a particular local IPDC operator, and receives information on the particular local IPDC operator in response thereto. The third way is to provide the terminal with type information of an ESG; an access type of which is classified according to provision of a roaming service. The roaming information, the information on the particular local IPDC operator and the type information of the ESG, which are provided to the terminal from the mobile broadcasting system, can be provided in an ESG bootstrap level.
US08635651B2 Identifying ancillary information associated with an audio/video program
A system communicates video information including television content associated with a plurality of channels and ancillary information. Information may be transmitted with the ancillary information that is indicative of the type of content included in the ancillary information. This provides the user, in one embodiment of the present invention, with a visual indication of the type of information that accompanies television content. This helps the user to decide whether the user wishes to view the ancillary information and provides the opportunity to select that enhancement for viewing.
US08635650B2 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.
US08635649B2 System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.
US08635646B2 Program guide apparatus
A method acquires program guide information in an image signal receiver, and program guide method and apparatus using the same. In the program guide apparatus, information immediately required by a user is obtained first, and information of less preferential channels is obtained next, thus presenting a smooth interface to the user. The method of acquiring program guide information for channels includes acquiring the program guide information for each channel by scanning accessible channels while a received program is not displayed. The program guide apparatus includes a tuner tuning a channel, a program guide information detector, a memory, a key input, a microprocessor, and a character signal generator.
US08635645B2 Apparatus and methods of providing and receiving venue level transmissions and services
A venue-cast system and method for providing and receiving venue level transmissions and services, including discovery of a venue specific transmission by receiving an overhead signal from a non-venue network, extracting information for receiving the venue specific transmission from the overhead signal, and tuning to receive the venue specific transmission based on the extracted information. The venue level transmission may be provided and received in a manner that does not prevent an access terminal from receiving a local area or wide area transmission.
US08635644B1 Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US08635642B2 Apparatus and method for parental control using V-Chip plus+ and master password
A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program.If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.
US08635637B2 User interface presenting an animated avatar performing a media reaction
This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a user interface for presenting a media reaction. The techniques receive media reactions of a person to a media program, such as the person laughing at one point of a comedy show, then smiling at another point, and then departing at a third point. The techniques may present these and other media reactions in a user interface through which a user may interact.
US08635636B2 Optical recording apparatus with limiting members for the flexible cable
An optical recording apparatus includes a traverse, a control circuit board, a shield substrate and an flexible flat cable (FFC). The traverse includes a spindle motor for rotating an optical disc and an optical pickup head for reading and/or writing the optical disc, the optical pickup head moves along a radial direction of the optical disc when reading and/or writing the optical disc. The FFC electrically connects the optical pickup head and the control circuit board and transmits signals between them, and a portion of the FFC adjacent to the second end is bent to facing the shield substrate. The shield substrate includes at least two limiting members, and the at least two limiting members are positioned at two opposite sides of the portion of the FFC facing the shield substrate to enable the portion of the FFC facing the shield substrate to move along the first direction.
US08635635B2 Factoring middleware for anti-piracy
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to hindering unauthorized use or distribution of a middleware program contained within an application. One example embodiment provides a method for hindering unauthorized use or distribution of a middleware program contained within an application. The method comprises acquiring factored middleware code, the factored middleware code having a missing function residing on a remote computing device, and building an application around the factored middleware code such that the application is configured to call to the remote computing device for execution of the missing function during use. The application may be configured to send a call to the remote computing device for execution of the missing function during use.
US08635634B2 Seamless multiple format metadata abstraction
For seamlessly abstracting metadata in multiple formats, an abstraction module converts first metadata of an incoming object and additional metadata for the incoming object from an annotation map contained by the first metadata into a common format useable. The additional metadata is not part of an original format of the first metadata. A communication module communicates the converted metadata to an adapter in the common format, the adapter processing the first metadata and the additional metadata independent of the original format of the first metadata.
US08635631B2 System and method for consolidated information handling system component drivers
An information handling system which includes plural processing components operable to process information wherein at least one processing component has plural region-specific modes of operation, a driver package associated with the at least one processing component wherein the driver package has plural region-specific drivers, and an encrypted key stored on a processing component wherein the encrypted key designates one of the plural region-specific drivers to manage the processing component.
US08635630B2 Application lifetime management
In a computing device running multiple applications, a check is made as to whether a threshold value of multiple threshold values has been met. Each of the multiple threshold values is associated with a characteristic of one of the multiple applications or a characteristic of a resource of the computing device. If the threshold value has not been met, then the multiple applications are allowed to continue running on the computing device. However, if the threshold value has been met, then one or more of the multiple applications to shut down is selected based at least in part on the characteristic associated with the threshold value that has been met, and the selected application is shut down.
US08635628B2 Systems and methods providing intelligent routing of data between software system
Disclosed are systems and methods which provide an interface for software applications which provides intelligent routing of data between the software applications. Embodiments provide an interface between software applications using multiple adapters, wherein at least one adapter is associated with each end of a software application information communication link. Information communicated between software applications is routed based upon analysis of the information and/or associated transactions to provide dynamic interfacing between software applications. Information may be routed based upon content, transaction type, historical information, etcetera. Routing of information of embodiments establishes an itinerary for scheduling communication of information between a plurality of software applications.
US08635627B2 Method, medium and apparatus storing and restoring register context for fast context switching between tasks
A method, medium and apparatus for storing and restoring a register context for a fast context switching between tasks is disclosed. The method, medium and apparatus may improve overall operating speed of a system by increasing the speed of context switching. The method may include adding an update code for updating information of live registers to a task file that includes a code of a task to perform a specified function, converting the task file having the update code added thereto into a run file, updating the information of the live registers with the update code during running of the task using the run file, and storing a live register context according to the updated information of the registers.
US08635626B2 Memory-aware scheduling for NUMA architectures
A topology reader may determine a topology of a Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) architecture including a number of, and connections between, a plurality of sockets, each socket including one or more cores and at least one memory configured to execute a plurality of threads of a software application. A core list generator may generate, for each designated core of the NUMA architecture, and based on the topology, a proximity list listing non-designated cores in an order corresponding to a proximity of the non-designated cores to the designated core. A core selector may determine, at a target core and during the execution of the plurality of threads, that the target core is executing an insufficient number of the plurality of threads, and may select a source core at the target core, according to the proximity list associated therewith, for subsequent transfer of a transferred thread from the selected source core to the target core for execution thereon.
US08635625B2 Power-aware workload allocation in performance-managed computing environments
An exemplary method of allocating a workload among a set of computing devices includes obtaining at least one efficiency model for each device. The method also includes, for each of a set of allocations of the workload among the devices, determining, for each device, the power consumption for the device to perform the workload allocated to the device by the allocation, the power consumption being determined based on the at least one efficiency model for each device; and determining a total power consumption of the devices. The method also includes selecting an allocation of the workload among the devices based at least in part on the total power consumption of the devices for each allocation. The method also includes implementing the selected allocation of the workload among the devices.
US08635624B2 Resource management using environments
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive time-based reservation requests for predefined resource environments comprising resource types that include hardware, software, and data, among others. Additional activities may include detecting a conflict between at least one of the resource types in a first one of the predefined resource environments and at least one of the resource types in a second one of the predefined resource environments, and resolving the conflict in favor of the first one of the predefined resource environments by reserving additional resource elements in a cloud computing architecture and/or reserving a less capable version of the second one of the predefined resource environments. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08635621B2 Method and apparatus to implement software to hardware thread priority
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for execution scheduling of a program thread of an application program and executing the scheduled program thread on a data processing system. The method includes: providing an application program thread priority to a thread execution scheduler; selecting for execution the program thread from a plurality of program threads inserted into the thread execution queue, wherein the program thread is selected for execution using a round-robin selection scheme, and wherein the round-robin selection scheme selects the program thread based on an execution priority associated with the program thread bit; placing the program thread in a data processing execution queue within the data processing system; and removing the program thread from the thread execution queue after a successful execution of the program thread by the data processing system.
US08635620B2 Hardware device for processing the tasks of an algorithm in parallel
A hardware device for concurrently processing a fixed set of predetermined tasks associated with an algorithm which includes a number of processes, some of the processes being dependent on binary decisions, includes a plurality of task units for processing data, making decisions and/or processing data and making decisions, including source task units and destination task units. A task interconnection logic means interconnect the task units for communicating actions from a source task unit to a destination task unit. Each of the task units includes a processor for executing only a particular single task of the fixed set of predetermined tasks associated with the algorithm in response to a received request action, and a status manager for handling the actions from the source task units and building the actions to be sent to the destination task units.
US08635617B2 Tracking requests that flow between subsystems using transaction identifiers for generating log data
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for tracking requests that flow between subsystems. Embodiments of the invention facilitate following a user interaction/transaction from the point of entry through any subsystems that are called until the interaction/transaction is fulfilled. Generated information (e.g., log data) regarding a transaction can be aggregated across all subsystems, such as, for example, in a central repository. When failures occur, log and trace levels can be automatically increased for subsequent calls.
US08635613B1 Systems and methods for virtual machine packaging of software
A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for the packaging of software. A plurality of workflow modules is implemented for the management of software packaging operations. An admin workflow module is implemented on an administrator system, which determines a software package to be assigned to a remote user for software packaging operations. The assignment is then routed to a remote user workflow module implemented on the remote user's system. The admin workflow module determines the virtual machine (VM) configuration requirements of the software packaging operation. If an existing VM with the required configured is not available, then instructions are provided to a virtual machine manager (VMM) to generate a VM with the required configuration. The software package is then loaded and control of the VM is released to the remote user through a virtual private network (VPN) connection. The remote user then performs the assigned software packaging operation. Support resources, if required, are provided through a plurality of collaboration modules.
US08635611B2 Creating virtual applications
Embodiments are provided to create a virtual application or suite of virtual applications. In an embodiment, a system is configured to create a virtual package which includes information that can be used in a hosted virtual application environment. The system can provide bits of a virtual package based in part on user demand for an application or certain application functionality. In one embodiment, a system includes a sequencer component which can create a virtual package which includes information associated with setup-time and run-time changes made to a computing device. The sequencer component can use a number of extensible markup language (XML) files to create the virtual package. Other embodiments are available.
US08635608B2 Software update system and method
There is provided a method, system and computer program for updating at least one component in a multi-component software application. The method includes receiving application data describing characteristics of the software application, receiving update data describing at least one update applicable to the software application and reviewing the application data and update data to determine whether the at least one update is applied to the software application.
US08635604B2 System and method for converting graphical call flows into finite state machines
A method, system and module for automatically converting a call flow into a state-based representation are disclosed. The method comprises walking a call flow and converting each page of the call flow into a rule of a higher level representation of the call flow, augmenting the higher level representation with terminal symbols representing state variable assignments and comparisons associated with decision and computation shapes in the call flow and converting the higher level representation into a state-based representation.
US08635602B2 Verification of information-flow downgraders
A method includes determining grammar for output of an information-flow downgrader in a software program. The software program directs the output of the information-flow downgrader to a sink. The method includes determining whether the grammar of the output conforms to one or more predetermined specifications of the sink. The method includes, in response to a determination the grammar of the output conforms to the one or more predetermined specifications of the sink, determining the information-flow downgrader is verified for the sink, wherein determining grammar, determining whether the grammar, and determining the information-flow downgrader are performed via static analysis of the software program. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed. An apparatus includes a user interface providing a result of whether or not output of an information-flow downgrader in the software program conforms to one or more predetermined specifications of a sink in the software program.
