| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08727167B2 |
Applicator-receptacle securing system
The present invention relates to a securing system (500). The securing system (500) is comprised of a first device having a first opening, and a first connecting portion formed at or frangibly connected to the periphery of the first opening; and a second device having a second opening, and a second connecting portion formed at the periphery of the second opening. The first connecting portion is engaged with the second connecting portion for connecting the first opening with the second opening. The first connecting portion is essentially configured to non-reattachably deform, or frangibly detached from the periphery of the first opening, when the first device is caused to be disconnected from the second device at the connected first and second openings for disabling the first device from being re-attachable with the second device at the first and second openings. The first device is also further adapted to serve as an intermediate connector between a third and the second devices at the second and a third openings. The first device is adapted to be non-detachably connected to a third device. If the first and the second devices are non-reattachably connected, when the first device is caused to be disconnected from the second device, the third device, which is non-detachably connected to the first device, is disabled from being re-attachable with the second device. |
| US08727162B2 |
Integral tortuous path receptacle cover
A cover for a medical waste disposal receptacle and a method of manufacturing a cover for a medical waste disposal receptacle. The cover generally comprises a body portion configured to substantially close an open end of the receptacle and a lid portion hingedly interconnected to the body portion via an integrally formed hinge extending between the lid portion and a portion of the body portion. The body portion includes a covering surface with an access opening therethrough and at least a first, fixed sloped slide surface depending from the covering surface configured to provide a fixed tortuous path extending from the access opening. |
| US08727159B2 |
Cold box design providing secondary containment
The present invention relates to cryogenic fluids. In another aspect, the present invention relates to additional protection of an apparatus containing equipment capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures and containing cryogenic materials. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a primary enclosure defining an internal volume. The primary enclosure includes primary walls, a primary ceiling, a primary floor, and a vapor venting system. The primary enclosure is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. At least of a portion of the primary floor forms a slope to a hydrocarbon outlet. A perforated plate is located on top of the hydrocarbon outlet. The perforated plate is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. A fire retardant agent applied to the exterior surface of the primary enclosure. |
| US08727156B2 |
Package suitable for storing liquids
A package suitable for storing liquids therein, having a pocket (16) being formed between superposed front and rear sheets (10; 12), which are joined together peripherally by a liquid-tight seal (14), a top package portion comprising an end of a neck portion (20), which extends from the pocket (16), a top part (22) of the neck portion (20) being narrower than the pocket (16), at least one reinforcement portion (28) being arranged at the top package portion and extending on at least one side of the top part (22) of the next portion (20). The front sheet (10) and the rear sheet (12) each have a substantially uniform rupture strength along the extension of the pocket (16) and the neck portion (20). In order to open the package, the neck portion (20) is ruptured by bending the top package portion backwards. |
| US08727155B2 |
Two-piece can body made of laminated steel sheet, and method of producing the two-piece can body
A can body for a two-piece can made of a laminated steel sheet, the laminated steel sheet containing a steel sheet and a copolyethylene terephthalate resin layer containing at least hyone member selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid and cyclohexane dimethanol as a copolymer component in a proportion of 5 to 20 mol %, and having a crystallization temperature of 120° C. to 140° C. on at least one side of the steel sheet; and satisfying the following relationships: r1≦r, 0.1≦r1/R≦0.25, and 1.5≦h/(R−r)≦4, wherein r1 represents the minimum radius of the can body, r represents the maximum radius of the can body, h represents the height of the can body, and R represents the radius of the laminated steel sheet having a circular shape before shaping whose weight is the same as that of the can body. The can body has a high strain level, and does not suffer from delamination and breakage of the resin layer. |
| US08727154B2 |
Synthetic resin bottle
The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to design bottle walls having such a shape as to inhibit cave-in deformation into a dented wall shape caused by recessed areas for fingerhold. The object of this invention is to provide a synthetic resin square bottle which is usable without anxiety, is excellent at firm hold, and has a high vacuum-absorbing function.In a synthetic resin square bottle comprising a body formed by multiple panel walls disposed on the body in a circumferential direction, and a waist portion made of a peripheral groove dented at a roughly middle height position of the body so as to divide each panel wall into an upper panel and a lower panel, recessed areas for fingerhold use are formed in at least a pair of opposing panel walls in a certain area ranging from the waist portion to an upper end portion of the lower panel of each panel wall, and a pair of side ribs is formed on right and left sides of, and in the vicinity of, each recessed area in the lower panel. |
| US08727152B2 |
Hot-fill container having flat panels
A container may employ an upper portion defining a mouth, a shoulder portion formed with the upper portion and extending away from the upper portion, a bottom portion forming a base, a sidewall extending between and joining the shoulder portion and the bottom portion, and a plurality of smooth surfaced vacuum panels formed in the sidewall, which may be separated by one or more strengthening grooves. The vacuum panels and/or the container in a profile view may form an hourglass shape. The container may also employ a sidewall utilizing three smooth, grooveless, vacuum panels, which may form a triangle in cross-section. The vacuum panels may be concave inward toward a central vertical axis of the container and have an hourglass shape when the container is viewed in a side view. |
| US08727151B2 |
Assembly of a container and a closure
An assembly of a container and a closure, the assembly having an overpressure relief system, wherein the system has a fixation between the closure and a container, the fixation providing two positions in between which the closure is movable. |
| US08727149B1 |
Container with stored scoop
A container with a granulated, powdered or other loose product stores a scoop within the container adjacent to a closure for the container, in such a way that the scoop will not sink down into the product. Several embodiments are disclosed, including different ways for retaining the scoop. Promotional material can be retained below the closure, in addition to or in lieu of the scoop. |
| US08727148B2 |
Flip cap
A cap is received on an associated bottle opening. The cap preferably includes an annular body and a sidewall that includes a thread member extending around at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. A closing surface extends substantially perpendicular to the sidewall and is dimensioned to cover the associated bottle opening. As disclosed, an opening in the cap closing surface has first, second, and third portions that each form distinct interconnected narrow, intermediate, and large pour opening portions. A lid is selectively received on the closing surface and includes a seal extending outwardly from a surface thereof. The seal includes similarly dimensioned first, second, and third portions that conform to and selectively seal with the first, second, and third portions of the cap opening. Another exemplary embodiment includes a tear-away panel portion that includes a tab to aid in removal of the panel portion and forming the opening. |
| US08727146B2 |
Adjust and lock mechanism
An adjust and lock mechanism includes a drive gear (16) rotatably mounted on a frame and adapted to engage a drive track (15) on a member (13) to allow adjustment between the frame (1) and the member by rotation of the drive gear, the drive gear being mounted on a drive spindle (17) that can move axially relative to the drive gear and which is normally spring loaded (34) into locking engagement with the frame and can be moved axially to disengage the locking engagement and allow the spindle to be rotated to operate the drive gear. A locking engagement is provided by a dog gear at one end of the spindle. A lock release button (32) and hand wheel (18) to rotate the drive gear are located adjacent one another for joint operation. A gear train connects the hand wheel to the drive gear. |
| US08727143B2 |
Sports apparel organizer
Providing for a sports equipment organizer that can support, store, display and provide ventilation for a helmet and/or other sports equipment is described herein. By way of example, the sports equipment organizer can comprise a mounting device that can be secured to a surface and to a first end of an extension arm, the extension arm having a second end that can be secured to a mounting arm having a mounting surface, upon which at least one head-ware device can be supported. In various embodiments, disclosed hangers or hanging racks can be suspended or secured to the extension arm to support additional sporting apparel or equipment. Particular embodiments facilitate pumped ventilation of the mounting surface, and rotating or folding the mounting arm or extension arm for compact deployment. |
| US08727142B2 |
Drawer organizer for disparate handled items
A drawer organizer is provided that includes a platform. The platform has a width, a first side, a second opposing side, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Grooves extend into the platform from the top surface. The grooves are adapted to receive a handle of a handled implement and allow the implement head to extend beyond the platform. |
| US08727140B2 |
Material carousel
A material carousel for manufacturing and/or assembly operations is provided. The carousel includes a hub fabricated from a low friction material wherein the hub has a polygonal shape. The carousel also includes a plurality of equally spaced arms which are press fit into the hub. Each arm is adapted to hold cable and/or harness assemblies or includes a bin for holding materials used for production operations. In addition, the carousel includes a support column that extends through the hub, wherein the hub is adapted to rotate about the support column. An adjustable support collar is also provided for supporting the hub on the support column. Further, the carousel includes a peg mechanism for stopping rotation of the hub after a predetermined rotation angle. |
| US08727135B2 |
Composite filtration membranes and methods of preparation thereof
A composition comprises a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylate comprising two or more poly(meth)acrylate backbones covalently linked to a bridging group, the backbones comprising i) respective first repeat units, each of which comprises a first side chain ester moiety comprising a hydrophilic poly(alkylene oxide) chain segment, ii) respective second repeat units, each of which comprises a second side chain ester moiety directly linked to the bridging group through a linking group selected from the group consisting of carbamate groups, urea groups, and thiocarbamate groups, and iii) respective third repeat units, each of which comprises a hydrophobic side chain moiety not directly linked to any bridging group. Composite filtration membranes having a selective layer that comprises the composition exhibit useful anti-fouling and/or salt rejection characteristics. |
| US08727134B2 |
Sealing device of a filter system for filtering fluids
A sealing device (24) of a filter system (10) for filtering fluids, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a sealing ring (26) is described. The sealing ring (26) serves to seal a pipe (16), in particular a central pipe of a filter housing (12), that penetrates through a flange-sided opening (18) of an end plate (20), in particular of an end element of a filter element (14). The sealing ring (26) features a central section (58) that connects it with the end plate (20). The sealing ring (26) features in its axial direction on both sides of the central section (58) elastic sealing sections (60, 62) which cause each a reduction of the inner diameter of the sealing ring (26) compared with the central section (58). The elastic sealing sections (60, 62) extend freely flexibly and can be bent away from the central section (58) such that they can be pressed—when the pipe (16) is mounted—by means of prevailing fluid pressures—when the filter system (10) is operated—in radial direction against the exterior wall of the pipe (16). |
| US08727131B2 |
Method and apparatus for sorting particles
A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. |
| US08727130B2 |
Sheets processing apparatus and sheets processing method
A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the kind thereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the kink thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group. |
| US08727126B2 |
Cardboard container for receiving bottles in a horizontal configuration and a blank for obtaining the container
A cardboard container has a base wall, two foldable lateral walls at two longitudinal sides thereof. The container has a pair of tabs each exhibiting a central portion connected to the base wall. A first lateral portion in a single body with the central portion is foldable with respect to the central portion and to the first lateral wall, while a second lateral portion is connected to the second lateral wall and foldable with respect to the central portion and to the second lateral wall. Each tab is foldable into a flat configuration, such that the central portion assumes an angled configuration. The tab central portions are connected to the base wall and when folded by an angle with respect thereto, they are distanced apart by a distance corresponding to the transversal dimensions of a bottle and define there-between a housing for receiving the bottle in a horizontal configuration. |
| US08727124B2 |
Trauma resistant suspension cell package for secure shipping and storage
An impact and crush resistant shipping container for a vial and cap assembly, e.g., a FABI, the container having sides and a bottom defining a cavity and an opening, and a closeable cover; a partitioning divider defining at least one vertical receptacle for receiving a portion of the vial and cap assembly; an insert having at least one opening therethrough for receiving the vial and cap assembly, each opening sized such that the vial and cap assembly can be suspended in the opening, and the partitioning divider is positionable with respect to the insert such that the vial and cap assembly can be suspended at least partially within the receptacle, and the partitioning divider and the insert with the at least one vial and cap assembly suspended therein are positionable within the cavity such that the cover can be closed without contacting the at least one vial and cap assembly. |
| US08727117B2 |
Package for syringe
Packages comprising a syringe and a blister package are described. The blister package incorporates elements that allow one-handed opening. Also described are methods of removing a syringe from a package using only one hand. |
| US08727113B2 |
Multiple substance mixing container system
A multiple substance mixing container system for permitting a consumer to customize a liquid within a container to their desired preference. The multiple substance mixing container system includes a mixing container including a first upper end, wherein the mixing container serves to hold a main ingredient and a vessel member including a first lower end and a second upper end. The first lower end of the vessel member attaches to the first upper end of the mixing container. The multiple substance mixing container system also includes an additive container for holding a mixing ingredient. The additive container fits within the vessel member and an upper cap is attachable to the second upper end of the vessel member. |
| US08727112B2 |
Agglomerate reduction in a nanowire suspension stored in a container
Methods and articles of manufacture for storage and shipping of nanowires are disclosed. One disclosed method includes: (a) providing a nanowire suspension including nanowires suspended in a liquid; and (b) disposing the nanowire suspension in a container for storage and shipping, where the container is configured to inhibit agglomeration of nanowires from the nanowire suspension. |
| US08727111B2 |
Packaging for objects that have a portion of liquid
Proposed is a package for objects that have a portion of liquid, comprising a container (1) which consists of a liquid-impermeable material for receiving the object (9) and a dimensionally stable hollow body (10, 13, 15) which has at least one opening (12, 14, 16) and is arranged in the container (1) and receives the liquid that escapes from an object (9) arranged in the container (1). |
| US08727107B2 |
Self-centering belt support feature
An apparatus comprises a frame having a first frame section connected to a second frame section. The frame also has at least one physical connection that allows the first frame section to move relative to the second frame section. A first roller is connected to the first frame section. The first roller has a crowned outer surface surrounding an axle. Also, first connectors connect the first roller to the first frame section. The first connectors allow the first roller to rotate around the axle and allow the first roller to move in a direction parallel to the axle. A second roller is also connected to the second frame section. At least one biasing member is connected to the first frame section and the second frame section. The biasing member applies a bias to cause the first frame section to move away from the second frame section. A belt substrate contacts the first roller and the second roller. A latch is connected to the first frame section and the second frame section. The latch allows the frame to collapse by moving the first frame section toward the second frame section and disconnecting the biasing member. |
| US08727105B2 |
Roller inserts for conveyor rollers and roller assemblies including the same
A roller insert for a conveyor roller tube includes a cartridge housing having an inside end and an outside end, an outside bearing positioned proximate to the outside end of the cartridge housing, where the outside bearing has an inner race and an outer race, and a stub axle. The stub axle includes an elongate body portion having a drive interface portion positioned distally from the outside end of the cartridge housing. The roller insert also includes a bushing coupled to the inner race of the outside bearing, where the bushing includes a bore portion extending along the inner race of the outside bearing. The roller insert further includes a jacket at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the cartridge housing and extending in an axial direction to at least partially encapsulate the outer race of the outside bearing in the axial direction. |
| US08727103B2 |
Tilt tray sorter conveyor
A tilt tray sorter conveyor for piece goods is provided. The conveyer includes wagons which are coupled to each other to make a ring or train, or are employed individually, and are moved along rails, each wagon having a carrying tray. Each carrying tray is pivoted to both sides about a pivot which is arranged centrally underneath the carrying tray and runs in the direction of travel, by a tilt drive arranged on the wagon, from a horizontal transport position into an unloading position to release goods conveyed by the wagon. In order to enable a flexible operational discharge of the tiling movement of the carrying tray, at least one flexible form-fitting or force-fitting traction mechanism is arranged underneath the carrying tray and hinged to both sides, the traction mechanism working with a drive to apply a traction force to the carrying tray in the tilting direction. |
| US08727100B2 |
Self-aligning pallets and a system for automated conveying of components through an assembly line
The disclosure is directed at a system for conveying apparatus over a conveyor belt assembly. The system includes a set of pallets which support the apparatus and travel within parallel driving conveyors of the conveyor belt assembly. While the pallets in both driving conveyors are capable of rotation, only the pallets in one of the driving conveyors may move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel so that the apparatus may be centred over the conveyor belt assembly when the pallets are in motion. |
| US08727096B2 |
Shoe sorter conveyor switch and method
A shoe sorter switch for a conveyor includes a main body member positioned relative to the conveyor away from contact with any passing shoe of the conveyor. A plurality of subcomponents are mounted to the main body member and positioned to contact and direct passing shoes of the conveyor. The main body member and each of the plurality of subcomponents together define a plurality of precision fit couplings that each comprise a precision protrusion that is fit into a corresponding precision aperture. Related methods for assembling and installing the switch, including replacing damaged switch subcomponents without the need for any calibration to adjust the position of the replacement subcomponent relative to the main body member and to the conveyor are also provided. |
| US08727093B2 |
Method and device for transmission noise suppression
The invention relates to a method and a device for suppressing transmission noise from automatic transmissions, in particular for motor vehicles, the transmission having at least two alternating multi-disk clutches that control a power flow via a gearing mechanism through which oil flows to cool the clutches and to reduce wear and tear on them. To create a method and a device that are of simple design and that can operate without wear and tear, it is proposed that under defined operating conditions of the transmission, the throughput amount of oil is increased in such a way that a defined drag torque occurs at the multi-disk clutch that is opened. |
| US08727085B2 |
Segmented collector shoe assembly
A collector shoe assembly for use with an electrified conductor rail is disclosed. A support block comprised of first and second housing members secured together which has a plurality of spaced-apart, spring-loaded collector shoe segments movably positioned therein, the outer ends of which are in engagement with the conductor rail. |
| US08727084B1 |
Take-up reel assembly
A take-up reel assembly includes a frame, and a spindle, having an axis, which is coupled to the frame. A spool is positioned coaxially with the spindle and is able to rotate about the axis of the spindle. A flexible elongated member having a distal portion coupled to the spool and accessible from exterior of the spool, a middle portion positioned between the spindle and an inside surface of the spool, and a proximal portion coupled to the frame, has the middle portion of the elongated member wound as a helix about the spindle. The diameter of the helix changes with rotation of the spool. |
| US08727080B2 |
Magnetic valve for shock absorbers
A shock absorber having a valve controlling the flow rate of fluid between a compression chamber and a rebound chamber in a housing and separated by a piston. The valve has an orifice component and a blocker component, one of which has a permanent magnet, and the other of which has a magnetically permeable material. Upon the application of sufficient fluid pressure, the blocker component is forced away from the orifice component, despite the magnetic bias that tends to attract the two structures. Because the magnetic force decreases as the two components are spaced farther apart, the shock absorber has excellent performance characteristics. Alternatively, a mechanical spring urges the blocker closed, and magnetic attraction between the blocker and a spaced opener mitigates the increased force of the compressed spring tending to close the valve. |
| US08727076B2 |
Device for driving a door of an elevator
A device for driving a door of an elevator includes a door header, a door, and a driving motor. The door header, which is mounted on a frame defining a doorway, includes a vertical portion substantially parallel to a plane of the doorway. The door is movably supported on the frame. The driving motor, which is disposed on the vertical portion of the door header, includes a housing fixed with respect to the vertical portion, a rotating shaft having an axis that is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the vertical portion, a driving pulley, and a driving portion. The rotating shaft is rotatably supported by the vertical portion at one end thereof and is rotatably supported by the housing at the other end thereof. The driving pulley is coupled to the rotating shaft. The driving portion drives the rotating shaft. |
| US08727072B2 |
Method for making acoustic honeycomb
A method for making an acoustic structure that includes a honeycomb having cells in which septum caps are located. The septum caps are formed from sheets of flexible material that may be perforated before or after the material is inserted into the honeycomb. The flexible material is sufficiently flexible to allow folding into the shape of a septum cap. The flexible material is also sufficiently stiff to provide frictional engagement and locking of the septum cap to the honeycomb cell when the cap is inserted into the honeycomb during fabrication of the acoustic structure. An adhesive is applied to the septum caps after the caps have been inserted into the honeycomb cells to provide a permanent bond. |
| US08727071B2 |
Sound barrier for audible acoustic frequency management
A sound barrier comprises a substantially periodic array of structures disposed in a first medium having a first density, the structures being made of a second medium having a second density different from the first density, wherein one of the first and second media is a porous medium other than a porous metal, the porous medium having a porosity of at least about 0.02, and wherein the other of the first and second media is a viscoelastic or elastic medium. |
| US08727067B2 |
Method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system
A method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system is described. In one example, the method adjusts alternator field current to increase energy supplied to the electrically assisted steering system in response to an automatic engine stop request. The method may improve operation of the electrically assisted steering system. |
| US08727065B2 |
Electric power steering device
An electric power steering device includes a first housing that supports an output shaft rotatable together with a driven member with a first bearing placed there between and a second housing that rotatably supports a driving member. The first housing includes an eccentric engagement section that is eccentric with respect to a first bearing holding section holding the first bearing. The eccentric engagement section is fitted to an engagement section of the second housing. When the center-to-center distance between the driving member and the driven member is adjusted, the eccentric engagement section of the first housing is rotated with respect to the engagement section of the second housing. |
| US08727064B2 |
Hybrid internal combustion engine and air motor system and method
A hybrid internal combustion engine and air motor system is provided and includes at least one chamber having a drivable member and at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, and a reservoir connected to the chamber through at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve. The system further comprises a computer configured to calculate air compressor efficiency during an air compressor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or a computer configured to calculate air motor efficiency during an air motor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency. A method for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency is also disclosed. |
| US08727059B2 |
Hinge assembly for connecting two vehicle parts to a vehicle with articulated frame steering
The invention relates to a hinge assembly for connecting two vehicle parts to a vehicle that is capable of crab steering, has articulated frame steering and comprises articulating vehicle axles. Four structural elements are connected to each other by four hinge connections, the hinge centers being arranged in a common plane in a basic state, such that they form a frame which is substantially rigid with respect to thrust forces in that plane. Two of the structural elements forming opposite sides of the frame can in each case be rotated about a rotational axis located in said plane with respect to the other three structural elements. Furthermore, the hinge connections are designed in such a manner that, starting from the basic state, the two rotational axes can be articulated relative to each other in that one of the rotational axis can be pivoted out of the plane. |
| US08727055B2 |
Electric work vehicle and base thereof
A base frame for an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery-driven electric motor includes a base plate, a plurality of device installation compartment plates and a battery accommodation compartment plate. The device installation compartment plates are fixed onto the base plate, and form a plurality of installation regions for mounting a variety of devices of the vehicle onto the base plate. The battery accommodation compartment plate is fixed onto the base plate, and forms a region for accommodating a plurality of batteries in an inside thereof. |
| US08727053B2 |
Vehicle
In the case where a vehicle 3 runs forward, when both two electric motors 2A, 2B power the vehicle, an oil pressure controller 48 releases hydraulic brakes 60A, 60B; when both the two electric motors 2A, 2B perform a regenerative braking, actuates the hydraulic brakes 60A, 60B. When one of the two electric motors 2A, 2B powers the vehicle and the other motor performs regenerative braking, the oil pressure controller 48 controls releases or actuates the hydraulic brakes 60A, 60B based on a power driving torque and a regenerative braking torque. |
| US08727052B2 |
Dry axle center section
An axle tube comprising a dry section interposing a first wet section and a second wet section, the first and second wet sections housing a liquid lubricant, the dry section having an interior isolated from the liquid lubricant, at least one of the first and second wet sections includes a power train, and at least one of the first and second wet sections includes an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is at least partially received within the dry section, wherein a fluidic seal interposes the electric motor and the dry section, and wherein the electric motor is not rigidly mounted to the dry section. |
| US08727051B2 |
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle has a first drive apparatus for driving wheels on a first axle by an internal combustion engine and a second electrical drive apparatus with two electrical machines for driving wheels on a second axle. At least one electrical energy store can be discharged when the two electrical machines are operated as a motor and can be charged when the electrical machines are operated as a generator. The two electrical machines of the electrical drive apparatus are combined with a respectively associated gearbox in an electrical axle to drive the individually suspended wheels on the first axle via universally jointed shafts. Two electrical converters are associated respectively with the two electrical machines and are combined in one converter unit, such that a basic module has the mechanical link to a bodywork structure, the link to a cooling circuit and the electrical link to an electrical energy store. |
| US08727049B1 |
Efficient hybrid vehicle
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising providing a first adaptive threshold of charge for a battery within a hybrid vehicle and based upon the first adaptive threshold of charge for the battery, operating the hybrid vehicle in a mode of operation. The method also comprises automatically analyzing at least one condition and based upon the automatically analyzing at least one condition, automatically altering the first adaptive threshold of charge for the battery to provide a second adaptive threshold of charge for the battery that is different from the first adaptive threshold. Based upon automatically altering the first adaptive threshold of charge for the battery to provide a second adaptive threshold of charge for the battery, (i) a proportional use of power to be supplied by a fuel engine component and/or (ii) a proportional use of power to be supplied by an electric engine component is automatically altered. |
| US08727046B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compacts including at least one transition layer and methods for stress management in polycrsystalline diamond compacts
Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that are less susceptible to liquid metal embrittlement damage due to the use of at least one transition layer between a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) layer and a substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD layer, a cemented carbide substrate, and at least one transition layer bonded to the substrate and the PCD layer. The at least one transition layer is formulated with a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that is less than a CTE of the substrate and greater than a CTE of the PCD layer. At least a portion of the PCD layer includes diamond grains defining interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the interstitial regions. The diamond grains and the catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams or less. |
| US08727045B1 |
Polycrystalline diamond compacts, methods of making same, and applications therefor
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table that bonded to a cobalt-nickel alloy cemented carbide substrate. The cobalt-nickel alloy cemented carbide substrate provides both erosion resistance and corrosion resistance to the cemented carbide substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a cemented carbide substrate including cobalt-nickel alloy cementing constituent. The PDC further includes a PCD table bonded to the cemented carbide substrate. |
| US08727042B2 |
Polycrystalline compacts having material disposed in interstitial spaces therein, and cutting elements including such compacts
Polycrystalline compacts include smaller and larger hard grains that are interbonded to form a polycrystalline hard material. The larger grains may be at least about 150 times larger than the smaller grains. An interstitial material comprising one or more of a boride, a carbide, a nitride, a metal carbonate, a metal bicarbonate, and a non-catalytic metal may be disposed between the grains. The compacts may be used as cutting elements for earth-boring tools such as drill bits, and may be disposed on a substrate. |
| US08727041B2 |
Earth-boring tools having expandable members and related methods
Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include a tubular body having at least one opening and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening. The member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A sleeve member including a constricted portion may be disposed in the tubular body and may selectively retain the at least one member in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the sleeve member may be biased in an initial position. Methods of moving a member of an expandable apparatus include repeating retracting and expanding of the member. Methods of triggering an expandable apparatus include forming a constriction in a fluid flow path extending through a sleeve member to move the sleeve member in a downhole direction responsive to fluid flow. |
| US08727040B2 |
Drill string valve and method
Method and drill string valve assembly for closing a conduit through which a high pressure fluid flows. The drill string valve assembly includes first, second and third portions forming an elongated housing having an inside cavity; and a drill string valve provided inside the cavity, to extend from the first portion to the third portion. The second portion has an extension that fits inside a groove of the third portion and prevents the second portion to linearly move relative to the third portion and also allows the second portion to rotate relative to the third portion, and the second portion has a distal region provided with a thread configured to engage a corresponding thread of the first portion such that a rotation of the second portion relative to the third portion determines a tight connection between the first portion and the second portion. |
| US08727035B2 |
System and method for managing temperature in a wellbore
A system and a method manage temperature in a wellbore. A thermal barrier may be positioned within the drill pipe and/or the drill collars to obtain a desired downhole temperature and/or control the effect of thermal energy in high-angle and horizontal wellbores. Downhole measurements, such as real-time measurements and/or recorded measurements, may be used to update models, such as steady state models and/or dynamic models. The downhole measurements may validate the static temperature gradient and may provide information about the thermal characteristics of the one or more formations in which the wellbore is located. |
| US08727032B2 |
Implement with tool bar behind wing frames
An agricultural implement including a hitch assembly configured to couple to a tow vehicle, a plurality of wing tool bars coupled transversely to the hitch assembly, and a plurality of wing frames pivotally coupled to the plurality of wing tool bars. Each wing frame is configured to support a plurality of row units and is positioned forward of a respective wing tool bar. Each wing tool bar is configured to transfer torque to the plurality of row units when the plurality of wing frames is in a ground engaging position. |
| US08727031B2 |
System and method for preventing or extinguishing fire
Described herein are an inerting method as well as an inerting system (1) for preventing and/or extinguishing fire, wherein a gas separation system (3, 4) is provided to set and/or maintain a predefinable oxygen content, which is reduced compared to normal ambient air, in the spatial atmosphere of an enclosed room (2), said system separating off at least a portion of the oxygen contained in an initial nitrogen/oxygen gas mixture and thereby provide a nitrogenated gas mixture at the outlet (4a) of the gas separation system (3, 4). In order to achieve the setting and maintaining of a predefined inerting level with the lowest possible expenditure of energy, the description herein provides for a control device (5) designed to control the gas separation system (3, 4) such that the residual oxygen content of the nitrogenated gas mixture is changed as a function of the oxygen content prevailing at that moment in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed room (10). |
| US08727030B2 |
Trim manifold assembly for a sprinkler system
A trim manifold assembly includes an alarm block and a release block. The alarm block is in communication with a fire suppressant fluid supply and defines a first alarm passage in communication with an alarm sensor. The release block is coupled to the alarm block and includes a drain passage and a first control passage. The first control passage is in communication with the fire suppressant fluid supply and a pressure-actuated system control valve to control communication between the fire suppressant fluid supply and the sprinkler system. |
| US08727027B2 |
Downhole seal
An expandable downhole seal includes a sealing portion and a deflecting portion adapted to move axially relative to each other to effect radial displacement of the sealing portion, wherein at least one of the sealing portion and the deflecting portion includes a swelling material. In use, radial expansion of the downhole seal may be achieved by the radial displacement of the sealing portion in combination with swelling of the swellable material. A support member is provided to support the sealing portion and deflecting portion. |
| US08727026B2 |
Dual isolation mechanism of cementation port
An apparatus for providing fluid communication includes a housing having a port; an inner sleeve adapted to seal the port; and a seal sleeve adapted to seal the port, wherein the seal sleeve is disposed between the inner sleeve and the housing and is movable with the inner sleeve to seal the port. In another embodiment, the port is sealed using a metal to metal seal. |
| US08727022B2 |
Systems and methods of supporting a multilateral window
Disclosed are systems and methods of supporting a multilateral window or casing joint from pressurized collapse. In one embodiment, a casing joint assembly is disclosed and includes a casing joint having a pre-milled window defined therein, a sleeve arranged at least partially about the casing joint and configured to cover the pre-milled window, and one or more reinforcing members arranged about the casing joint and interposing the casing joint and the sleeve. The one or more reinforcing members are configured to provide radial support to the sleeve. |
| US08727019B2 |
Safety joint with non-rotational actuation
A method of releasing a safety joint in a subterranean well can include disconnecting a tubular string at the safety joint without rotation of the tubular string. A safety joint for use in a subterranean well can include sections which are separated from each other in response to a predetermined number of relative longitudinal and non-rotational displacements between the safety joint sections. Another method of releasing a safety joint in a subterranean well can include fully actuating a jar multiple times, the jar being interconnected in a same tubular string with the safety joint, and then disconnecting the tubular string at the safety joint in response to non-rotational displacement of the tubular string. |
| US08727015B1 |
Method and apparatus of mounting a valve on a flange with flexible bolts to stop oil flow from a ruptured pipe or device
A method and apparatus for stopping oil flowing from the end of a ruptured pipe, by mounting a flange on the end of the ruptured, if a flange is not already present; providing a gate valve having a flange on its lower end to mate with the flange on the ruptured pipe; providing a permanently affixed gasket member on the mounting flange of the gate valve; lowering the gate valve to the depth of the flowing oil from the ruptured pipe; providing at least two flexible bolts through opposite openings in the flange of the gate valve; threading each flexible bolt through two opposite openings in the flange of the ruptured pipe; placing pulling pressure on the lower ends of the two flexible bolts to pull the gate valve from a position adjacent the ruptured pipe to a second position where the gasket of the gate valve mounts against the face of the flange of the ruptured pipe, while the gate valve is in the open position; continuing to hold the gate valve in place by the flexible bolts while inserting permanent bolts in the remaining openings of the mated flanges to secure the gate valve permanently in place; and closing the gate valve to stop the flow of oil. |