US08635601B2 Method of calculating key performance indicators in a manufacturing execution system
Key performance indicators, herein after referred as KPIs, are calculated within a manufacturing execution system. The calculation is performed by defining a custom KPI set at engineering time. In the case that the custom KPI definition is valid, a function code for calculating each custom KPI belonging to the custom KPI set is, automatically generated, through a software framework with support for code generation, at engineering time. At a runtime, a calculation is requested of a given custom KPI belonging to the custom KPI set. In the case that the calculation request is valid, at runtime, the calculation function code of the given custom KPI is executed.
US08635596B2 Model-based event processing
Model-based event processing is described. In an embodiment, a model of a system includes managed entities and relationships between the managed entities. Events associated with the managed entities are identified and determined to be correlated if the managed entities with which the events are associated have a relationship according to the model.
US08635593B2 Dynamic autocompletion tool
In at least some embodiments, a computing device includes a processor and a system memory coupled to said processor. The system memory stores an integrated development environment (IDE) and a dynamic autocompletion tool. When executed by the processor, the IDE provides a script editor. When executed by the processor, the dynamic autocompletion tool analyzes real-time content of a user application being executed to populate an autocompletion list for use with the IDE application.
US08635590B1 Adaptively shrinking software
Methods, articles, signals, and systems are provided for adaptively shrinking software. The software includes one or more adaptive features. A tracking facility tracks use of the adaptive features, and when it is determined that a given feature is unwanted or unnecessary in the software configuration preferred by a given user, a separation facility separates the feature from the rest of the software. The feature is then archived or deleted. In this manner, resources such as disk space are conserved, program load time and memory requirements are reduced, and user interfaces and supporting code are tailored to meet the needs of particular users.
US08635588B2 System and method for reconciling software source code
A system and a method for reconciling software source code is provided. The method includes analyzing a first file of generated source code and a modified file of source code to identify a first user modification in a portion of the modified file of source code, utilizing a first reconciliation tag, a first start index, a first stop index. The method further includes reconciling the first file of generated source code, the modified file of source code, and a second file of generated source code by inserting the first user modification in a portion of the second file of generated source code, utilizing a second reconciliation tag, a second start index, and a second stop index. The method further includes storing the second file of generated source code with the first user modification in a memory device.
US08635586B1 Method and system for providing services in modeled components
A system for providing one or more services in modeled components is described. An example system comprises a request detector, an entity component, and a service component. The request detector may be configured to receive requests to create modeled components. The entity builder may be configured to create entities associated with models. The services designer may be configured to create service components. A service component includes one or more functions that can be called from a property of an entity in the modeled component.
US08635585B2 Capturing information accessed, updated and created by processes and using the same for validation of consistency
Techniques for extending a process model with specification of information consumed. A receiving operation receives specification of process information consumed by a process implementation of the process model. Another receiving operation receives specification of activity process information consumed by activities employed by the process implementation of the process model. The information consumed is information that is or needs to be used without being passed through exposed interfaces. A generating operation automatically generates an extended process model using a computer processor. The extended process model includes specification of exposed interfaces, the process information consumed by the process implementation, and the activity information consumed by the activity implementation. Further embodiments includes techniques for identifying information inconsistencies in the extended process model if the information consumed not available as called for by the extended process model.
US08635584B2 Tutorial systems for code creation and provenance tracking
The disclosed embodiments of computer systems and techniques facilitate creation and retrieval of software code. Provenance tracking at the step level allows for each step to be tracked to its original creator and to various remixes of the original in the line of provenance.
US08635580B2 Preconditioning for EDA cell library
A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes one or more mathematical models for each cell, and one or more preconditioning functions (and/or inverse preconditioning functions) for each mathematical model. Each mathematical model represents a performance parameter (e.g., delay, power consumption, noise) or a preconditioned performance parameter of the cell. The preconditioning functions convert an operating parameter (e.g., input slew, output capacitance) associated with the performance parameter into a preconditioned input variable for the mathematical models. In doing so, the preconditioning functions allow for more accurate modeling of complex data relationships without increasing the complexity (e.g., order and number of coefficients) of the mathematical models. Also, because the cell library can be substantially similar to conventional polynomial-based cell libraries except for the inclusion of preconditioning functions, preconditioning does not significantly increase storage requirements and conventional EDA tools can be readily adapted to use the preconditioned cell library.
US08635579B1 Local clock skew optimization
Methods and apparatuses are described for optimizing local clock skew, and/or for synthesizing clock trees in an incremental fashion. For optimizing local clock skew, the circuit design can be partitioned into clock skew groups. Next, for each clock skew group, an initial clock tree can be constructed that substantially minimizes worst case clock skew in the clock skew group, and then the initial clock tree can be further optimized by substantially minimizing worst case local clock skew in the clock skew group. For performing incremental clock tree synthesis, a portion of a clock tree in the circuit design can be selected based on a set of modifications to the circuit design. Next, a new clock tree can be determined to replace the selected portion of the clock tree. The circuit design can then be modified by replacing the selected portion of the clock tree with the new clock tree.
US08635578B1 System and method for strengthening of a circuit element to reduce an integrated circuit's power consumption
A system and method enable strengthening of flip-Flops (FFs) in an integrated circuit (IC) for the purpose of reducing power consumption. This is achieved by using stability condition (STC) and observability don't-care (ODC) techniques. Strengthening enable is defined as ensuring that a FF later in the fan-out is enabled only when a FF earlier in the fan-out is driving a signal to that later FF. In an embodiment the fan-in of a FF is traversed and the STC or ODC is determined for the FF. Dependent on the determination a STC controller or an ODC controller is added to control the FF's enable signal. In an embodiment the power savings is checked and a controller is added only if there is a reduction in overall power consumption resulting from the addition of the controller.
US08635570B1 Self-configuring components on a device
Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing components such as buffers, multiplexers, ingress cores, etc. on a device such as a programmable chip to configure themselves based on parameter information. In some examples, self-configuring components obtain parameter information from adjacent components. In other examples, self-configuring components obtain parameter information from a system environment or a processor register. Component self-configuration can occur at a variety of times including preprocessing, simulation, and run-time.
US08635569B2 Apparatus and method of generating universal memory I/O
A universal memory I/O generating apparatus includes a defining module, a retrieving module, a generating module, and a layout module. The defining module defines a mapping table according to a pin configuration of a plurality of I/Os. The mapping table includes corresponding relationships between the plurality of IOs and a plurality of memory functions. The retrieving module retrieves control information corresponding to the mapping table from candidate information, which is associated with the corresponding relationships between the plurality of I/Os and the plurality of memory functions. The generating module generates a hardware description language (HDL) file according to the control information. The layout module programs the plurality of I/Os according to the HDL file, so that each of the I/Os can correspond to its corresponding memory function.
US08635566B2 Parity error detection verification
A circuit design is simulated on a computing system. Simulating the circuit design includes selecting a first memory location in the circuit design in which to introduce a parity error according to the first memory location having a higher probability of being read than a second memory location of the circuit design. A parity error is inserted in the first memory location during simulation of the design.
US08635554B2 Enhanced telephony computer user interface allowing user interaction and control of a telephone using a personal computer
An enhanced telephony (ET) computer user interface that seamlessly integrates features of a personal computer (PC) and a telephone into a coherent user interface. The user is provided with a rich variety of functionality that leverages the fact that the PC has considerably more processing power and greater access to variety of data than the ordinary telephone. This processing power and data access is used to the user's advantage as the telephone's capabilities and functionality are greatly expanded. In general, the ET user interface includes a plurality of environments for the user to choose. These environments include a My Contacts environment, a communication preferences environment, and a Call History environment. Each of these environments contains certain available processes and features for controlling and managing telephones.
US08635549B2 Directly assigning desktop backgrounds
Methods, systems, and computer-storage media for customizing the appearance of a desktop background are provided. The desktop is the bottom surface drawn behind the application windows, gadgets, a task bar, and other user interface elements displayed on a computing screen. Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to customize the background by dragging an image representation from a desktop control panel onto a portion of the desktop. Once dropped onto the desktop, the image associated with the representation is used to generate the desktop background. When the desktop is extended to different monitors, the portion of desktop on each monitor may be customized separately.
US08635540B2 Method and apparatus for managing internet transactions
The object-oriented approach used by the present invention provides the ability to develop and manage Internet transactions. Local applications can be accessed using any workstation connected to the Internet regardless of the workstation's configuration. Some or all of a Web page can be generated dynamically using input received in a returned page, generated at runtime, or retrieved from an external data source (e.g., database or electronic mail system). When the Web page definition is rendered, the information contained in template(s), declaration file(s), and object(s) are used to generate standard definitions. State information is maintained across transactions. Using state information, virtual applications, sessions, transactions, and pages can be implemented. Self-contained modules, or components, provide the ability to share implementations and create multi-content documents. Event objects can be used to assist in event handling management.
US08635537B1 Multi-level architecture for image display
A system and method for providing the dynamic display of content is provided. A network resource, such as Web page, can include a plurality of dynamic content modules. Depending on the available display area and additional display criteria, each dynamic content module displays a subset content. Each dynamic content module corresponds to an integration of multiple layers of content, such as text, graphics and image rendering information.
US08635536B2 Third-party-secured zones on web pages
There is provided a method that includes storing a plurality of image elements of a seal media object in respective files in an authentication server system, each of the image elements is selected from the group consisting of: a layer of the seal media object, a still image portion of the seal media object, and a moving image portion of the seal media object. Authenticating at least a portion of a web page, upon opening of the web page in a browser, by the authentication server system. Delivering to the browser, by the authentication server system, files for assembly and display of the image elements on the web page as the seal media object upon authenticating.
US08635531B2 Techniques for displaying information stored in multiple multimedia documents
Techniques for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays a representation of stored information that may include information of one or more types. The displayed representation may include representations of information of the one or more types. The GUI enables a user to navigate and skim through the stored information and to analyze the contents of the stored information. The stored information may include information captured along the same timeline or along different timelines.
US08635530B2 Statistical filtering of data using graphical user interfaces in information technology systems
Statistical filtering of data using graphical user interfaces in information technology systems. One embodiment comprises generating a graphical statistical representation of a data set and displaying the graphical statistical representation on an electronic display. One or more manipulable graphical elements are also displayed in conjunction with the graphical statistical representation, wherein the manipulable graphical elements represent one or more statistical ranges for the graphical statistical representation. Based on user adjusting one or more of the manipulable graphical elements specifying one or more adjusted statistical ranges, the data set is filtered to correspond to the graphical statistical representation within the one or more adjusted statistical ranges.
US08635526B2 Target advertisement in a broadcast system
The disclosure is directed to an access terminal. The access terminal includes a display configured to enable a user to view a presentation having content, and a processing component configured to receive the presentation and select an advertisement to insert into the content of the presentation before the presentation is provided to the display for viewing by the user.
US08635521B2 Customizing applications in a discovery interface
A system provides customized user interface data to a media application, such as a media discovery interface, or to any application for that matter, thereby extending the original application. Via a network connection, elements of the user interface can be downloaded to the application in a package of markup data and resources, including images, text, and links. A user interface framework of the media application processes the markup from the downloaded package and utilizes packaged resources, local code components, and externally-obtained (e.g., Web resources) to render a customized application page for the media application.
US08635518B1 Methods and systems to copy web content selections
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to copying web content selections. An embodiment includes detecting an intent to copy a selected region in a web content area, drawing an image representing the selected region into an image canvas, the image canvas based on dimensions of the selected region, storing the image in a data structure referenced by a browser image element, and changing a browser selection range to point to the data structure storing the image representing the selected region, wherein the image can be embedded into at least one content area distinct from the web content area.
US08635515B1 Multi-parity tensor-product code for data channel
Encoder and decoder apparatus and methods derive a plurality of parity bits from a single codeword. Encoder apparatus may include a receive module receiving a data stream, a parity generation module generating a plurality of parity bits based on the data stream and a word of a tensor-product code, and a parity insertion module combining the plurality of parity bits and the data stream to generate encoded bits. Decoder apparatus may include a detector receiving and outputting encoded data, a first decoder generating first log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) from the encoded data, an error recovery module generating second LLRs from the encoded data, a second decoder that derives syndrome data from the first and second LLRs, a post-processor that combines data from the first decoder with error events from the error recovery module to generate corrected data, the post-processor further identifying a plurality of parity bits in the corrected data.
US08635513B1 Architecture and control of Reed-Solomon list decoding
Systems and methods are provided for implementing list decoding in a Reed-Solomon (RS) error-correction system. A detector can provide a decision-codeword from a channel and can also provide soft-information for the decision-codeword. The soft-information can be organized into an order of combinations of error events for list decoding. An RS decoder can employ a list decoder that uses a pipelined list decoder architecture. The list decoder can include one or more syndrome modification circuits that can compute syndromes in parallel. A long division circuit can include multiple units that operate to compute multiple quotient polynomial coefficients in parallel. The list decoder can employ iterative decoding and a validity test to generate error indicators. The iterative decoding and validity test can use the lower syndromes.
US08635504B2 Communications under active and inert state machine sequences
The present disclosure describes using the JTAG Tap's TMS and/or TCK terminals as general purpose serial Input/Output (I/O) Manchester coded communication terminals. The Tap's TMS and/or TCK terminal can be used as a serial I/O communication channel between; (1) an IC and an external controller, (2) between a first and second IC, or (3) between a first and second core circuit within an IC. The use of the TMS and/or TCK terminal as serial I/O channels, as described, does not effect the standardized operation of the JTAG Tap, since the TMS and/or TCK I/O operations occur while the Tap is placed in a non-active steady state.
US08635503B2 Scan latch with phase-free scan enable
A number of scan flops clocked by a master clock may be used to constructing a scan chain to perform scan tests. During a scan test, data appearing at the regular data input of each scan flop may be written into a master latch of the scan flop during a time period when the scan control signal is in a state corresponding to a capture cycle. A slave latch in each scan flop may latch a value appearing at the regular data input of the scan flop according to a narrow pulse triggered by the rising edge of the master clock when the scan control signal is in the state corresponding to the capture cycle. The slave latch may latch the data provided by the master latch according to a wide pulse triggered by the rising edge of the master clock when the scan control signal is in a state corresponding to a shift cycle. This may permit toggling the scan control signal during either a high phase or a low phase of the master clock, and may also enable testing the pulse functionality of each scan flop.
US08635499B2 Server-based notification of alarm event subsequent to communication failure with armed security system
A server-based environment for reporting a status of a security, monitoring and automation controller is provided. Detecting cessation of an always-on persistent network connection between the SMA controller and the server is also provided. Reporting the cessation of the network connection to an end user and defined others is further provided. A further aspect provides for automatically reporting an alarm event to a central station, the end user, and others, in the event the cessation of the network connection occurs while the SMA controller is armed and after a zone fault event, and not receiving a disarm notification prior to expiration of a preset entry delay.
US08635492B2 State recovery and lockstep execution restart in a system with multiprocessor pairing
System, method and computer program product for a multiprocessing system to offer selective pairing of processor cores for increased processing reliability. A selective pairing facility is provided that selectively connects, i.e., pairs, multiple microprocessor or processor cores to provide one highly reliable thread (or thread group). Each paired microprocessor or processor cores that provide one highly reliable thread for high-reliability connect with a system components such as a memory “nest” (or memory hierarchy), an optional system controller, and optional interrupt controller, optional I/O or peripheral devices, etc. The memory nest is attached to a selective pairing facility via a switch or a bus. Each selectively paired processor core is includes a transactional execution facility, wherein the system is configured to enable processor rollback to a previous state and reinitialize lockstep execution in order to recover from an incorrect execution when an incorrect execution has been detected by the selective pairing facility.
US08635490B2 High availability for network security devices
In one example, a backup intrusion detection and prevention (IDP) device includes one or more network interfaces to receive a state update message from a primary IDP device, wherein the state update message indicates a network session being inspected by the primary IDP device and an identified application-layer protocol for the device, to receive an indication that the primary device has switched over or failed over to the backup device, and to receive a plurality of packets of the network session after receiving the indication, each of the plurality of packets comprising a respective payload including application-layer data, a protocol decoder to detect a beginning of a new transaction from the application-layer data of one of the plurality of packets, and a control unit to statefully process only the application-layer data of the network session that include and follow the beginning of the new transaction.
US08635489B1 System and method for managing group policy backup
A method, system and program product for group policy backup management in a network having a plurality of domains including components and modules for steps of retrieving a list of group policy objects for a domain, generating a configuration initialization file including a domains section identifying a plurality of domains that are to be backed up and a setup section specifying a plurality of values that control the backup of each policy object in each domain, determining a digital signature for each policy object on a list of policies for the domain, comparing the digital signature for each policy object with a corresponding previous digital signature for each policy, determining if a current digital signature for each policy object matches the corresponding previous digital signature for a policy, and backing up a policy object having a current digital signature that does not match the corresponding previous digital signature.
US08635486B2 Apparatus and method of controlling a processor clock frequency
An apparatus and a method of controlling a processor clock frequency are provided. The apparatus comprises a hardware counter to count write accesses to a memory buffer during a predetermined period of time, a hardware comparator to compare a number of write accesses counted by the hardware counter with at least one predetermined threshold value, the hardware comparator further to generate a control signal, the control signal being dependent on a result of a comparison of a number of write accesses counted by the hardware counter with at least one predetermined threshold value performed by the hardware comparator, and a clock frequency setting circuit to set a clock frequency of a processor depending on the control signal.
US08635482B2 Motherboard with delay circuit
A motherboard includes an I/O chip, a south bridge chip, and a delay circuit. The I/O chip detects a standby voltage on the motherboard and outputs an indicating signal that indicates whether the standby voltage is at high level. The south bridge chip is connected to the I/O chip to receive the indicating signal. The delay circuit is connected to the I/O chip and the south bridge chip. The delay circuit delays the indicating signal before sending the indicating signal to the south bridge chip.
US08635480B1 Method and apparatus for controlling power to a processing unit
In a computer system with multiple processing units, power to one or more of the processing units is turned off while the other processing units remain powered on. The processing unit that is powered off may be a GPU on a graphics adapter card, and power to this GPU is controlled by turning on and off the power supplied through a voltage regulator. With this configuration, power to the GPU on the graphics adapter card can be turned off when it is not in use or when it is being used for graphics processing that another graphics processor can handle.
US08635476B2 Decentralized power management distributed among multiple processor cores
A multi-core processor provides a configurable resource shared by two or more cores, wherein configurations of the resource affect the power, speed, or efficiency with which the cores sharing the resource are able to operate. Internal core power state management logic configures each core to participate in a de-centralized inter-core power state discovery process to discover a composite target power state for the shared resource that is a most restrictive or power-conserving state that will not interfere with any of the corresponding target power states of each core sharing the resource. The internal core power state management logic determines whether the core is a master core authorized to configure the resource, and if so, configures that resource in the discovered composite power state. The de-centralized power state discovery process is carried out between the cores on sideband, non-system bus wires, without the assistance of centralized non-core logic.
US08635473B2 Powered device classification in a wired data telecommunications network
In a wired data telecommunication network power sourcing equipment (PSE) coupled to a powered device (PD) carries out an inline power discovery process to verify that the PD is adapted to receive inline power, then a plurality of classification cycles are carried out to convey a series of inline power classes back to the PSE. The series of inline power classes may all be the same, in which case the PD is legacy equipment and is adapted to receive the power level corresponding to that class. If they are not all the same, information is thus conveyed to the PSE which may, for example, correspond to a specific power level to be applied or to other information.
US08635470B1 System-on-chip with management module for controlling processor core internal voltages
A system and method are provided for a system-on-chip (SoC) management module to monitor and dynamically control processor core operating voltages. An SoC is provided with a plurality of processor cores, a plurality of voltage regulators, an internal management module, and at least one temperature sensor. The management module compares monitored temperatures to threshold values, and in response generates voltage commands. The management module sends the voltage commands to the voltage regulators. Each voltage regulator adjusts the operating voltage supplied to a corresponding processor core in response to the voltage commands.
US08635468B2 Sleep wake event logging
A machine implemented method includes creating a universally unique identifier, detecting a trigger of a sleep event, and associating the universally unique identifier with the sleep event. The method monitors sub-system events that occur after a sleep event has been triggered and stores data in non-volatile non-disk storage (e.g., non-boot storage) identifying an event stage corresponding to the sub-system event that is occurring. The method determines whether a wake event has completed and logs each of the sub-system events using the universally unique identifier until a wake event has completed.
US08635467B2 Integrated circuit with logic circuitry and multiple concealing circuits
An integrated circuit comprises logic circuitry, organized in a multi-level hierarchy of modules. The integrated circuit comprises multiple sensing circuits. In operation, each sensing circuit senses an instantaneous current consumption IC of a respective one of the modules that draws current entirely through that sensing circuit. The integrated circuit comprises a concealing circuit for each of the sensing circuits. In operation, the concealing circuit receives as input a voltage VC corresponding to the sensed instantaneous current consumption IC of its respective module, and the concealing circuit dissipates an instantaneous power PL such that an instantaneous power sum PTOTAL of the instantaneous power PL and the instantaneous power PC to be dissipated by its respective module is substantially independent of activity of its respective module.
US08635466B1 Secure digital content distribution system and secure hard drive
A secure storage device includes a storage medium configured to store encrypted digital content and an encrypted content key. A public key decryption module is configured to generate a private key for the secure storage device based on an identification (ID) code of the secure storage device. The public key decryption module decrypts the encrypted content key using the private key to generate a content key. A block decryption module is configured to receive the encrypted digital content and the content key and decrypt the encrypted digital content using the content key to generate decrypted digital content.
US08635464B2 Attribute-based access-controlled data-storage system
The current application is directed to computationally efficient attribute-based access control that can be used to secure access to stored information in a variety of different types of computational systems. Many of the currently disclosed computationally efficient implementations of attribute-based access control employ hybrid encryption methodologies in which both an attribute-based encryption or a similar, newly-disclosed policy-encryption method as well as a hierarchical-key-derivation method are used to encrypt payload keys that are employed, in turn, to encrypt data that is stored into, and retrieved from, various different types of computational data-storage systems.
US08635462B2 Method and device for managing access control
In a method for managing access control with locking units, particularly locks, and electronic keys, wherein access authorizations are stored and managed in a central processor, the keys are programmed with authorization information for a pregiven selection of locking units as a function of the respective access authorization, the authorization information is wirelessly sent from a key to a locking unit in the event of an access request, and the access authorization is determined in the locking unit as a function of the received authorization information, the programming of a key comprises the sending of the authorization information via a wireless telecommunication network to a wireless mobile telecommunication device and the transmitting of the authorization information received by the mobile telecommunication device to a memory of the key.
US08635461B2 Retrieval and display of encryption labels from an encryption key manager certificate ID attached to key certificate
A method, system and program in which a certificate identifier (ID) is associated with an encryption certificate. In certain embodiments, the certificate ID is stored in a cartridge memory (CM). Thus, keystore or key manager administrators can trace keystore locations, versions of keystores, etc. when a cart cannot locate a correct key. This certificate ID, as it is stored on the cartridge memory, is viewable by all.