| US08727013B2 |
Subsea control module with interchangeable segments
A subsea control module for subsea well equipment has an actuator having a rod with a remote operated vehicle (ROV) interface on one end and a latch on an opposite end that latches to a subsea receptacle. Segments are releasably mounted around and to the actuator. Each of the segments has a sealed housing containing at least one internal control component. Couplings depend from the housing for engaging mating couplings in the receptacle. The housing has two radial walls, each extending along a radial line from an axis of the rod. An outer wall joins outer ends of the radial walls, the outer wall being a portion of a cylinder. An inner wall joins inner edges of the radial walls. The radial walls of adjacent ones of the segments abut each other. |
| US08727012B2 |
Gasket test protector sleeve for subsea mineral extraction equipment
A gasket test protector sleeve is provided for subsea mineral extraction equipment. The gasket test protector sleeve includes a gasket test isolation portion. The gasket test isolation portion is configured to isolate a gasket between a first tubular and a second tubular of a subsea mineral extraction system. The bore protection portion is configured to protect a first bore of the first tubular during downhole procedures. |
| US08727007B1 |
Shale gas waste water treatment method
Organo clay and activated carbon are mixed to form a particle mixture. The particle mixture is contacted with waste water having chlorides and other contaminants, such as organic materials, heavy metals, chlorides, and low level radio nuclei in solution. Acids, oxidizing chemicals, and compressed air are added to pretreat and to treat the waste water. The mixture is filtered with catalytic activated carbon filters to remove the remaining contaminants. The filters produce a clean chloride solution that is discharged or is subjected to a finishing process to produce a marketable chloride product. |
| US08727000B2 |
Method of liquefaction of carbonaceous material to liquid hydrocarbon
The present invention provides a method of liquefying a carbonaceous material in situ to produce liquid hydrocarbon comprising applying an aqueous solution to the carbonaceous material to facilitate a liquefaction reaction in a reaction zone in the carbonaceous material that liquefies the carbonaceous material to liquid hydrocarbon, wherein the aqueous solution comprises components selected from the group consisting of water, hydrogen peroxide at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 70%, methanol at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 30%, and a catalyst. The aqueous solution may be a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the reaction zone is heated to a desired temperature by applying a first aqueous solution prior to applying a second aqueous solution that is a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid. |
| US08726999B2 |
Thermothickener polymer and surfactant composition and methods of employing the composition
The present disclosure is directed to a thermothickening composition comprising: a surfactant; and a thermothickening polymer that is the product of at least the following monomers: a non-ionic hydrosoluble unsaturated amide monomer; an ionic monomer; and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid half ester having a heat sensitive functional group. |
| US08726995B2 |
Method for the enhancement of dynamic underbalanced systems and optimization of gun weight
By using reactive shaped charges, a dynamic underbalance effect associated with detonation of a perforating system is enhanced without compromising shot density. Fewer shaped charges can be loaded to achieve the same or better effective shot density as a gun fully loaded with conventional shaped charges, thereby increasing the free volume within the gun while creating debris-free tunnels with fractured tips and substantially eliminating the crushed zone surrounding each perforated tunnel. Further, the strength and grade of gun steel required to construct the gun can be reduced without compromising the amount the gun swells following detonation. |
| US08726991B2 |
Circulated degradable material assisted diversion
Methods are circulated degradable material assisted diversion (CMAD) for well treatment in completed wells. A slurry of solid degradable material is circulated in the well with return of excess slurry, a plug of the degradable material is formed, a downhole operation is performed around the plug diverter, and the plug is then degraded for removal. Degradation triggers can be temperature or chemical reactants, with optional accelerators or retarders to provide the desired timing for plug removal. In multilayer formation CMAD fracturing, the plug isolates a completed fracture while additional layers are sequentially fractured and plugged, and then the plugs are removed for flowback from the fractured layers. |
| US08726990B2 |
Lost-circulation material made from a recycled ceramic
A composition comprises: a treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the lost-circulation material has a median particle size in the range from about 0.001 millimeters to about 25.4 millimeters. According to another embodiment, a composition comprises: the treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the median particle size and the concentration of the lost-circulation material is selected such that the treatment fluid has a sealing pressure of at least 50 psi (0.3 MPa). A method of eliminating or reducing lost circulation from a well comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of the well. |
| US08726987B2 |
Formation sensing and evaluation drill
The present disclosure relates methods and apparatuses for testing and sampling of underground formations or reservoirs. The apparatus may include at least one extendable element configured to penetrate a formation. The at least one extendable element may include at least one drill bit with a nozzle configured to receive formation fluids. The at least one extendable element may include at least one sensor disposed on the at least one extendable element. The at least one extendable element may also include a source of stimulus for stimulating the formation. The at least one extendable element may be configured to detach and/or attach from/to a bottom hole assembly (BHA). One method may include steps for performing testing on the formation for estimating a parameter of interest of the formation. Another method may include steps for performing testing to estimate a parameter of interest of the formation fluid. |
| US08726985B2 |
Expanding a tubular element in a wellbore
A method is provided of radially expanding a tubular element (56) in a well-bore using an expander located in the tubular element, the expander (40) comprising an expansion member (48) and a plurality of segments (50) spaced in circumferential direction around the expansion member, the segments being movable between a radially retracted position and a radially expanded position by axial movement of the expansion member relative to the segments. The method includes a plurality of successive expansion cycles, wherein each expansion cycle comprises the steps of: (a) moving the expander (40) in axially forward direction through the tubular element (56) whereby the segments (56) are in the radially retracted position; and (b) radially expanding the tubular element by moving the segments to the radially expanded position by axially moving the expansion member relative to the segments. |
| US08726982B2 |
Method of producing gaseous and liquid components from one or more multi-phase streams and apparatus therefor
A method and apparatus for producing gaseous and liquid components from one or more multi-phase streams in one or more pipelines. The method includes passing a first multi-phase stream along a first pipeline, and passing the first multi-phase stream through a first slugcatcher system to provide a first gaseous component stream and at least one first liquid component stream. The method also includes selectively opening a first branch pipeline from the first pipeline upstream of the first slugcatcher system to pass at least a fraction of the first multi-phase stream through the first branch pipeline to provide a first branch multi-phase stream, and passing at least a fraction of the first branch multi-phase stream to a first gas/liquid separator to provide an overhead gaseous stream and a bottom liquid stream. |
| US08726981B2 |
Tandem progressive cavity pumps
A tandem progressive cavity pump system lifts well fluids from a production zone to a well surface. The system provides a first pump and a second pump. The system positions the first pump at the production elevation within the well, and the second pump at an intermediate elevation within the well. The system then connects a discharge of the first pump to an intake of the second pump. The system is then operated so that the first pump lifts well fluids from the production zone to the intermediate zone, depositing the well fluids in the intake of the second pump. The second pump then lifts the well fluids from the intermediate zone to the surface of the well. |
| US08726979B2 |
Heat exchange apparatus with automatic heat exchange fluid flow rate exchange modulation
A heat exchange apparatus has four fluid ports through which a heat exchange fluid is pumped into and out of the heat exchange apparatus. First and fourth ones of the fluid sorts are on a first side of the heat exchange apparatus and second and third ones of the fluid ports (are on a second side of the heat exchange apparatus. At least two fluid pumps form a double flow circuit fluid pumping device for pumping the fluid in the first direction from the first fluid port to the second fluid port and in the second direction from the third fluid port to the fourth fluid port. One or more of a temperature detecting device, humidity detecting device, and gaseous or liquid state fluid composition detecting device are installed at a position capable of detecting the temperature, humidity, and fluid composition changes of the exchange fluid. The detected signals are used as references for modulating the pumping flow rate of exchange fluid. |
| US08726972B1 |
Roller blind clutch cover with anti-jam ball stop feature
A cover for the clutch of a roller blind. The clutch includes a sprocket rotationally driven through the application of tension to a chain or cord received at least partially about the sprocket. The clutch also includes an abutment member against which a stopper on the chain or cord bears to limit rotation of the sprocket in a pre-determined direction. The cover comprises a plate member fixed to the clutch and prevented from rotation with the sprocket. The cover has a notch sized to receive at least a portion of the stopper when the stopper contacts the abutment member. |
| US08726969B2 |
Multi-function shade assembly and method
A double shade includes a head rail, at least one end cap having an end panel disposed with the head rail and a bracket arm extending from the end panel, a first window treatment being disposed with the head rail, a second window treatment being disposed with the bracket arm, and a clip engaged with the first window treatment and the second window treatment. A double shade includes a head rail extending between first and second ends, first and second end caps including respective end panels mounted with the first and second ends of the head rail and respective bracket arms extending from the end panels, a cellular shade mounted with the head rail, and a roller shade extending between first and second ends respectively mounted with the bracket arms of the first and second end caps, wherein the cellular shade is independently movable relative to the roller shade. |
| US08726965B2 |
Method for at least partially reworking or replacing a reinforcement element of a fibre composite structure and associated connecting device
The invention relates to a method for at least partially reworking or replacing a reinforcement element of a fibre composite structure. In a first method step, at least one fibre layer is arranged on a surface section of the reinforcement element and/or at least one replacement section of the reinforcement element of the same material and same layer structure is arranged on a surface reinforcement section of the fibre composite structure. In a second method step, at least a pressure mat adjusted to the contour of the reinforcement element is disposed above the at least one fibre layer and/or the at least one replacement section of the reinforcement element, wherein the at least one pressure mat is supported and fixed in a nominal position by a fixing frame adjusted to the contour of the reinforcement element. In a third method step, the at least one pressure mat is then acted upon by a pressure medium in order to press the same against the reinforcement element and the fixing frame. In a fourth method step, a hardening of the at least one fibre layer and/or the at least one replacement section of the reinforcement element is carried out. The invention further relates to a corresponding connecting device for carrying out the method. |
| US08726964B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for decorating objects
Apparatus for decorating objects including a heating device for heating an object wrapped in a transferring support bearing a sublimable image and a conveying device for conveying the object into, and removing the object from, the heating device, the conveying device being mainly movable in a substantially vertical direction. The conveying device is provided with a supporting element such as to convey one object at a time to the heating device via inlet and outlet openings on the same side of the heating device. |
| US08726962B2 |
Apparatus and method to manufacture shaped counter top edges for custom counter tops
An apparatus and method to manufacture shaped counter top edges for custom counter tops. Sheet laminate is heated, clamped to a post form mold with clamping screws, and then formed around the post form mold into formed laminate. The formed laminate is then bonded to a substrate using adhesive and a bonding fixture having a plurality of bonding presses. Each bonding press has a pair of mutually opposed bonding press molds, each bonding press mold having a bonding press mold groove sized to admit a formed laminate around an edge of the substrate. Clamps hold the bonding press molds together, thereby urging the formed laminate into intimate contact with the substrate until the adhesive cures. A counter top edge is cut from the resulting substrate/laminate assembly at an edge first cut angle and an edge second cut angle to provide a neat and aesthetically pleasing installation on a counter. |
| US08726961B2 |
Device for transferring and aligning strips intended to be assembled to form a ply
A device for manufacturing a reinforcing ply N by assembling lengths of strip cut at an angle, comprising: a feed means (300) for delivering a strip (B), an assembly belt (101), a transfer means (200) for conveying onto the assembly belt a given length of straight-grain strip in a direction (AA′) comprising a retaining wall (211), parallel to the planes of the assembly belt (101) and of the feed means, and a first face (211a) of which is intended to come into contact with the surface of the strip, in which device the feed means (300), the transfer means (200) and the assembly belt (101) are fitted with magnetic means. The retaining wall (211) is able to move up and down and back and forth, and the magnetic means are adjusted so that when the device is in operation: in the lowered position, the said magnetic means of the transfer means (212) exert on the metallic threads of the strip a magnetic field of a strength higher than the strength of the magnetic field exerted by the magnetic means (102, 103, 104) positioned on the feed means (300), in the raised position, the said magnetic means of the transfer means (212) exert a magnetic field of a strength weaker than the strength of the magnetic field exerted by the magnetic means positioned on the assembly belt (101). |
| US08726959B2 |
Tire support
Tire support rings mounted within a tubeless tire to prevent the tire from collapsing upon the occurrence of a leak in the tire and to support a vehicle until the leak can be repaired. |
| US08726956B2 |
Tyre, the inner wall of which is provided with a heat-expandable rubber layer
A heat-expandable rubber layer is provided to an inner all of a pneumatic tire when the tire is in an uncured state. The rubber layer is expanded when the tire is in a vulcanized state. Once expanded, the rubber layer is capable of reducing rolling noises of the tire. The rubber layer includes an elastomer composition based on at least an elastomer, e.g., natural rubber or butyl rubber; a reinforcing filler, e.g., silica and/or carbon black; between 10 and 80 phr of a blowing agent, e.g., an azodicarbonamide compound; and between 10 and 50 phr of a hot-melt compound with a melting point between 70° C. and 150° C., e.g., urea. The combination of the blowing agent and the hot-melt compound, at recommended high contents, makes it possible to very greatly reduce an expansion ratio and therefore a thickness of the rubber layer once the pneumatic tire is vulcanized, without affecting noise absorption properties provided by the blowing agent. |
| US08726955B2 |
Self-balancing pneumatic tire and method of making the same
A self-balancing pneumatic tire is provided having a built-in balancing gel system. In one embodiment, the tire, before cure, includes a green pneumatic tire assembly having an uncured tread defining an outermost layer; a first barrier layer; a second barrier layer situated adjacent the first barrier layer and intermediate the first barrier layer and the tread; and first and second gel precursors. The gel precursors are non-flowable prior to cure but flowable after cure. The gel precursors are respectively contained within spaced-apart first and second circumferential regions defined by confronting, non-contacting surfaces of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer, each circumferential region further situated proximate opposing sidewalls of the tire and having a width of about 5 percent to about 25 percent of a final tread width obtained upon curing of the uncured tire assembly. In one example, the first and/or second barrier layers can be discontinuous. |
| US08726953B2 |
Card retriever for retrieving small card-like objects from a wallet
A device for extracting a card such as a credit card from a wallet. The device may comprise a pulling hook formed from relatively thin material, a handle for grasping, and a strap connecting the handle to the pulling hook. The handle may be configured as a T-handle. The strap may bear adhesive to discourage the card from sliding along the length of the strap. The device may have a pushing hook opening in a direction opposite that of the pulling hook, such that the card may be inserted between and engage the pushing hook and the pulling hook and be entrapped therebetween. The hook may have sufficient overall length to project outside a pocket into which the card has been stored and in which the card is fully contained. |
| US08726949B1 |
Attachable funnel system for supporting food containers
A funnel system having a funnel with a side wall with a top edge and a bottom edge, a first hook and a second hook each on an outer surface of the side wall of the funnel, the hooks are aligned along an axis parallel to the top edge of the funnel, the hooks are spaced a first distance apart, the first distance is an arc length formed between the hooks, a stabilizer bar on the outer surface of the side wall of the funnel, the stabilizer bar having a horizontal bar connected to a vertical bar at a first angle, the first angle is about 90 degrees, wherein a top end of the vertical bar is attached to the side wall of the funnel and a second end of the horizontal bar is attached to the side wall of the funnel below the top end of the vertical bar. |
| US08726942B2 |
Stress relief in pressurized fluid flow system
A method of reducing tensile stress within a drilled element 100 at an intersection 130 between a primary bore 110 and a secondary bore 120 comprises the following steps. A first face of the drilled element 100 is loaded with a first loading element. A compressive hoop stress is generated where the first face of the drilled element 100 is loaded by the first loading element, and the intersection 130 is sufficiently close to the first face of the drilled element 100 such that the compressive hoop stress counteracts tensile stress in the drilled element 100 at the intersection 130. A suitable drilled element 100 and fluid flow systems, such as a fuel injector, including such a drilled element 100 are also described. |
| US08726938B2 |
Membrane valve
The invention relates to a membrane valve, in particular for inhalation devices, comprising a planar membrane made of permanently flexible material, a frame, which has an air opening that is somewhat smaller than the membrane, at least one web, which connects the frame to a retainer that is arranged approximately at the center of the air opening, and a pin, the shaft of which extends through a fastening opening approximately at the center of the membrane and is located in a retaining opening in the retainer, wherein the membrane lies on the frame in the rest state and wherein the pin is spread to form a head, the distance of which to the membrane is small in comparison to the thickness of the membrane or which head lies on the membrane, and the diameter of the shaft near the head is greater than the diameter of the fastening opening,; and the diameter of the shaft at the free end of the shaft is approximately equal to the diameter of the fastening opening. |
| US08726933B2 |
Pressure control valve
The present invention discloses a pressure control valve comprising: a cylindrical valve body which has a bottom wall and a side wall, wherein the bottom wall is provided thereon with an air inlet communicating with a device whose pressure to be limited, the side wall is provided with at least one guiding pin, and the cylindrical valve body has air outlets communicating with an exhausting system; a valve core, which is provided within the cylindrical valve body and in air-tight cooperation with the air inlet; a traveling guiding bar, having a lower end connected to the valve core; a covering fitted rotatably or up-and-down movably over the cylindrical valve body, for driving the traveling guiding bar to rotate or move up-and-down; a spiral guiding member, which is fitted up-and-down movably over the traveling guiding bar and is provided on its outer surface with spiral grooves into which the at least one guiding pin can be inserted; a pressure spring, having one end pressed against the valve core and the other end standing against the spiral guiding member. |
| US08726930B2 |
Dual disk check valve with slotted stop bar
A dual disk check valve is provided and includes a mechanical stop. The mechanical stop has a central portion and includes bars disposed in the central portion. The bars have substantially rectangular cross-sectional shapes and are disposed substantially in parallel with one another to define a slot in the central portion. |
| US08726928B2 |
Unit for boring without stopping passage of fluid
An apparatus including: a sealing case including separate cases and enclosing a portion of an existing pipe, and a valve cover portion attached to a branch pipe portion protruding upwardly from the existing pipe; a gate valve body accommodated by the valve cover portion and the branch pipe portion to be intruded into the existing pipe to stop the flow of the fluid through the existing pipe; an operation valve body having an arc-shaped lateral cross section for opening/closing a branch hole formed in the branch pipe portion by rotating in the circumferential direction of the existing pipe; and a rotation mechanism for rotating the operation valve body, the rotation mechanism including: an operation portion; a driving gear unit which rotates; and a driven gear for rotating the operation valve body in the circumferential direction of the existing pipe following the rotation of the driving gear unit. |
| US08726925B2 |
Back pressure regulating valve with valve cartridge
A back pressure regulating valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a central bore, a bonnet housing a load spring operatively coupled to a diaphragm, and a chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet. A valve cartridge includes a housing sized to fit within the central bore and including a first portion, a second portion, a valve guide, and a flow passage. A valve seat is disposed in the housing, and a valve plug is shiftable between an open position permitting flow and a closed position preventing flow. The valve plug engages a valve guide, and a spring biases the valve plug toward the open position. A retainer is disposed adjacent the first portion of the housing and engages a portion of the valve plug to retain the valve plug in the housing. |
| US08726924B2 |
Flow-contol valve
A flow-control valve has a housing having first and second input ports and respective first and second output ports for respective first and second separate fluid streams and formed between the first and second port with first and second valve seats. Respective first and second valve bodies are axially shiftable in the valve seats, and a coupling element connected axially between the valve bodies moves the valve bodies axially jointly. A diaphragm between the first piston and the housing defines an axially inner compartment into which the first input port opens and between the diaphragm and the housing an axially outer compartment. The first valve body is formed with a passage extending through the first valve body and having an axially extending part opening into the outer compartment and a transversely extending part opening into the housing between the first seat and the first output port. |
| US08726922B2 |
System and method for articulating walking aid
Provided is a system and method for an articulating walker. The system includes a generally vertical first support in a first plane and a generally vertical second support in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. An interconnector is also provided and pivotally attached between the first support and the second support. An articulator is structured and arranged to maintain the generally parallel relationship between the first plane and the second plane as the first support and the second support move relative to each other about the interconnector. An associated method of use for providing a normal walking motion is also provided. |
| US08726919B2 |
Method and system for uniformly applying a multi-phase cleaning solution to a substrate
A system for cleaning a substrate includes a carrier and a cleaning station. The carrier is capable of holding the substrate and is movably coupled to a pair of guide tracks extending a length of the system. The cleaning station includes a force applicator and a gate. The force applicator has an applicator length and is operatively coupled to the cleaning station. The force applicator is rotatable and is adjusted to a first height off the surface of the carrier as the substrate is being cleaned. The force applicator has a hollow structure with internal channels and openings dispersed throughout the applicator length to dispense cleaning solution to substrate surface. The gate is affixed to a trailing edge of the force applicator and is set to a second height off the surface of the carrier. The gate includes a gate length that at least spans the applicator length. |
| US08726918B2 |
Nanofluid generator and cleaning apparatus
The present invention provides: a nanofluid generating apparatus that has relatively simple construction, is capable of stably generating nanobubbles, is easy to handle and makes it possible to reduce manufacturing cost; and a cleaning apparatus that uses nanofluid. An apparatus for generating nanofluid containing nanobubbles, wherein the nanobubbles are gas bubbles with diameter less than 1 μm, comprising: a gas-liquid mixing chamber 7 for mixing gas and liquid; and a pressurization pump 4 and an air intake valve 21 for supplying the pressurized gas and liquid to the gas-liquid mixing chamber, wherein the gas-liquid mixing chamber comprises therein: a turbulence generating means Z having projecting lines 9 and grooves 10, 12, and a conical section 11, for forcibly mixing the supplied gas and liquid by generating turbulence therein; and a nano-outlet 20 for turning the forcibly mixed gas and liquid mixture into nanofluid having nano bubbles and discharging the nanofluid. |
| US08726917B2 |
Stretch floss band
A dental cleaning article comprising a band of expanded fluoropolymer that is highly distensible at room temperature, such that it can be stretched from a first state to a second state is described. The diameter of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be increased by stretching by, in some embodiments, two times or more the original first state diameter. Likewise the cross sectional area of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be reduced upon stretching to less than one quarter the first state cross sectional area. The band of expanded fluoropolymer provides the user with the ability to stretch the band a desired amount, such that they may more effectively clean between their teeth. Furthermore, the band may be regular or irregularly shaped, and in some embodiments may comprise higher density regions. |
| US08726916B2 |
Interchangeable makeup brush
Provided is an interchangeable makeup brush including: a plurality of brush tips fixing a brush; and a brush rod having the brush tip detachably coupled thereto, and being grasped by a hand of a user, wherein the brush tip includes a mounting protruding portion formed at a rear thereof which is inserted and coupled in the brush rod. According to the present invention, a brush tip may be attached and detached to and from a brush rod, enabling convenient use when applying makeup by selecting and mounting a required brush, and allowing only one brush rod to be provided for economical advantage and ease of portability and storage. |
| US08726913B2 |
Cosmetic applicator with internal applicators that can be pushed out and rotated
The invention relates to an applicator for applying a decorative cosmetic with a flowable consistency from a storage container, such as in particular mascara, comprising an applicator brush equipped with a bristle area consisting of outwardly protruding bristles and/or bristle discs that comprises stationary bristles and/or bristle discs, wherein the bristle area is additionally formed from mobile bristles and/or bristle discs whose base area can be displaced relative to the base area of the stationary bristles or bristle discs in such a way that a free space between the stationary bristles or bristle discs that can be loaded with the cosmetic by dipping the brush into the reservoir can be arbitrarily varied. |
| US08726911B2 |
Wirelessly detectable objects for use in medical procedures and methods of making same
Various embodiments of a wirelessly detectable object to be used in medical procedures are provided. The object may include a piece of absorbent material, a transponder to wirelessly receive and transmit signals, and a cover. The cover is attached directly to the piece of absorbent material to retain the transponder. Methods of manufacturing wirelessly detectable objects are also provided. |
| US08726910B2 |
Powerhead of a power injection system
A contrast media injection system includes detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes. Additional features include using historical data to provide optimum pressure limit values during an injection protocol, a removable memory device for storing and transferring information such as injection protocols and injector statistics, and password protection of such protocols. |
| US08726906B2 |
Methods and devices for conduit occlusion
The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of elements for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable or degradable material that supports tissue ingrowth or wound healing or a similar response that replaces the cured occlusive material leaving little or no original occlusive material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included. |
| US08726904B2 |
Larynx tube and method for the production thereof
A larynx tube (10) for ventilation has a tube shaft (12), which has a ventilation lumen (18), having an oesophageal cuff (28) which is arranged on the tube shaft (12) for blocking the esophagus (14) and having a drainage channel (46) which has a drainage opening (48′) which is arranged distally in respect of the oesophageal cuff (28). The drainage channel (46) is formed by a drainage pipe (44) which is arranged in a longitudinal groove (42) of the tube shaft (12) which is provided on an outer side (40) of the tube shaft (12). The drainage pipe (44) is adhesively bonded and/or welded to the tube shaft (12). The tube shaft (12) has a proximal and a distal longitudinal shaft portion (56, 58) which are adhesively bonded and/or welded to each other. The distal longitudinal shaft portion (58) is constructed as an injection-molded component. |
| US08726903B2 |
Respiratory facemask with sliding endotracheal tube holder
A respiratory therapy facemask configured to be positioned against a patient's face and adjacent the patient's mouth, includes a face plate configured for attachment to the patient and defining an opening, the face plate including a laterally extending track defining a slot. A tube rest assembly is configured for being slidably engaged in the slot and for securely accommodating an endotracheal tube. The tube rest assembly is configured for directly engaging the track for lateral movement in the opening. |
| US08726901B2 |
Ventilation tubes
A ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) is disclosed. The ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) comprises an inner wall (22, 122, 222) that defines a fluid passageway for 5 ventilation gases, an outer wall (24,124,224) that surrounds the inner wall (22, 122, 222) and has a greater thickness than the inner wall (22, 122, 222), a helical separator member (26, 126, 226) interposed between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224) so as to define an insulation chamber between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224), and a heating element (28, 128, 228) disposed within the insulation chamber. |
| US08726897B2 |
Collapsible solar module support system and method for assembling the same
A collapsible rack assembly for supporting a solar module and methods of assembling the same are provided. The assembly is movable from a collapsed position to an assembled position. The assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible frames, each of which comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg. The first leg extends substantially parallel to a support surface. The second leg extends from the first leg at a first angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled and supports the solar module at the first angle when assembled. The third leg extends from the first leg at a second angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled. The second and third legs are rotatably connected to the first leg. When in the collapsed position the legs are nested so that one of the legs is disposed within another of the legs. |
| US08726895B2 |
Non-lethal pistol and method of using same
A non-lethal pistol for propelling projectiles, such as paintballs. The pistol has a body with a grip portion and a barrel. A canister of propellant received in the body to supply a valve assembly with propellant that is selectively vented to propel projectiles through the barrel. The pistol includes a firing mechanism adapted to actuate the valve assembly. |
| US08726893B2 |
Fuel control system and associated method
A fuel control system and method for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine are provided. The fuel control system generally includes at least one valve device structured to deliver a fuel supply to the engine, a first fuel source structured to provide a primary fuel to the valve device, a second fuel source structured to provide an alternate fuel to the valve device, and an electronic controller structured to control the valve device. The electronic controller controls the valve device as a function of various data to selectively deliver the primary fuel and the alternate fuel to generate a fuel supply, e.g. as a mixture of the two fuels. The data used to control the fuel supply may include GPS data, engine data, environmental data, and/or other operational data. |
| US08726892B2 |
System and method for storing crankcase gases to improve engine air-fuel control
A system and method for improving processing of gases contained within the crankcase of an internal combustion engine is presented. The system is especially suited for single boiling point fuels because it allows the storage of such fuels until the fuel can be opportunistically combusted. |
| US08726889B2 |
Charge air cooler control system and method
A charge air cooler arrangement, a charge air cooler tank, and method are disclosed. The charge air cooler arrangement includes a charge air cooler having an operable thermal transfer area configured to transfer heat from inside the charge air cooler to outside of the charge air cooler. The charge air cooler arrangement may also include a valve configured to change the operable thermal transfer area from a relatively large area to a relatively small area. |
| US08726885B2 |
Method and device for determining a pressure in a high-pressure accumulator
An injection valve is hydraulically coupled to a high-pressure accumulator in order to supply a fluid. The injection valve has a longitudinal axis, an injection needle, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to act on the injection needle. A pre-defined amount of electrical energy is supplied to the actuator in order to modify an axial length of the actuator in such a way that the injection needle moves out of the closed position. Once the pre-defined amount of electrical energy has been supplied, a first voltage value and a second voltage value are detected and/or determined by the actuator at respectively different pre-defined moments. On the basis of the first and second voltage values, a differential voltage value is determined, on the basis of which a first pressure is determined, which represents a pressure in the high-pressure accumulator. |
| US08726884B2 |
Quill assembly for a dual fuel common rail fuel system
A quill assembly includes a first quill tube and a second quill tube nested within the first quill tube. A first compression assembly includes a first piston operably coupled to the first quill tube and fluidly communicates with the first fuel rail to apply a first piston axial force against the first quill tube inlet end, and a first spring operably coupled to the first piston and configured to apply a first spring axial force against the first quill tube inlet end. A second compression assembly includes a second piston operably coupled to the second quill tube inlet end and fluidly communicates with the second fuel rail to apply a second piston axial force against the second quill tube inlet end, and a second spring operably coupled to the second piston and configured to apply a second spring axial force against the second quill tube inlet end. |
| US08726883B2 |
Ignition control device for use with light duty gasoline engine and method of suppressing reverse rotation of the engine
An ignition control device and corresponding method are provided for suppressing reverse rotation of the engine during startup process of a light duty gasoline engine, the ignition control device includes: a charge coil, a transformer, an electric-spark-generating control circuit, a trigger coil, a position sensing circuit, and a micro-controller. The position sensing circuit is used to shape the positive signal and negative signal of the second alternating current signal induced by the trigger coil while the fly wheel rotates respectively to generate a first position signal and a second position signal. According to the first position signal and the second position signal, it is determined by the micro-controller whether the engine is in the state of reverse rotation, and if YES, output of the ignition signal is stopped to make engine halt due to absence of reverse power. |
| US08726877B2 |
Engine including crank pin with angled oil passageway
A motorcycle includes a frame and an engine, with the engine including components forming a crankshaft assembly, such as a flywheel, a pinion shaft supporting the flywheel for rotation, a piston assembly including a connecting rod with a base end portion having a bearing support structure, a bearing, and a crank pin. An uninterrupted oil passageway is formed by an axial hole in the pinion shaft, a radial hole in the pinion shaft, an aligned hole in the flywheel, an angled hole in the crank pin, at least one radial hole in the crank pin. The angled hole in the crank pin extends between the inner and outer surfaces, with the angled hole starting on the outer surface at a location along a distance L1 and extends to the inner surface exiting at a location inboard of the distance L1, the angled hole being linear along its length. |
| US08726876B2 |
Oil separator for internal combustion engine
An oil separator disposed inside a cylinder head cover of an internal combustion engine. The oil separator includes a body section defining an elongate separator chamber and having a blowby gas inlet and a blowby gas outlet. A partition wall is disposed to divide the separator chamber into an inlet chamber at side of the blowby gas inlet and an outlet chamber at side of the blowby gas outlet. The partition wall is formed with a plurality of passage holes each of which is triangular in cross-section. A collision plate is disposed inside the outlet chamber and located opposite to the passage holes of the partition wall. A slit-like opening is defined by a lower section of the collision plate and communicated with a drain section for discharging oil separated from blowby gas into a valve operating chamber. |
| US08726875B2 |
Exhaust flange with pressure clamp mounting rail
A system for mounting a duct to a port mounting in an engine where the port mounting has an opening and a mounting surface that surrounds the opening. The system includes a flange with a tongue portion that mates with a shoulder of a mounting rail that does not extend over the mounting surface of the port mounting, which allows for easy installation in locations with limited space. |
| US08726873B2 |
Moveable valve sealing body exposed to hot gases
A moveable valve sealing body, especially a valve sealing body of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, exposed to hot gases and comprising a sealing area that can be applied to a valve seat ring, enabling good heat dissipation outside an oil-lubricated guiding means connected to the sealing body. For this purpose, such a sealing body is characterized in that at least one surface region of the sealing body, which region being exposed to the hot gases, up to maximally directly on the sealing region of this sealing body, is composed respectively of at least one first and one second material (1, 2), wherein the second material (2) overlaps the first material (1) in an externally heat-conducting manner and furthermore has a greater heat conductivity than the first material (1). The second material (2) is applied by means of a thermal spraying method. |
| US08726872B2 |
Engine throttle control with brake booster
Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced. |
| US08726868B2 |
Engine drive system
A system for an engine drive that engages a timing band with a first camshaft, a driveshaft and a crankshaft is provided. The system further includes a gear drive including a first gear coupled to the driveshaft and a second gear coupled to a second camshaft. The second camshaft is positioned between the first camshaft and the driveshaft such that the shafts are horizontally coplanar. |
| US08726867B2 |
Phase varying apparatus for automobile engine technical
The inventive phase varying apparatus (50) has a drive rotor (51) driven by the crankshaft of the engine, a phase angle varying mechanism (54) for varying the phase angle of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft, and a self-locking mechanism (56) for preventing a gap in phase angle between the drive rotor and the camshaft due to an externally input disturbing torque. The self-locking mechanism has a cylinder section (69) mounted on the drive rotor, a circular eccentric cam (64) integrated with the camshaft and having inside thereof a cam holding groove (68a), and a lock plate (68) rotatably supporting the periphery of the circular eccentric cam and having on the outer periphery thereof at least four radial abutment protrusions (74-77) that are adapted to abut against the inner periphery (69a) of the cylinder section (69) to perform self-locking. |
| US08726865B2 |
Harmonic drive camshaft phaser using oil for lubrication
A camshaft phaser includes a housing with an array of internal splines formed within a bore. A harmonic gear drive unit is disposed within the housing and includes a circular spline and a dynamic spline, a flexspline disposed within the circular spline and the dynamic spline, a wave generator disposed within the flexspline, and a rotational actuator connectable to the wave generator. One of the circular spline and the dynamic spline is fixed to the housing. A hub is rotatably disposed within the housing and attachable to the camshaft and fixed to the other of the circular spline and the dynamic spline. An oil passage is provided for receiving oil from an internal combustion engine for lubricating the harmonic gear drive unit. |
| US08726863B2 |
Rocker shaft pedestal incorporating an engine valve actuation system or engine brake
A system for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The system may include a rocker shaft having a hydraulic fluid supply circuit extending through the rocker shaft to a port on the outer surface of the rocker shaft and a solenoid valve adapted to selectively supply hydraulic fluid to the rocker shaft hydraulic fluid supply circuit. The rocker shaft may be supported by one or more rocker shaft pedestals. A lost motion housing may be incorporated into a rocker shaft pedestal and disposed about the rocker shaft. The lost motion housing may have an actuator piston assembly and a control valve assembly connected by an internal hydraulic circuit. The lost motion housing may be secured in a fixed position relative to the rocker shaft. External hydraulic fluid tubing may be provided between the solenoid valve and the control valve in the form of jumper tubes extending between adjacent rocker shafts or in the form of external hydraulic fluid tubes extending from control valve to control valve. |
| US08726860B2 |
Electrohydraulic valve controller
An electrohydraulic valve controller for variable actuation of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine. The electrohydraulic valve controller has a first hydraulic valve and, for the purpose of providing an emergency running capability, a second hydraulic valve. |
| US08726854B2 |
Cool logic with an integrated cooler into the clutch/engine base
A fan drive system is provided having a housing connected with a pulley. A fan shaft is rotatably mounted to the housing by a clutch. A piston actuates the clutch. A pressure tube is provided for delivering pressure to the piston. A valve controls pressure against the piston. A fixed shaft rotatably supports the housing and the pulley and has passages extending through the pulley. A base connects the support shaft to a vehicle structure. An oil plate has inlets and outlets with the shaft passages. The oil plate circulates the hydraulic fluid. A coolant plate is juxtaposed between the oil plate and the structure supporting the support shaft. The coolant plate has inlets and outlets for coolant from a remote cooler. |
| US08726851B2 |
Heat exchanger element with a combustion chamber for a low CO and NOx emission combustor
The present invention provides a new heat exchanger element comprising a premix burner with an outward curved or ridged burner surface. The heat exchanger element further comprises a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is bound on one side by the burner and is further made up of water cooled metal walls which, starting from the burner and in downstream direction, first widen and thereafter narrow down to the width of a customary heat exchanger element. This creates enough space for a proper combustion, avoiding dead angles and recirculation or too early ending of the combustion reaction, thereby reaching low emissions of NOx and CO. |
| US08726842B2 |
Animal memory training system with closed rotary maze
An animal memory training system with a closed rotary maze comprises a maze device and a stimulating device. A rotary wheel (6) driven by a motor (4) is provided on the bottom of the case (1) of the maze device. The motor (4) is set in a central column, and its output shaft is tightly connected with the rotary wheel (6) along the central column shaft direction, thus the rotary wheel (6) is driven by the motor (4) to rotate around said central column. A number of pulleys (12) are set on the lower periphery of the frame of the case (1) to support said rotary wheel (6), and a sieve-like supporting net (5) is arranged above the rotary wheel (6). The stimulating device includes an automatic manipulator stimulating device and a remote control stimulating device. Compared with the existing maze model, the rotary drive action of the training system's rotary wheel is moderate, and is more coincident with the movement actual of animals' normal physiological behavior. Further, the stimulating device can respectively realize the rewards and punishments for the experimental animals, and has the characteristics of accurate positioning, timely stimulation, complete stimulation variety, no ravage and convenient operation. The training system has overtaken the existing shortcomings of unilateral dominance in the detection of the present maze training systems, such as Y-maze and T-maze detection. |
| US08726840B2 |
Jellyfish aquarium
An aquarium is disclosed that includes a plurality of exterior walls that define a tank, a cylindrical wall within the tank that defines a cylindrical viewing area, a first upright interior wall adjacent the cylindrical wall that defines a water inlet chamber between the cylindrical wall and the one of said exterior walls, a spillover riser in the water inlet chamber, and a water inlet in communication with one side of the spillover barrier. |
| US08726839B2 |
Material for treating excretion of pet
A pet excreta treating material made mainly of a ground material of plant origin and having a higher water absorbency in the third measurement than in the first measurement, a water absorbency of 3% to 30% by weight in the third measurement, and a specific gravity of 0.8 to 1.2 measured before the first water absorbency measurement. The water absorbency is measured by immersing a dried excreta treating material in 25° C. water for 3 seconds and calculating the weight increase by the equation below, which is taken as water absorbency (%). In the second and following measurements, the excreta treating material immediately after the preceding measurement is dried and immersed in 25° C. water for 3 seconds to obtain a water absorbency in the same manner.Water absorbency (%)=[(weight of excreta treating material after immersion−weight of excreta treating material before immersion)/(weight of excreta treating material before immersion)]×100. |
| US08726838B2 |
Combinatorial plasma enhanced deposition and etch techniques
According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an apparatus and method for enhanced deposition and etch techniques is described, including a pedestal, the pedestal having at least two electrodes embedded in the pedestal, a showerhead above the pedestal, a plasma gas source connected to the showerhead, wherein the showerhead is configured to deliver plasma gas to a processing region between the showerhead and the substrate and a power source operably connected to the showerhead and the at least two electrodes with plasma being substantially contained in an area which corresponds with one electrode of the at least two electrodes. |
| US08726837B2 |
Semiconductor process chamber vision and monitoring system
A system for monitoring a process inside a high temperature semiconductor process chamber by capturing images is disclosed. Images are captured through a borescope by a camera. The borescope is protected from high temperatures by a reflective sheath and an Infrared (IR) cut-off filter. Images can be viewed on a monitor and can be recorded by a video recording device. Images can also be processed by a machine vision system. The system can monitor the susceptor and a substrate on the susceptor and surrounding structures. Deviations from preferred geometries of the substrate and deviations from preferred positions of susceptor and the substrate can be detected. Actions based on the detections of deviations can be taken to improve the performance of the process. Illumination of a substrate by a laser for detecting deviations in substrate geometry and position is also disclosed. |
| US08726832B2 |
Painting system having a wall-mounted robot
A painting system having a painting robot with a stationary base mounted to a wall of a paint booth in cantilever fashion. A stand is mounted to the stationary base and is rotatable around a first axis that is disposed substantially horizontal. A first arm is rotatably mounted to the stand around a second axis, and a second arm is rotatably mounted to the first arm around a third axis. The second arm is operable to rotate around the third axis 180 degrees relative to the first arm. An end effector is connected between the second arm and a painting tool. The end effector is operable to orient the painting tool. |
| US08726831B2 |
Apparatus and methods for purging material application device
Purge method and apparatus for a manual spray gun or coating material application device, in which purge air is introduced into the device through a handgrip portion that is manually held during a coating operation. Purge air first enters the coating material flow path after the purge air enters the handgrip portion. |
| US08726824B2 |
Sailing vessel control device and system
The present disclosure relates to a sailing vessel control device having a cleat means, a resistance means, a line having a first end located through the cleat means and a second end attached to the resistance means, and a sensor adapted to detect the extent to which the line is pulled through the cleat means and to output a line signal corresponding to the position of the line for use in controlling the sailing vessel. The line signal which can be used to control the sail(s) of the vessel can be generated in a traditional, manual manner (i.e. by pulling on the line). The present disclosure further relates to a sailing vessel control system having one or more of the sailing vessel control devices, one or more sail actuators, and a control unit. |
| US08726823B2 |
Boat hull
A boat hull form includes a dual circular curved outer surface area that is circular concave relative to the plane of symmetry of the hull when viewed horizontally parallel with the plane of symmetry of the hull, and circular convex relative to the plane of symmetry when viewed vertically parallel with the plane of symmetry of the hull, with the hull outer surface area extending in a vertical sense from a lower area extending in a direction that tangentially intersects the plane of symmetry or optionally a plane extending parallel with the plane of symmetry on the same side of the plane of symmetry as the dual circular curved outer surface area and upwardly in a direction tangentially intersecting the waterline plane of the hull or a plane extending parallel to the waterline plane. |
| US08726819B2 |
Burner
A burner is arranged axially of a burner throat on a furnace wall and includes a nozzle body housed in a wind box and with a secondary air adjuster on a leading end of the nozzle body. The adjuster includes an end plate for defining together with a near-furnace side surface of the wind box a cylindrical space opened in an outer circumference thereof, a slide damper axially slidable for surrounding the cylindrical space, air vanes arranged at predetermined intervals and circumferentially of the cylindrical space for swirling a secondary air and drive means and for slide movement of the slide damper. |
| US08726817B2 |
Folding table with locking member
A table may include a table top and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may be moved between use and storage positions, and the movement of the leg assembly may move a cross member between a first position in which the cross member resists folding of the table top and a second position in which the cross member facilitates folding and unfolding of the table top. The table top may include first and second sections with portions that overlap and/or interlock when the table top is unfolded. When the table top is in the unfolded position, movement of the leg assembly towards the use position may move the cross member towards the overlapping and/or interlocking portions, which may move the overlapping and/or interlocking portions towards each other. When moved towards each other, the overlapping and/or interlocking portions may be securely connected. |
| US08726812B2 |
Rail road freight car truck with self-steering rocker
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster mounted transversely between a pair of side frames. The mounting interface between the wheelset axle ends and the sideframe pedestals allows self-restorative longitudinal rocking self-steering motion proportionately resisted as a function of displacement and of the vertical force carried at the interface. The center of rotation of the rocking motion is lower than the center of rotation of the axle. The interface may also permit lateral rocking swing motion of the sideframes. Auxiliary centering elements may be mounted in the pedestal seats. The auxiliary centering elements may be elastomeric. The truck may also have low stick-slip friction dampers, and may be provided with brake linings, or similar features. The friction dampers may be mounted in a four-cornered arrangement at each end of the truck bolster. |
| US08726811B2 |
Overhead transport vehicle
An overhead transport vehicle comprises a travelling unit that travels on a rail, a conveying unit that moves and conveys an article and a swing inhibiting member that moves between a pushing position and a retracting position. The swing inhibiting members includes a pushing member that pushes a side surface of the article, lever members that support the pushing member at a first end side and are pivotally supported by the conveying unit at a second end side, and a biasing member that biases the pushing member toward the article. The pushing member includes a main body member pivotally supported by the lever members, slide members slidably supported by a main body member, and elastic bodies arranged between the main body member and the slide member that slide elastically the slide member. |
| US08726809B2 |
Method and apparatus for perforating
A perforating system is disclosed having a perforating gun containing a plurality of radially-oriented shaped charges disposed along the longitudinal axis of the gun. Each charge, when detonated, produce a jet whose penetration velocity exceeds the acoustic velocity of the formation (i.e., target) material to be perforated. A method of operating such a perforating system is also provided, as is a shaped charge having the described characteristics. |
| US08726808B1 |
Initiator assembly having low-energy exploding foil initiator header and cover with axially threaded portion
An initiator assembly that includes a header body, an insulating spacer that is coupled to the header body, an initiator, a plurality of terminals that extend through the header body, a plurality of contacts, an input charge, an output charge and a cover that includes an axially threaded portion into which the output charge is housed. The initiator includes a plurality of electric interfaces and is disposed on a side of the insulating spacer opposite the header body. The contacts electrically couple the electric interfaces to the terminals. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive and is disposed proximate the initiator so as to be capable of detonating to release energy upon activation of the initiator. The cover is coupled to the header body and cooperates with the header body to house the insulating spacer, the initiator chip, the contacts, the input charge and the output charge. |
| US08726807B2 |
Smooth roller with low line load and methods
An ink form roller in a printing press is provided including a core, a first layer surrounding part of the core, and a second layer surrounding part of the first layer, the second layer having a durometer hardness greater than the first layer. In addition, an ink form roller in a printing press is provided including a core, and a layer surrounding the core, the layer having a hardness between about 25 Shore A durometer and about 40 Shore A durometer, the layer having an outer surface, the outer surface having a surface roughness of about 30 micro-inches or less. Methods are also provided. |
| US08726806B2 |
Apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes
A printing apparatus includes a magnetic rotatable roller with a smooth even outer surface for aligning magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnetic portions of the roller, that can be formed by permanent magnets embedded in a non-magnetic roller body, or selectively magnetized portions of a flexible magnetic cover of the roller. In some embodiments, the roller is assembled for a plurality of interchangeable sections, which can include spinning magnets. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications. |
| US08726803B2 |
Apparatus for compacting and dehydration of organic waste
An apparatus for compacting and dehydration of organic waste includes a first drawer, which is designed to receive organic material and/or kitchen-produced foodstuff waste and is equipped with mechanical elements for compacting and dehydration of the foodstuff waste, as well as a second drawer, underlying the first, which is designed to receive the compacted and dehydrated foodstuff waste that comes out of the first drawer. |
| US08726802B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling electric servo press
A controller for an electric servo press includes: a press load sensor for detecting a pressure force of the slide; a pressure-force determination device for determining whether the pressure force of the slide reaches one or a plurality of different pressure-force setting values based on the one or the plurality of different pressure-force setting values and an output signal of the press load sensor, and for generating a pressure-force achievement signal each time the pressure force of the slide reaches each of the one or the plurality of different pressure-force setting values; a servo motor drive controller for controlling driving of the servo motor; and a motion command device. In response to the pressure-force achievement signal, switching of a drive control mode by the servo motor drive controller is switched, and/or a motion to be commanded by the motion command device is switched. |
| US08726798B2 |
Radiant liquid heating container
A radiant liquid heating device includes a container for holding a liquid. The container includes an opening for dispensing the fluid and a closed bottom. A base member is mounted relative to the closed bottom. The base member is spaced a predetermined distance relative to the closed bottom to provide an air gap there between. The base member is exposed to a heat source wherein the base member shields the bottom of the container from being in direct contact with the heat source to provide a source of radiant heat for maintaining a liquid disposed within the container at a predetermined temperature. |
| US08726797B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for preparing sandwiches
According to the invention, in a method of preparing a sandwich by introducing a filling between two mutually-facing portions of a piece of bread, the following operations are performed: placing a filling on a filling support dish; placing the dish with the filling on a tilting dish support fitted with a pusher or a handle; engaging the top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product on either side of the pivot axis of the dish support; actuating the pusher or the handle to cause the dish support to tilt together with the dish towards a space for filling as defined by said top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product so as to obtain an angle of inclination for the dish that is suitable for causing the filling to slide off the dish into the space for filling, while retaining the dish on the dish support. |
| US08726795B2 |
Fryer
A fryer has spinning function to spin fried food of residual oil on the food. The fryer comprises an oil container (101) having a spindle extending from the centre of the base of the oil container. A basket (201) made of wire mesh having a funnel (203) in the centre of the basket is provided, and is suitable for lowering into the oil container with the funnel slipped over the spindle (401). In a lowered position, the basket submerges food into oil in the container for frying. In a raised position, food in the basket is raised above surface of the oil to terminate the frying. A cover (109) is provided for closing over the oil container and the basket. The underside of the cover has a coupler (501) for engaging the funnel of the basket and also the spindle when the cover closes over the oil container. The spindle can be spun by a motor in the fryer such that, when the spindle spinning the coupler rotates along with the spindle. The coupler with flanges that push against fins (207) extending from the funnel of the basket also rotates the basket. The fins and the flanges interweave with sufficient excess space or distance to prevent the fins from getting stuck to the flanges. |
| US08726793B2 |
Apparatus and method in the manufacture of low oil potato chips
An apparatus for lipophilically conditioning potato slices, the apparatus with an elongate tank for containing a reservoir of oil, the tank having an upstream end and a downstream end, an elongate longitudinal conveyor disposed in the tank, the conveyor being adapted to pass products through the reservoir of oil from the upstream end to the downstream end, the conveyor defining therealong a plurality of compartments for containing respective groups of products during passage from the upstream end to the downstream end, and at least one oil jet located on the tank for causing turbulent flow in the reservoir of oil. |
| US08726791B2 |
Household appliance having a control panel and having a tank for accommodating a fluid
A household appliance includes a control panel that is movable between a rest position and an exposed position. A reservoir, which is adapted for holding a fluid, has a filling opening and is positioned behind the control panel in an interior of the household appliance when the reservoir is in an operating position. The control panel is configured to impede access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is in the rest position and the reservoir is in the operating position. The control panel is further configured to allow access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is moved to the exposed position. |
| US08726782B2 |
Bullet resistant barrier
A barrier comprising a base unit composed of a bullet resistant material and a transparent upper wall removably interconnected to the base unit and composed of a bullet resistant material. The base unit includes a front wall and two side walls extending from the front wall to provide protection to the front and sides of a person standing behind the barrier. A series of casters, preferably locking casters, are attached to the bottom edges of the side walls, and a pair of handles connected to each of the side walls permitting the barrier to be conveniently transported from one site to another. |
| US08726779B2 |
Breechblock drive for a weapon
A breech ammunition drive for the breech of a weapon using an external drive is provided. A long connecting rod converts the rotational movement into a linear breech movement, and a short connecting rod moves the breech. The rear end or pin of the long connecting rod is fixed on or in the drive, and the front end engages onto a rack that is fixed to the weapon and onto a slider of the breech support or the breech via a toothing. The short connecting rod is retained in the slider and guided by same, and the connecting rod engages into a transverse slot introduced above the connecting rod and below the breech support. The short connecting rod is guided in the slot fixed to the weapon, the slot having a rear end point into which the connecting rod is inserted. |
| US08726777B2 |
Cutting wheel for glass substrate
A cutting wheel is provided for cutting a liquid crystal panel. The cutting wheel is disc shaped and includes a plurality of grooves disposed along an edge of the cutting wheel and cutting portions formed between the grooves. A pattern having a predetermined period is formed by multiple grooves and cutting portions. The grooves in each period have the same or different widths and depths and the cutting portions have probe shapes or cutting blades of different lengths. The cutting wheel is applied to dummy areas of the glass substrates forming the liquid crystal panel. |
| US08726774B1 |
Miter saw dust collector apparatus
A downdraft enclosure and curved shroud forming a 180 degree catch area for dust and debris created by miter saw operation in at any angle or position. The enclosure defines a downdraft space. Exhaust opening perforations are formed on the top of the enclosure, with a dust outlet opening formed in the base of the enclosure. A flexible hose from the saw housing to the downdraft space captures debris ejected in an upward direction; the shroud, top of the enclosure, and miter saw fence capture dust ejected in outward, side and downward directions. A hose may be installed on the dust outlet to continuously carry the debris directly to a vacuum, thereby continuously keeping a workspace clear of debris ejected in all directions regardless of the saw's cut angle or position. |
| US08726769B1 |
Universal screw holder for screwdrivers
The present invention provides a device made of a single piece of elastic material to be used to secure a fastener to a driving tool (such as a screwdriver) to facilitate insertion or extraction of the fastener. A characteristic of the invention is that a single device is applicable to a wide variety of fastener materials, configurations, and sizes, as well as a wide variety of insertion tool configurations and sizes. The device has two open ends with generally cylindrical or conical inner wall shape, including inner wall appendages and contours configured for gripping a driving tool of various sizes while gripping a fastener of various sizes in line with the driving tool. The device permits visibility of the fastener, automatic release of the fastener, and may be stored upon the driving tool. |
| US08726767B2 |
Valve wrenches
In one embodiment, a valve wrench for rotating a knob may include a handle and a jaw assembly coupled to the handle. The jaw assembly may include a fulcrum member, a hook member and a bias member. The hook member may be pivotably coupled to the fulcrum member and may be aligned to the fulcrum member at a pivot angle. The fulcrum member and the hook member can form an opening there between to accept the knob. The bias member may be disposed between the fulcrum member and the hook member to bias the hook member towards the fulcrum member when the jaw assembly is engaged with the knob. |
| US08726763B2 |
Binary gearbox
A gearbox comprises a plurality of gear pairs each having a specific gear ratio, and a plurality of selectors each mounted between two gear pairs for selecting one of the two gear pairs, wherein the gear ratio of the selected gear pair is cascaded through an output shaft to another two gear pairs having another selector, and so on. In this way, the effective or aggregate gear ratio of the gearbox is the product of the gear ratios of the selected gear pairs. Thus, the number of available output speeds excluding neutral is given by 2n, where n=(number of gear pairs)/2. |
| US08726762B2 |
Tunable mass damper for use with a reaction wheel assembly
A tunable mass damper (TMD) is provided that can be coupled to a rotating inertia apparatus such as a reaction wheel assembly (RWA). The TMD includes a housing that contains a flexure, a mass, and damping fluid within the housing. The housing is coupled to the flexure, and the flexure is coupled to the mass. The mass is free to sway in the damping fluid. The damping fluid envelops the mass and provides damping between the mass and the housing. At least one of the mass, flexure and the damping fluid can be adjusted to tune the TMD to produce a resonance at or near a mode that is to be mitigated by the TMD such that it operates at a desired or optimal operating frequency. |
| US08726760B2 |
Adjustable pendant and organ type accelerator pedal device in vehicle
An adjustable pendant and organ type accelerator pedal device can vary the position of a pedal assembly including a pedal pad forwards and backwards according to driver's will to thereby allow a driver to operate pedal pad in a convenient state, such that convenience is remarkably improved and merchantability is significantly improved by greatly decreasing a sense of fatigue due to operating pedal pad. |
| US08726759B2 |
Pedal arrangement with a standing pedal pivoting about a horizontal axis
A pedal arrangement (1) with a standing pedal (2) features a friction element (9) which can be pressed against a housing wall (8) of the housing (6) accommodating the associated parts; the friction element is formed by an actuating lever (10) with two lever arms (12 and 13) arranged on both sides of its pivot bearing (11). The actuating lever (10) cooperates simultaneously with one or a plurality of restoring springs or compression springs (7) which cause a backward adjustment of the actuating lever (10) after cessation or reduction of the force on the pedal (2) and via a transmission element (19) of the pedal (2). The actuating lever (10) or one of the lever arms thereof thus itself forms the friction element (9) which reduces the number of required parts. |
| US08726758B2 |
Arrangement structure of parking brake lever and arrangement structure of operating lever in vehicle
A parking brake lever which provides ease of recognition of a locked state of the parking brake lever and improves the arrangement of the parking brake lever around a handle bar. A parking brake lever includes a handle rear arm portion provided adjacent to a left handle bar rearward thereof in an unlocked position in which a parking brake caliper is in an unlocked state, and a handle upper arm portion provided adjacent to the left handle bar upward thereof in the unlocked position in which the parking brake caliper is in the unlocked state. A rotating shaft of the parking brake lever is provided in the handle rear arm portion that is substantially parallel to the direction of the axis of the left handle bar, so that the parking brake caliper can be operated into the locked state by pulling the parking brake lever upward. |
| US08726756B2 |
Shift by wire gearshift device
It comprises a fixed part (10) and a knob (20), said knob (20) being arranged such that it can be moved relative to said fixed part (10) for shifting operations, and a haptic device (30) for providing the user with a shifting feeling when operating the knob (20). The haptic device (30) may act between the knob (20) and the fixed part (10) and it may be mounted inside the knob (20). The haptic device (30) comprises a contoured surface fitted inside the knob (20) (31) and a follower finger (32) is arranged spring biased in the fixed part (10) towards the contoured surface (31). |
| US08726753B2 |
Anti-backlash gear and transmission mechanism using the same
A gear includes an outer ring, an inner ring, gear teeth, and elastic members engaged with the gear teeth. The outer ring defines a number of first fixing holes. The inner ring and the outer ring are concentric, and the inner ring defines a number of second fixing holes respectively corresponding to the first fixing holes, and each pair of first and second fixings hole align with the center of the rings, and define an axis of movement for spring loaded gear teeth. |
| US08726751B2 |
Method for quickly filling a hydraulically actuated multiple disc shifting element of a motor vehicle transmission
A method of the rapid filling of a hydraulically actuated multiple-disk shifting element (4) of a motor vehicle transmission (2), in particular a disk clutch (4) of an all-wheel transfer transmission (3). The disk shifting element (4) is filled using a target value (p_soll) for the filling pressure which depends on the motor speed (n_mot). In the event that the motor speed (n_mot) changes during a filling process, the target value (p_soll) for the filling pressure is adapted as a function of the new motor speed (n_mot). |
| US08726750B2 |
Device for actuating a shifting element with two shifting element halves
A mechanism for actuating a shifting element. A first shifting element half of a brake is axially fixedly connected to a drive machine output shaft, which, when rotational movement of the output shaft equals the disengaging movement of the shifting element, is rotationally fixed to the output shaft. In the event of an engaging force, opposite the disengaging movement of the shifting element, an axial force acts on the output shaft, such that the first shifting element half frictionally engages with an axially and rotationally fixed second shifting element half. In the event of a disengaging force that acts in the disengaging direction of the shifting element, an axial force acts on the motor output shaft such that the first shifting element half of the brake is moved out of frictional engagement with the second shifting element half. |
| US08726747B2 |
Sampling vessel for fluidized solids
A method, apparatus and system for obtaining a sample of a fluid solids, such as a coke and hydrocarbon mixture, from a fluid solids process is provided. A sample vessel is provided that contains a first end, a second end, an aperture in the first end and an interior cavity. A cooling device can be provided for cooling material in the interior cavity of the sampling vessel. In operation, fluid solids can be routed through the aperture and collected in the interior cavity. The collected sample material can then be cooled by the cooling device and used for testing. |
| US08726743B2 |
Shoulder yielding detection during tubular makeup
A method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular includes: engaging threads of the tubulars; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular, thereby making up the threaded connection. The method further includes, during makeup of the threaded connection: detecting a shoulder position; and after detection of the shoulder position, monitoring for potential yielding of the threaded connection. The method further includes terminating the makeup according to: a first criterion in response to detection of the potential yielding; or a second criterion in response to absence of the potential yielding. |
| US08726742B2 |
Torque sensing system having torque sensor, and steering system
A torque sensing system having a torque sensor, and a steering system, are provided. The torque sensor includes a first rotor having apertures extending therethrough and bar magnets disposed in the apertures. The torque sensor further includes a second rotor defining an interior region with the first rotor being disposed in the interior region. The second rotor has tooth members extending toward the first rotor. The torque sensor further includes first and second Hall effect sensors disposed in an open region of the second rotor proximate to the first rotor. The first and second Hall effect sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, indicative of an amount of torque applied between the first rotor and the second rotor. |
| US08726738B2 |
Stress sensor and its manufacturing method
A device for measuring deformation including: a) at least one strain gauge, producing a signal following a deformation, positioned on a face of a flexible support favoring elongation of the strain gauge, the face opposite the strain gauge of the flexible support, which is configured to be brought into contact with, or glued to, a test body with the deformation desired to be measured; b) at least one first substrate, including at least signal processor and/or signal transmission device; c) a securing mechanism to assemble the strain gauge and the first substrate mechanically, including an elastic layer of material having elastic properties positioned between the gauge and the first substrate, the elastic layer preventing deformation of the gauge from being transmitted, or be transmitted as little as possible, to the first substrate. |
| US08726737B2 |
Multi-ferroic structural health monitoring systems
A structural health monitoring system for multiple layer structures includes a plurality of strain-sensitive magnetic particles dispersed within a bonding area between at least two individual layers, at least one multiferroic sensor dispersed on a surface of the multiple layer structure, proximate to an area of the structure to be monitored, the at least one multiferroic sensor capable of monitoring strains experienced by the strain-sensitive magnetic particles, and analyzing changes in the strains experienced by said strain-sensitive magnetic particles that may indicate damage or degradation in the structure, and a controller configured for periodic interrogation of the at least one multiferroic sensor. |
| US08726735B2 |
Pressure difference measurement transmitter
A pressure difference measurement transmitter comprising: a pressure difference sensor; a first process connection flange; and a second process connection flange. The pressure difference sensor is clamped between the first process connection flange and the second process connection flange, and between a first and a second seal. The pressure difference sensor is contactable by a first media pressure via the first process connection flange and by a second media pressure via the second process connection flange; and a housing, which contains an electronic evaluating circuit. The housing has an input opening, through which the evaluating circuit is connected to the pressure difference sensor; and wherein the housing has at least one appendage, which extends between the first and the second process connection flanges; wherein the appendage is clamped in parallel with the pressure difference sensor between the flanges, so that the housing is held by the clamped appendage. |
| US08726733B2 |
Ultrasonic measuring method and ultrasonic measuring apparatus
An ultrasonic measuring method includes: (A) receiving a coded spread spectrum ultrasonic signal in at least two receivers, and generating at least two received signals; (B) performing an quadrature detection on the received signals using the carrier frequency, and producing I and Q components of the received signals; (C) performing phase difference processing on the I and Q components with a coding period synchronized with that of the carrier frequency, and obtaining I′ and Q′ components from which a phase shift caused by a Doppler shift has been canceled; (D) despreading the I′ and Q′ components signals using different codes at time intervals synchronized with the carrier frequency, and obtaining despread I″ and Q″ components; (E) computing the amplitude and phase information based on the I″ and Q″ components; and (F) calculating the propagation distance and/or orientation of the ultrasonic wave based on the amplitude and phase information. |
| US08726731B2 |
Micromechanical structures
A micromechanical structure including a substrate having a main plane of extension, and including a first seismic mass, the first seismic mass including a grid structure made of intersecting first mass lines and the first seismic mass being flexibly secured with the aid of first bending-spring elements, and moreover, a first line width of the first mass lines parallel to the main plane of extension being between 20 and 50 percent of a further first line width of the first bending-spring elements parallel to the main plane of extension. |
| US08726726B2 |
Sensor unit for a logging tool and a logging tool with at least two sensor elements
The present invention concerns a dynamic pressure sensor unit (5A) for a logging tool for hydrocarbon wells with a piezoelectric element (5) in a sensor sleeve (3). The piezoelectric element (5) is a tubular element with an inner and an outer diameter. The sensor sleeve (3) has an inner cylindrical area with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tubular piezoelectric element (5). The piezoelectric element is situated in the inner cylindrical area of the sensor sleeve (3). A gap (12) with a gap thickness is formed between the inner cylindrical area of the sensor sleeve (3), defining an annular volume. The gap is filled with a noise transmitting liquid. |
| US08726717B2 |
Adjusting a MEMS gyroscope to reduce thermally varying bias
A method for calibrating a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) vibrating structure gyroscope is provided. The method includes obtaining an indication of a position of at least one proof mass with respect to at least one drive electrode and applying an electrostatic force to the at least one proof mass as a function of the indication, the electrostatic force configured to position the at least one proof mass in a first position with respect to at least one drive electrode. |
| US08726715B2 |
Method and device for calibrating a torque measurement unit
To achieve high precision in a test stand environment, a method and a device for calibrating a torque measurement unit includes connecting the torque measurement unit with a dynamometer, a set point speed nsoll larger than 0 rpm is specified for a speed regulator, whereby the speed regulator generates a set point torque Tsoll, which is upwardly limited by a reference torque limit Tmax that can be specified, and the reference torque that is limited in this way is specified to the dynamometer as reference torque Tstell. |
| US08726714B2 |
Cutting and/or forming plate workpieces
A plate workpiece processing tool including a workpiece support defining a support plane for supporting a workpiece, a tool punch, a tool die, and a control unit configured to control movements of the tool punch and the tool die along a stroke axis. The tool punch and the tool die are displaceable, along the stroke axis, to a processing position above the support plane of the workpiece support such that the tool punch and the tool die are capable of processing a region of a workpiece having a formed shape that extends upwardly from the workpiece support. |