US08635457B2 Data certification methods and apparatus
This invention generally relates methods, computer program code, data processing apparatus, and signals for certifying data, in particular by means of an electronic signature. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented on a user terminal without the need for dedicated hardware or software and may be termed “zero-footprint” data certification methods. A method of providing an electronic signature to-a-server; the method including receiving data for said server at a proxy system for said server; reading said received data to identify a signature request; obtaining a signature for a portion of said received data associated with said request responsive to said request, and providing said signature from said proxy system to said server. The use of a signature-enabled reverse proxy enables the use of a zero footprint user terminal, that is without the need to add additional functionality to the terminal for the purposes of signature creation in the context of a distributed application architecture.
US08635455B2 Encrypted communication device with restricted rate of encryption key retrievals from memory
A device for encrypted communication with external entities is configured to frustrate side channel attacks attempting to determine an encryption key. The device has a first memory, an encryption key stored in the first memory and a one-way function for application to the encryption key. During use the encryption key is retrieved from the first memory prior to application to the one-way function and the device is configured to limit the number of times the encryption key is allowed to be retrieved from the first memory in a given period of time.
US08635454B2 Authentication systems and methods using a packet telephony device
Authentication systems and methods for increasing the security of online account access and transactions by leveraging the use of customer equipment provided by VoIP service providers. A method includes registering a packet telephony device with a packet telephony service provider for subsequent packet telephony communication, where the registration is based at least on an encoded encryption key. On a subsequent request to access an account, instructions are transmitted which require physical access to the packet telephony device to perform. Upon receipt of an indication that the instructions were successfully performed, the request is authenticated and access to the account is granted. Authentication may require a secure connection be automatically established between a web-enabled device and a packet telephony device. The instant disclosure leverages the security in the customer equipment hardware such as a Terminal adaptor (TA) or router so that a compromised account may be recovered.
US08635453B2 Controller to be incorporated in storage medium device, storage medium device, system for manufacturing storage medium device, and method for manufacturing storage medium device
Provided is a controller capable of preventing card makers from conducting unauthorized acts. The controller includes: a controller key storage unit configured to hold a controller key that has been embedded by a controller manufacturing device in advance; a decryption unit configured to receive encrypted media key information that has been generated by a key issuance center that is authorized and to decrypt the received encrypted media key by using the controller key, the encrypted key information generated through encryption of key information with use of the controller key; and an encryption unit configured to encrypt the decrypted media key again by using an individual key that is unique to the controller.
US08635450B2 IP encapsulation with exposed classifiers
When a virtual private network (VPN) connection is made, an internet protocol (IP) packet is encrypted and encapsulated within an outer IP packet. Quality-of-service information is placed in the outer packet header that includes classifiers that refer to the encrypted packet.
US08635449B2 Method of validation public key certificate and validation server
In response to a validation request that includes second information identifying the certificate authority, key information of the certificate authority at issuance of the public key certificate, and information identifying the public key certificate, if the second information identifying the certificate authority included in the validation request corresponds to the first information identifying the certificate authority included in the authority certificate, and the information identifying the public key certificate included in the validation request does not exist in the revocation information, the validation server creates a validation result indicating that the public key certificate corresponding to the information identifying the public key certificate included in the validation request is valid.
US08635448B2 Secure prefix authorization with untrusted mapping services
In one embodiment, a first router associated with a first network node sends a first map lookup that includes a particular device identifier associated with a second network node to a mapping service that maintains a plurality of mappings that associate device identifiers with device locations. The first router receives, from a second router associated with the second network node, a map response that includes a particular device location that corresponds to the particular device identifier for the second network node. The first router establishes a secure session with the second router, and determines, based on the secure session, whether the second router is authorized to reply for the particular device identifier associated with the second network node.
US08635442B2 System and method for long-term digital signature verification utilizing light weight digital signatures
Various embodiments of a system and method for long-term digital signature verification utilizing light weight digital signatures are described. Embodiments may include a verifying entity system that receives digitally signed data including a portion of data, signing time, and digital signature. The verifying entity system may receive a digital certificate that includes information for verifying the digital signature and an expiration time for the certificate. The verifying entity system may receive CRL that persists revocation information corresponding to ones of the revoked digital certificates that have already expired. The verifying entity system may utilize the CRL to determine that the digital signature is valid subsequent to its expiration time. The verifying entity system may evaluate the CRL to determine that the digital certificate was not revoked at the signing time. The verifying entity system may determine the digital signature is a valid digital signature and generate a corresponding result.
US08635438B2 Method and system of file manipulation during early boot time by accessing user-level data associated with a kernel-level function
A system and method that enables access to user-level data during a boot-time of a computer is described. One embodiment includes memory containing program instructions configured to cause a processor of computer system to access user-level data associated with a kernel-level function using a portable executable (PE) file. The memory includes program instructions configured to cause a processor to access the user-level data during a boot-time of a computer. In this embodiment, the memory also includes program instructions configured to cause the processor to access the PE file.
US08635430B2 Translation of input/output addresses to memory addresses
An address provided in a request issued by an adapter is converted to an address directly usable in accessing system memory. The address includes a plurality of bits, in which the plurality of bits includes a first portion of bits and a second portion of bits. The second portion of bits is used to index into one or more levels of address translation tables to perform the conversion, while the first portion of bits are ignored for the conversion. The first portion of bits are used to validate the address.
US08635428B2 Preventing duplicate entries in a non-blocking TLB structure that supports multiple page sizes
One embodiment provides a system that prevents duplicate entries in a non-blocking TLB that supports multiple page sizes and speculative execution. During operation, after a request for translation of a virtual address misses in the non-blocking TLB, the system receives a TLB fill. Next, the system determines a page size associated with the TLB fill, and uses this page size to determine a set of bits in the virtual address that identify the virtual page associated with the TLB fill. The system then compares this set of bits with the corresponding bits of other virtual addresses associated with pending translation requests. If the system detects that a second virtual address for another pending translation request is also satisfied by the TLB fill, the system invalidates the duplicate translation request associated with the second virtual address.
US08635425B1 Upgrading computing devices
Target host computing devices are provisioned with a machine image that corresponds to an operating environment, software applications, and associated configurations. The machine image is organized in a manner that allows static portions of the machine image to be maintained in a designated static partition. The machine image is also organized in a manner that allows dynamic portions of the machine image to be maintained in a designed dynamic partition. A host management component identifies updates to the static portion of the machine image and transmits the update information to the host computing devices. In turn, the host computing devices maintain the update in the allocated secondary partitions. Thereafter, the host computing devices causes a switch from a designated primary static partition to the secondary static partition, such as via a kernel switch.
US08635423B1 Methods and apparatus for interfacing to a data storage system
A dynamic volume configuration technique is provided which allows storage space within storage devices in the data storage system to be dynamically associated and disassociated (i.e., added and removed) from the volumes on an as-needed basis, without requiring disruption of host activities with respect to the volumes. The persistent identifier of a volume allows all hosts and other data storage systems to “see” the volume. This allows a volume in one data storage system to have associated storage space from another volume in another data storage system. Using these techniques, the invention allows software applications and operating systems on hosts that interface to the data storage system to perceive that a volume is always present on the data storage system, even if storage space understood to be associated with the volume from the host's perspective is allocated elsewhere or is non-existent.
US08635420B2 Resilient mirroring utilizing peer-to-peer storage
An apparatus and associated method including a first storage device and a second storage device, each coupled to a remote server independently of the other via a network. Resilient mirroring logic is stored in each of the storage devices that establishes a peer-to-peer communication connection with the other storage device in response to receiving a data access command from the remote server.
US08635419B2 Methods for implementation of worm mode on a removable storage system
Embodiments provide systems and methods for maintaining immutable data in an archiving system using random access memory. To ensure data is immutable, novel pointers are maintained. For example, a modular drive bay maintains a pointer to a memory address in the removable drive memory cannot write data to a memory block that precedes the pointer. Data may only be stored after the pointer in the removable drive. As such, once data is written to the removable drive, the data cannot be overwritten although the removable drive employs random access memory.
US08635417B2 Memory system including variable write command scheduling
A system includes a host device that may be configured to initiate memory requests to a system memory. The system also includes a memory controller that may be configured receive the memory requests and to format the memory requests into memory transactions that are conveyed to the memory device via a memory interface. The memory transactions include a plurality of memory write command types. Each memory write command type corresponds to a different respective schedule for conveying a corresponding data payload.
US08635415B2 Managing and implementing metadata in central processing unit using register extensions
A set of default registers of a processor are expanded into metadata registers on the processor of a computer system. The default registers having stored thereon data, while metadata which is related to the data is stored separately on the metadata registers.
US08635404B2 Data transfer systems with power management
A controller for transferring data between a host and a storage medium includes a data transfer unit and a control unit. The data transfer unit transfers data according to control commands from the host if the data transfer unit is enabled. The control unit coupled to the data transfer unit receives a status signal indicating whether the storage medium is coupled to a socket of the controller. The control unit provides interruption signals to the host. Power and a clock signal for the control unit are disabled if the status signal indicates that the storage medium is decoupled from the controller.
US08635392B1 Media access control security (MACsec) management with a layer management interface (LMI) configured to communication over management data input/output (MDIO) protocol
A layer management interface (LMI) to communicate with a processor over MDIO protocol, and to communicate with a media access control security (MACsec) functional block over a local network protocol, the LMI including a command register to receive command information for transacting data information with the destination portion within the MACsec, an address register to receive address information associated with the destination portion without conducting all the MDIO address cycles required by the MDIO protocol to receive the address information, the LMI being configured to determine a location of the destination portion based on the received address information, and a data register to transact the data information without conducting all MDIO data cycles required by the MDIO protocol to transact the data information, and to transact the data information with the determined destination portion based on the command information over the local network protocol.
US08635388B2 Method and system for an OS virtualization-aware network interface card
Aspects of a method and system for an operating system (OS) virtualization-aware network interface card (NIC) are provided. A NIC may provide direct I/O capabilities for each of a plurality of concurrent guest operating systems (GOSs) in a host system. The NIC may comprise a GOS queue for each of the GOSs, where each GOS queue may comprise a transmit (TX) queue, a receive (RX) queue, and an event queue. The NIC may communicate data with a GOS via a corresponding TX queue and RX queue. The NIC may notify a GOS of events such as down link, up link, packet transmission, and packet reception via the corresponding event queue. The NIC may also support unicast, broadcast, and/or multicast communication between GOSs. The NIC may also validate a buffered address when the address corresponds to one of the GOSs operating in the host system.
US08635387B2 Enhanced I/O performance in a multi-processor system via interrupt affinity schemes
Disclosed herein is a method for improving Input/Output (I/O) performance in a host system having multiple CPUs. Under this method, various interrupt affinity schemes are provided, which associate multiple processors, interrupts, and I/O channels for sending the interrupts, thereby allowing the interrupts to be almost evenly loaded among the multiple I/O channels and processors. Also, data locality (“warm cache”) can be achieved through the interrupt affinity schemes that associate each interrupt to its source processor, namely, the processor originating the I/O request that results in the interrupt.
US08635382B2 Processing architecture
The invention is directed towards a processing apparatus for a portable communication device. The apparatus includes: a central processing unit, first and second digital signal processing units, a first dual port memory unit adapted to store data shared between the central processing unit and the first digital signal processing unit, and a second dual port memory unit adapted to store data shared between the central processing unit and the second digital signal processing unit. The first dual port memory unit is adapted to store data shared between the first and second digital signal processing units without using the central processing unit.