| US08726711B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for rolling angled threads
In various embodiments, a tapered thread roll, a set of tapered thread rolls, a thread rolling tool, and a thread rolling method are provided for rolling angled or tapered threads onto a workpiece to create a threaded workpiece. In at least one embodiment, the threaded workpiece may comprise a polished rod or a polished rod precursor as specified by the American Petroleum Institute for use in an oil-field sucker-type pump, for example. |
| US08726710B2 |
Method of coordinating vessel shape style and decoration style
An embodiment of the present invention is a method of coordinating vessel shaping style and decoration, the method comprising receiving a vessel in a decoration operation, the vessel having a formed shape style, determining the formed shape style, selecting based in part on the formed shape style a decoration style, and decorating the vessel with selected decoration style.Other embodiments include selecting the decoration style based in part on the vessel top form style, selecting the vessel top form style based in part on the decoration style, and selecting a pathway to index the vessel across the operation wheel through the shaping operation. |
| US08726709B2 |
Method of shape forming vessels controlling rotational indexing
An embodiment of the present invention is a method of shape forming vessels, the method comprising selecting a pathway to index the vessel across an operation wheel, indexing the vessel, controlling rotational indexing direction of the vessel across selected pathway, and operating on the vessel as the vessel is indexed across the operation wheel along selected pathway.Other embodiment include shaping by contouring length of the vessel, applying decoration to the vessel, wherein the decoration is added at a precise location based in part on reference to the registration spot, and using a controller to select the pathway based in part on desired shape of the vessel. |
| US08726708B2 |
Roller hemming device using robot manipulator with force sensor
A roller hemming device capable of correcting a positional error between a robot manipulator and a workpiece, and carrying out a pre-hemming and/or hemming process with appropriate pressing force. The roller hemming device has a position detecting part adapted to detect a current position of a roller attached to a front end of the robot manipulator; a force sensor arranged between a wrist section of the robot manipulator and the roller; and a controller adapted to control the position of the roller by using an output of the position detecting part and an output of the force sensor, so that pressing force applied to a mold by the roller is a predetermined value. |
| US08726707B1 |
Laundry coin anti-theft device
The laundry coin anti-theft device protects a laundry coin box from damage by brute force attacks, such as by a sledgehammer, or prying, such as from a crowbar. The laundry coin anti-theft device is a pin that crosses the centerline of the laundry coin box lock, blocking access. The laundry coin anti-theft device protects itself by the use of a sleeve, the sleeve making it difficult to cause damage by twisting because the sleeve prevents gripping. |
| US08726705B2 |
Door opening and closing device for vehicle
A door opening and closing device for a vehicle is provided in which a pivoting force of a rotor pivoting in response to a key operation of a cylinder lock is transmitted to a key operating force input member side of a door lock device via a pivot rod, wherein pivoting force transmission means (18) is provided between a pivot rod (17) and the key operating force input member, the pivoting force transmission means (18) being formed by housing within an extension case (103) a driven-side pivot member detachably linked to the key operating force input member in a relatively non-pivotable manner, a drive-side pivot member detachably linked to the other end part of the pivot rod (17) in a relatively non-pivotable manner, and a transmission member transmitting a pivoting force from the drive-side pivot member to the driven-side pivot member, and the extension case (103) is detachably mounted on a casing (25A) of a door lock device (16A) so as to extend from the casing (25A). This enables the degree of freedom in layout of a lock/unlock switching mechanism with respect to the cylinder lock to be increased without causing any increase in the dimensions of the lock/unlock switching mechanism. |
| US08726704B2 |
Shelf with secret compartment and hidden locking system
A shelf device comprises an enclosed frame that includes a plurality of members, a concealed compartment within the frame, and a locking system that includes a locking mechanism comprising a slide bolt and magnetic lift positioned perpendicularly within the slide bolt, a ledge that is engaged with the slide bolt when the locking system is locked, and a magnet. The magnetic lift moves in one direction to cause the slide bolt to move perpendicularly to the magnetic lift's direction as the slide bolt disengages or engages with the ledge to unlock or lock the shelf, respectively. In one embodiment, a rare earth magnet is aligned with the magnetic lift to pull the magnetic lift vertically upward causing the slide bolt to move horizontally backward to disengage the slide bolt from the ledge. Consequently, the shelf is opened as one or more frame members are released to expose the concealed compartment. |
| US08726702B2 |
Drum-type washing machine and bearing housing structure thereof
A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub fixed to a cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearings provided in a bearing housing to support a rotation shaft connecting the motor to the drum, and a suspension coupled between the bearing housings and the cabinet to mitigate vibration generated as the drum rotates. A bracket may be coupled to a rear side of the bearing housing to form a rear end of the tub, and a gasket may be installed between the bracket and the tub to form a seal therebetween and prevent transmission of vibration from the bracket to the tub. This arrangement may allow for an increased capacity drum within a fixed volume cabinet. |
| US08726700B2 |
Fabric with equal modulus in multiple directions
A garment including a fabric covering a portion of a body of a wearer. The fabric comprises an isotropic material having a first direction with a first modulus of elasticity, and a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The second direction has a second modulus of elasticity and a third direction that is at an angle of 45 degrees to the first direction and the second direction. The third direction has a third modulus of elasticity. The first modulus of elasticity, the second modulus of elasticity and the third modulus of elasticity are within the same ranges of magnitudes of modulus of elasticity to form an isotropic fabric for such garment. |
| US08726699B2 |
Circular knitting machine for men's socks, of the type with needles on the dial
A single cylinder circular knitting machine (1) for men's socks with needles on the dial, comprises a dial provided with a plurality of radial beams (146) which form radial seats (16) for the sliding of the dial needles (18). The beam (146) has a discharge groove (154) on the working side (148a), which the transfer spring (186) of the dial needle faces, which limits the raising of the needle. |
| US08726697B2 |
Convection heating furnace for heating a glass sheet
A convection heating furnace for a glass sheet, into which oven glass sheet (3) arrives along a hauling track, as on moving rolls (4), and said furnace further comprises of heating elements (12), in order to heat the air, which is blasted against glass sheet (3), a blaster and blast air channelling in order to blast said air against the glass sheet, and the blast air channelling has, elongated channels (1), into which at least a part of the blast air heating elements 12 are fitted, and each channel comprises air blasting means on its flank directed against the glass sheet (3). As air blast elements there are nozzle groups fixed on the channel (1) flank, where the nozzle group formed of sheet metal, as of two, into shape formed sheets joined together to form a casing, whereby said casing comprises one or several for blast air directed discharge channels (6), and the direction of air flow in said casing (2) is essentially in the same direction as in said discharge channels (6). |
| US08726696B2 |
Method of manufacturing glass substrate, and stirring device
A stirring device 100 comprises a chamber 101, and a stirrer 102 for stirring molten glass 7 in the chamber 101. The stirrer 102 has a shaft 105 as a rotation axis, and blades 106a-106e disposed in a plurality of tiers on a side wall of the shaft 105. The blades 106a-106e have support plates 108 and ancillary plates 109. The ancillary plates 109 create, in the molten glass 7, a flow in the radial direction of the shaft 105. |
| US08726693B2 |
Apparatus and method for supplying hydrogen gas, and quartz glass manufacturing apparatus
There is provided an apparatus for supplying a hydrogen gas to a quartz glass manufacturing apparatus including a burner that generates an oxyhydrogen flame when supplied with the hydrogen gas, where the apparatus includes: a first hydrogen supply system that supplies a hydrogen gas in which isomers are in equilibrium; a second hydrogen supply system that supplies a hydrogen gas in which isomers are out of equilibrium; a flow rate control section that includes: a valve that changes a flow rate of the hydrogen gas to be supplied to the burner; a first flow rate measuring section that measures the flow rate of the hydrogen gas to be supplied to the burner by measuring a heat capacity; and a control section that controls the valve in such a manner that a measured value obtained by the first flow rate measuring section approaches a set value input from outside; a second flow rate measuring section that measures the flow rate of the hydrogen gas to be supplied to the burner by measuring a different factor than the heat capacity; and a set value compensating section that compensates the set value by multiplying the set value by a ratio between the measured value obtained by the first flow rate measuring section and a measured value obtained by the second flow rate measuring section. |
| US08726691B2 |
Air separation apparatus and method
The present invention relates to an air separation apparatus and method in which a pumped liquid oxygen stream is heated within a heat exchanger through indirect heat exchange with compressed air to produce an oxygen product. The liquid oxygen stream is pressurized in a range above about 55 bar(a) and no greater than about 150 bar(a) and is a supercritical fluid after having been heated within the heat exchanger. The air is compressed to an air pressure that is a function of the oxygen pressure that will result in a minimum power being expended in the compression of the air. The heat exchanger can be a brazed fin heat exchanger fabricated from aluminum in which the fins located in heat exchange passages have an undulating configuration to increase the flow path length and induce flow separation and thereby increase the heat transfer coefficient within the heat exchanger. |
| US08726689B2 |
Refrigerator with cold storage unit
Disclosed is a refrigerator including a storage compartment, a door for opening/closing a front surface of the storage compartment, and a cold storage unit provided in a storage space defined in the storage compartment. The cold storage unit is rotatably installed at one sidewall defining the storage space to serve as a shelf, so that convenience of use and space utility are improved. |
| US08726681B2 |
Method and system of cooling components of a computer system
A method and system of cooling components of a computer system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are computer systems comprising an enclosure, a motherboard within the enclosure, a heat generating component coupled to the motherboard and within the enclosure, a canister comprising a compressed fluid (the canister coupled to the enclosure), and a gas cooling device selectively fluidly coupled to the compressed fluid (the gas cooling device produces chilled gas when fluidly coupled to the compressed fluid). The chilled gas is directed upon the heat generating component. |
| US08726680B2 |
Electronic refrigeration control system including a variable speed compressor
A refrigerator is provided having a refrigeration system including a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a condenser fan, an evaporator, a variable speed evaporator fan. The refrigerator further includes multiple temperature sensors that communicate with an electronic microprocessor-based control system that in turn controls the operation of the refrigerator system based on the information provided by the multiple temperature sensors. |
| US08726677B2 |
Waste heat air conditioning system
The present disclosure provides for a method and apparatus of providing air conditioning from a waste heat source. A vapor state expander is provided producing mechanical work, and a compressing unit is at least partially operative responsive to the mechanical work output of the vapor state expander. In another exemplary embodiment a second liquid state expander producing mechanical work is further provided, the compressing unit operative further responsive to the mechanical work of the liquid state expander. The apparatus disclosed is further capable of providing backup heating and cooling from an additional power source when the waste heat source is insufficient. |
| US08726676B2 |
Thermodynamic pump for cryogenic fueled devices
In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device. |
| US08726674B2 |
Propulsion unit
A turboprop propulsion unit for an aircraft comprises a propeller 22 which is driven by a core engine by means of a propeller turbine 26 which drives the propeller 22 through a shaft 28 and a propeller gearbox 24. Restarting of the engine in flight is achieved by windmilling of the propeller 22, which drives a propeller gearbox lubricant pump 30. A diverter valve 40 causes lubricant delivered by the propeller gearbox lubricant pump 30 to be supplied to a turbomachinery lubricant pump 18 along a restart conduit 44, so as to drive the turbomachinery lubricant pump 18 as a motor. Torque generated by the turbomachinery lubricant pump 18 is transferred through an accessory gearbox 12 to a spool 4, 6, 8 of the core engine 2 and to a fuel pump 16. Control of the pitch of blades 36 of the propeller 22 enables the windmilling propeller 22 to achieve a desired speed of the spool 4, 6, 8 and output of the fuel pump 16 sufficient to restart the engine 2, even at low air speeds. |
| US08726670B2 |
Ejector purge of cavity adjacent exhaust flowpath
A gas turbine engine augmentor includes an inter-liner cavity including an axially extending annular gap separating augmentor and tailpipe liners. A purge flow cavity is in fluid communication with a fan bypass duct and with the cavity. An ejector in fluid communication with the bypass duct includes an ejector nozzle positioned and aimed to direct an ejector nozzle flow from inside the ejector nozzle across the cavity. The purge flow cavity may be bifurcated into forward and aft purge flow cavities which are in fluid communication with the ejector and inter-liner cavity respectively. An annular dividing wall having ejector metering apertures may be disposed between the forward purge flow cavity and an ejector plenum of the ejector. An annular trapped vortex cavity pilot may be located upstream of the annular gap. The aft purge flow cavity may be outwardly bounded by a seal having purge metering apertures disposed therethrough. |
| US08726662B2 |
Carbon dioxide recovery method and carbon-dioxide-recovery-type steam power generation system
According to one embodiment, a carbon-dioxide-recovery-type steam power generation system comprises a boiler that produces steam and generates an exhaust gas, a first turbine that is rotationally driven by the steam, an absorption tower allows carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas to be absorbed into an absorption liquid, a regeneration tower that discharges the carbon dioxide gas from the absorption liquid supplied from the absorption tower, a condenser that removes moisture from the carbon dioxide gas, discharged from the regeneration tower, by condensing the carbon dioxide gas using cooling water, a compressor that compresses the carbon dioxide gas from which the moisture is removed by the condenser, and a second turbine that drives the compressor. The steam produced by the cooling water recovering the heat from the carbon dioxide gas in the condenser is supplied to the first turbine or the second turbine. |
| US08726657B2 |
Air turbine driven EGR pump for diesel engines
A power plant includes an engine configured to receive charge air and produce exhaust. A first turbo machine is configured to be driven by the exhaust and drive a compressor that receives air. The compressor is configured to produce the charge air. A second turbo machine is configured to receive the charge air and rotationally drive a pump in response thereto. The pump is configured to receive an EGR from the exhaust and introduce the pumped EGR to the charge air. The power plant also includes an exhaust gas recirculation passage. The second turbo machine includes a turbine rotationally coupled to the pump. The turbine has an expanded air passage, and the pump is arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage. A pre-cooler is arranged in the expanded air passage and in the exhaust gas recirculation passage upstream from the pump. |
| US08726656B2 |
Power assembly, especially for an automotive vehicle
A power assembly includes an internal combustion engine including an air intake line and an exhaust gas line having at least one heat exchanger. The power assembly further includes a Brayton cycle system capable of providing additional power to the main internal combustion engine and that includes a gas compressor, a fuel burning heater and a turbine linked to the compressor so that air is drawn into the compressor where it is pressurized, the pressurized air is further heated by flowing through at least one heat exchanger where it exchanges heat with exhaust gases from the main internal combustion engine, the heated and pressurized air is further heated by the fuel burning heater and is thereafter expanded through the turbine where a first fraction of the work extracted by the turbine is used to drive the compressor and a second fraction of the work extracted by the turbine is used to bring additional energy. |
| US08726653B2 |
Method of cooling
A method of cooling a first region that is above the transition temperature of a phase change material having a cold phase and a warm phase and that is proximal to a second region into which heat may be exhausted. The method utilizes an article of the phase change material, and starting in the cold phase, places the article into thermal contact with the first region, thereby causing the phase change material to undergo a phase transition, changing size. When the phase transition is substantially complete, the article is taken out of thermal contact with the first region and is placed into thermal contact with the second region. At this point, force is applied to the article, causing it to transition to the cold phase, thereby exhausting heat into the second region. The process is begun again, by placing the article, once again, into thermal contact with the first region. |
| US08726650B2 |
Hydraulic manifold pump
A hydraulic manifold pump comprising a housing in which is located a first hydraulic circuit and a second hydraulic circuit. A bidirectional motor connectable to the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit, the bidirectional motor being able to activate the first hydraulic circuit when operable in a first direction, and being able to activate the second hydraulic circuit when operable in a second direction. The hydraulic manifold pump further compromises a hydraulic actuator having two hydraulic chambers being connectable to the first hydraulic circuit and to the second hydraulic circuit, and both the first and second hydraulic circuits being connected to and able to vent into a fluid reservoir. |
| US08726649B2 |
Controller and work machine provided therewith
A controller includes a storage unit that stores a map in which an operation amount and an upper limit value of suction torque of a hydraulic pump are associated with each other, for each operation content identified by a cylinder that is an operation object out of the cylinders, and by a direction of operation performed on this cylinder; an operation torque determination unit that determines the upper limit value of suction torque for each cylinder by using the map stored in the storage unit when an actuation command relating to at least one cylinder is input by an operation lever; a high-level selection unit that selects the maximum upper limit value of suction torque out of the upper limit values of suction torque determined by the operation torque determination unit; and a regulator that regulates a displacement of the hydraulic pump so as to obtain torque equal to or lower than the suction torque selected by the high-level selection unit. |
| US08726648B2 |
Hydraulic drive device for construction machine
A hydraulic drive device for a construction machine includes an engine stopping unit and a discharge rate control unit. The engine stopping unit stops the engine when a predetermined state of the construction machine has continued for a predetermined period of time. The discharge rate control unit controls a discharge rate control pressure being input to the regulator, when an exhaust emission control device performs regeneration control, or performs warm-up control, and the gate lock lever is in the open position. |
| US08726647B2 |
Hydraulic control system having cylinder stall strategy
A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a hydraulic circuit, a pump configured to supply pressurized fluid, and a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit may also have a first fluid actuator fluidly connected to receive pressurized fluid from the hydraulic circuit, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a velocity of the first fluid actuator, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to receive an input indicative of a desired flow rate for the first fluid actuator, to determine an actual flow rate of the first fluid actuator based on the second signal, and to determine a stall condition of the first fluid actuator based on the desired flow rate, the actual flow rate, and the first signal. |
| US08726645B2 |
Hydraulic control system having energy recovery
A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump configured to draw fluid from the tank and pressurize the fluid, a swing motor configured to receive the pressurized fluid and swing a body of the machine relative to an undercarriage, and a tool actuator configured to receive the pressurized fluid and move a tool relative to the body. The hydraulic control system may also have an energy recovery device configured to convert hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, a first accumulator configured to store waste fluid received from the swing motor, and a second accumulator configured to store waste fluid received from the tool actuator. Stored waste fluid from at least one of the first and second accumulators may be selectively discharged into the energy recovery device. |
| US08726644B2 |
Control of underwater actuators using ambient pressure
A device for controlling an underwater actuator by using an ambient pressure potential at the operating depth may include a chamber including a first cavity, a second cavity and a third cavity; the first cavity including a gas at a first pressure including one of at surface atmospheric pressure, lower than surface atmospheric pressure, or a vacuum; the second cavity including a first fluid at a second pressure including at least one of at underwater ambient pressure or higher then underwater ambient pressure and being connected to a underwater fluid supply; the third cavity including a second fluid at a third pressure including at least one of underwater ambient pressure or higher than the underwater ambient pressure and being connected to the actuator. |
| US08726642B2 |
Electrically heated particulate filter restrike methods and systems
A method of regenerating a particulate filter that includes an electric heater is provided. The method includes determining a location of particulate matter that remains within at least one region of the particulate filter based on a regeneration event being extinguished; and selectively controlling current to a zone of a plurality of zones of the electric heater to initiate a restrike of the regeneration event based on the location of particulate matter. |
| US08726640B2 |
Device for the aftertreatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines
A device for the aftertreatment of exhaust gases in an exhaust gas system of internal combustion engines, having at least one reductant decomposition catalyst. Arranged in the exhaust gas flow, and a metering device arranged upstream of the latter in an exhaust gas line for supplying reductant. Preferably at least one other catalyst device is provided downstream of the reductant decomposition catalyst. An inlet section for the exhaust gas having at least one flow deflection area is arranged upstream of the reductant decomposition catalyst and constructed for the exhaust gas to be fed into a housing radially outside an inlet pipe adjoining the reductant decomposition catalyst that encloses the inlet pipe, and is guided in counterflow through a front inlet opening of the inlet pipe to the reductant decomposition catalyst. The reductant is fed into the flow deflection area associated with the inlet opening. |
| US08726634B2 |
Nacelle for an aircraft engine with variable cross-section nozzle having a rack and pinion actuator assembly
A nacelle for an aircraft engine is provided that includes a thrust reverser cowling slideably mounted between a direct jet position and a reversed jet position, an outlet jet pipe nozzle with variable cross-section positioned in a downstream extension of the reverser cowling, and means for respectively actuating the cowling and the nozzle. The nozzle is slideably mounted on the thrust reverser cowling, and the means includes at least one actuator for actuating said thrust reverser cowling, at least one driving pinion rotatably mounted on a fixed structure of said nacelle, and at least one rack for actuating the nozzle, secured to the nozzle and meshing with the driving pinion when the thrust reverser cowling is in the direct jet position, and escaping from this pinion when said reverser cowling is in the reversed jet position. |
| US08726631B2 |
Dual walled combustors with impingement cooled igniters
A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes an inner liner and an outer liner circumscribing the inner liner and forming a combustion chamber therewith. The outer liner is a dual walled liner with a first wall and a second wall. A fuel igniter includes a tip portion configured to ignite an air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. An igniter support assembly positions the fuel igniter relative to the combustion chamber. The igniter support assembly defines a plurality of holes configured to direct cooling air toward the tip portion of the fuel igniter. The igniter support assembly includes first and second floating seals that are configured to accommodate radial and axial relative movements. |
| US08726629B2 |
Compressed air energy system integrated with gas turbine
An apparatus performs a power cycle involving expansion of compressed air utilizing high pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) air turbines located upstream of a gas turbine. The power cycle involves heating of the compressed air prior to its expansion in the HP and LP air turbines. Taking into consideration fuel consumption to heat the compressed air, particular embodiments may result in a net production of electrical energy of ˜2.2-2.5× an amount of energy consumed by substantially isothermal air compression to produce the compressed air supply. Although pressure of the compressed air supply may vary over a range (e.g. as a compressed air storage unit is depleted), the gas turbine may run under almost constant conditions, facilitating its integration with the apparatus. The air turbines may operate at lower temperatures than the gas turbine, and they may include features of turbines employed to turbocharge large reciprocating engines. |
| US08726625B2 |
Combined cycle power plant
A combined cycle power plant is provided and includes a gas turbine engine to generate power from combustion of a fuel and air mixture, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) disposed downstream from the gas turbine engine to receive heat energy from the gas turbine engine from which steam is produced, the HRSG including a superheating element and a drum element, and a steam turbine engine to be receptive of the steam produced in the HRSG and to generate power from the received steam, the HRSG further including a valve operably disposed to isolate the superheating element from the drum element when a risk of condensate formation in the HRSG exists. |
| US08726623B2 |
Crop divider hinge kit and method
Provided is a simple, inexpensive, truly feasible technical solution that readily permits do-it-yourself retrofitting of existing combine harvester heads to allow their crop dividers to pivot out of the way for transport. Provided is a retrofit hinge kit adapted for use with square tube frames and methods for its use. |
| US08726620B2 |
Self-adjusting centring device
A device for centring objects, comprising a supporting frame (10) which supports an overall flat grid, the individual cells of which are each suitable for downwardly guiding an object to be centred, the device comprising a plurality of parallel rows of distinct centring members (400) which define nodes of the grid, each single row of the centring members (400) being supported by a single straight guide (202, 204, 224 ) of a series of coplanar, parallel straight guides (202, 204, 224), the straight guides (202, 204, 224) being mobile on the supporting frame (10), and being connected to one another by a second mechanism (211) which is configured such as to allow a reciprocal nearing and distancing of the straight guides (202, 204, 224) by second moving means (210, 210′ 202′, 204′) provided for activating said second mechanism (211), the centring members (400) of each row being slidingly coupled to their relative straight guide (202, 204, 224) characterized in that each centring member (400) of each straight guide is directly connected to the adjacent ones by a single mechanism (311) configured in such a way as to allow the centring members 400) of each straight guide to near and distance reciprocally while remaining equidistant to one another, all the single mechanisms (311) being simultaneously activated by first means for moving (201, 203). |
| US08726619B2 |
Methods for sealing pharmaceutical vials
A capping system and method of use for sealing injectable drugs within vials is disclosed. The system includes a closure assembly and a locking cap. The closure assembly includes a retainer member and a resilient stopper located within the retainer member. The retainer member is arranged to be disposed on the vial whereupon a gap results between the stopper and the vial. The retainer member is movable to close that gap. The locking cap is used to permanently seal the vial. |
| US08726609B1 |
Modular turbine enclosure
The present application provides a modular enclosure for use with an equipment platform and a turbo-machine. The modular enclosure may include a first number of walls attached to a number of legs of the equipment platform and a second number of walls attached to the legs of the equipment platform. The first number of walls may include a number of pivotable panels. The second number of walls may include an access aperture therein. The equipment platform may provide a roof for the modular enclosure. |
| US08726603B2 |
Board assembly
A floor board assembly convenient to lay is characterized in that, in one embodiment, it comprises a frame, a filler board and an upper material with the frame and filler board affixed to the underside of the upper material. The frame includes latch tongues that extend outwardly from the lower side edges of the frame, and the tongues have locking projections that fit into recesses arranged just inside the periphery of the underside of the frame. The tongues and intervening spaces (with locking bars behind them) are space along the periphery of the board, such that any side of one board may be joined to any side of a similarly configured board. The upper material may be selected from a variety of materials, including LVT (luxury vinyl tile), carpet, high pressure laminate or other decorative material. The filler board may be selected to accomplish reduced cost, and/or improved acoustics. In other embodiments, a frame and/or upper material may be absent. The floor board assembly requires a lower manufacture cost and lower equipment investment, has stable quality, versatility and ease of installation. |
| US08726598B2 |
Non-structural insulating panel system
An insulating panel structure for application to the exterior of a building, the panel structure having an inner surface to be attached to the building and an outer surface to be attached to an exterior load such as cladding material. The panel structure has external stringers along the outer surface of the panel for attachment of the exterior load, connectors extending perpendicularly from the internal surface to the external stringers to transmit compressive forces from the exterior load to the building, lateral connectors that run diagonally upward from the external stringers to the inner surface to transmit tensile forces from the weight of the exterior load from the external stringers of the panel to the building, and insulating foam embedded in the space defined between the inner and outer surfaces. |
| US08726591B1 |
Field trimmable siding corner
A corner piece for covering or capping a structure corner adjacent shake shingle siding characterized by a lineally variable contour includes a field modifiable trim strip for reflecting and accommodating the contour of the siding adjacent the structure corner. A method of siding a structure with the new corner piece and a siding system including the new corner piece and lineally variable contour siding panels are also disclosed. |
| US08726584B1 |
Mobile elevated building
A mobile elevated building assembly is configured to be compactly transportable in a transportation mode yet readily reconfigured to an installed mode after set-up with a building held many meters off of the ground by a tower supported off of the ground by outriggers. A flat-bed trailer is used to transport the assembly while in its transportation mode, and the trailer can optionally remain attached to the bottom of the tower in the installed mode. A foldable stairway and top-of-stairs platform can form a subassembly that can be pivotally attached where they connect to one-another, and this connection can be supported by a horizontal upper member of the tower. The platform can include one of at least two horizontal support members for holding the building on top of the tower. Methods are provided for reconfiguring the assembly and subassemblies between their transportation mode and their installed mode. |
| US08726580B1 |
Standing seam cementitious roof
A system and method for installing a roofing system on a structure, said system comprising: means for installing a plurality of cementitious roof panels adjacent to one another to produce a roof surface having a plurality of substantially vertical oriented seams; means for placing a cementitious seam insert in each seam and attaching each said seam insert to the adjacent cementitious roof panels; and means for coating said cementitious roof panels and said cementitious seam inserts with a coating. |
| US08726575B1 |
Door or window seal
A one-piece seal for use on the bottoms of doors or windows of uniform cross-section has a planar base and upwardly extending members on each side of the base with engagement members at the top of the upwardly extending members. The seal also has downwardly extending fins and semicircular walls to engage a threshold. The seal is held upon a door by action of the flexible engagement members being pressed against the sides of the doors by the upstanding members. |
| US08726574B2 |
Drawing device
Provided is a drawing device that is capable of generating a damping force in accordance with the strength of a biasing force of an elastic member without increasing durability. The drawing device has a linear damper 24 of which a rod is extendable relative to a damper main body and a rotary damper 25 of which a rotation axis is rotatable relative to the damper main body. When a slider 14 of a drawing device main body 4 moves relative to a base 12 of the drawing device main body 4 in the longitudinal direction by the biasing force of the elastic member 15, first, the linear damper 24 starts to operate thereby generating the damping force, then, the linear damper 24 is switched with the rotary damper 25 and the rotary damper 25 starts to operate thereby generating the damping force. |
| US08726568B2 |
Apparatus for growing living organisms
An apparatus for growing living organisms having at least one growing unit adapted to receive at least one living organism, a source of fluid, a conduit operably connecting the source of fluid and the growing unit in fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for supplying the requirements by which the living organism can grow in the growing unit. |
| US08726566B2 |
Seed labels and manufacturing method thereof
A seed label which can be removably affixed to a package includes a label layer removably attached to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, and at least one seed disposed between the label layer and the clear film layer. The label layer may be made of biodegradable material and may include water-based ink printing thereon. The adhesive layer may be a dry release-clean release adhesive layer can be formed of a water-based adhesive. The seed label can be placed in a container for germinating the seeds. A method of manufacturing a seed label includes providing a label layer, automatically placing at least one seed on one side of the label layer, and automatically attaching the label layer to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, with the seed disposed between the label layer and the clear film layer. |
| US08726563B2 |
Non-snagging fish hook which automatically clamps a set fish hook to the mouth of a fish
A non-snagging fish hook having a shaft with a barb at one end and an opening at another end for receiving a line is attached to a wire loop member. The wire loop member is a continuous length of flexible wire bent back upon itself at a place between its two ends to provide a first end having an open loop, a second end having said two ends, and two substantially parallel wires that extend from the first end to the second end. The second end is attached to the fish hook near the opening for receiving a line. The wire loop member is not in tension and does not engage the barb end of the fish hook. When a pushing force is applied, it resists with a progressively increasing resistance force. |
| US08726560B2 |
Chamber insert lock installed within an AR-15/16 barrel extension for locating and reducing movement of an associated sub caliber action
The present invention teaches an insert locking mechanism incorporated into a sub caliber action device, installable within an upper receiver of an AR-15 type firearm, and which interfaces with an upper receiver mounted forward assist for use with such as .22 caliber ammunition and in order to eliminate movement or play of the chamber insert adaptor associated with the substituted sub caliber action. The mechanism includes a generally cylindrical shaped body supported upon the action and exhibiting a plurality of radially projecting and circumferentially extending lugs which are configured to mate and seat within a plurality of grooves circumferentially arrayed within a barrel defined in the upper receiver. |
| US08726557B2 |
Hand guard attachment system for firearms
A hand guard attachment assembly for a firearm having a barrel and a receiver fastened to the barrel by a barrel nut. The hand guard attachment assembly includes a forearm having a monolithic mounting rail/hand guard that is removably connected to the receiver. The monolithic rail/hand guard interfaces with an integral multi-slot mounting portion of the receiver. A cinch block is mated to the slots of the receiver and held in place by the monolithic rail/hand guard. A tension block is mated at one end of the monolithic rail/hand guard and is attached to the cinch block by a fastener to securely hold the monolithic rail/hand guard in place. |
| US08726553B2 |
Simulated-woven label for use with a woven label on a garment
Labels for a garment include a fabric first label with brand indicia woven therein for attachment to the garment and a fabric second label with content indicia printed thereon for attachment to the garment. The printed content indicia has an appearance of being woven like the woven brand indicia. The content indicia is preferably printed in a font having an appearance similar to alphanumeric characters of the woven brand indicia. The font preferably resembles a thread pattern of the alphanumeric characters of the woven brand indicia. |
| US08726549B2 |
Systems and methods for an informational attachment on a container
Embodiments described herein include a single-use beverage container assembly having a beverage container which includes an inner surface defining a chamber capable of receiving a liquid, an opening configured to provide access to the chamber and an outer surface comprising a receiving cavity. In certain embodiments, the beverage container further includes an informational attachment including promotional information. The receiving cavity can be configured to receive the informational attachment such that the informational attachment can be stowed in the receiving cavity. The beverage container assembly can also be configured to permit the informational attachment to be at least partially removed from the receiving cavity such that the informational attachment can be separated from the beverage container. |
| US08726542B2 |
Shoe having a bridge mechanism
Disclosed is a shoe including a sole support, a midsole and an outsole, wherein the edge of the sole support has one or more bridges at the left and right toe area and heel, respectively. |
| US08726540B2 |
Footwear
A footwear upper including a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer exteriorly of the first layer. The second layer defines grooves in a rhombille tiling pattern. |
| US08726539B2 |
Heater and controls for extraction of moisture and biological organisms from structures
A gas heater with specialized controls allows an operator to deploy a single device to heat and to dry when extracting moisture from a structure. The heater has a fan in a blow thru arrangement ahead of a burner. The burner uses either natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. The heater has air flow, fan motor, temperature, and ignition controls and sensors. The heater delivers high temperature air to the structure that hastens evaporation as the heated air absorbs great concentrations of water vapor. Then the moisture laden heated air exits the building as the heater draws in fresh air, ducts it into a structure, and pressurizes the structure. This moisture laden air then leaks from the building through select windows using the energy imparted from the fan and then exhausts the moisture to the atmosphere, drying the structure. |