US08635381B2 System, method and computer program product for monitoring memory access
According to one aspect of the present disclosure a method and technique for monitoring memory access is disclosed. The method includes monitoring, by a plurality of memory controllers, access to a memory unit, wherein each memory controller is associated with a different range of memory addresses of the memory unit, and wherein each memory controller monitors access for its associated range of memory addresses. The method also includes updating an incrementor with access data corresponding to accesses to the memory unit, wherein each memory controller updates the access data based on access of its associated range of memory addresses. The method further includes storing, by each respective memory controller, the updated access data in a cache corresponding to the respective range of memory addresses and, responsive to the updated access data for a respective range of memory addresses exceeding a threshold, storing the access data for the respective range of memory addresses in memory unit.
US08635379B2 Data storage device and method of operating the same
A data storage device includes a data storage device controller configured to control a storage medium, and a tag duplicate check unit to determine, when a frame is received from an initiator, the initiator, tag information, and a type of the sent frame and providing an interrupt to the data storage device controller if a same frame type and same tag information are received from a same initiator.
US08635378B1 Flow control in a parallel processing environment
The flow of data in an integrated circuit is controlled. The integrated circuit comprising a plurality of tiles, each tile comprising a processor, a switch including switching circuitry to forward data over data paths from other tiles to the processor and to switches of other tiles, and a receive buffer to store data from the switch. At a first tile, a count is maintained of data that has been sent to a second tile without receiving an acknowledgement up to a credit limit. At the second tile, data that arrives from the first tile when the receive buffer is full is sent to a memory outside of the tile.
US08635371B2 Method and apparatus for processing timestamp using signature information on physical layer
A method and apparatus for processing a timestamp using signature information on a physical layer is provided. The timestamp processing terminal uses a pseudo-random binary sequence to assign signature information to a message which is to be sent to another terminal, and verifies the signature information on a physical layer. The signature information is used to identify the message as a sync message. Accordingly, it is possible to precisely process the timestamp.
US08635370B2 Blade server and switch blade
A blade server is capable of being mounted with a plurality of operation blades, a plurality of switch blades, and I/O blades. The operation blades have CPUs that emit packets for the I/O blades. The switch blades include a crossbar that selects two or more of the plurality of operation blades, comparators that compare two or more packets emitted by CPUs that the two or more operation blades selected by the crossbar are provided with, and a further crossbar that transfers the compared packets to the I/O blades based on comparison results of the comparators.
US08635366B2 Communication routing
Disclosed a method for routing communication for an individual. The method involves the steps receiving access control information system for the individual to identify the location of the individual. A communication server, such as a soft phone system or and instant messaging client, is updated according to the current location of the individual. In this way the communication server may be configured to route communication to the current location of the individual. Alternatively, the current location of the individual may be displayed in a client device of the communication server, such as a telephone handset or Instant Messaging Client.
US08635362B2 Communication system and method
A method, system and program for use in a communication system. The method comprises: interacting with a document-browser application executed on a first user terminal, the document-browser being configured to retrieve an electronic document from a first storage unit and display it on a screen, wherein the interaction comprises identifying a sequence of numeric or alphanumeric characters in the displayed document as being for use in initiating communication with a second user terminal over the communication system. The method further comprises: querying a second storage unit; and based on that query, selecting a display configuration for the identified sequence of characters from a plurality of available display configurations. The interaction further comprises modifying the display of a portion of the document so as to display the identified sequence of characters or information associated therewith in dependence on the determined display configuration.
US08635359B2 File format for synchronized media
Metadata defining decoding and rendering instructions for media content to be co-rendered in a media presentation is divided and distributed as track fragments (15, 16) provided in different media container files (11). Track fragment adjustment information (20) is included in at least one such track fragment (15) in order to define rendering timing relationships between media content portions defined by the track fragments (15, 16) in a current media container file (11). The rendering timing relationships enable a correct time alignment of the playback of the media content to be co-rendered to achieve a synchronized media presentation. The track fragment adjustment information (20) is particularly advantageous in connection with tuning in or a random access in a stream of media container files (1, 11) comprising fragmented metadata.
US08635358B2 High data rate interface
A data Interface for transferring digital data between a host and a client over a communication path using packet structures linked together to form a communication protocol for communicating a pre-selected set of digital control and presentation data. The signal protocol is used by link controllers configured to generate, transmit, and receive packets forming the communications protocol, and to form digital data into one or more types of data packets, with at least one residing in the host device and being coupled to the client through the communications path. The interface provides a cost-effective, low power, bi-directional, high-speed data transfer mechanism over a short-range “serial” type data link, which lends itself to implementation with miniature connectors and thin flexible cables which are especially useful in connecting display elements such as wearable micro-displays to portable computers and wireless communication devices.
US08635357B2 Dynamic selection of parameter sets for transcoding media data
An iterative operation is performed at a computing device to identify a parameter set for an initial segment. A parameter set for an initial segment includes a plurality of encoding parameters and values assigned to the encoding parameters. The initial segment is re-encoded using the parameter set, thereby generating a transcoded segment. In some embodiments, the transcoded segment is transmitted to a client computing device that presents media represented by the transcoded segment.
US08635354B2 System and method for providing connectivity between two different networks using different protocols
A system and method for providing message connectivity between a first network using a first protocol and a second network using a second protocol is described. If a message is received from the first network, the message is processed using one or more digital signal processors, a destination in the second network is determined, the processed message is logged and translated into the second protocol, and the translated message is sent to the destination in the second network. If the message is received from the second network, the message is translated into the first protocol, a destination in the first network is determined, the translated message is logged and processed using one or more digital signal processors, and the processed message is sent to the destination in the first network. One example method can be implemented as a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium.
US08635352B2 System and method for symmetric receive-side scaling (RSS)
A method for symmetric receive-side scaling (RSS) in a network device having an ingress side RRS router and an egress side RSS router and a plurality of queues for handling packets. The method comprises identifying an internet protocol (IP) version being used for the network. The transport layer headers (TLHs) existence status is identified. A secret key by each of the egress side RSS router and the ingress side RSS router is identified. The key is based on the identification of the IP version and the TLHs existence status. The secret key ensures that packets sent from a source to a destination and packets sent from the destination to the source are routed by the egress side RSS router and the ingress side RSS router to a common queue among the plurality of queues. The secret key is stored at a storage in the network device. The secret key is used by the ingress side RSS router and the egress side RSS router for routing packets.
US08635351B2 Multitenant hosted virtual machine infrastructure
A multi-tenant virtual machine infrastructure (MTVMI) allows multiple tenants to independently access and use a plurality of virtual computing resources via the Internet. Within the MTVMI, different tenants may define unique configurations of virtual computing resources and unique rules to govern the use of the virtual computing resources. The MTVMI may be configured to provide valuable services for tenants and users associated with the tenants.
US08635348B2 Switch fabric service hosting
An endpoint node on a switch fabric announces an intent to host a service for the switch fabric. The announcement includes an announcement entry to an announcement record in a data repository maintained at a designated endpoint node on the switch fabric. The announcement entry includes the endpoint node's preference to take a given role to host the service. The endpoint node queries the announcement record to determine what other endpoint nodes have announced an intent to host the service. Based, at least in part, on the query, the endpoint node determines a role it will take to host the service. The endpoint node updates the announcement record to indicate the role.
US08635344B2 Systems and methods for managing ports for RTSP across cores in a multi-core system
The present application is directed towards systems and methods for systems and methods for handling real-time streaming protocol sessions by an intermediary multi-core system. When a multi-core intermediary receives a setup request for a real-time streaming protocol session, the intermediary processes and forwards the request to a server providing the streaming media. The server sets up an RTSP session and transmits a session identification to the multi-core intermediary. A core of the intermediary receives the transmitted session identification and determines an owner core of the session, based on a hash of the session identification. The core transmits the session information to the determined owner core, which selects two consecutive ports on which to establish listening services. The owner core then notifies all other cores to establish listening services on the same consecutive ports, such that any core that receives an RTSP control message from a client can handle it properly.
US08635343B2 Method and element for service control
A service control element stores a user filter criterion. When it receives a session request identifying the user, it checks whether the session request matches the user filter criterion, and outputs the session request to a defined service platform when the session request matches the user filter criterion. The element is arranged to retrieve, before forwarding the request to the service platform, a capability information element that indicates the dynamic capability of a user to utilize the service provided by the service platform. If the information element indicates that the user is not capable to utilize the service provided by the service platform, the session is terminated. Incoming messages can be appropriately managed already in the network element responsible for service control, and thus additional load and unnecessary charging considerations can be avoided.
US08635336B2 Systems and methods for categorizing network traffic content
A method for categorizing network traffic content includes determining a first characterization of the network traffic content determining a first probability of accuracy associated with the first characterization, and categorizing the network traffic content based at least in part on the first characterization and the first probability of accuracy. A method for use in a process to categorize network traffic content includes obtaining a plurality of data, each of the plurality of data representing a probability of accuracy of a characterization of network traffic content, and associating each of the plurality of data with a technique for characterizing network traffic content. A method for categorizing network traffic content includes determining a characterization of the network traffic content, determining a weight value associated with the characterization, and categorizing network traffic content based at least in part on the characterization of the network traffic content and the weight value.
US08635330B2 Method and system for learning web applications
A method and system for automatically learning and identifying web applications. The method discovers and identifies transactions, web applications, their modules, interfaces, and relationship between the modules. The method further includes dynamically creating application definers is provided.
US08635328B2 Determining time varying thresholds for monitored metrics
A method and apparatus for determining time-varying thresholds for measured metrics are provided. With the method and apparatus, values of a given metric are captured over time. The behavior of the metric is analyzed to determine its seasonality. Correlated historical values of the metric and additional related metrics (cross-correlation) are used as inputs to a feed-forward back propagation neural network, in order to train the network to generalize the behavior of the metric. From this generalized behavior, point-by-point threshold values are calculated. The metric is monitored and the monitored values are compared with the threshold values to determine if the metric has violated its normal time-varying behavior. If so, an event is generated to notify an administrator of the error condition.
US08635326B1 Mobile gateway having reduced forwarding state for anchoring mobile subscribers
In general, techniques are described for aggregating, within a network device, internal forwarding routes for multiple control protocols and allocating next hops for the routes among individual service units of a decentralized control plane for the network device. The techniques may also include aggregating internal forwarding routes for data protocols and allocating next hops for the routes among individual forwarding units of a decentralized data plane for the network device. In one example, a mobile gateway includes a plurality of subscriber management service units that present a uniform interface to nodes within a mobile service provider network. An allocation manager apportions a control protocol session identifier namespace into a plurality of contiguous, non-overlapping protocol session identifier ranges and allocates the ranges among the service units. The service units execute the control protocol by utilizing respective allocated ranges, which the aggregate internal forwarding routes use to identify the associated service units.
US08635324B2 Policy engine in an internet protocol multimedia subsystem
A system includes a policy engine in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The policy engine may be configured to store a group of policies associated with the IMS, and forward the group of policies to a group of policy components in the IMS.
US08635319B1 Operational status of network nodes
Disclosed are various embodiments for network monitoring. A processor circuit having a processor and a memory is employed. A listing of components of a network is stored in the memory, the listing including a plurality of endpoints and a plurality of nodes. One of the endpoints includes the processor circuit. A monitoring application is stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The monitoring application is configured to maintain in the memory an indication of an operational status of each of the nodes derived from a plurality of status requests transmitted between respective pairs of the endpoints.
US08635316B2 System and method for automatic configuration and management of home network devices
Embodiments of a method and system for automatically installing and managing consumer devices in a home network environment are described. A system implements automated configuration and maintenance of devices and their peripherals that connect to the home network, in particular the establishment of a distributed system that serves as a service platform which facilitates automated discovery and initial and ongoing deployment of a home networks and the devices that may interact with or connect to their network automatically or through manual means. An embodiment is directed to a distributed system and method for facilitated automatic configuration, maintenance, and diagnostics of a local area network that in parallel provides for the interoperability of connected intelligent independent computing devices using physical layer, network layer and application layer programmatic interfaces. This distributed system provides a generalized aggregated interface that is a programmatic resource for representing a continuous and historic reference of a local network and connected devices.
US08635315B2 Method and system for dynamic loading of management information bases on network devices
In one embodiment, a Management Information Base (MIB) is dynamically loaded on a managed network device that is managed by a managing network device using a management application. Initially, one or more network management objects are identified. The identified one or more network management objects are then included in the MIB. Thereafter, a policy file to be associated with the MIB is defined. Consequently, the MIB is loaded on the managed network device along with the associated policy file.
US08635312B2 Method and apparatus for updating system information in broadband wireless communication system
A method for updating system information in a broadband wireless communication system includes: receiving information by means of superframes including a primary superframe header (P-SFH) and a secondary superframe header (S-SFH), wherein the information including control information transmitted via an information element of the P-SFH (P-SFH IE) and system information transmitted via an information element of a subpacket (SP) of the S-SFH (S-SFH SP IE); decoding the P-SFH IE, wherein the P-SFH IE including a scheduling information bitmap indicating transmitted S-SFH SP IEs in the superframe, a change count (CC) of the S-SFH, and a SP change bitmap indicating changing status of the S-SFH SP IEs; comparing the received CC with a previously stored CC; checking the S-SFH SP change bitmap, when a difference exists between the received CC and the stored CC; and decoding and updating corresponding SP IE of the S-SFH based on the checking result.
US08635309B2 Methods and apparatus to change a feature set on data collection devices
Methods and apparatus for modifying the feature set of data collection devices are disclosed. Requests are receiving at a computer system different from the data collection device for a new configuration of the data collection device, the request including an identifier for the data collection device, identification of one or more features, and for each identified feature, an indication to modify the operation of a feature. The identifier may comprise an identifier that is unique for a particular data collection device or an indication of a group of devices, e.g. a model number. Prior to authorizing the new configuration, a determination may be made as to whether the identified data collection device(s) are suitable for the new configuration by consulting a configuration database. To implement the new configuration, an encoded authorization file is generated based on the requested configuration and the identifier of the data collection device(s). The encoded authorization file is transmitted to one or more data collection devices. Each data collection device that receives an encoded authorization file attempts to decode of the license using its identifier(s). If the authorization file is successfully decoded, a license key on that device is updated to implement the new configuration.
US08635307B2 Sensor discovery and configuration
A system for policy-based applications may be developed by using non-device specific policies that are executed on a policy engine. During installation, available sensor devices are identified by metadata that describes the devices within a taxonomy of sensor devices, and a separate device policy may be installed and executed by each sensor device. The policy engine, in conjunction with the sensor devices operating a device policy, may be execute a wide range of applications. In many applications, a sensor device may detect that a first policy engine is not available and send communications to a second policy engine that may be accessed through the Internet.
US08635306B2 System and method for display device character input
Methods and apparatus are provided for providing character input to a display device. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a user selection of an application which allows for character input by a user, launching a receiver application by the display device, and detecting a transmission from a user device by a messenger application of the display device, the transmission identifying at least one graphical character based on user operation of a user device. The method may further include displaying the at least one graphical character.
US08635305B1 Mechanisms for providing differentiated services within a web cache
Methods and apparatus for providing differentiated services with respect to data processing provided by a cache engine. Requests that are received into a cache engine are associated with a particular service level. Processing of the request by the cache engine is then based on the request's particular service level, and may be prioritized based on the request's particular service level, or may be based on the number of hits for such object by clients having the particular service level. When the cache engine does not contain the requested object, the request may be forwarded to a selected origin server, based on the service level of the request. When a response is received from an origin server into the cache engine, processing of such response may also be based on the object request's service level, as well as a priority of the object of the response.
US08635303B2 Virtual universe avatar activities review
A proximity threshold of an avatar is defined with respect to proximity to an artifact located within a virtual universe domain. Activity by the avatar within the virtual universe domain is tracked, with activity data generated from the tracking. The activity data is analyzed to determine proximity of the avatar to the artifact within the proximity threshold, and a report is generated from the analyzing, the report noting a determined proximity of the avatar to the artifact within the proximity threshold. In one aspect, the report is provided to a supervisory entity.
US08635300B2 Remote access to a customer home network
A wireless application server may receive, from a wireless device, information identifying an application residing on a network device in a home network. The wireless application server may further cause a connection to be established to the application and transfer traffic between the application and the wireless device.
US08635299B2 Multi-application follow-up
A system that responds to a user setting a follow-up flag on a message within a first communication application by associating the flagged message with another user, such that the flagged message is available to a second communication application. When a user sets a flag on an electronic mail message contained in an electronic mail mailbox provided by an electronic mail application, the system responds by associating the flagged message with another user in a list of other users with whom flagged messages are associated. When a communication session occurs with the other user through another communication application, the system checks the list and determines that a flagged message is associated with the other user. The flagged message is then brought to the attention of the local user, for example within a list of flagged messages associated with the other user displayed simultaneously with the instant messaging session.
US08635298B2 System and method for linking terrestrial mail over a network
A system and method for linking terrestrial mail to the global computer network, e.g., the Internet, are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure will enable a user, e.g., a sender and/or recipient of a document, to link all types of terrestrial mail to the global computer network, e.g., the Internet, so that they can digitally access, reply and/or utilize the content of the mail. The system and method provides for receiving an identifier associated with a terrestrial document; accessing an electronic version of the terrestrial document using the received identifier; creating a reply to the accessed document; and forwarding the reply to a sender of the terrestrial document. The reply document can be forwarded by e-mailing the reply to the sender, faxing the reply to the sender and/or printing the reply and delivering the printed reply by a terrestrial delivery service.
US08635297B2 Method and apparatus for last message notification
An agent for generating a last message notification in an asynchronous message delivery environment, wherein messages received by a messaging server are routable to a messaging client through an API binding protocol, the agent comprising: a monitoring component for monitoring a message store to determine if there is a message stored for delivery to a message listener; and a message notification component for generating a message indicating that there are no further messages in the message store for routing to the messaging listener, in response to a negative determination by the monitoring component.
US08635292B2 Method for reduction of disk space usage of electronic messages in a network
A method for reducing the total amount of disk space used by multiple recipients of an electronic message in a communications network.
US08635288B2 Methods and systems for expiration handling in electronic message systems
Systems and methods are described for electronic message expiration processing, in which a message originator or recipient can set an expiration time/date attribute for individual emails, short messages, or other electronic messages, and the messages are automatically deleted from the recipient's system or handled according to other user-selected processing rules when the expiration time/date has past.
US08635286B2 Mailing list expansion trace
A method is disclosed for providing a trace of mailing list expansion performed on an electronic message delivered to an electronic mailing list. The method comprises receiving an electronic message addressed to an electronic mailing list having a set of recipients; inserting an informational header line in a message header of the electronic message that is indicative of the electronic mailing list; and relaying the message for delivery to the set of recipients on the electronic mailing list.
US08635283B2 Tagging the seen/not-seen status of a real time message
A method, system and apparatus for tagging the seen/not-seen status of an instant message. A method for tagging a seen/not-seen status of a real time message can include receiving a real time message and presenting the real time message through a real time communications client disposed in a host client computing device. The environmental characteristics of the host client computing device can be inspected to determine whether the real time message has likely been reviewed. As such, if it is determined that the real time message has likely been reviewed based upon the inspected environmental characteristics, the real time message can be tagged as seen.
US08635279B2 Establishing and recovering context related to an on-going sequence of communications
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that teach methods for establishing context of a subsequent electronic real-time communication. One method detects a connection attempt that is initiated by an instigator-identifiable for a subsequent electronic real-time communication that is directed to a target-identifiable. The instigator-identifiable is associated with a first identification characteristic and the target-identifiable is associated with a second identification characteristic. This method subsequently retrieves a reminder reference that is responsive to the first identification characteristic and the second identification characteristic and presents the reminder reference to the target-identifiable. The method also establishes the subsequent electronic real-time communication between the instigator-identifiable and the target-identifiable. The disclosed technology also includes apparatus that perform the methods and program products that contain computer instructions that cause a computer to perform the methods when the computer executes the instructions.
US08635277B2 Mediated lending of digital items
Digital items may be lent from one user to another. A lending system may facilitate matching users that have a digital item to lend with users that wish to borrow a digital item. Each user may have a reputation associated with his or her lending behavior that is represented as a lending metric. The lending metric may show whether a given user is primarily a lender or borrower of digital items. Heavy borrowers that do not engage in commensurate lending may be penalized. Multiple users that lend and borrow digital items from one another may be connected in a social network. The nature of a relationship in the social network may and the lending metrics of users are factors used to make lending decisions.
US08635275B2 Session application records
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for correlating information regarding an interactive communication. A session application record is provided to store information of a session that represents an interactive communication that is at least between two endpoints. An application programming interface (API) is provided for users to create and manipulate session application records. Application specific data or customized data can be stored with the session application record using a tag that includes a name and value pair. One session application record can be associated with another session application record by using a relation. Any information that is gathered during a session can be accessible even when one of the endpoints is replaced by another endpoint.
US08635270B2 Thread mechanism for media and metadata upload
A device receives media objects and metadata associated with the media objects, and utilizes a portion of threads to upload, to a first server, metadata for a portion of the received media objects. The device also utilizes, after the metadata for the portion of the media objects is uploaded, a remaining portion of the threads to upload, to the first server, metadata for a remaining portion of the media objects. The device further utilizes a first thread and a second thread to upload a first two media objects to a second server after the metadata for the remaining portion of the media objects is uploaded, and utilizes, after the first two media objects are uploaded, a third thread and a fourth thread to upload a next two media objects to the second server.
US08635269B2 Systems and methods to provide access to a network
A network access system for use with a charging station is provided. The network access system is configured to receive at least one signal representative of a network. The network access system is also configured to prompt a user for at least one input. Moreover, the network access system is configured to receive the input from the user, wherein the input includes a confirmation to receive access to the network. The network access system provides at least one unique identifier to the user to enable the user to receive access to the network within a distance from the charging station while a battery is being charged.
US08635266B2 Method and system for data synchronization, and apparatus thereof
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a data synchronization method, system and apparatuses thereof. The data synchronization method includes the following processes: sending, by a client, a data characteristic verification message carrying one or multiple data characteristics for data in a client database, to a server; comparing, by the server, the one or multiple data characteristics carried in the data characteristic verification message with the data characteristics for the data in a server database; determining, by the server, the data to be synchronized based on a result of the comparing and sending the client a data characteristic verification response carrying information indicating the determined data to be synchronized; and determining, by the client, the data to be synchronized according to the information in the data characteristic verification response, and synchronizing the determined data to be synchronized with the server. The method, system and apparatus thereof provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of data to be transmitted in data synchronization, and improve the efficiency of data synchronization.
US08635265B2 Communicating between a server and clients
Communication occurs between at least one server and a plurality of clients. Client-side connections are established between a traffic manager and clients, in response to clients making requests to communicate with a server. Server-side connections are created and maintained between the traffic manager and the server in order to service the client requests. At least one of the server-side connections is reused to service a client request.