| US08726535B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for controlling heated air drying
An apparatus, system and method of controlling heated air drying of product. Exhaust temperature is measured during drying and compared to a target or ideal exhaust temperature function or reference. The exhaust temperature function or reference is correlated to a target or ideal drying rate for the product. Drying factors are adjusted to compensate for variance between measured exhaust temperature and the target or ideal exhaust temperature function to influence actual exhaust temperature to follow the target or ideal exhaust temperature function during drying. Drying factors such as inlet air temperature and drying pressure can be controlled manually or automatically by the comparison to promote efficient and controlled drying. |
| US08726530B2 |
Relative angle sensing device and electric power steering apparatus
A relative angle sensing device is provided with: a sensor that is contained in a housing in which a communication hole communicating inside and outside is formed, and outputs an electric signal according to a relative rotation angle between two rotary shafts coaxially arranged; an electric cable that transmits the electric signal outputted from the sensor to a device arranged at outside of the housing; an electric cable holding member that is fitted with the communication hole of the housing and that holds the electric cable; and an outer component that is arranged at a position outside the electric cable holding member in the communication hole of the housing. The outer component is provided with an introducing part that introduces the electric cable into inside thereof, and a plurality of exiting parts that make the electric cable having been introduced through the introducing part exit to outside in different directions. |
| US08726527B2 |
Dual drive pencil sharpener
A portable pencil sharpener is capable of being manually operable or operable to be driven by a remote torque driver. The pencil sharpener is capable of sharpening either a carpenter's pencil or a Number 2 pencil. Pencil shavings are retained in a compact housing and removed through a retractable panel. |
| US08726525B2 |
Magnetic peeler set
A fruit or vegetable peeler includes a handle with a blade, in which the peeler is shaped such that a first peeler can nest with or be secured to a second peeler. In some versions, the peeler includes a magnet secured to the peeler such that a first peeler is magnetically attracted to a second peeler having a similar attached magnet. |
| US08726517B2 |
Trimmer mechanism, hair trimmer, and hair trimmer attachment
A trimmer mechanism suitable for use in a hair trimmer and hair trimmer attachment is described. The trimmer mechanism allows for a linearly reciprocating motion to be used to obtain a close trim or shave. The trimmer mechanism includes two sets of blades that are moveable relative to each other to define a pair of cutting zones. One set of blades provides a coarse trim, while the following set of blades provides a finer trim. Also provides is a blade arrangement and a method of manufacture of a blade arrangement. |
| US08726516B2 |
Method for manufacturing inclined curve-type blade body, blade body made therefrom, and nail clipper having blade body thereof
The present invention is related to a method for manufacturing a blade body of a nail clipper having a 3-dimensional inclined curve-type blade, including steps of forming an inclined curve with a curvature Ra using a boundary line which is formed when the periphery of grinding media with a radius Rg in an upright position is merged with an upper inclined surface having a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to a vertical line, forming a lower inclined surface by extending the inclined curve downward at an angle θ2 corresponding to the angle θ1, forming blade bodies using the upper and lower inclined surfaces to be inner inclined surfaces of the blade bodies, and grinding the ends of the upper and lower inclined surfaces simultaneously via grinding media with the radius Rg, whereby forming upper and lower 3-dimensional inclined curve-type blades with the curvature Ra, respectively. |
| US08726513B2 |
Method for processing a side edge of a panel, and a device for carrying out the method
The invention relates to a method for processing a side edge of a panel (2), in particular a floor panel, with a top (18) and a bottom (19), which on at least two side edges lying opposite one another has profiles corresponding to one another such that two identically embodied panels (2) can be joined and locked to one another in the horizontal and vertical direction by an essentially vertical joining movement, wherein the locking in the vertical direction can be produced by at least one tongue element formed in one piece from the core and moveable in the horizontal direction, which tongue element during the joining movement snaps in behind a locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction and the tongue element is exposed by means of at least one essentially vertical slot with respect to the core, and at least one of the slots is not embodied in a continuous manner over the entire length of the side edge, wherein the at least one non-continuous slot is produced by at least one guided tool (41) such that the panel (2) is conveyed in a transport direction (x) under the tool (41), the tool (41) dips into the core of the panel (2) by means of a swivel motion and is lifted out again in the opposite direction before the panel (2) has been completely conveyed past under the tool (41). |
| US08726512B2 |
Metal building panel and method of making same
A contoured metal building panel comprising an inner layer formed from a piece of flexible material that has been manipulated to create contours along its surface and an outer coating that substantially encases and hardens the flexible material so that the contours are substantially rigid and fixed. |
| US08726511B2 |
Method for production of panels
The invention relates to a method for production of panels for floor, wall or ceiling coverings, with the panels being cut from a large starting sheet and provided on their long sides (11, 12) with locking strips (15, 16). The starting sheet is hereby provided with parallel grooves (4, 5) along the topside and underside thereof, with the upper groove (4) and the lower groove (5) extending in the sheet plane (PE) at an offset in relation to one another at a distance (a), thereby forming a breaking web (6). The starting sheet (1) is then divided along the breaking web (6) such that projecting longitudinal strips remain along the long sides (11, 12) and are used for shaping the locking strips (15, 16). |
| US08726510B2 |
Method of making a clip for a self-ligating orthodontic bracket
An orthodontic bracket having a body having an archwire slot and adapted to be secured to a tooth, and a clip coupled to the body and movable between an open position, permitting access to the archwire slot, and a closed position, inhibiting access to the archwire slot. The clip has a base material having recesses formed by laser-ablation, and a coating formed over at least one of the recesses. |
| US08726508B2 |
Flat tube, flat tube heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same
A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins. |
| US08726506B2 |
Heat pipe and method for forming the same
A heat pipe and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes: defining a closed end, a closed portion, and a contact section in sequence along a heat pipe to be processed; closing the opening of the closed end and the passage of the closed portion so as to finalize the heat pipe; and cutting axially the contact section into a plurality of equal parts, bending the equal parts outward to assume a divergent shape, thereby providing the contact section with an area for contact with a heat-generating source. Heat is directly transferred from the heat-generating source to the heat pipe via the contact section, thereby enhancing heat dissipation. |
| US08726502B2 |
Turbine servicing apparatus and methods
Apparatuses and methods for servicing a turbine are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention include an apparatus adapted to service a turbine, where that apparatus includes: a base member fixedly mountable on an inlet of the turbine; an adjustment system mounted on the base member; a machining device operably connected to a first end of the adjustment system; and a control member operably connected to a second end of the adjustment system, the control member adapted to modify a position of the machining device to service a portion of the turbine inside the inlet of the turbine. |
| US08726501B2 |
Method of welding single crystal turbine blade tips with an oxidation-resistant filler material
A method for depositing material on a turbine airfoil having a tip wall extending past a tip cap, wherein the tip wall includes a first alloy with a single crystal microstructure. The method includes: depositing a second alloy on at least a portion of the tip wall to form a repair structure, wherein a high temperature oxidation resistance of the second alloy is greater than a high temperature oxidation resistance of the first alloy, and wherein the repair structure has a crystallographic orientation that is substantially the same as a crystallographic orientation of the tip wall. |
| US08726498B2 |
Methods for filling holes in printed wiring boards
The invention comprises methods for filling holes in printed wiring boards and printed wiring boards produced by these methods. The methods involve plating metal conductors inside the holes of the printed wiring boards while protecting the conducting surfaces of the printed wiring boards from being plated using photoresist film. The side surfaces of a printed wiring board are covered with photoresist. The photoresist is exposed to developing light, except the photoresist covering the holes on one side of the board is masked to prevent exposure of the holes to the developing light. The undeveloped photoresist covering the holes is removed. The board is subjected to a plating process, which deposits conductive materials in the holes, but the photoresist on the conducting surfaces of the board prevents conductive materials to be plated on the surfaces of the board. |
| US08726497B2 |
Methods of making composite electrodes
A method of making a component for use in a touch sensor includes modifying a substrate having disposed on it a plurality of electrically isolated conductors. Subsets of the conductors are electrically coupled to form composite electrodes. The component can be used as a set of electrodes in a customized touch sensor. |
| US08726495B2 |
Multi-layer board manufacturing method thereof
A base material (20) is arranged on top of at least one first internal layer base material (10), and a second internal base material (30) is arranged underneath the base material (10). And thereafter a surface layer circuitry conductive foil (40) is arranged underneath the base material (30), and subsequently these materials are colaminated for forming a colaminated body (80). While this colaminating operation, conductive portions being formed in the base materials 10, 30 are aligned to electrically connect one another for forming an internal circuitry. And thereafter, an interlayer conductive portion (51) being electrically connected to the internal circuitry is formed, and a minute circuitry is formed on the top of the base material (20) and the conductive foil (40) accordingly. |
| US08726492B2 |
Insulated conductive element having a substantially continuous barrier layer formed through multiple coatings
Coating an elongate, uncoated conductive element with a substantially continuous barrier layer. The substantially continuous barrier layer is formed through relative movement of the conductive element to a frame between sequential coatings of a barrier material. |
| US08726490B2 |
Method of constructing core with tapered pole pieces and low-loss electrical rotating machine with said core
An electrical rotating machine having a stator or a rotor with a core that includes a plurality of tapered pole pieces is a low loss electrical machine that results in improvements such as higher output power, higher torque and higher efficiency than a machine that does not have tapered pole pieces. The stator or the rotor with tapered pole pieces may be applied to a power train in automobiles, power tools, and various appliances. A method of constructing the core includes winding an iron-based amorphous magnetic alloy ribbon to form a cylinder-shaped core, then heating, impregnating with resin, and machining the cylinder-shaped core to form a plurality of tapered pole pieces being separated in an alternating manner by a plurality of slots. The cores having an outside diameter in a range of 50 mm-1200 mm, a tapered angle in a range of 10°-45°, and a slot depth in a range of 10 mm-210 mm are advantageous. |
| US08726486B2 |
System for loading collars onto bolts in large-scale manufacturing operations
Collars having a center opening are conveyed through a feed channel by compressed air to a swaging die tool for bolts. There is sufficient clearance between the collar and the channel to permit movement of the collar as the forward end of the die pin engages a central opening of the collar, the feed assembly or the swaging die tool being moveable sufficiently thereafter to permit a die-pin engaged collar to move forward for engagement with a tail end of a bolt. The collar is loaded onto the bolt and the collar moved forward to a stackup of parts prior to a bolt being moved through an opening in the stackup for engagement with the collar. |
| US08726483B2 |
Methods for uniform crimping and deployment of a polymer scaffold
A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved. |
| US08726481B2 |
Method of forming barbs on a suture
A method is provided for forming a barbed medical device which includes the steps of providing a blank workpiece and forming at least one barb on the blank workpiece by applying vibrational energy to a tool and bringing the tool and the blank workpiece into contact with each other at an angle such that the tool cuts into the surface of the blank workpiece. A barbed medical device formed by this method is also provided. |
| US08726479B2 |
Woven fabric comprising weft wires
A woven fabric includes warp threads or wires and includes weft wires, wherein, the woven fabric includes an offset weft wire. The offset is particularly suitable for fastening objects separate from the woven fabric. A method uses the woven fabric as a facade hanging by using the woven fabric as a base structure for bearing an object separate from the woven fabric. The object is borne on the offset separate from the woven fabric. |
| US08726477B2 |
Rotor centralization for turbine engine assembly
One or more support elements radially extend through one or more openings defined in a turbine engine casing and are configured to centralize and at least partially support a rotor assembly of the engine during an engine disassembly or assembly procedure. The support elements are configured to transfer any rotor assembly weight loads to an engine casing while a bearing support of the rotor assembly is absent or removed. |
| US08726476B2 |
Tire valve tool having air communication means
A multipurpose tire valve tool is provided for the purposes of maintenance of a Schrader valve and for replacing the tube of a pneumatic tire. The tool comprises a valve core removal key, a valve stem tap arm, a first air inlet end, and a second valve stem attachment end. Through the body of the tool is an air conduit and an internal valve core post for depressing the same. A check valve along the air inlet end allows air to be communicated into the tool, whereby the air flows therethrough and into an attached Schrader valve for filling the tire tube while the tool is thereattached. The tool facilitates removal of the valve core, cleaning of the valve stem threads, and filling the tire or tire tube with air while the tool maintains the position of the valve stem through the rim. |
| US08726475B2 |
Method for producing piezoelectric thin-film resonator
A method for producing a piezoelectric thin-film resonator includes forming a sacrificial layer on a substrate, performing a plasma treatment on the sacrificial layer so that the surface roughness (Ra) of end surface portions of the sacrificial layer is about 5 nm or less, forming a strip-shaped dielectric film so as to be continuously disposed on the surface of the substrate and the end surface portions and the principal surface of the sacrificial layer, forming a piezoelectric thin-film area including a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and a piezoelectric thin-film disposed therebetween so that a portion of the lower electrode and a portion of the upper electrode surface each other at an area on the dielectric film, the area being disposed on the upper portion of the sacrificial layer, and removing the sacrificial layer to form an air-gap between the substrate and the dielectric film. |
| US08726473B2 |
Clipping fixation device allowing an adjustment in two directions
A clipping fixation device for assembling two elements such as automotive panels or other components in a manner that provides a secure connection of the elements in an assembly direction while permitting relative longitudinal and transverse positioning of the two elements in directions orthogonal to the assembly direction. The clipping fixation device may include a first clip member and a second clip member, wherein the first clip member has a pin extending to a head and the second clip member includes two clipping arms defining a receiving space into which the first clip member can be inserted under force. The first and second clip members are dimensioned such that the pin may slide along the receiving space in the transversal direction and move in the longitudinal direction by flexing of at least one of the clipping arms without disengagement of the head from the clipping arms. |
| US08726472B2 |
Positioning and binding buckle
A positioning and binding buckle includes a main body and a positioning element, and the main body is formed by bending a plate to form two side plates and a connecting portion, and a hollow is formed between the two side plates and two stop portions are formed at the bottom of the two side plates and passed through a buckle hole a containing hole containing a compression spring, and positioning element is disposed across the two side plates by its cut groove and limited between at least two opposite lugs, and the positioning element is passed through the containing hole by an insert pin and pushed by the bottom edge of the compression spring, and the positioning element can be lifted towards the connecting portion and pushed back by the compression spring, such that the bottom is aligned evenly with the stop portion. |
| US08726465B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly comprises a first machine part having a first axis, a second machine part having a second axis and a hinge part pivotably connecting the first machine part with the second machine part. The first machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one first hinge point configured to permit rotation of the first machine part around the first axis relative to the hinge part. The second machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one second hinge point configured to permit rotation of the second machine part around the third axis relative to the hinge part. The third axis is perpendicular to the second axis. |
| US08726461B2 |
Dual stage cyclonic vacuum cleaner
A home cleaning appliance comprises a housing, an airstream suction source, a cyclone main body, and a dirt cup. The housing includes a main suction opening. The airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. The suction source selectively establishes and maintains a flow of air from the main suction opening, via the airstream inlet, to the airstream outlet. The cyclone main body is supported by the housing and is in communication with the main suction opening. The cyclone main body has a uniform outer circumference and includes a first stage separator, and a plurality of downstream second stage separators. The first stage separator has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the cyclone main body in order to accommodate the second stage separators. The dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body. The dirt cup includes a first particle collector and a second particle collector. The first particle collector communicates with the first stage separator for collecting dust particles from the first stage separator. The separate second particle collector communicates with the plurality of second stage separators for collecting dust particles from the second stage separators. |
| US08726460B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner having a vacuum source adapted to generate an airstream, a filter, a separating unit having a first sub-separator and a second sub-separator, and airflow passages to connect the vacuum source, the filter and the separating unit in a first configuration corresponding to a vacuum cleaning mode and a second configuration corresponding to a filter cleaning mode. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the separating unit such that the airflow passes in parallel through the first sub-separator and the second sub-separator, then in a forward direction through the filter. In the filter cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the separating unit such that airflow passes in a reverse direction through the filter, and then through the separating unit such that the airflow passes in series through the first sub-separator and the second sub-separator. |
| US08726445B1 |
Shower-mounted back scrubber
A shower-mounted back scrubber aids in scrubbing and cleaning one's back while in the shower and includes a brush surface attached to a wall of a shower or tub by at least one (1) mounting bracket. Each mounting bracket includes a slot that accepts brush base. The brush base includes a plurality of soft bristles for gentle cleansing and a coarse bristles for more aggressive cleaning. |
| US08726444B2 |
Starch head for cleaning a target surface
A head for cleaning a target surface, such as a toilet bowl. The head has a longitudinal axis and comprises a starch based material. The material may be provided as a sheet, and formed to make a generally round head or a head of laminae. The head may optionally contain granules, which optionally define a core and improve the stiffness of the head. The starch based material may be extruded to have a machine direction oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device. |
| US08726441B1 |
Floor sweeper with split brush assembly
A floor sweeper for recovering material from a surface to be cleaned comprises a handle assembly pivotably attached to a foot assembly. The foot assembly comprises a housing forming a brush chamber having a bottom opening. The foot assembly comprises a pair of driving gears and a split brush assembly rotatably mounted within the brush chamber and adapted to contact the surface through the opening. The brush assembly comprises two separately-rotatable halves each corresponding to one of the driving gears, with each half comprising a brush core, brush paddles or bristles affixed to an exterior of the brush core, and a brush gear adapted for rotation with the brush core. Each brush gear is driven by a corresponding driving gear to the corresponding brush core as the floor assembly is moved across the surface in order to drive the brushes to cleaning of the surface. |
| US08726439B2 |
Multi tool stand for digital device method and apparatus
A multi tool with a handle arranged along a longitudinally aligned axis. The handle has a first end and a second end and a housing for containing a first tool. The multi tool also has a prop which interoperates with the first handle and provides stability against overturning of the multi tool when supporting a device. The multi tool also has a mount which is interoperable with either the handle or the prop. The mount will maintain a device in an upright position. |
| US08726435B2 |
Pillowcase with one or more pockets
A pillowcase having one or more pockets is provided. In one embodiment, the pillowcase includes a first panel, a second panel, an open end adapted to receive a pillow, and a pocket. The pocket is coupled to the pillowcase to form a pocket cavity, and an entry thereto. The pocket cavity is adapted to receive, through the entry, an appendage of a user. |
| US08726432B1 |
Sleeping bag and hood assembly
A sleeping bag assembly having a sleeping bag and non-integral hood is constructed so as to allow the user to be able to sleep on either side, back or stomach without rotating the sleeping bag while all the time keeping a face opening of the hood in position relative to the user's face. |
| US08726430B2 |
Pedicure spa station with separate integrated drain
A pedicure spa station platform that includes a raised platform having a front and a rear, and a seat area on the top surface of the platform for attaching a seat or chair. The platform has a basin tray for holding a basin. The basin tray area is positioned in front of the seat mount location. A well entrance is located between the seat area and the basin tray. The well has a sidewall with a front portion and a back portion, and a drain positioned in the sidewall. The sidewall forms a rim near the front portion (the well entrance). A vertical riser is positioned in front of the basin tray, and the vertical riser terminates in a footrest, where the footrest extends in part over and above the basin tray. The foot rest is movable with respect to the raised platform. |
| US08726429B1 |
Spa and spa cover assembly
Spa cover assemblies for use with a spa are contemplated herein. Each cover assembly is configured to pivotally couple to opposing end walls of the spa base and pivot between a closed position and an open position. Each cover assembly includes a first cover piece pivotally coupled to an end wall of the spa base, two bracket assemblies pivotally coupled to the end wall and the first cover piece, and a second cover piece pivotally coupled to the first cover piece. The second cover piece is substantially planar with the first cover piece when in the closed position and stacked on the first cover piece when in the open position. The first and second cover pieces form a shelf extending from the spa base when in the open position. |
| US08726426B2 |
Shoulder pad cover
A garment made of a compression fabric is provided to serve as a shoulder pad covering. The garment includes a torso portion having a front portion connected to a back portion. The torso portion defines a torso opening, a neck opening, a left arm passage, and a right arm passage. A left shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the left arm passage. The left shoulder portion includes a left shoulder cap pocket. A right shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the right arm passage. The right shoulder portion includes a right shoulder cap pocket. A left epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the left shoulder portion. A right epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the right shoulder portion. |
| US08726424B2 |
Energy management structure
An energy management structure is adapted to absorb a force applied thereto. The structure includes a first component possessing a first compressive response profile, a second component possessing a second compressive response profile different from the first compressive response profile, and a third component connecting the first component to the second component. Upon application of a force, the second compressive response profile of the second component is additive to the first compressive response profile of the first component to result in an overall compressive response profile of the energy management structure that meets a design compressive response profile. |
| US08726423B2 |
Undergarment, particularly for men
An undergarment for a man includes a waistband and a partitioning panel having an upper edge and an opposed lower edge. The upper edge is interconnected with a waistband. The partitioning panel has an opening defined therethrough. The undergarment may include a boxer style pants portion with the panel being inside the pants portion. |
| US08726418B2 |
Adjustable glove
A glove for use by a soccer goalie includes several adjustment mechanisms, such as straps. The straps allow the glove to be adjusted for fit, such as by manipulating the width of the glove across the palm or the size of the wrist opening. Additionally, the glove includes a pull tab that allows the wearer to adjust the position of the fingers of the hand within the glove quickly so that the webs of the fingers remain in contact with the inside of the glove at the bases of the finger stalls. |
| US08726417B2 |
Clamp assembly and apparel containing same
This invention relates to a clamp assembly useful for attaching together two items of clothing, a garment comprising the clamp assembly, and a process for attaching two items of clothing; the clamp assembly including a circular band and a tubular resilient cover having a hollow body, and wherein the clamp is positioned in the hollow and is encased on all sides by the resilient cover. |
| US08732861B2 |
Control system for a scanning probe microscope
A control system 32, 75 is for use with a scanning probe microscope of a type in which measurement data is collected at positions within a scan pattern described as a probe and sample are moved relative to each other. The control system is used in conjunction with a position detection system 34 that measures the position of at least one of the probe and sample such that their relative spatial location (x, y) is determined. Measurement data may then be correlated with empirically-determined spatial locations in constructing an image. The use of empirical location data means that image quality is not limited by the ability of a microscope scanning system to control mechanically the relative location of probe and sample. |
| US08732860B2 |
System and method for securing data to be protected of a piece of equipment
A system and method for securing data to be protected of a piece of equipment are provided. The equipment comprises: a space; at least one device for processing the data; a safety module comprising at least one controller connected to at least one memory for sensitive data, the sensitive data giving access to the data; and at least one supervision sensor. The method comprises: transmitting at least one signature through the sensor(s), to the safety module, the signature being based on a signal received by the respective sensor and giving information on the physical condition of the space; comparing in the safety module at least one of the signatures and/or a value inferred from at least one of the signatures with at least one reference value and/or at least one reference signature; limiting access to the data being based on the comparison of at least one of the signatures. |
| US08732859B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring network equipment
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a monitoring signal from a network plug-in device where the monitoring signal includes location and identification information associated with the network plug-in device and where the server is remote from the network plug-in device, and determine whether the network plug-in device is in an unauthorized location based at least in part on the monitoring signal. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08732858B2 |
System for identifying content of digital data
A computing system selects a portion of data of an unknown work and detects each event in the portion of data of the unknown work. An event is a perceptual occurrence in a work successively positioned in time. The system determines an event metric between each successive event in the portion of data in the unknown work and generates a list of event metrics between the events for the unknown work. The system compares the list of event metrics for the unknown work to a list of event metrics for a known work and determines the unknown work is a copy of the known work responsive to a match between the list of event metrics of the unknown work and the list of event metrics for the known work. |
| US08732855B2 |
Launching a cached web application based on authentication status
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for receiving a request to retrieve electronic resources that correspond to a first network address. The resources are retrieved from a cache. The retrieved resources are responsive to the received request, correspond to the first network address, and are configured to activate a first web application. Activation of the first web application requires that the computing device be authenticated. Instructions that are in the retrieved resources and are for activating the first web application are executed. The execution includes determining that the computing device is not authenticated to activate the first web application, and requesting to retrieve electronic resources that correspond to a second network address and that are configured to activate a second web application. Activation of the second web application does not require that the computing device be currently authenticated. |
| US08732851B2 |
Image forming apparatus and information processing method
This invention achieves to prevent information leakage as much as possible when a material printed by an image forming apparatus is left unrecovered. This invention relates to an information processing method in an image forming apparatus capable of printing a Web page displayed by a browser, including a step of, when an instruction to display a Web page is input, searching a storage unit which stores information representing the confidentiality of the Web page and its URL in advance in correspondence with each other, a step of reading out, from the storage unit based on the search result, information which corresponds to the URL of the display instruction-input Web page and represents the confidentiality of the Web page, and a step of printing, together with the Web page displayed based on the display instruction, the readout information representing the confidentiality of the Web page. |
| US08732850B2 |
Method for protecting data contents
A method for protecting data contents, in particular video data, is provided. The data contents are provided by a distribution application available in a communications network and may be loaded onto an output unit to be played back on this output unit. A current system utilization of the output unit is monitored or measured during playback of the loaded data contents on the output unit. This current system utilization is compared to an estimated standard system utilization of the output unit for the playback of data contents. If the current system utilization of the output unit exceeds the estimated standard system utilization during a predefined period, appropriate protective measures, such as interrupting playback of the data contents, a corresponding message to the distribution application, etc., are taken and carried out to protect the data contents. |
| US08732844B2 |
Secure serial number
A serial number for a software product is secured with an authenticator value. The authenticator value and the serial number are evaluated entirely by a remote authentication server such that no cryptographic authentication occurs on a local computer on which the software product is being installed. An abbreviated portion of the authenticator value is used for offline authentication. |
| US08732843B2 |
Software validity period changing apparatus, method, and installation package
A software validity period changing apparatus includes a password information storage unit, an input device, an authentication unit, and a validity period changing unit. The authentication unit calculates a first hash value of the password stored in the password information storage unit, calculates a second hash value of a password input via the input device, and determines whether the first hash value matches the second hash value. The validity period changing unit decompresses an installation package into components, the installation package including a validity period and version information on each of the components, detects a position of the validity period if it is determined that the first hash value matches the second hash value, changes the validity period identified by the position to a validity period input through the input device, changes the version information, and combines the components to reproduce the installation package. |
| US08732837B1 |
System and method for monitoring the security of computing resources
System and method for monitoring the security of computing resources. A server agent and client agents can be deployed to provide a method and a means for monitoring security-related settings for a plurality of computing systems deployed throughout an enterprise. The status of each setting can be recorded, and these results can be used to produce a compliance report for the computing system, as well as reports for groups of computing system or the entire enterprise. The reports or portions of a report or reports can be provide to users of the system via a Web site, Email alerts, or any other suitable mechanism. A compliance score for a system or collection of systems can be calculated and used and/or displayed as part of the reports that are generated. |
| US08732836B2 |
System and method for correcting antivirus records to minimize false malware detections
Disclose are system, method and computer program product for correcting antivirus records. In an example method, during analysis of a software object for malware, an antivirus application retrieves from an antivirus database an antivirus record associated with the analyzed object, which identifies the object as malicious or clean. The application also checks if there is a correction for the antivirus record in an antivirus cache and use the correction for analysis of the software object. If no correction is found in the cache, the application checks correctness of the antivirus record with an antivirus server. The antivirus server uses statistical information about software objects collected from antivirus applications deployed on different computers to validate correctness of antivirus records. If the antivirus server provides a correction for the antivirus record, the application uses the provided correction for analysis of the software object for malware. |
| US08732833B2 |
Two-stage intrusion detection system for high-speed packet processing using network processor and method thereof
A system and method for detecting network intrusion by using a network processor are provided. The intrusion detection system includes: a first intrusion detector, configured to use a first network processor to perform intrusion detection on layer 3 and layer 4 of a protocol field among information included in a packet header of a packet transmitted to the intrusion detection system, and when no intrusion is detected, classify the packets according to stream and transmit the classified packets to a second intrusion detector; and a second intrusion detector, configured to use a second network processor to perform intrusion detection through deep packet inspection (DPI) for the packet payload of the packets transmitted from the first intrusion detector. Thereby, intrusion detection for high-speed packets can be performed in a network environment. |
| US08732828B1 |
Referrer-specific network management
Methods and systems for providing destination-specific network management are described. One example method includes receiving from a client within a network, a request to access a resource associated with a destination address outside the network, the received request including referrer information; determining that the destination address corresponds to an unclassified destination; determining whether the received request's referrer information corresponds to a referrer entity that is included in a set of approved referrers; and selectively blocking the network request to access the resource at the destination address based upon a result of the determining. |
| US08732826B2 |
Render engine, and method of using the same, to verify data for access and/or publication via a computer system
A method and system to verify active content at a server system include receiving, at the server system a communication (e.g., an e-mail message or e-commerce listing) that includes active content that is to be made accessible via the server system. At the server system, the active content is rendered to generate rendered active content. The rendered active content presents a representation of information and processes to which an end user will be subject. At the server system, the rendered active content is verified as not being malicious. |
| US08732822B2 |
Device locking with hierarchical activity preservation
Techniques are described for device locking with activity preservation at a specified level within a multi-level hierarchy of device states. Such locking enables a user to share a device with another user while specifying a particular level of access to the device, such as access to a particular class of applications, a specific application, or a specific task within an application. Determination of the authorized activity may be based on a currently active application, or on the particular user gesture. The level of functionality made available may be based on the number of times a user gesture is repeated. Gestures may include a selection of a hardware or software control on the device, issuance of a voice command, and the like. |
| US08732821B1 |
Method and apparatus for preventing accidential disclosure of confidential information via visual representation objects
A method and apparatus for preventing accidental disclosure of confidential information via visual representation objects is described. In one embodiment, the method includes establishing pattern information with respect to confidential information, wherein the confidential information is used to authenticate users, monitoring a visual representation object having an input focus associated with a user interface, wherein the visual representation object receives input data, comparing the input data with the pattern information to identify at least one unobscured portion of the confidential information and producing indicia of detection of the at least one unobscured portion of the confidential information on the visual representation object. |
| US08732817B2 |
Switching hub, a system, a method of the switching hub and a program thereof
A switching hub, system and method for restricting a communication between terminals within a second network isolated form a first network. The terminals are connected to the first network or the second network, wherein a terminal with sufficient security level is connected to the first network and a terminal with insufficient security level is connected to the second network. And a communication between the terminals within the second network is restricted. |
| US08732806B2 |
Method and system for hardware enforced virtualization in an integrated circuit