US08635263B2 Node processing device and its processing method
When the multiple sensors monitored by a sensor management unit, input sensor information into the entrance node, a sensor type identifier unit utilizes a buffer management table to buffer the data according to the sensor type. A start decision unit utilizes a processing start setting table containing accumulated start conditions for each application to execute the computation processing required by the processor units for processing the buffered sensor data according to the required application. A transmit condition decision unit decides whether or not to transmit the computation results to an external device or a CPU, and based on those decision results, transmits the computation results to the CPU or the upstream intelligent node.
US08635256B2 Network filesystem asynchronous I/O scheduling
Resource acquisition requests for a filesystem are executed under user configurable metering. Initially, a system administrator sets a ratio of N:M for executing N read requests for M write requests. As resource acquisition requests are received by a filesystem server, the resource acquisition requests are sorted into queues, e.g., where read and write requests have at least one queue for each type, plus a separate queue for metadata requests as they are executed ahead of any waiting read or write request. The filesystem server controls execution of the filesystem resource acquisition requests to maintain the ratio set by the system administrator.
US08635254B2 Maintaining independent states for multiple web browser instances
A method includes receiving a request for a target Web page, the request containing a session identifier (ID) associated with an instance of a Web browser, and determining if the session ID is new or existing. If the session ID is new, the method includes creating a window session object, and initializing the window session object with data defining a state of the instance of the Web browser. If the session ID is existing, the method includes accessing a stored window session object using the session ID, the stored window session object containing data defining a state of the instance of the Web browser, generating the target Web page based on the data, and providing the target Web page to the Web browser.
US08635234B2 Multi-level multiplexor system for networked browser
A multi-level multiplexor system enables a networked browser client to access content information over a networked computer system, such as the Internet. The multi-level multiplexor system has at least one program executing on a server operably connected to the networked computer system that receives a service request from the networked browser client. In response, the program packages a reply that is returned to the networked browser client and causes that browser to automatically issue a plurality of service requests to sources of content information on the networked computer system. The packaged reply also causes the browser to present the responses to the plurality of service requests to sources of content information such that each response is selectively displayed as one of a cascaded series of pages of content information within a single window frame in the browser. In this way, the present invention is implemented as a thin-client solution with the advantages of minimizing network traffic while at the same time allow for increased speed of access to multiple sources of content information. The multi-level multiplexor system afford the user a simple, yet efficient mechanism to access to multiple sources of content information that retains the integrity of the content information without subjecting the user to the disadvantages of opening a new browser window for each new source of content information.
US08635224B2 Clustering streaming graphs
Embodiments of the invention include methods for identifying one or more clusters in a streaming graph, the method includes receiving a stream of edges and sampling the stream of edges to create a structural reservoir and support reservoir. The method also includes creating a sampled graph from the structural reservoir and identifying the one or more clusters in the sampled graph by grouping one or more connected vertices in the sampled graph.
US08635213B2 System and method for linking ad tagged words
A method and apparatus for providing advertisement on a mobile communication device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a primary keyword and at least one secondary keyword are identified in a list or a body of text at the mobile communication device. A compound keyword is formed from the primary keyword and the at least one secondary keyword. At least one advertising resource link is associated with the formed compound keyword, and the formed compound keyword is visually distinguished.
US08635212B1 Floating ranking of product results
A ranked list of first search results based on a search query may be associated with a first search category, and each first search result may be associated with a first score. A ranked list of second search results based on the search query may be associated with a second, different search category, and a second search result may be associated with a second score. A final second score may be determined based on the second score and a function that maps scores associated with the second search category to scores associated with the first search category, information may be inserted relating to the ranked list of second search results at a position within the ranked list of first search results to form a set of search results, and the set of search results may be provided.
US08635211B2 Trend analysis in content identification based on fingerprinting
Fingerprint-based content identification is described. Bin-counting detects linear trends based on data points that are generated from a set of query fingerprints, which are extracted from a query content item and a matching set of corresponding reference content items that are extracted from a reference content item. RANSAC may detect trends based on confidence scores that are computed for multiple candidate content items. The trends detected for the candidate content items are compared against a threshold in order of decreasing confidence score until a trend that satisfies the threshold is found. A ranking-based mechanism for fingerprint-based content identification may use a bin-counting or RANSAC-based trend detection mechanism to identify duplicate or multiple reference content items that all match the same query content item.
US08635209B2 Peer-to-peer syncing in a decentralized environment
An apparatus and method of synchronizing a datum between a plurality of stores uses version vectors associated with the datum in each store. Each version vector has one or more entries, and each entry has an identifier and a value. The identifier identifies a store that has modified the datum, and the value indicates a number of modifications to the datum made by the store. When synchronizing the datum between stores, the version vectors of the datum are compared to determine whether one version vector is subordinate to another version vector. The datum in the store having the subordinate version vector is then replaced with the datum having the dominant version vector. When compared, a conflict resolution by a user is required if the version vectors are not identical, if the version vectors do not have all the same identifiers, and if one version vector does not contain all of the identifiers with equal or greater values of those in the other version vector.
US08635206B2 Database query optimization
In some embodiments, a method includes detecting a structured query language (SQL) query. The method can also include determining that the SQL query includes a first sub-query and a second sub-query, wherein the first sub-query and second sub-query are operands for a Union operation, wherein a first result of the first sub-query is associated with a first Group By operation, wherein a second result of the second sub-query is associated with a second Group By operation, and wherein a result of the Union operation is associated with a third Group By operation. The method can also include determining that partitioning columns are the same for the first and second Group By operations; determining that the first and second sub-queries include identical algebraic functions; determining that the first Group By operation and first sub-query are not referenced elsewhere in the SQL query; and transforming the SQL query into an optimized query.
US08635197B2 Systems and methods for efficient development of a rule-based system using crowd-sourcing
Described herein are methods, systems, apparatuses and products for efficient development of a rule-based system. An aspect provides a method including accessing data records; converting said data records to an intermediate form; utilizing intermediate forms to compute similarity scores for said data records; and selecting as an example to be provided for rule making at least one record of said data records having a maximum dissimilarity score indicative of dissimilarity to already considered examples.
US08635194B2 System and method for data compression
A method of processing data from a file includes obtaining a first portion of the file, creating a first compression unit by compressing at least the first portion of the file, obtaining a second portion of the file, creating a second compression unit by compressing at least the second portion of the file, and storing the first and second compression unit such that each of the first and the second compression units can be individually accessed. A method of processing data from a file includes receiving a request to access a portion of the file, determining one or more sub-units that include compressed data associated with the portion of the file, de-compressing the compressed data in the one or more sub-units to obtain de-compressed data, and transmitting the de-compressed data in response to the request.
US08635189B1 Frameworks for providing backup functionalities to different applications
Example embodiments provide various techniques for providing a backup functionality to a particular application. In one example, a plug-in module is selected for activation from a number of different plug-in modules. This selected plug-in module is adapted to interface with the particular application. It should be noted that each plug-in module is adapted to interface with a different application. The particular application is quiesced using the selected plug-in module. After the application has been quiesced, the backup functionality is initiated.
US08635188B2 Techniques for extracting data from content databases
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for extracting data from databases of content management applications. Input is received from a user to connect to a database of a content management application. A connection is established to the database. When the database is not part of a current live instance of the content management application, an emulation is performed so that the database is treated like it is actually attached to the current live instance of the content management application. The user is able to browse the database. Unattached databases of a content management application can be managed using one or more commands, such as using an object model or command line. Orphaned databases can be detected and deleted from the content management application.
US08635185B2 System and method for providing session affinity in a clustered database environment
A clustered database environment (e.g. Oracle Real Application Cluster (RAC)) includes multiple database instances that appear as one server. An application server (e.g. WebLogic Server (WLS)) can use a data source (e.g. an Oracle GridLink data source) and connection pools to connect with the clustered database. In accordance with an embodiment, a data source configuration allows for specification of a preferred affinity policy, such as a data affinity, temporal affinity, and/or session or session-based affinity policy. In accordance with an embodiment, the system includes a number of features that improve application connectivity in the clustered database environment, including a select-only case for application continuity, wherein an application-independent infrastructure, e.g. implemented within a Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver, enables recovery of work from an application perspective and masks system communications, hardware failures and hangs.
US08635184B2 System and method for providing long-term storage for data
A system for storing files comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to break a file into one or more segments; store the one or more segments in a first storage unit; and add metadata to the first storage unit so that the file can be accessed independent of a second storage unit, wherein a single namespace enables access for files stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
US08635180B2 Multiple hash scheme for use in a pattern matching accelerator
A pattern matching accelerator (PMA) for assisting software threads to find the presence and location of strings in an input data stream that match a given pattern. The patterns are defined using regular expressions that are compiled into a data structure comprised of rules subsequently processed by the PMA. The patterns to be searched in the input stream are defined by the user as a set of regular expressions. The patterns to be searched are grouped in pattern context sets. The sets of regular expressions which define the pattern context sets are compiled to generate a rules structure used by the PMA hardware. The rules are compiled before search run time and stored in main memory, in rule cache memory within the PMA or a combination thereof. For each input character, the PMA executes the search and returns the search results.
US08635176B2 System to create and use test plans usable in validating a real world model in software of a safety instrumented system architecture for safety instrumented systems in a facility
A system to computer generate, manage, analyze, or combinations thereof, a real world model in software of a safety instrumented system (SIS) architecture for SIS in a facility, and generate test plans, wherein the SIS architecture for SIS in a facility comprises at least one instrumented protective function (IPF) and wherein the test plans support process safety lifecycle management.
US08635167B2 Method and system for identifying people who are likely to have a successful relationship
The functions and operations of a matching service are disclosed. This includes approximating the satisfaction that a user of the matching service has in the relationships that the user forms with others and identifying candidates for a relationship with the user based on the approximated satisfaction. This also includes approximating the satisfaction that the user will have in a relationship with a particular candidate. The matching service also identifies two parties for a relationship. The matching service makes available a plurality of communication levels at which the parties can communicate. Each communication level allows the parties to exchange information in a different format. The parties are permitted to exchange information at one of the communication levels.
US08635164B2 Telecommunications initiated internet link system
A system for providing a wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillment services in which a multi-function code, such as “#” (star, pound), input into an originating telecommunications device, such as a wireless telephone, triggers the treatment of the input sequence as a multi-function code service request rather than a dialed directory number. The multi-function code is followed by an input data string to complete the multi-function code service request, which the user typically enters into the telecommunications device just like a conventional telephone call, except that the input string begins with the multi-function code. The telecommunications system recognizes the multi-function code as a trigger, and in response takes one or more date fulfillment actions, such delivering a response message to the initiating telecommunications device containing one or more Internet links to webpages associated with the dialed input data string.
US08635162B2 Creating rules for the administration of end-user license agreements
Exemplary methods, systems, and products are described for creating rules for the administration of end-user license agreements (‘EULAs’). Creating rules for the administration of end-user license agreements is accomplished by identifying, from historical license data, a license administration pattern. A license administration rule is then created in dependence upon the license administration pattern. Identifying a license administration pattern from historical license data may include data mining a collection of accepted EULAs and data mining a collection of rejected EULAs.