Aspects of a method and system for hardware enforced virtualization in an integrated circuit are provided. In this regard, a mode of operation of an integrated circuit may be controlled such that the integrated circuit alternates between a secure mode of operation and an open mode of operation. Various resources of the integrated circuit may be designated as open or secure, and secure resources may be made inaccessible while the integrated circuit operates in the open mode. Access to the secure resources may be controlled based on a configuration of one or more registers and/or switching elements. Resources designated as secure may comprise, for example, a one-time-programmable memory. The integrated circuit may comprise ROM and/or one-time-programmable memory that stores one or more instructions, wherein execution of the one or more instructions may control transitions between the secure mode and the open mode. |
| US08732805B2 |
Re-authentication in secure web service conversations
Techniques are disclosed for sharing communication session information, such as encryption keys for data protection, among multiple communication operations and/or multiple users. Multiple users can share the same communication session concurrently, with each message being individually authenticated. The provided techniques include receiving, at a client application, a first request to send a first web service message to a web service application or group of web services, retrieving existing communication session information having the same sharing characteristics as the first request, where the sharing characteristics include web service environment information and/or request information, including the user credentials associated with the user in the message and in each subsequent message communicated using the existing communication session information, and communicating the web service message to the web service application or group of web services using the existing communication session information. |
| US08732803B2 |
Automated entity verification
Some embodiments provide a verification system for automated verification of entities. The verification system automatedly verifies entities using a two part verification campaign. One part verifies that the entity is the true owner of the entity account to be verified. This verification step involves (1) the entity receiving a verification code at the entity account and returning the verification code to the verification system, (2) the entity associating an account that it has registered at a service provider to an account that the verification system has registered at the service provider, (3) both. Another part verifies the entity can respond to communications that are sent to methods of contact that have been previously verified as belonging to the entity. The verification system submits a first communication with a code using a verified method of contact. The verification system then monitors for a second communication to be returned with the code. |
| US08732801B2 |
Wireless connection method and device
A method, a device, and an access point are provided for obtaining network access. A method, comprising: receiving, by an access point device and from wireless device, a request for authorization to access a network through the access point; determining, by the access point, a distance between the access point and the wireless device; determining, by the access point, that the distance is less than a first threshold distance; using, by the access point, a first process to grant access to the network through the access point when the distance is less than the first threshold distance; and using, by the access point, a second process to grant access to the network through the access point when the distance is not less than the first threshold distance, where the first process is a different and less complex for granting access to the network than the second process. |
| US08732799B2 |
Method and system for processing authenticator relocation request
The disclosure provides a method and a system for processing an authenticator relocation request. When detecting that initial authentication, re-authentication or authenticator relocation is being performed for a terminal, a network side refuses a new authenticator relocation request from the terminal. When detecting that no initial authentication, re-authentication or authenticator relocation is being performed for the terminal, the network side accepts the new authenticator relocation request from the terminal. Further, when detecting that the initial authentication, the re-authentication or the authenticator relocation is being performed for the terminal, the network side refuses a new re-authentication request from the terminal. According to the technical solution of the disclosure, the complexity of network element processing is reduced and potential safety hazard is avoided. |
| US08732795B2 |
System and method for user authentication
A computer-implemented authentication method is described. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving an authentication request at an authentication computing system, the request including a resource identifier, (b) identifying one or more authentication pools associated with the resource identifier, each authentication pool including at least one authentication method implementation, (c) executing a pool authentication process for the one or more identified authentication pools, and (d) transmitting a response to the identification authentication request based on the execution of the pool authentication process for the one or more identified authentication pools. |
| US08732793B2 |
Method and system for improving security of the key device
The present invention provides a method and a system for improving security of a key device in the information security filed. In order to solve the problem that the security performance of the key device is lower due to the possible tamper of the data needed for encryption and signature in prior art, the present invention provides the method, including steps in which the key device is connected to a computer, then is used to receive the data input by the user through a computer and display the same after a user makes a successful authentication; and to make digital signature or encryption of the data input after the user confirms the content displayed. The above-mentioned system comprises an authentication module, a data receiving module, a display module, a confirmation information receiving module, and a key module. The present invention makes relative display on the key device according to the data input by the user, and provides an input device or generates a random authentication code for confirmation and therefore prevents invalid digital signature or encryption, and improves the security of the key device greatly. |
| US08732792B2 |
Approach for managing access to data on client devices
A device management system is configured to manage access to electronic documents on client devices using policies. The policies specify one or more download and processing restrictions to be enforced with respect to the particular electronic document at client devices for example, particular hardware and software configurations that are required at client devices before data is permitted to be downloaded to those client devices. The policies may also specify other requirements that must be satisfied before data is permitted to be downloaded to those client devices, for example, user authentication. |
| US08732791B2 |
Multi-part internal-external process system for providing virtualization security protection
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a host machine that manages a plurality of virtual machines associated with an enterprise through a supervisory process, the host machine including a threat management facility coupled in a communicating relationship with the plurality of virtual machines and enforcing a security policy of the enterprise for the plurality of virtual machines; and a first virtual machine from among the plurality of virtual machines, the first virtual machine capable of operating in a first state on the host machine wherein the security policy is enforced by the threat management facility, and the first virtual machine capable of operating in a second state wherein a local security facility executable on the first virtual machine autonomously enforces the security policy in the absence of the threat management facility. |
| US08732787B2 |
Method and system for establishing digital media streams
Methods in an access node for establishing digital media streams between a media server and terminals in a customer premises network are provided. The method includes receiving, from the terminal, a request for establishing a first digital media stream by joining an already established digital media stream; determining transmission resources allocated to the customer premises network; comparing a sum of transmission resources required for the first digital media stream and the already established digital media streams between the media server and the customer premises network with the transmission resources allocated to the customer premises network; and establishing a digital substitution media stream replacing the first digital media stream. The digital substitution media stream is adapted to provide the same content as the first media stream but further adapted to require less transmission resources, so that the sum of transmission resources required for the digital substitution media stream and the already established digital media streams does not exceed the transmission resources allocated to the customer premises network. The substitution media stream is established by joining an already established digital media stream that requires less transmission resources. |
| US08732784B2 |
Hierarchical storage management for data
A particular computing system includes a processor and a network interface to receive media content from one or more media recorder devices. The media content is transcoded into a portable media format. The computing system also includes a storage module executable by the processor to store the received media content to a data storage device. The computing system further includes a sideloading module executable by the processor to sideload stored media content from the data storage device to one or more first endpoint devices. The computing system also includes a streaming module executable by the processor to stream the stored media content from the data storage device to one or more second endpoint devices. The computing system further includes a backup module executable by the processor to transmit the stored media content from the data storage device to a second data storage device. |
| US08732781B2 |
Video/audio system and method enabling a user to select different views and sounds associated with an event
A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user. |
| US08732777B2 |
System and method for content communication
A system such as a multicast VOD system communicates content, e.g., delivers content or receives content, responsive to a user request for content and according to a schedule adapted to a user-specified acceptable latency for content delivery. The schedule may be modified to minimize initiation of delivery of content in response to the user's request. The schedule may also be modified to delay delivery of subsequent portions of the content as late as possible to allow subsequent requests to share a content stream while not exceeding the acceptable latency parameter specified by the user. |
| US08732775B2 |
Systems and methods of processing closed captioning for video on demand content
A method includes receiving closed captioning data at a computing device. The closed captioning data is associated with a video on demand asset and is represented in a first format. The method also includes, during a single video on demand streaming session, converting the closed captioning data from the first format to a platform-independent format and converting the closed captioning data from the platform-independent format to a second format. The method further includes transmitting, during the single video on demand streaming session, the closed captioning data in the second format to a destination device. |
| US08732773B1 |
Dynamic schedule creation
In one aspect, the invention provides an interactive, multi-platform video network. In another aspect, the invention provides a dynamic scheduling method. |
| US08732772B2 |
Image display apparatus and image displaying method thereof
An image display apparatus and an image displaying method thereof are disclosed, which can solve a problem of disturbance in watching TV through a detachable image display apparatus. Since the problem of disturbance in watching TV through a detachable image display apparatus, which may occur due to discharge of the mobile display device, can be solved, a user can conveniently and quickly use contents watched by himself(herself) immediately before the mobile display device is discharged. |
| US08732764B2 |
Automatic recording
A program recording device including an input port, a processor memory, a processor, a selector, and a storage element is configured to receive command data and program data through the input port. The selector receives command data and program data from the input port and outputs the command data to the processor memory and the program data to the storage element. The processor uses this command data to control the selector and storage element to automatically record a program influenced by user preferences onto the storage element without requiring any user input. |
| US08732760B2 |
IPTV access control, personalized advertisement, personalized electronic program guide providing method and system using fingerprint scanner equipped set-top box
Provided is a personalized program providing method and system. The personalized program providing system may provide a view restriction, a personalized advertisement, or a personalized program guide using a set-top box including a fingerprint scanner. The personalized program providing system includes a set-top box to scan a fingerprint using a fingerprint scanner to identify identification information associated with a user and to transmit the identified identification information to an Internet TV service providing server, an Internet TV service providing server to transmit a personalized program guide corresponding to the transmitted identification information to the set-top box, and an Internet TV set to provide the transmitted personalized program guide. |
| US08732756B2 |
Interactive media guide with media guidance interface
Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides. |
| US08732748B2 |
Dynamically configurable video input list for TV
A video input list is presented on a TV with the viewer's most recent or most selected source moved at or near the top of the list. Also, specific and thus informative labels such as “DVD player” and “PVR” can be used in place of generic “HDMI 1”, “video 2”, etc. labels. |
| US08732747B2 |
System and method for providing time-based content
System and method for providing time-based content. In one embodiment, time-based offers are presented to viewers of broadcast content, and may be presented on the same display device being used to display broadcast programming. In another embodiment, time-based offers are commercial offers inviting the viewer to purchase goods or services at a special rate for a limited time. Time-based offers may also be customized based on programming content being viewed and/or viewer profile data. Responses to presented time-based offers may be used to update viewer profile data and/or merchant conversion profile data, which is a measure of how effective the particular offer is. |
| US08732739B2 |
System and method for tracking and rewarding media and entertainment usage including substantially real time rewards
The present invention relates to systems and methods for rewarding entertainment consumers, and more specifically to a system and method for rewarding people for watching or otherwise engaging in various forms of media and entertainment (e.g. broadcast TV, on-demand TV, games, live entertainment, movies, and radio) to promote loyalty to or improve recognition of all entertainment, while collecting useful data about the media consumption habits as well as the rewards consumption patterns associated with those consumers. |
| US08732736B2 |
Billing electronic advertisement system
An electronic advertisement system is provided by which, when an advertisement effect that corresponds to billing conditions is not obtained, an advertiser is free from an obligation to pay advertisement fee so that the advertiser can run an advertisement without having an economic risk. An electronic advertisement sending side computer has a billing tag addition means for adding, to electronic advertisement data, a tag composed of information describing billing conditions. A receiving side computer includes: a display unit that outputs, as output data, video and audio of received electronic advertisement data; and an electronic device that acquires the circumstance around the display unit as input data. A program of the receiving side computer has an input video analysis means that determines whether billing conditions for outputted electronic advertisement data are achieved or not by analyzing input data from the electronic device. When the billing conditions are achieved, the program generates billing charge data. |
| US08732729B2 |
Unified driving method and unified driver apparatus
The present invention provides a technical solution for a unified driver used in a handheld device. An embodiment of the technical solution may comprise a unified driving method used in a handheld device, which method may comprise: determining driver types of currently installed hardware; setting a current dispatch table on the basis of the driver type and a unified dispatch table suitable for multiple hardware and driving corresponding hardware or software by calling the current dispatch table. |
| US08732725B2 |
Managing internode data communications for an uninitialized process in a parallel computer
A parallel computer includes nodes, each having main memory and a messaging unit (MU). Each MU includes computer memory, which in turn includes, MU message buffers. Each MU message buffer is associated with an uninitialized process on the compute node. In the parallel computer, managing internode data communications for an uninitialized process includes: receiving, by an MU of a compute node, one or more data communications messages in an MU message buffer associated with an uninitialized process on the compute node; determining, by an application agent, that the MU message buffer associated with the uninitialized process is full prior to initialization of the uninitialized process; establishing, by the application agent, a temporary message buffer for the uninitialized process in main computer memory; and moving, by the application agent, data communications messages from the MU message buffer associated with the uninitialized process to the temporary message buffer in main computer memory. |
| US08732722B2 |
Method and system for testing interactions between web clients and networked servers
A system and method providing a testing, monitoring and debugging framework that supports testing web clients with complex and advanced feature sets. The system and method allows multiple web clients to be simultaneously tested on the same physical machine without conflict and records a full range of performance and debugging information by providing detailed measurements at a combination of application and networking layers. |
| US08732719B2 |
Method and system for managing resource connections
Methods and system for managing resource connections are described. In one embodiment, an initial user request to access data stored at a resource is received. The initial user request is generated by an application of a plurality of applications having access to the resource. An existing connection from the application is utilized to provide the data to the application. A current user request to access data stored at the resource is received. Based on a determination that the existing connection is unavailable, the current user request is assigned to a waiter queue. A number of requests assigned to the waiter queue during a pre-defined time period is determined to exceed a threshold. A new connection from the application to the resource is created based on the availability of a further connection to the resource and the exceeding of the threshold. |
| US08732714B2 |
Method for reorganizing tasks for optimization of resources
A method of reorganizing a plurality of task for optimization of resources and execution time in an environment is described. In one embodiment, the method includes mapping of each task to obtain qualitative and quantitative assessment of each functional elements and variables within the time frame for execution of each tasks, representation of data obtained from the mapping in terms of a matrix of dimensions N×N, wherein N represents total number of tasks and reorganizing the tasks in accordance with the represented data in the matrix for the execution, wherein reorganizing the tasks provides for both static and dynamic methodologies. It is advantageous that the present invention determines optimal number of resources required to achieve a practical overall task completion time and can be adaptable to non computer applications. |
| US08732711B2 |
Two-level scheduler for multi-threaded processing
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for scheduling thread execution in a multi-threaded processing environment. A two-level scheduler maintains a small set of active threads called strands to hide function unit pipeline latency and local memory access latency. The strands are a sub-set of a larger set of pending threads that is also maintained by the two-leveler scheduler. Pending threads are promoted to strands and strands are demoted to pending threads based on latency characteristics. The two-level scheduler selects strands for execution based on strand state. The longer latency of the pending threads is hidden by selecting strands for execution. When the latency for a pending thread is expired, the pending thread may be promoted to a strand and begin (or resume) execution. When a strand encounters a latency event, the strand may be demoted to a pending thread while the latency is incurred. |
| US08732709B2 |
Transaction management in a web service messaging environment
A method and apparatus for managing database transactions in a web service messaging environment. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a web service call indicating a beginning of a database transaction from a client, and creating a database transaction in response to this web service call. The method further includes receiving subsequent web service calls from the client, and for each subsequent web service call, associating a corresponding web service call with the database transaction, and performing the corresponding web service call. Afterwards, the database transaction is terminated upon committing or rolling back data resulting from the subsequent web service calls. |
| US08732708B2 |
Dynamic generation of scenarios for managing computer system entities using management descriptors
Systems and methods for dynamic generation of scenarios for managing computer system entities are described herein. A number of management programs are deployed in an administrator framework as embedded plug-ins. One or more management descriptors are provided for the plug-ins. The management descriptors include a number of relationships between the deployed programs and a number of computer system entities. The relationships indicate that the management applications can administer one or more aspects of the corresponding entities. A first management program is selected from the number of deployed management programs to administer a related computer system entity. One or more other management programs are dynamically identified and presented to the user as possible management scenarios. The identification of the other management programs is based on correspondence defined in the management descriptors to the aspects or the types of the computer system entity. |
| US08732706B2 |
Generating governing metrics for resource provisioning
In a method of generating governing metrics, a high-level goal to be met in a provisioned system is identified. In addition, a low-level governing policy designed to facilitate achievement of the high-level goal is selected and properties relating to the selected low-level governing policy are identified. The identified properties are formulated to define governing metrics relevant to the selected low-level governing policy and the formulated governing metrics are outputted. The formulated governing metrics are configured to be used in at least one of evaluating and controlling resource provisioning in the provisioned system. |
| US08732705B2 |
Method and system for virtual machine migration
Virtual machine (VM) technology allows multiple operating systems each deploying multiple applications to run on a single host. This invention presents an effective method and system for virtual machine migration from a source host to a target host. The method and system concern the migration of both the service VM and the element managing it. State of the migrating VM is preserved so that it can resume its execution on the target host. |
| US08732703B2 |
Verifying virtual machines
According to one embodiment, virtual machine attributes are verified. Information (142) about attributes for a virtual machine (152) is obtained (320) from a host machine (120) that the virtual machine (152) executes on. Actual virtual machine attributes (162) are obtained 330 from the virtual machine (152). Discrepancies between the information (142) about the attributes and the actual virtual machine attributes (162) are determined (340) by comparing the information (142) about the attributes to the actual virtual machine attributes (162). |
| US08732702B2 |
File system for storage area network
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for managing access to data in a data storage system. For example, an apparatus comprises at least one processing platform associated with a distributed virtual infrastructure. The processing platform comprises at least one processing device having a processor coupled to a memory. The processing platform is operative to instantiate a meta data management process that is configured to provide at least one client process with information to allow the client process to perform one or more operations in accordance with one or more data storage devices through a storage area network. The information provided to the client process may comprise one or more data block descriptors. Each of the one or more data block descriptors may comprise path information for at least one of the data storage devices and an offset address in the at least one data storage device. The one or more data block descriptors may correspond to one or more data blocks of a given data file that is stored or storable across the one or more data storage devices. |
| US08732701B2 |
Managing protected and unprotected data simultaneously
A first virtual device is created including every logically addressable unit of a data storage server that utilizes data protection. A second virtual device is created including no logically addressable unit of the data storage server that utilizes data protection. Data transfers are disabled within all command phases of the first virtual device. |
| US08732694B2 |
Method and system for performing services in server and client of client/server architecture
A method and system for performing services in a server and a client of a client/server architecture are provided, and the method includes: when performing to a preset user decision point during the service performing process, the server interrupting the service performing and initiating a user decision request to a client, wherein the user decision request includes information requesting the user to decide a service performing action after the user decision point; after a user decision information made by the client responding to the user decision request is received, determining the service performing action corresponding to the received user decision information according to the corresponding relationship between the user decision information and a service performing rule, and performing the service according to the determined service performing action. The service performing action or flow can be intervened or influenced by the client through the present invention. |
| US08732689B2 |
Apparatus and method for upgrading lighting controllers
A lighting system controller is provided that is adapted to upgrade a lighting controller with a software component having multiple upgrade dependencies. According to one example, the lighting system controller is configured to generate an upgrade plan based on the current configuration of the lighting controller and the upgrade dependencies associated with the software component. Further, according to this example, the lightings system controller executes the upgrade plan to install the software upon with the software component is dependent prior to installing the software component. |
| US08732688B1 |
Updating system status
A method is used in updating system status. Updated information is received for a managed object in a data storage system. From the updated information and an existing software object having other information about the managed object, a new software object is derived representing the managed object. Merge logic is applied to update the existing software object based on the new software object. The merge logic being capable of updating an existing full model of the data storage system from a new full model of the data storage system. |
| US08732687B2 |
Arrangement method of programs to memory space, apparatus, and recording medium
For a program that is made up of functions in units, each function is divided into instruction code blocks having a size CS where CS is the instruction cache line size of a target processor and an instruction code block that is Xth counting from the top of each function F is expressed as (F, X). Flow information of nodes that take (F, X) as identification names is extracted from an executable file of the function program. For each identification name, as neighborhood weight of each identification name that differs from that identification name, information for which that the frequency of appearance of each identification name is taken into consideration that belongs to a function that differs from that function in the neighborhood of each appearing node in the flow information is found. Based on said neighborhood weight information, the functions are arranged in the memory space such that the number of conflicts of said instruction cache is reduced. |
| US08732681B2 |
Stack analysis for post mortem analysis
A debug tool that generates a call stack listing by analyzing the crash memory dump data without relying on register data values. The tool uses information gathered by the compiler and linker when the program was compiled and linked, including the stack's size and location in memory. By examining the stack location in the crash memory dump image in conjunction with the debugging data generated by the compiler and the linker and any existing trace data, the last valid frame may be reconstructed indicating the location of the crash. |
| US08732675B2 |
Operational analysis system for a communication device
A system and method for analyzing the real-time performance of a communication device. An aspect of the present invention records information input to the communication device during real-time operation of the communication device. A playback device or module may execute a model of the communication device in a non-real-time environment according to the recorded real-time input information. System execution in the non-real-time playback environment may, therefore, be equivalent to the original operation of the communication device that occurred in real-time. Accordingly, situations that occur in real-time may be efficiently recreated in non-real-time playback. An operator may analyze the past real-time performance of the communication device using the playback device or module, the recorded real-time input information, and a debugger utility if desired, without conducting additional trials to reproduce the desired operational situation. |
| US08732671B2 |
Generating stack traces of call stacks that lack frame pointers
A processing device executing an application analyzer analyzes a call stack having a plurality of stack frames to identify potential return addresses for the plurality of stack frames. The processing device records a value of each of the potential return addresses and records a location on the call stack for each of the potential return addresses. The processing device then determines which of the potential return addresses are actual return addresses based on debugging information and the recorded locations of the potential return addresses. The processing device generates a stack trace based on the actual return addresses. |
| US08732663B2 |
System, method and computer program product for providing automated testing by utilizing a preconfigured point of entry in a test or by converting a test to a predefined format
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for automated testing which utilizes a preconfigured point of entry in a test or which includes a test converted to a predetermined format. These mechanisms and methods for automated testing which utilizes a preconfigured point of entry in a test or which includes a test converted to a predetermined format can provide testing in an automated manner where the testing is otherwise typically performed manually. The ability to provide this automated testing can increase the efficiency of testing code. |
| US08732659B2 |
Method, apparatus and storage medium for customizing application
An application registers a first component used by the application with a customizing mechanism, and a component setting unit notifies the customizing mechanism of a second component corresponding to the first component. In accordance with changeover of the second component corresponding to the first component by the component setting unit, the first component executes process using the second unit after the second unit has been changed over. |
| US08732654B2 |
Dependency-based impact analysis using multidimensional models of software offerings
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the maintenance and execution of a software offering. During operation, the system obtains model data associated with a multidimensional model of the software offering. Next, the system uses the model data to calculate a set of dependency scores representing levels of dependency among a set of service components and a set of resources used by the software offering. Finally, the system uses the dependency scores to facilitate management of the software offering. |
| US08732650B2 |
Method and apparatus for versatile controllability and observability in prototype system
A method for emulating a circuit design includes receiving, at an emulation interface, signal values associated with probed signals from a verification module of a custom prototype board which can be described by at least one board description file and can comprise at least one field programmable gate array for emulating the circuit design. The method can also include processing, the probed signal values associated with a portion of the circuit design being emulated, the emulation interface being capable of being configured to provide timing and control information to at least the verification module, and can comprise a controller and a memory device, with the controller being capable of being configured to receive the probed signal values. The method can further include storing the processed information and transmitting it to the host workstation. |
| US08732644B1 |
Micro electro mechanical switch system and method for testing and configuring semiconductor functional circuits
The present invention systems and methods enable configuration of functional components in integrated circuits. A present invention system and method utilizes micro electro-mechanical switches included in pathways of an integrated circuit to flexibly change the operational characteristics of functional components in an integrated circuit die based upon a variety of factors including power conservation, manufacturing defects, compatibility characteristics, performance requirements, and system health (e.g., the number of components operating properly). The micro electro-mechanical switches are selectively opened and closed to permit and prevent electrical current flow to and from functional components. Opening the micro electro-mechanical switches also enables power conservation by facilitating isolation of a component and minimization of impacts associated with leakage currents. |
| US08732643B2 |
Support method, design support apparatus, computer product using combination pattern is prepared in advance
A design support apparatus includes a detecting unit, a determining unit, and an inserting unit. The detecting unit detects a via that connects wirings in a circuit to be designed that is expressed by layout information. The determining unit determines the connection position of a dummy via that does not connect wirings, to be on at least one of wirings connected to the via detected by the detecting unit. The inserting unit inserts the dummy via at the connection position determined by the determining unit. |
| US08732641B1 |
Pattern matching based parasitic extraction with pattern reuse
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for accurate RC extraction. A pattern database is configured to store layout patterns and their associated 3D extraction parameters. A pattern-matching tool is configured to partition a design into a plurality of patterns, and to search the pattern database for a respective pattern and associated 3D extraction parameters. If the respective pattern is already stored in the pattern database, then the associated 3D extraction parameters stored in the database are assigned to the respective pattern without the need to extract the respective pattern. If the respective pattern is not stored in the pattern database, then the extraction tool extracts the pattern and stores its associated 3D extraction parameters in the pattern database for future use. In this manner a respective pattern is extracted only once for a given design or plurality of designs. Moreover, the extraction result may be applied multiple times for a given design simultaneously, speeding up computation time. The extraction result may also be applied to a plurality of designs simultaneously. |
| US08732633B1 |
Tunable design of an ethernet region of an integrated circuit
Disclosed are a method, non-transitory medium, and system of a tunable design of an Ethernet region of an integrated circuit (IC). In one embodiment, a method comprises modeling a design abstraction of an Ethernet sub-circuit of an integrated circuit as a register transfer level (RTL) code within a data processing device, wherein a first stage of sequential logic in the RTL code is associated with a first stage of combinational logic in the RTL code. The method further comprises implementing, through a processor and based on a timing parameter input into a synthesis tool associated with the RTL code, a selective bypass or a selective enablement of the first stage of sequential logic. Still further, the method comprises synthesizing, through the processor, a netlist from the RTL code, wherein the first stage of sequential logic is sequentially bypassed or sequentially enabled. |
| US08732631B2 |
System and methods for handling verification errors
Systems, apparatus and methods for handling verification violations are disclosed. In one aspect, a method stores a list of fix information in addition to geometric shapes for each layer during verification, such as design rule checking For each primitive operation step performed during verification, two tasks are performed. First, if the primitive operation is a dimensional checking operation (i.e., width, spacing or enclosure), then for each violation, the first task creates fix information containing violation edge pairs and adds the created fix information to the fix information list on the output layer. Second, for all operations and after the output shapes on the output layer are generated, a second task passes the fix information on input layers which overlap any output shape of the output layer to the output layer's fix information list. Finally, fix guides for the final violation results are generated and drawn based on the final fix information list. |
| US08732626B2 |
System and method of circuit layout for multiple cells
A method and system check a double patterning layout in abutting cells and switch the pattern in one of the cells if the edge patterns in each cell are in the same mask. The method includes receiving layout data having patterns in abutting cells, changing a designated mask in one cell if the edge patterns are in the same mask, adjusting cell edge spacings at a shared edge according to a minimum spacing rule and a G1-rule, and outputting a presentation of the layout data. |
| US08732625B2 |
Methods for performing model-based lithography guided layout design
Methods are disclosed to create efficient model-based Sub-Resolution Assist Features (MB-SRAF). An SRAF guidance map is created, where each design target edge location votes for a given field point on whether a single-pixel SRAF placed on this field point would improve or degrade the aerial image over the process window. In one embodiment, the SRAF guidance map is used to determine SRAF placement rules and/or to fine-tune already-placed SRAFs. The SRAF guidance map can be used directly to place SRAFs in a mask layout. Mask layout data including SRAFs may be generated, wherein the SRAFs are placed according to the SRAF guidance map. The SRAF guidance map can comprise an image in which each pixel value indicates whether the pixel would contribute positively to edge behavior of features in the mask layout if the pixel is included as part of a sub-resolution assist feature. |
| US08732624B2 |
Protection for unintentional inputs
A computing device is described that outputs for display at a presence-sensitive screen a lock screen graphical user interface. The lock screen graphical user interface includes an unlock region and a widget region including a first widget. The computing device receives an indication of a user input received at a location of the presence-sensitive screen within the widget region. The computing device determines a characteristic of the user input including at least one of a shape, a length, a velocity, and an acceleration. Responsive to determining that the determined characteristic exceeds a threshold, the computing device outputs for display an updated widget region of the lock screen graphical user interface that includes a second widget. |
| US08732617B1 |
Systems and methods for enhanced function access in mobile applications
Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems and methods for enhanced function access in mobile applications. According to an example implementation, a method is provided. The method includes outputting an application selection screen including one or more icons. The method includes receiving an indication of a first gesture input entered at a first location of a presence-sensitive display, the first location being associated with a first icon from the one or more icons. The method also includes outputting an indication of the one or more predefined functions of the application associated with the first icon, and responsive to a selection, executing the selected at least one of the one or more predefined functions without outputting the respective primary application user interface for the application associated with the first icon. |
| US08732616B2 |
Mark-based electronic containment system and method
A mark-based containment system, in one aspect, may include a graphical user interface operable to receive an indication of a mark as a container marking, attribute one or more container attributes to the container marking, and store the container mark and the container attributes associated with the container mark. |
| US08732613B2 |
Dynamic user interface for navigating among GUI elements
In one example, a computing device executes a plurality of application processes, each of which has an associated graphical user interface element. The computing device renders a common graphical user interface on a presence-sensitive screen. The common graphical user interface includes a currently rendered graphical user interface element associated with a currently selected application process from among the plurality of application processes; a tab row comprising a plurality of tabs, wherein each of the graphical user interface elements corresponds to one of the plurality of tabs; and a slide bar positioned proximate to the tab row. The computing device renders a first tab in the tab row with a larger size than other graphical tabs in the plurality of tabs responsive to receipt by the presence-sensitive screen of a gesture input associated with a region of the slide bar that is closest to the first tab. |
| US08732611B2 |
Graphical user interface for mobile electronic device
Improved approaches to display information on a portable computing device having a display with limited display area are disclosed. The information displayed can, for example, assist a user in navigating a hierarchical menu system operable on the portable computing device to browse, search or play media items. The information displayed can include a menu of the hierarchical menu system along with other information. The menu can include selectable media items. The other information can be related to the menu being displayed. In one embodiment, the invention can use a display screen having at least first and second portions, with the first portion displaying selectable media items (e.g., menu) and with the second portion displaying media information (e.g., graphical image) that is dependent on media items in the first portion or resident on the portable electronic device. |
| US08732610B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhanced browsing, using icons to indicate status of content and/or content retrieval
A method and apparatus for enhanced browsing. The apparatus includes a user interface for presenting an enhanced browsing window of content identified by a link in a page displayed by a browser. The apparatus may include a prefetcher for fetching or prefetching the content and a cache for storing the window. The apparatus may also include an ad interface for retrieving advertisements for display with the content. When a first page is displayed in the browser, content identified by a link to a second page is automatically fetched and an enhanced browsing window, which may initially be invisible, is built. When a user mouses-over a status indicator associated with the link, the window is automatically displayed and the user can navigate the displayed content. The status indicator may change appearance to indicate a status of the prefetching (e.g., initiated, completed, success, failure, communication error). |
| US08732609B1 |
Method and system for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
A system and method for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator whereby data included in a defined data field, or other data, associated with each entry in a list of entries is selected for display and as the list of entries is being scrolled through, the data included in the defined data field, or other data, associated with each entry in the list of entries selected for display is displayed to the user as each entry is passed, i.e., scrolled through, and as the scrolling is in progress, i.e., while the scrolling function is still activated. |
| US08732604B2 |
Interactive test device and a method of testing of a cable network
A test device is disclosed having a display and a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides guidance to a user by displaying first and second icons for representing first and second actions to be taken by the test device upon selecting the first and the second icons, respectively, by the user. To provide the guidance to the user, the second icon has graphical features indicative of the current status of the first action. For cases where the first action is a test that failed, the second action is highlighted thereby guiding the user to take the second action in response to the failed test. At least one of the graphical features of the second icon is indicative of whether the second icon is currently selectable by the user. |
| US08732600B2 |
Browsing or searching user interfaces and other aspects
User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a first display area for display representations of documents matching a search query, the first display area configured to display content of the documents which can have a plurality of different types of content including at least one of text-based content and a folder, and displaying a second display area for selecting a selected document to be displayed in the first display area. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08732599B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for handling a conflict in a CAD drawing
Methods, apparatuses/systems, and software for identifying and resolving conflicts within a drawing by highlighting each conflict in a unique way and generating various reflections of conflicted graphic objects to test different conflict resolution proposals. |
| US08732597B2 |
Folded scrolling
A system that displays content on a computer display. During operation, the system displays the content items within a display area on the computer display, wherein content items surrounding a current point of interest are displayed within a visible region of the display area. If the visible region has insufficient space to display some of the content items, the system selects a portion of the content items to be collapsed. Next, the system collapses the selected content items into one or more folds within the display area, wherein a fold is a compact representation of a contiguous group of adjacent content items and is located in place of the contiguous group of adjacent content items. For each fold, the system then displays a summary of the collapsed content items in the fold. |
| US08732595B2 |
Condition editor for business process management and business activity monitoring
A system for monitoring processes of a distributed business application an integration builder tool. The integration builder tool includes a condition editor having a user interface providing an editing area on a display in which to receive a text-based expression of one or more conditions of a business application process. The editing area further includes an operator palette providing a plurality of operators for use in the text based expression of each of the one or more conditions, and a toolbar providing one or more editing tools for editing the text-based expressions. |
| US08732594B2 |
Information processing device
An information processing device includes: an information acquisition process control unit for selecting an information piece to be selected and sending an instruction to a communication unit; the communication unit for transmitting an information acquisition request to other information processing device connected via a network, and acquiring information from the other information processing device according to the instruction; and a storage unit storing a display amount information indicating the amount of display information which can be displayed on a display unit at once. The information acquisition process control unit instructs the communication unit to acquire more information than the amount indicated by the display amount information. This realizes an effective information acquisition and appropriate user-friendliness. |
| US08732592B2 |
Methods and systems relating to an augmented virtuality environment
Systems and methods relating to an augmented virtuality system are disclosed. A method of operating an augmented virtuality system may comprise displaying imagery of a real-world environment in an operating picture. The method may further include displaying a plurality of virtual icons in the operating picture representing at least some assets of a plurality of assets positioned in the real-world environment. Additionally, the method may include displaying at least one virtual item in the operating picture representing data sensed by one or more of the assets of the plurality of assets and remotely controlling at least one asset of the plurality of assets by interacting with a virtual icon associated with the at least one asset. |
| US08732591B1 |
Annotations of objects in multi-dimensional virtual environments
A computer-implemented method of enabling participation by a first client and a second client in a communication session in a multi-dimensional virtual environment, the multi-dimensional virtual environment having first and second avatars respectively associated with the first and second clients and a plurality of objects distinct from the avatars. The method includes receiving from the first client a first annotation associated with a first object of the plurality of objects, transmitting the first annotation to the second client for display at the second client in association with the first object, receiving from the second client a second annotation associated with a second object of the plurality of objects, and transmitting the second annotation to the first client for display at the first client in association with the second object. |
| US08732588B2 |
Method and apparatus for remotely displaying screen files and efficiently handling remote operator input
A system and method for remotely displaying screen files and for trapping a customized set of operator input is disclosed. A server generates and deploys a plurality of screen files to a remote client. The screen files each include a plurality of display control elements and a list of events to be trapped and forwarded to the server. The list of events may be optimized for each particular screen file. The remote client displays the plurality of display control elements and stores the list of events. For any event that occurs which is included in the list of events, such as a submit data event, the remote client sends data indicative of the event to the server. The server interprets the data indicative of the occurrence of the event, processes the event, and, if appropriate, generates and sends a command to update the displayed representation of the screen file. |
| US08732585B2 |
Community information updates in a sidebar
Members of Internet community websites, such as for example, social networking sites, photo sharing sites, review site, and other community sites, regularly make updates to the websites. Therefore a member of those sites is constantly checking those sites for new updates. In one embodiment, an application module of a sidebar provides an indicator, such as, for example, a new item in the application module, to the sidebar user when an update is made to a community website by another member of the site. |
| US08732584B2 |
System and method for generating an information stream summary using a display metric
A system and method for generating an information stream summary using a display metric is provided. An information stream including a plurality of information stream items is received. A display metric is calculated for each of the plurality of information stream items. The information stream items are grouped into one or more summary objects. A size is assigned to each of the one or more summary objects and the one or more summary objects are displayed based on the assigned size. |
| US08732583B2 |
Method of remotely controlling a presentation in loop mode using a portable electronic device
A system and method are set forth for remotely controlling a presentation in a loop mode to allow the presentation to continue in the absence of a communication channel between the portable electronic device and remote presentation device. In particular, the portable electronic device can issue a command to the remote presentation device to present the presentation in loop mode so that a user of the portable electronic device can leave the vicinity of the remote presentation device (e.g. out of communication range) while the presentation plays in loop mode. |
| US08732579B2 |
Rapid preview of remote video content
An internet client-server method to rapidly preview video files. Source video files are compressed into lower resolution preview video files, thumbnail image files, and stored on a preview internet server. Typically only a small fraction of the source video frames, such as 1 frame in 60, is used for the preview. A user using a touch sensitive computerized device such as a smartphone can view the thumbnail video images while the compressed video files load in the background. When the user touches or swipes an image of interest, or shakes the device, device video preview application software detects the action and directs the device to start playing the preview video file(s). The application software detects when the user swipes the preview video, and changes the rate and direction of playback of the preview video file, and trickplay functionality, often according to the speed and/or direction of the swipe. |
| US08732576B2 |
Operating system providing multi-touch support for applications in a mobile device
An operating system providing multi-touch support for (user) applications in a mobile device. In one embodiment, a check of whether the touch screen (in the mobile device) has multi-touch capability is performed. A first interface with multi-touch capability is provided to the (user) applications if the touch screen has multi-touch capability and a second interface with single touch capability being provided if the touch screen does not have multi-touch capability. The first and second interfaces may be provided by corresponding device drivers loaded when the mobile device is initialized with the operating system. A device driver (providing the second interface) is also designed to perform the check and execute another device driver (providing the first interface) if the touch screen has multi-touch capability. |
| US08732575B2 |
Word processing system and method with automatic undo operation monitoring and analysis
A word processing system includes an undo function monitor that monitors the history of a user's use of the undo operation. Depending upon the pattern detected, the system disables the particular auto-formatting feature that triggered the undesired automatic operation. In an illustrative embodiment, the system tracks whether a number of undo operations exceeds a programmable threshold. In one illustrative implementation, the system also tracks the number of times a user has undone, i.e., reversed, an automatic formatting operation compared with the number of instances where the user has permitted the subject automatic formatting operation to take place. |
| US08732572B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for selecting a media enhancement
The present invention is and includes a device, system and method for providing an image enhancement widget. The device, system and method include a javascript component that, upon execution, obtains at least one subject of primary content on a networked page, and at least one permission for enhancement of the primary content, ones of a plurality of content produced remotely from the javascript component and according to the javascript component, and an enhancement widget. The enhancement widget may be a flash widget. |
| US08732571B2 |
Methods and systems for generating and displaying a preview image of a content area
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for generating and displaying a preview image of a content area are described herein. An embodiment includes rendering an image representing the content area requested by a browser, providing the rendered image to the browser for display, and enabling the browser to display the requested content area in place of the rendered image when the content area is received by the browser. The method further includes updating language defining the requested content area to reference the rendered image and to enable transition from a display of the rendered image to a display of the requested content area, and providing the updated language to the browser to enable the browser to display the rendered image while the requested content area is being provided to the browser. |
| US08732570B2 |
Non-symbolic data system for the automated completion of forms
A system and method for paper-based, automated completion of forms allows a user charged with filling out multiple forms containing some common information to write each unique piece of information one time, and the system generates a set of completed forms with the required information on each form with no change to the use or structure of the current forms. The control module is operable on a processor to determine a mapping between common fields on multiple forms or multiple pages of the same form, copy information written in a field on one form to equivalent fields on other forms, and produce a set of completed forms. The system is computationally simple and independent of language because these operations can be performed without having to understand, translate or convert the writing. Furthermore, there is no loss of security or privacy beyond the use of paper forms because these operations can be performed without access to a centralized database and without connectivity to other systems. The system is advantageous because it does not change paper based workflows since the inputs and outputs of this system are paper. |
| US08732563B2 |
Method for mapping and de-mapping of non-binary symbols in data communication systems
A method of de-mapping non-binary Galois field symbols from physical layer code-words in a data communication system, in which at least one physical layer code-word includes portions mapped from more than one non-binary Galois field symbol is provided. The method includes calculating at least a provisional likelihood estimate for values of a first non-binary Galois field symbol having at least portions within a first physical layer code-word, the calculating including selecting a first number of values of a second non-binary Galois field symbol having at least portions within the first physical layer code-word, the first number forming a subset of the possible values of the second non-binary Galois field symbol. |
| US08732561B2 |
System and method for forward error correction decoding using soft information
A system and method for soft decision forward error correction (FEC) decoding may be used to determine a possible error in a differential detection signal, for example, in a DPSK system. The system and method uses the constructive and destructive signals from a demodulator to provide an error locating signal. Using the error locating signal, the system and method converts the differential detection signal into a soft decision signal including multi-level soft values. |
| US08732559B2 |
Recovery from burst packet loss in internet protocol based wireless networks using staggercasting and cross-packet forward error correction
A method and system for transmitting data are described including packetizing the data, performing forward error correction (FEC) encoding on the packetized data in order to generate a parity packet, appending FEC information as padding to the end of payload data of the packetized data and transmitting the packetized data and the at least one parity packet. Also described are a method and system for recovering from loss of a packet including receiving a data packet, receiving a parity packet, buffering the received data packet, detecting packet loss, forward error correction decoding the parity packet to recover from packet loss using forward error correction information extracted from the data packet and from the parity packet and forwarding the recovered packet via an internal socket. Also described is a method for staggercasting. |
| US08732556B2 |
System and method for fault tolerant computing using generic hardware
A dual redundant process controller is provided. The controller comprises a first processor, memory, and instance of a process control application stored in the first memory. The controller further comprises a second processor, memory, and instance of the process control application stored in the second memory. When executed by the first processor, the first application instance writes a first synchronization information to the second memory, reads a second synchronization information from the first memory, and, when the second synchronization information disagrees with the first synchronization information after passage of a predetermined time-out interval, performs a resynchronization function; and wherein, when executed by the second processor, the second application instance writes the second synchronization information to the first memory, reads the first synchronization information from the second memory, and, when the first synchronization information disagrees with the second synchronization information after passage of the predetermined time-out interval, performs the resynchronization function. |
| US08732555B2 |
Addressing variations in bit error rates amongst data storage segments
The disclosure is related to an apparatus and methods for addressing variations in bit error rates amongst data storage segments. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a controller that detects variations in bit error rates amongst different segments of a plurality of segments in a storage medium. The controller also adjusts a read/write operation parameter according to the detected variations amongst the bit error rates in the plurality of segments. |
| US08732554B2 |
Data storage device and method for checking and correcting errors
According to one embodiment, a data storage device includes a read module, an ECC module, and a controller. The read module is configured to read data to be accessed and designation data designating the data, from nonvolatile memories. The ECC module is configured to perform an error check and correction process on the data and designation data read by the read module. The controller is configured to correct the designation data if the ECC module cannot correct the designation data and to perform an error detection process based on the designation data corrected. |
| US08732552B2 |
Block management method, memory controller and memory storage device thereof
A block management method for managing physical blocks of a rewritable non-volatile memory module, and a memory controller and a memory storage device using the same are provided. The method includes maintaining an error information table for recording one or more error correctable physical blocks among the physical blocks and an error bit number corresponding to the one or more error correctable physical blocks. The method further includes selecting a physical block for writing data according to the one or more error correctable physical blocks and the error bit number thereof recorded in the error information table. Accordingly, the data stability of the memory storage device can be improved. |
| US08732551B2 |
Memory controller with automatic error detection and correction
A memory validation manager reserves a block of time for exclusive accesses to a memory bank having lines of memory for which validation codes provide a degree of error detection and correction for each memory line. The memory validation manager reads, processes, and corrects at least some of the contents of each memory line based on indications of validity encountered for each memory line. New data is written in response to a validation code. Likewise, a valid field for each line can be updated and a new validation code written for a memory when the valid field indicates that a validation code has not yet been written for a memory line. The memory validation manager processes data read from a first memory line while either reading or writing to another memory line to minimize the latency of the process of scrubbing memory lines. |
| US08732550B2 |
Processor and error correcting method
A processor for processing data and correcting an error occurring in the data, the processor includes: a register that stores data with error check data and error correction data; an error detector that detects an error in the data stored in the register by using the error check data; and an error corrector that corrects the detected error by using the error correction data and that stores the corrected data back into the register. |
| US08732547B2 |
Transmission apparatus and transmission method
In a multi-antenna communication system using LDPC codes, a simple method is used to effectively improve the received quality by performing a retransmittal of less data without restricting applicable LDPC codes. In a case of a non-retransmittal, a multi-antenna transmitting apparatus transmits, from two antennas, LDPC encoded data formed by LDPC encoding blocks. In a case of a retransmittal, the multi-antenna transmitting apparatus uses a transmission method, in which the diversity gain is higher than in the previous transmission, to transmit only a part of the LDPC encoded data as previously transmitted. For example, the only the part of the LDPC encoded data to be re-transmitted is transmitted from the single antenna. |
| US08732543B1 |
Tensor product codes for flash
In embodiments, data may be encoded based on a tensor product code by encoding incoming data to produce first codewords, and encoding the first codewords to produce second codewords. The incoming data may be combined with the second codewords to produce messages, which can then be transmitted and/or stored. Decoding a received message may include encoding a data portion to produce an intermediate code, and decoding the intermediate code using a codeword portion of the message to produce a corrected codeword. The data portion may then be decoded using the corrected codeword to recover data from the message. |
| US08732536B2 |
Communication system and communication apparatus state determining method
A slave station 30 includes a cyclic-memory managing unit 36 that generates data expansion state information indicating whether received cyclic data is expanded into a cyclic memory 33 and data processing state information indicating whether the slave station 30 is in a state in which the slave station 30 can receive data frame at the time of receiving the data frame, and a frame transmitting unit 38 that transmits a state notification frame including the data expansion state information and the data processing state information to a master station. The master station includes a system-abnormal-state determining unit that determines, when a token frame is received, an error state of the slave station 30 using the data expansion state information and the data processing state information of the state notification frame received by a frame receiving unit. |
| US08732531B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method of controlling information processing apparatus, and control program
An information processing apparatus includes a processing device and a management device managing the processing device, wherein the processing device includes a first storage device for storing a first program, a first processor that executes the first program, detects an error occurring in the processing device, and extracts partial information which is part of information stored in the first storage device when the error is detected in the processing device through the execution of the first program, and a first control device that transmits the extracted partial information to the management device, and wherein the management device includes a second control device connected to the first control device and that receives the transmitted partial information from the processing device; and a second storage device that stores the received partial information. |
| US08732529B2 |
Mobile communication terminal capable of testing application and method thereof
Disclosed is a method for testing an application in a testing agent which resides on an application layer of a mobile communication terminal mounted with a platform designed so that applications of the application layer operate independently from each other and a command is not directly transferred between the applications. The method includes: receiving a command for testing a test target application from a testing apparatus; generating an event corresponding to the transferred command; and registering the generated event in a window manager positioned on a framework layer in order to transfer the generated event to the test target application. |
| US08732528B1 |
Measuring test effects using adjusted outlier data
This disclosure is directed to measuring test effects using adjusted outlier data. Test data and control data may include some outlier data (i.e., right-side tails of distribution curves), which may bias the resultant data. The outlier data may be adjusted to reduce bias. A cutoff point is selected along the distribution of data. Data below the cutoff is maintained and used to determine an effect of the data below the cutoff point. The effect of the data above the cutoff may be processed as follows. Predictor data is identified from the data below, but near, the cutoff point. The predictor data may then be used determine the effect of the outlier data that is above the cutoff point. In some embodiments, the predictor data may be weighted and combined with a weighted portion of the outlier data to determine an effect of the data above the cutoff point. |
| US08732527B2 |
Secure recovery apparatus and method
A system and method is disclosed for recovering a boot image from a secure location. Hardware instructions initiate a sequence of boot cycles to launch a computer operating system on a computer-enabled device. During the boot cycles, multiple levels of boot code are verified and a determination is made whether each level is usable by the device. If a level of boot code is determined to be unusable, a secure copy of the boot code is loaded from a secure read-only location to repair the unusable code to launch the computer operating system. |
| US08732525B2 |
User-coordinated resource recovery
A computing system includes a processor configured to identify a resource manager associated with a computing transaction, classify the computing transaction to determine a predetermined metric, measure an actual metric of the computing transaction, compare the predetermined metric to the actual metric to detect abnormal behavior in the transaction and model the abnormal behavior to determine how the resource manager is affected by the abnormal behavior. |
| US08732524B2 |
Systems and methods for using a corrective action as diagnostic evidence
Methods, systems and computing devices are provided for using a completed corrective action as evidence of a fault. The methods, systems and computing devices receive equipment status evidence and determine an equipment fault based on the equipment status evidence. The methods, systems and computing devices also create and rank a list of potential failure modes based at least in part on the determined equipment fault, recommend a corrective action to correct the equipment fault based at least in part on the ranking of the potential failure modes and receiving additional equipment status evidence indicating that the recommended corrective action failed to correct the equipment fault. The methods, systems and computing devices then associate a detection probability and a false negative rate with the failed corrective action to create additional status evidence, and re-rank the list of potential failure modes for subsequent performance based on the additional status evidence. |
| US08732522B2 |
System on chip fault detection
The invention relates to a method for fault identification in a System-on-Chip (SoC) consisting of a number of IP cores, wherein each IP core is a fault containment unit, and where the IP cores communicate with one another by means of messages via a Network-on-Chip, and wherein an excellent IP core provides a TRM (Trusted Resource Monitor), wherein a faulty control message which is sent from one non-privileged IP core to another non-privileged IP core is identified and projected by an (independent) fault container unit, as a result of which this faulty control message cannot cause any failure of the message receiver. |
| US08732519B2 |
Method for using bad blocks of flash memory
A method is provided for using bad blocks in flash memory. The method includes placing in a replacement area of the flash memory a special bad block that meets a “still usable” condition from the bad blocks of the flash memory. The method also includes receiving a use request for using the special bad block in the replacement area to store user data, writing the user data into the special bad block, and determining whether the user data is successfully written into the special bad block. Further, the method includes placing the special bad block back into the replacement area for a next use request when it is determined that the user data is not successfully written into the special bad block. |
| US08732518B2 |
Reliability based data allocation and recovery in a storage system
A storage system provides highly flexible data layouts that can be tailored based on reliability considerations. The system allocates reliability values to logical containers at an upper logical level of the system based, for example, on objectives established by reliability SLOs. Based on the reliability value, the system identifies a specific parity group from a lower physical storage level of the system for storing data corresponding to the logical container. After selecting a parity group, the system allocates the data to physical storage blocks within the parity group. In embodiments, the system attaches the reliability value information to the parity group and the physical storage units storing the data. In this manner, the underlying physical layer has a semantic understanding of reliability considerations related to the data stored at the logical level. Based on this semantic understanding, the system has the capability to prioritize data operations on the physical storage units according to the reliability values attached to the parity groups. |
| US08732513B2 |
Method and system for a message processor switch for performing incremental redundancy in edge compliant terminals
Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for processing messages. Aspects of the method may comprise receiving at least one signal on a chip that controls switching from a core processor to a DSP. At least a first bus that couples the core processor to a message processor and at least a first clock signal that clocks the core processor may be switched. At least a second bus that couples the DSP to the message processor and at least a second clock signal that clocks the DSP may be switched. When a loss of clock signal from the core processor or the DSP to the message processor is detected, a third clock signal for clocking the message processor may be generated. The message processor switch significantly reduces the amount of bandwidth utilized for transfer of data between the core processor and the DSP and provides incremental redundancy (IR) without high hardware cost and software MIPS, thereby providing significant improvement in system performance. |
| US08732510B2 |
Digital forced oscilation by direct digital synthesis to generate pulse stream having frequency relative to a reference clock signal and to eliminate an off-chip filter
An opportunity is apparent to develop alternative circuitry. Simplified circuitry without artifacts tied to the clock that drives a digital frequency generator (DFG) is useful in a variety of tunable electronic devices. The present invention relates to digital frequency generation. In particular, it relates to a method and apparatus for the digital generation of a pulse stream having a desired frequency relative to a reference clock signal and the ratio of two integers. The method applies generally to integers whose ratio is not an integer. The DFG as a device can be integrated onto a simple chip, without need for an off-chip filter. |
| US08732506B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing power to a server platforms by using a capacitor to provide power during a second power supply transitioning on
In one embodiment, a method includes determining if a power load requirement associated with a server arrangement is below a threshold. The server arrangement includes at least a first power supply and a second power supply, as well as a capacitor arrangement. The method also includes providing power to the server arrangement using the first power supply and not the second power supply when it is determined that the power load requirement is below the threshold, and providing the power to the server arrangement using the first power supply and the second power supply when it is determined that the power load requirement is not below the threshold. |
| US08732502B2 |
Electronic device with serial ATA interface and power saving method for serial ATA buses
In an electronic device with a serial ATA interface, upon detection of the issue or reception of a preset command, a confirmation device, such as a CPU, confirms the completion of execution of the command. Upon confirming the completion of execution of the command, a controller, which may also be the CPU, controls shifting of the serial ATA interface to a power saving mode. |
| US08732501B1 |
System and method for intelligent energy management in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes generating a message to be communicated over a network to a plurality of entities that reside in a domain. The message includes data relating to energy use. The message can be generated by one or more computing devices belonging to the domain. A selected one of the computing devices can control power consumption for the entities in the domain. In more specific embodiments, a formatting of the message is done at an application level. The formatting of the message is independent of a transport protocol of the message. |
| US08732497B2 |
Data processing apparatus, method for controlling data processing apparatus, and storage medium storing program
An apparatus operates in at least a first mode and a second mode consuming less power than the first mode, and stores information indicating specific data to be responded without shifting from the second mode to the first mode, the data being received from a network during an operation in the second mode. Data received from the network during an operation in the first mode is determined whether to be the specific data indicated by the information stored by a storage unit. When the data is the specific data, a shift from the first mode to the second mode after responding to the received data is faster than when the data is not the specific data. |
| US08732496B2 |
Method and apparatus to support a self-refreshing display device coupled to a graphics controller
A method and apparatus for supporting a self-refreshing display device coupled to a graphics controller are disclosed. A self-refreshing display device has a capability to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer. A graphics controller coupled to the display device may optimally be placed in one or more power saving states when the display device is operating in a panel self-refresh mode. Data objects stored in a memory associated with the graphics controller may be aliased in another memory subsystem accessible to the operating system, graphical user interface, or applications executing in the system while the graphics controller is in a deep sleep state. The disclosed technique utilizes a virtual memory pointer, that may be updated in one or more virtual memory page tables to point to either the memory associated with the graphics controller or an alternate memory alias. |
| US08732490B1 |
Methods and apparatus to selectively power functional units
A processing engine fetches one or more lines of software instructions into an instruction cache. Based on the contents of the cache, potentially needed functional units are identified as functional units that are operable to execute at least one software instruction stored within the instruction cache. Unneeded functional units are identified as functional units that are not operable to execute a software instruction stored within the instruction cache. A power increase is initiated for selected ones of the potentially needed functional units that are determined to be in a low power state. A power decrease is initiated for selected ones of the unneeded functional units that are determined to be in an operable power state. |
| US08732488B1 |
Millions of instruction per second (MIPS) based idle profiler in a power management framework
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method that comprises, within a sample window, determining an active time of a central processing unit (CPU) at an operating frequency. If there are any different operating frequencies within the sample window, the method further comprises determining active times of the CPU at the different operating frequencies within the sample window and, based upon the active times for the operating frequencies within the sample window, calculating a millions of instructions per second (MIPS) value for the sample window. The method further comprises performing a comparison of the MIPS value to a threshold value and, based upon the comparison of the MIPS value to the threshold value, setting an operating frequency of the CPU for a next sample window. |
| US08732484B2 |
Information processing apparatus, software updating method, and image processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus which updates a basic software package is disclosed. The information processing apparatus includes an encryption and decryption unit which stores values calculated uniquely from software and encrypts information based on the calculated values and decrypts encrypted information based on the calculated values. The basic software package includes a firmware authenticating module for authenticating a firmware updating file which includes new software for updating the basic software package, a value uniquely calculated from the new software, and a public key signature. The information processing apparatus further includes a software updating module which updates the basic software package by using the authenticated firmware updating file, and an encryption key managing module for encrypting again the information encrypted by the values based on a value changed by updating the basic software package. |
| US08732480B2 |
Memory management device and memory management method
According to an embodiment, a memory management device increments a lower value of a first counter, updates the counter by incrementing an upper value and resetting the lower value when the lower value overflows, increments to update the lower counter value when the upper value is incremented as a result of writing a second data piece having the upper value in common to a memory, recalculates a first secret value calculated using the first counter values and a root secret value in response to the first counter update, writes a first data piece and the first secret value to the memory, and at reading of the first data piece and the first secret value, calculates a second secret value using the updated first counter values and the root secret value, and compares the first secret value with the second secret value to verify the first data piece. |