US08635160B2 Information providing apparatus and method, information processing apparatus and method, program storage medium, program, and information providing system
Disclosed is an information providing apparatus comprising first reception control means for controlling the reception, from a first information processing apparatus, of user identification data for identifying a user of the first information processing apparatus and a request for purchasing a content, first transmission control means for controlling in response to the request for purchasing the content the transmission of the request for purchasing the content to a second information processing apparatus, second reception control means for controlling the reception of the content and usage conditions thereof supplied from the second information processing apparatus, storage control means for controlling the storing of the content and usage conditions thereof in correlation with the user identification data, third reception control means for controlling the reception of the user identification data and a request for sending the content supplied from the first information processing apparatus, and second transmission control means for controlling, in response to the request for sending the content, the transmission of the content stored in correlation with the user identification data.
US08635159B1 Self-service terminal limited access personal identification number (“PIN”)
A method for operating an electronic self-service device is provided. The method may include using an electronic receiver module to receive electronic data from the self-service device. The electronic data may include information regarding a limited access personal identification number (“PIN”). The method may further include using an electronic computational module to test the PIN using a plurality of algorithms. The testing preferably determines whether the PIN corresponds to one of a plurality of stored PIN offset values. The method may also include identifying an algorithm that obtains a correspondence between the PIN and one of the plurality of stored PIN offset values. The method may further include using an electronic transmitter to transmit a signal corresponding to the algorithm used to obtain the correspondence and receiving an electronic authorization message that comprises instructions. The instructions may provide limited access authorization information.
US08635158B1 Student loan repayment system
A student loan repayment system for accumulating money using a client device, a computing cloud, and a network, wherein a cloud data storage contains computer instructions for presenting a student loan holder interface, creating a student profile, forming an account for accumulating money linked to another account, enabling the student loan holder to input goals, and enabling the student loan holder to make and receive deposits into the account for accumulating money. The deposits can include an amount of money selected by the student loan holder, an amount of money repaid by not purchasing a product or service, an amount of money repaid by purchasing a lower priced product or service, a similar product with a rebate, another promotional incentive for purchasing a product, or an amount of money associated with a non-monetary goal.
US08635157B2 Mobile system and method for payments and non-financial transactions
A method and system for mobile commerce, communication, and transaction processing to real-world POS, web, e-commerce, virtual terminal, mobile personal digital assistant, mobile phone, mobile device, or other computer based transactions involving either one or both financial and non-financial such as loyalty based transactions as a mobile payment system is described. One embodiment comprises using a mobile phone via a consumer mobile software application (CMA) in lieu of a consumer card (examples include physical, virtual, or chips) to conduct payment transactions in the Real or Virtual World of commerce. An embodiment is related to making payments to real-world stores via having the CMA on a mobile device on behalf of the consumer present to conduct transactions and no physical card required.
US08635154B2 Environment customization based on location
A user's location is automatically transmitted to a network, and the network automatically customizes one or more environments, such as by customizing communication devices, other types of devices, or the like, based on the detected location and on profile information. Customizing an environment may include enabling services, such as setting up a public telephone or hotel telephone with a user's home base telephone settings and/or services, and/or may include disabling functions, such as disabling long-distance service when the user is away from home.
US08635140B2 Apparatuses, methods, and systems for providing a reconfigurable insurance quote generator user interface
The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of system tools configured to read a risk rating scheme data-structure and generate a user interface whereby a user may enter information characteristic of an insurable risk and receive a quote indicative of a price for binding an insurance policy to the candidate risk.
US08635134B2 Systems and methods for optimizations involving insufficient funds (NSF) conditions
Systems and methods for optimizations involving insufficient funds conditions are provided. An identification of a first account of a customer of a financial institution may be received by a financial system comprising one or more computers. The first account may be a deposit account at the financial institution. Interest income and non-interest income attributable to one or more of a plurality of accounts, including the first account, that the customer has with the financial institution may be analyzed by the financial system. Based at least in part on the analyzed interest income and non-interest income, a recommended next action associated with the first account may be determined by the financial system. The recommended next action may be associated with an actual or potential insufficient funds (NSF) condition associated with the first account.
US08635123B2 Systems and methods for managing supplier information between an electronic procurement system and buyers' supplier management systems
A system and method provide an efficient and simple procurement process that is easily customizable and allows the automatic mapping of supplier information and catalogs according to the buyer/purchasing organization's internal data schema used for representing such data, and updates the buyer/purchasing organization's hosted supplier information and catalogs automatically. In an exemplary embodiment, access to an electronic procurement system is requested, a supplier provides supplier data through a graphical user interface (GUI) for storage in one or more databases of an electronic procurement system, the supplier designates a subset of the supplier data as protected supplier data, and conveniently selects one or more buyer organization's supplier management systems to receive the provided supplier data.
US08635122B1 Techniques for providing event reminders
Techniques for updating content created for a third party user are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for updating content comprises receiving information for an item associated with a third party user, requesting a search including information for a plurality of items offered for purchase, the search request being based on the received information for the at least one item, and updating content for the third party user with one of the items included in the list of items received in response to the search request. Information for the item associated with the third party user may be received from a list of items associated with the third party user and maintained by the third party user or from a content source associated with an entity other than the third party user.
US08635121B2 User segmentation for listings in online publications
A method and a system segmenting a user viewing listings in online publications to render the listing according to a rule received from a seller. For example, the system receives one or more listings submitted by a seller. The listing comprises one or more modifiable parameters. The system also receives a rule from the seller, the rule associated with a first listing of the one or more listings. A profile is associated with a user based on data collected about the user. The first listing is rendered to the user based on the profile associated with the user and the rule by modifying the one or more parameters.
US08635115B2 Interactive image activation and distribution system and associated methods
A method for distributing a digital image of a customer includes receiving a request from a customer to a human representative (i.e., a “roving” photographer) for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. An image of the customer is captured by the “roving” photographer at the site in response to the received request. The image is transmitted to a remote processor. An electronic request is received from the customer to view the transmitted image, and the image is transmitted from the remote processor to the customer's communication device. If the customer decides to purchase the image, a transaction is finalized by receiving payment data from the customer, and the final image is provided to the customer. A commission is then paid to the photographer for the transaction. In another embodiment, the cost is at least partially subsidized by advertisement pushed to the customer's communication device.
US08635113B2 Integrated online store
A technique for effecting electronic commerce using a data network is described. The data network includes a plurality of subsystems which, together, form an integrated system for receiving customer orders for selected items via a data network, fulfilling the customer orders, and delivering the ordered products to the customers. Moreover, according to a specific embodiment, the integrated nature of the system architecture of the present invention allows the on-line merchant to provide a guarantee to the customer that the ordered items will be available to be delivered to the customer at the specified delivery date, time, and location.
US08635112B1 Locating and organizing digital receipt data for use in in-store audits
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for auditing in-store sales transactions when a digital receipt is issued. A receipt application server formulates a digital receipt from digital receipt data received from a POS system. The digital receipt is sent from the receipt application server to an auditor mobile device at the location of the POS system. A human auditor can view the digital receipt during an in-store audit. In some embodiments, one or both of the receipt application server and the auditor mobile device reorder receipt entries so that items having specified characteristics are presented more prominently on a display. For example, receipt entries can be re-ordered such that higher profit margin items, bulkier items, or more likely to be stolen items are presented more prominently. As such, a human auditor is more likely to expressly audit these types of items.
US08635111B2 Touchless and touch optimized processing of retail and other commerce transactions
A computer implemented method for reducing input performed in a commerce based application is provided. The method includes receiving a sequence of input values from an input device and associating the sequence of input values with an object in the application based on the sequence. A context of the application is determined. One or more tasks in the application are automatically performed based on the object, the context and the sequence of input values.
US08635109B2 System and method for providing offers for mobile devices
Profile information associated with a mobile communications device belonging to a user is stored at a server system. Upon the server system receiving an indication that the mobile communications device needs to be replaced, the profile information is reviewed. Based on the review of the profile, an offer is generated to replace the mobile communications device.
US08635108B2 Presenting offers to users of wireless devices
A system and method facilitating the management of current and prospective customers and customer information is provided. The invention includes an aggregation system adapted to provide management and generation of current and prospective customers. The invention further provides management of current and prospective customer information. Additionally, the aggregation system provides for generating advertisements based at least in part upon market information. Finally, the present invention also includes a printstream aggregation method facilitating the printing of print orders.
US08635107B2 Automatic expansion of an advertisement offer inventory
An extensible offer inventory database of offers in a domain is established. Further, an offer ontology is generated based on the extensible offer inventory database. The offer ontology provides an extensible vocabulary that correlates to categories in the offer inventory database. In addition, offers are automatically located. The offers are also semantically analyzed to generate semantic analysis data. Further, user data is obtained. In addition, an optimal offer match is automatically determined based upon the semantic analysis data and the user data.
US08635105B2 Consumer experience portrayal effectiveness assessment system
A system assesses consumer experience portrayal effectiveness by evaluating neuro-response measurements for a consumer directly experiencing stimulus and/or indirectly experiencing stimulus through observation of another. Neuro-response measurements are collected using multiple modalities to evaluate personal and observed experiences of products, services, offerings, and stimulus. Examples of neuro-response measurements include Electroencephalography (EEG), Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), Electrocardiograms (EKG), Electrooculography (EOG), eye tracking, and facial emotion encoding measurements. In many instances, neuro-response data is combined with other data and analyzed to assess total consumer experience portrayal effectiveness.
US08635102B2 Assigning an internet domain to a user as the user registers with a server
A method is disclosed for assigning a domain to a user to enable direct domain to domain content transfers between users. Steps include registering and assigning user identifications to a first user and a second user; assigning a first domain to the first user and a second domain to the second user; managing the assigned first domain by assigning a first content provided by the first user to the first domain; managing the assigned second domain by assigning a second user provide second content to the second domain; receiving a request from a client for the first content at the first domain; and fetching and returning the first content from the first domain and the second content from the second domain to the client, wherein fetching and returning is performed by the server computer without using web-based linking.
US08635099B1 Method and system for providing surveys
A method and system for providing a survey comprises an incentive module, a survey determination module, a timing module, and a survey interface module. The incentive module determines a dynamic incentive for a panelist. The dynamic incentive is associated with the survey. The survey determination module provides the survey to the panelist. The timing module determines a survey time and if the panelist may perform another survey in a remaining time. The survey interface module provides a graphical representation of the survey to the panelist.
US08635098B2 Determining a community rating for a user using feedback ratings of related users in an electronic environment
Community ratings are determined for users of an electronic marketplace. In a typical configuration, the community rating of an individual reflect the individual's reputation in the electronic community (e.g. feedback rating) as well as the reputations of the users the individual sponsors and the reputations of each user they sponsor, and so on. Various methodologies are provided for determining a community rating, such as aggregating feedback ratings, or weighting or thresholding these feedback ratings.
US08635094B2 System and method for dynamically configuring user interface components of a collaborative space based on mapping rules and user roles
A method for role-based personalization of a collaborative space can include generating a collaborative space utilizing role information for an interacting user that has been defined by an underlying business process model in a workflow. For example, the step of generating a collaborative space can include parsing the workflow to extract a role model, generating a collaborative space domain model from the role model, selecting a plurality of user interface components based upon the role model, organizing the selected user interface components in the collaborative space, and rendering the collaborative space.
US08635093B2 System for searching and solving for insurance products
A system for evaluating and scoring software products in which illustration engines relating to insurance products are run based on a common set of inputs. The illustration engines output a set of output metrics which are common to all illustration engines. The output metrics of products selected for comparison or evaluation are mathematically combined with each other and with the corresponding metrics of from all other illustration engines to determine a score which can be used to compare quickly and accurately the selected product against all other products in the database. The score may be determined by a weighted average in which the weights assigned to output metrics are adjustable at the user's discretion.