| US08732478B2 |
Uniform modular framework for a host computer system
A security framework for a host computer system which allows a host to control access to a compliant security token by ensuring enforcement of established security policies administered by a middleware application. Processing between the host computer system and the security token is performed using one or more modular security application agents. The modular security application agents are counterpart applications to security applications installed in the security token and may be retrieved and installed upon to ensure compatibility between counterpart token and host security applications. The security policies are a composite of host security policies and token security policies which are logically combined by the middleware application at the beginning of a session. |
| US08732477B2 |
Graphical image authentication and security system
A method and system for protection of and secure access to a computer system or computer network from a portable device. The method includes the steps of receiving a first login account identifier, such as a user name from a user in communication with the computer system or network. A determination is made if the user is recognized and enrolled from the first login account identifier. If the user is recognized, a series of randomly generated visual images is displayed including one visual image from an image category which has been pre-selected by the user upon enrollment. An image category identifier is randomly assigned to each visual image in the series. An image category identifier is entered and received. If the login account identifier and the image category are validated, access is permitted to the computer system or network from the portable device. |
| US08732476B1 |
Automatic intervention
Securing a network is disclosed. A monitored session between a client and a network resource is provided. It is determined whether the client is attempting an authorized command. If the command is determined to be unauthorized, the command is intercepted. Optionally, remedial action is taken if it is determined that the client is attempting an unauthorized command. |
| US08732475B2 |
Authentication and binding of multiple devices
Systems and methods are described that relate to authentication and/or binding of multiple devices with varying security profiles. In one aspect, a first device with a higher security profile may vouch for the authenticity of a second device with a lower security profile when the second device requests access for content from a content provider. The vouching process may be implemented by allowing the first device to overlay its digital signature on a registration request that has been signed and transmitted by the second device. The second device with the lower security profile may access content from the content provider or source for a predetermined time period, even when the second device does not access content through the first device. |
| US08732471B2 |
Data communication method, computer and information storing medium
A computer including at least two processors is used to preferably perform a secure data communication. Data containing a processor ID identifying one of the at least two processors provided for a first computer (computer 31) is transmitted from the first computer to a second computer (a node at the other party) (S91, S92). The second computer returns data containing the processor ID contained in the data transmitted in S91 and S92 and a public key certificate relating to the second computer. The first computer receives the data returned from the second computer, acquires, from the received data, the processor ID contained therein, and causes a processor (SPE1), which is identified by the processor ID, to process the received data. At this moment, the processing of the data is restricted according to a content of the public key certificate contained in the received data. |
| US08732465B2 |
Method and apparatus for source identification for key handling following a handover failure
A method of enabling key handling for a handover between different domains may include determining whether an indication of a potential key mismatch is present responsive to an attempt to conduct a handover between a first domain and a second domain, and defining validity of a most recent key set used for ciphering communication between a mobile terminal and a network device based on a result of the determining. |
| US08732461B2 |
Client apparatus, server apparatus, and program using entity authentication and biometric authentication
A client apparatus receives a message including a random number from a server apparatus during the handshake of agreement process, creates a biometric negotiation message including the biometric authentication method information and sends the biometric negotiation message to the server apparatus. Then, the client apparatus executes a biometric authentication based on biometric authentication method information notified from the server apparatus and encrypts the random number based on the private key. In addition, the client apparatus generates an authenticator from a result of the biometric authentication, the biometric authentication method information, the encrypted random number, and the client certificate, and sends to the server apparatus an authentication context including these. The server apparatus verifies the authentication context and establishes a secure session in one handshake. |
| US08732457B2 |
Scalable certificate validation and simplified PKI management
Managing a digital certificate includes a landlord providing a digital certificate, a secure hardware device generating a series of n hash values, the secure hardware device providing an nth hash value to the landlord, wherein other hash values are not readily available to the landlord, the landlord placing the nth hash value in the certificate, the landlord digitally verifying the certificate containing the nth hash value to obtain a digitally signed certificate, a tenant obtaining the digitally signed certificate, the tenant obtaining the n hash values and the tenant managing the certificate by periodically issuing a previous hash value in the series of n hash values in response to the certificate being valid when the previous hash value is issued. |
| US08732455B2 |
Method and system for securing against leakage of source code
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and a system of detecting source code in a message being sent over a digital communication network to secure against unauthorized leakage of source code. The message is intercepted on a network device, placed into a memory on the network device, and divided into one or more segments, wherein each segment includes a predetermined number of lines of text from the message. For each segment, one or more syntax rules of a programming language is applied to the segment and a predetermined number of context lines of text before the segment and/or after the segment, to determine which of the syntax rules of the programming language are matched in the segment. A determination of whether the text message includes source code is provided based on the syntax rules that were matched. |
| US08732448B2 |
System and method of delaying power-up of an information handling system
A system and method of delaying power-up of an information handling system is disclosed. According to an aspect, a method of powering an information handling system can include detecting a delay power-up setting within a basic input output system (BIOS) of a particular information handling system using a management controller. The management controller can be configured to delay power-up of the particular information handling system. The method can further include enabling a power-up of the particular information handling system in response to the delay power-up setting using the management controller. |
| US08732447B2 |
Contextual history of computing objects
Various features for a computer operating system include mechanisms for operating where a single native application, in the form of a Web browser, exists for an operating system, and all other applications run as Web apps of the browser application. A computer-implemented object tracking method includes instantiating, a first time, an operating system object on a computing device; automatically identifying contextual meta data that defines a state of objects that are open on the computing device, other than the instantiated operating system object, when the operating system object is instantiated; and storing the identifying contextual meta data in correlation with the operating system object, wherein the contextual meta data identifies one or more objects that are active in the operating system when the operating system object is instantiated. |
| US08732441B2 |
Multiprocessing system
A multiprocessing system includes a storage part that stores to a memory, a first operating system (OS) task set that is constituted by a combination of a first task and a first OS corresponding to the first task, the first task being designated by an execution instruction; and a task executing part that refers to the first OS task set stored to the memory, loads the OS constituting the first OS task set, and executes the first task designated by the execution instruction. |
| US08732440B2 |
Data pattern generator with selectable programmable outputs
A method for generating a digital signal pattern at M outputs involves retrieving an instruction from memory comprising a first set of bits identifying a first group of N outputs that includes fewer than all of the M outputs, and a second set of N bits each corresponding to a respective output included in the identified first group of N outputs. For each of the M outputs that is included in the identified first group of N outputs, the signal at the output is toggled if the one of the N bits corresponding to that output is in a first state and is kept in the same state if the one of the N bits corresponding to that output is in a second state. For each of the M outputs that is not included in the identified first group of N outputs, the signal at that output is kept in the same state. |
| US08732438B2 |
Anti-prefetch instruction
Embodiments of the present invention execute an anti-prefetch instruction. These embodiments start by decoding instructions in a decode unit in a processor to prepare the instructions for execution. Upon decoding an anti-prefetch instruction, these embodiments stall the decode unit to prevent decoding subsequent instructions. These embodiments then execute the anti-prefetch instruction, wherein executing the anti-prefetch instruction involves: (1) sending a prefetch request for a cache line in an L1 cache; (2) determining if the prefetch request hits in the L1 cache; (3) if the prefetch request hits in the L1 cache, determining if the cache line contains a predetermined value; and (4) conditionally performing subsequent operations based on whether the prefetch request hits in the L1 cache or the value of the data in the cache line. |
| US08732435B1 |
Single buffer multi-channel de-interleaver/interleaver
An input data stream is received for processing at an integrated circuit (IC) through multiple channels. The input data stream is interleaved and the interleaved input data stream is stored in a memory buffer associated with the IC. An addressing scheme is defined for reading and writing data samples from and to the memory buffer within the IC. The addressing scheme includes determining a current increment by analyzing a pattern associated with data samples within the memory buffer and determining the memory address for each data sample within the memory buffer using the current increment. A data sample for a frame is read from a corresponding address within the memory buffer using the addressing scheme and a subsequent data sample from the interleaved input data stream is written into the corresponding address of the memory buffer. The current increment and the addressing scheme are stored in the memory buffer. The current increment is dynamically determined by analyzing data samples in the memory buffer after processing of each frame of data and is used in redefining the addressing scheme for subsequent data processing. |
| US08732434B2 |
Memory device, computer system including the same, and operating methods thereof
A memory device includes a hash table storing a hash value, a bit value, and a page address for each of a plurality of pages, a memory cell unit configured to store the pages and output contents corresponding to the page addresses of the pages having a same hash value, and a controller including a comparator configured to compare the contents output from the memory cell unit and change at least one bit value associated with a respective one of the pages upon determining that the contents of the pages are the same. |
| US08732433B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for providing data from multiple memories
Apparatuses and methods for providing data are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a plurality of memories coupled to a data bus. The memories are configured to provide data to the data bus responsive, at least in part, to a first address. The plurality of memories are further configured to provide at least a portion of the data corresponding to the first address to the data bus during a sense operation for a second address provided to the plurality of memories after the first address. Each of the plurality of memories provides data to the data bus corresponding to the first address at different times. Moreover, a plurality of memories may be configured to provide at least 2N bits of data to the data bus responsive, at least in part, to an address, each of the plurality of memories configured to provide N bits of data to the data bus at different times. |
| US08732423B1 |
Data encryption in a network memory architecture for providing data based on local accessibility
A network memory system is disclosed. The network memory system comprises a first appliance configured to encrypt first data, store the encrypted first data in a first memory device. The first appliance also determines whether the encrypted first data exists in a second appliance and transmits a store instruction comprising the encrypted first data based on the determination that the encrypted first data does not exist in the second appliance. The second appliance is configured to receive the store instruction from the first appliance and store the encrypted first data in a second memory device. The second appliance is further configured to receive a retrieve instruction comprising a location indicator indicating where the encrypted first data is stored, process the retrieve instruction to obtain encrypted response data, and decrypt the encrypted response data. |
| US08732422B2 |
Storage apparatus and its control method
A storage apparatus obtains a snapshot(s) of a first logical volume when needed and saves old data to a second logical volume when data is written to the first logical volume after obtaining the snapshot. A storage area of the second logical volume is allocated in chunk units to the first logical volume and a tendency of order to delete snapshots is judged when the chunks have been completely used up. If there is a tendency to delete the snapshots in their acquisition order, a new chunk is allocated to the first logical volume and a storage area in that chunk is determined to be a save location of the old data. If there is a tendency to delete the snapshots randomly, an unused storage area in a chunk already allocated to the first logical volume is determined to be the save location of the old data. |
| US08732413B2 |
Method and system for preloading page using control flow
A method and system for page preloading using a control flow are provided. The method includes extracting preload page information from one or more pages in a first program code, and generating a second program code including the first program code and the extracted preload page information. The second program code is stored in non-volatile memory. When loading a page from the second program code stored in the non-volatile memory into main memory, preloading one or more pages from the non-volatile memory based on the preload page information stored in the loaded page. |
| US08732410B2 |
Method and apparatus for accelerated shared data migration
A method and apparatus for accelerated shared data migration between cores. Using an Always Migrate protocol, when a migratory probe hits a directory entry in either modified or owned state, the entry is transitioned to an owned state, and a source done command is sent without sending cache block ownership or state information to the directory. |
| US08732409B2 |
Cache management policy and corresponding device
A cache management policy is provided, comprising a method for writing back to a memory (104) a data element set (122) stored in a cache (110). The method reduces the time some items stay in the cache, and thereby improves the utilization of the cache for some applications, especially for video applications. The method comprises determining that each one of the multiple data elements has been updated through at least one write request; marking the data element set as a write-back candidate, in dependency on said determination; and writing the write-back candidate to the memory. |
| US08732408B2 |
Circuit and method with cache coherence stress control
A circuit contains a shared memory (12), that is used by a plurality of processing elements (10) that contain cache circuits (102) for caching data from the shared memory (12). The processing elements perform a plurality of cooperating tasks, each task involving caching data from the shared memory (12) and sending cache message traffic. Consistency between cached data for different tasks is maintained by transmission of cache coherence requests via a communication network. Information from cache coherence requests generated for all of said tasks is buffered. One of the processing elements provides an indication signal indicating a current task stage of at least one of the processing elements. Additional cache message traffic is generated adapted dependent on the indication signal and the buffered information from the cache coherence requests. Thus conditions of cache traffic stress may be created to verify operability of the circuit, or cache message traffic may be delayed to avoid stress. |
| US08732407B2 |
Deadlock avoidance during store-mark acquisition
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that avoids deadlock while attempting to acquire store-marks on cache lines. During operation, the system keeps track of store-mark requests that arise during execution of a thread, wherein a store-mark on a cache line indicates that one or more associated store buffer entries are waiting to be committed to the cache line. In this system, store-mark requests are processed in a pipelined manner, which allows a store-mark request to be initiated before preceding store-mark requests for the same thread complete. Next, if a store-mark request fails, within a bounded amount of time, the system removes or prevents store-marks associated with younger store-mark requests for the same thread, thereby avoiding a potential deadlock that can arise when one or more other threads attempt to store-mark the same cache lines. |
| US08732404B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing buffer cache to perform page replacement by using reference time information regarding time at which page is referred to
A method and apparatus manages a buffer cache. An extended buffer is used to perform a page replacement algorithm using reference time information regarding a time at which a page is referred. Pages replaced through the page replacement algorithm, when re-referred to, may be retrieved from the extended buffer, instead of a hard disk. As a result, write/read operations with respect to the disk are made efficient and the page input/output speed is increased. |
| US08732403B1 |
Deduplication of data blocks on storage devices
A storage system comprises a cache for caching data blocks and storage devices for storing blocks. A storage operating system may deduplicate sets of redundant blocks on the storage devices based on a deduplication requirement. Blocks in cache are typically deduplicated based on the deduplication on the storage devices. Sets of redundant blocks that have not met the deduplication requirement for storage devices and have not been deduplicated on the storage devices and cache are targeted for further deduplication processing. Sets of redundant blocks may be further deduplicated based on their popularity (number of accesses) in cache. If a set of redundant blocks in cache is determined to have a combined number of accesses being greater than a predetermined threshold number of accesses, the set of redundant blocks is determined to be “popular.” Popular sets of redundant blocks are selected for deduplication in cache and the storage devices. |
| US08732397B2 |
Memory system including first and second caches and controlling readout of data therefrom
According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a chip including a cell array and first and second caches configured to hold data read out from the cell array; an interface configured to manage a first and a second addresses; a controller configured to issue a readout request to the interface; and a buffer configured to hold the data from the chip. The interface transfers the data in the first cache to the buffer without reading out the data from the cell array if the readout address matches the first address, transfers the data in the second cache to the buffer without reading out the data from the cell array if the readout address matches the second address, and reads out the data from the cell array and transfers the data to the buffer if the readout address does not match either one of the first or second address. |
| US08732396B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting the integrity of cached data in a direct-attached storage (DAS) system
A DAS system that implements RAID technology is provided in which an array of solid state disks (SSDs) that is external to the DAS controllers of the DAS system is used by the DAS controllers as WB cache memory for performing WB caching operations. Using the external SSD array as WB cache memory allows the DAS system to be fully cache coherent without significantly increasing the complexity of the DAS system and without increasing the amount of bandwidth that is utilized for performing caching operations. In addition, using the external SSD array as WB cache memory obviates the need to mirror DAS controllers. |
| US08732395B2 |
Write-once information recording medium, information recording method, information recording device, information reproduction method, information reproduction device and method for manufacturing information recording medium
In an information recording medium in which storage capacity per recording layer has increased so much that the size of an SBM varies with those of spare areas, there is mutual dependence between a DDS and an SBM and it is difficult to retrieve disc management information as intended. In an information recording medium according to the present invention, if the largest space is allocated to an user data area, the number of blocks to store a space bitmap is Ni (where Ni≧2). But if the smallest space is allocated to the user data area, the number of blocks to use is smaller than Ni. In such an information recording medium, if the number of blocks to store the space bitmap of a recording layer is Mi (where 1≦Mi≦Ni) and if Mi is equal to or greater than two, the space bitmap is divided into the 1st through Mith space bitmaps, each of which has a size that is still equal to or smaller than one block even when combined with a DDS, and each space bitmap is stored in an associated one of Mi blocks in a disc management area. |
| US08732394B2 |
Advanced disk drive power management based on maximum system throughput
The disclosed technology identifies bottlenecks in a hierarchical storage subsystem and, based upon the rate at which data may be transmitted through a particular bottleneck, determines the smallest number of disk drives required to match that transmission rate. If the required number of disks is less than the total number of disks, only a subset of the total number are maintained in an active state with the remainder places in either a “standby” or “off” mode. In this manner, overall system power consumption is reduced. In one embodiment, the disclosed techniques are implemented by active disk management at high level of storage infrastructure. |
| US08732388B2 |
Embedded mapping information for memory devices
Memory modules and methods of operating memory modules embed mapping information within blocks of memory cells to which the mapping information pertains. In particular, when a page is written for a logical data block, that page includes a snapshot of the current mapping information for that logical data block. In this manner, the last valid physical page of a logical data block will contain a physical/logical mapping of that block. Thus, instead of scanning every valid page of the memory device to rebuild the mapping information, the memory module may scan only for the last valid physical page of each logical data block. Once the last valid physical page is discovered for a logical data block, the latest mapping information for that logical data block may be read from that page. |
| US08732386B2 |
Sharing data fabric for coherent-distributed caching of multi-node shared-distributed flash memory
A Sharing Data Fabric (SDF) causes flash memory attached to multiple compute nodes to appear to be a single large memory space that is global yet shared by many applications running on the many compute nodes. Flash objects stored in flash memory of a home node are copied to an object cache in DRAM at an action node by SDF threads executing on the nodes. The home node has a flash object map locating flash objects in the home node's flash memory, and a global cache directory that locates copies of the object in other sharing nodes. Application programs use an applications-programming interface (API) into the SDF to transparently get and put objects without regard to the object's location on any of the many compute nodes. SDF threads and tables control coherency of objects in flash and DRAM. |
| US08732383B2 |
Reconfigurable memory module and method
A computer system includes a controller coupled to a plurality of memory modules each of which includes a memory hub and a plurality of memory devices divided into a plurality of ranks. The memory hub is operable to configure the memory module to simultaneously address any number of ranks to operate in a high bandwidth mode, a high memory depth mode, or any combination of such modes. |
| US08732382B2 |
Haltable and restartable DMA engine
A method is described for operation of a DMA engine. Copying is initiated for transfer of a first number of bytes from first source memory locations to first destination memory locations. Then, a halt instruction is issued before the first number of bytes are copied. After copying is stopped, a second number of bytes is established, encompassing those bytes remaining to be copied. After the transfer is halted, a quantity of the second number of bytes is identified. Quantity information is then generated and stored. Second source memory locations are identified to indicate where the second number of bytes are stored. Second source memory location information is then generated and stored. Second destination memory locations are then identified to indicate where the second number of bytes are to be transferred. Second destination memory location information is then generated and stored. |
| US08732373B2 |
Systems and methods relating to user interfaces for docking portable electronic
Systems and methods related to the user interface of docking portable electronic devices. A master device may be docked with a slave device to control operation of the slave device. The master device may be operable to display a user interface. The user interface of the master device may be adapted to be used with the slave device that may include different display and/or input devices than that of the master device. In one embodiment, the master device may be a handheld device such as a smart phone and the slave device may be a tablet device. |
| US08732372B2 |
Operation of video source and sink with hot plug detection not asserted
Methods and systems are described for displaying enabling the transmission, formatting, and display of multimedia data after a hot plug event during a start-up dead period. In particular, approaches for transmission, formatting, and display of multimedia data in the absence or non-operation of a hot plug detect system or signal, so that multimedia information can be displayed in a proper format even during the dead period when no hot plug detect signal is received. |
| US08732371B2 |
Managing overhead associated with service requests via software generated interrupts
An application process operates at a privilege level lower than that of the kernel code of the operating system in which the process executes. When the application process requires performance of an operating system service for which the process lacks sufficient privileges to perform directly, rather than repeatedly requesting the service by issuing separate software interrupts, the process instead accumulates the data corresponding to the different service requests in a data container block and defers performance of the service. Whenever the process needs to complete the service, rather than deferring its performance, the process issues a single software interrupt that causes the kernel to use the accumulated data in the data container block to perform each of the N accumulated service requests. This reduces the number of interrupts that must be handled from N to one, thereby greatly reducing the overhead imposed by interrupt handling. |
| US08732369B1 |
Minimal-cost pseudo-round-robin arbiter
An apparatus including a first register, a second register, and a control logic. The first register may be configured to store requests from a plurality of clients for a current cycle. The second register may be configured to store an indicator value indicating which of the plurality of clients received a grant in a previous cycle. The control logic may be configured to determine which of the plurality of clients having a request in the current cycle receives a grant based upon (i) a pointer value and (ii) the indicator value. |
| US08732362B2 |
Receiving apparatus and receiving method
Provided is a receiving apparatus including: a first receiving unit which receives a content signal including a first signal and a second signal corresponding to a predetermined transmission standard, recovers the first signal and the second signal included in the content signal, and outputs the recovered first signal and the recovered second signal; a transmitting unit which receives the second signal output from the first receiving unit, converts the second signal to the content signal corresponding to the predetermined transmission standard, and transmits the content signal; and a second receiving unit which receives the content signal transmitted from the transmitting unit, recovers the second signal included in the content signal, and outputs the recovered second signal. |
| US08732357B2 |
Apparatus and method for dynamically enabling and disabling write XFR—RDY
A method for dynamically enabling and disabling use of XFR_RDY is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, such a method includes receiving a write command at a target and determining whether XFR_RDY is enabled or disabled for the write command. In the event XFR_RDY is disabled, the method determines whether one or more buffers are available at the target. If at least one buffer is available, the method processes the write command by writing data associated with the write command to the one or more buffers. The method then returns information indicating the number of buffers that are still available at the target after completing the write command. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed and claimed herein. |
| US08732355B1 |
Dynamic data prefetching
Technology is disclosed for data prefetching on a computing device utilizing a cloud based file system. The technology can receive a current execution state and a data access pattern associated with an instance of an application executing on a computing device. The technology can further receive a data access pattern associated with another instance of the application executing on another computing device. The technology can utilize the received data access patterns to determine one or more future access requests for a subset of data associated with the application, where the one or more future access requests is a function of the current execution state of the application executing on the computing device. The technology can generate a prefetching profile utilizing the determined subset of data. |
| US08732352B1 |
Dynamic allocation of buffers for direct memory access
A device includes a processor, unified DMA (‘Direct Memory Access’) storage, and a number of DMA engines. The processor may be operatively coupled to the unified DMA storage and a main memory. The DMA engines may be configured to access the unified DMA storage and provide DMA transmissions between the main memory and a corresponding component. The processor may be configured to: determine a size of a corresponding DMA buffer to be allocated for each DMA engine; allocate, for each DMA engine, the corresponding DMA buffer of the determined size in the unified DMA storage; and execute DMA transmission using the DMA engines and the corresponding DMA buffers. |
| US08732348B2 |
Electronic device performance level indicator and method
An electronic device comprises a performance level indicator configured to determine an operational performance level for the electronic device based on a power capability of a power adapter coupled to the electronic device at least while the electronic device is non-operational. |
| US08732342B1 |
I/O scheduling system and method
A method, computer program product, and computing system for associating a first I/O scheduling queue with a first process accessing a storage network. The first I/O scheduling queue is configured to receive a plurality of first process I/O requests. A second I/O scheduling queue is associated with a second process accessing the storage network. The second I/O scheduling queue is configured to receive a plurality of second process I/O requests. |
| US08732333B2 |
Facsimile communication system, facsimile apparatus, facsimile communication method, transmission processing method, and reception processing method
A facsimile communication system which is capable of selectively performing encrypted communication or non-encrypt communication according to the intention of a user. A transmitting-side digital multifunction machine inputs the port address of a receiving-side digital multifunction machine according to a user operation, and designates encrypted communication for transmitting IFP packets of image information, via an IP network, after encrypting the IFP packets, or non-encrypt communication for transmitting IFP packets of image information, via the IP network, without encrypting the IFP packets. The receiving-side digital multifunction machine determines whether the input port address is for an encrypted communication port or a non-encrypt communication port, and sends a response containing an associated port number to the transmitting-side digital multifunction machine. The transmitting-side digital facsimile apparatus establishes connection to the port with the port number, and performs the designated communication. |
| US08732332B2 |
Content switching with user-defined policies
A frame work to build and use a generic content switch is provided. The applications and the routing policy for the content switch are provided by the application provider. The content switch, however, is managed by a network provider so that there is a clear separation of the switching action and the switching policy. The basic framework consists of two key elements; a content switch and a user-defined application that also contains the switching policy. |
| US08732327B2 |
Methods and arrangements for system providing media via multicast distribution
The present invention relates to a server and a method for achieving a fast channel change in e.g. an IPTV system. This is achieved by selecting a source for retrieving the requested channel based on the current load of the FCC server. The source may be the streaming server providing the regular multicast stream or a buffer providing a buffered version of the requested channel. According to one embodiment requests for fast channel change (relating to the same channel) are grouped and served and served as a bundle over multicast. By doing that one can alleviate the load on the FCC server and the network since multiple clients can share the same stream. |
| US08732325B2 |
System and method for transmitting data
A device for transmitting data to a further device is arranged for transmitting a first class of data as a guaranteed stream of data-units, and for transmitting a second class of data-units on a best effort basis. The device starts the transmission of a burst of data-units which belong to the second class at a point in time where the remaining time interval until the start of the next burst of first-class data minus the required time for transmitting the burst of second-class of data is less than a predetermined time. |
| US08732323B2 |
Recording medium storing transaction model generation support program, transaction model generation support computer, and transaction model generation support method
A computer supports generating a model of transactions in which services are processed in multiple layers. The computer refers to start times and end times of processings, which are invoked and generated from another processing in the services, of the same server to calculate time intervals between the processings. The computer generates possible thresholds indicating thresholds that are possible criteria for grouping the processings according to the time intervals between the processings. The computer puts together, for each of the generated possible thresholds, consecutive processings, in which the time intervals between the processings are equal to or smaller than the possible threshold, into the same group to generate a group that the processings belong to. The computer divides a group, among the generated groups, without a processing serving as an invoker into processing-by-processing groups. The computer determines the possible threshold with the least number of groups as the threshold. |
| US08732321B2 |
Control entity and method for setting up a session in a communications network, subscriber database and communications network
Control entity and method for setting up a session in a communications network, subscriber database, and communications network. The control entity advantageously has or has access to memory for storing information, and typically includes an input device for receiving a request to set up a session in the communications network, a processor unit for processing the request, and an output device for sending messages. The processor unit is arranged to determine if the request comprises a valid Communication Service Identifier (CSI) the CSI identifying the type of communication service of the session that is to be established over the communications network. And if the request does not comprise a valid Communication Service Identifier, to execute a default CSI procedure using default CSI information stored in the memory. |
| US08732320B2 |
Fast content-based routing
Systems and methods for fast, efficient content-based routing that allow a router to perform true content-based routing without having to de-serialize the data and apply a full content-based filter by determining the exact set of consumers to forward the data onto based on packet headers. A system for fast content-based routing may receive a subscription from a receiver machine and may assign a unique ID associated with the subscription in a router table. The system may then place a ID associated with a particular subscription in a message header if the message corresponds to the subscription. The system may then analyze the router table to determine one or more receiver machines associated with the ID in the header of the message. The system may then send, from a sender machine to one or more receiver machines, one or more messages containing the ID in the header of the message. |
| US08732317B2 |
System and method for connecting a mobile device to a global network using a virtual private network connection
A virtual private network connection is established from a mobile device to a virtual private network server of a service provider associated with a mobile device responsive to a request for access to the remotely located content provider. A second connection is established, under control of the virtual private network server, from the virtual private network server of the service provider to the remotely located content provider server. A third connection is established, under control of the virtual private network server, from the virtual private network server of the service provider to an advertising server. The virtual private network connection, the second connection and the third connection are maintained under the control of the virtual private network server to enable transport of content data between the mobile device and the remotely located content provider server and to enable transport of advertising data between the mobile device and the advertising server. |
| US08732316B2 |
Communication system
One of objects is to reduce a load in a session management and relay process on an SOAP-SIP adaptor for providing a 3PCC service. The SOAP-SIP adaptor (hereinafter the adaptor) receives a connection request message between a first terminal and a second terminal from a Web server, and establishes the sessions with each of the first terminal and the second terminal. After establishing the sessions with each of the first terminal and the second terminal, the adaptor sends a transfer request (REFER) of session to a call control device. Thereafter, the call control device manages session between the first terminal and the second terminal each having established the session with the adaptor. |
| US08732315B2 |
Automatic ad-hoc network creation and coalescing using WiFi protected setup
A device previously configured as a registrar and that has established an independent ad-hoc network is automatically discovered by another device also previously configured as a registrar. To form an ad-hoc wireless network between these two devices, each device periodically enters a scanning mode to scan for and intercept beacons transmitted by the other device. Upon such interception, one of the devices becomes an enrollee in accordance with a predefined condition and in response to a user selected option. Subsequently, the enrollee modifies its beacons to include an attribute, such as the MAC address, associated with the other device. After intercepting the modified beacon, the remaining registrar prompts it user to decide whether to allow the enrollee to join the registrar's network. If the user responds affirmatively, a handshake is performed between the two devices and a subsequent attempt is made by the enrollee to join the registrar's network. |
| US08732314B2 |
Generation of contact information based on associating browsed content to user actions
A customer premises router identifies contacts based on web sites visited and searches conducted by a user device. The customer premises router also detects phone calls initiated by a user device (e.g., a Voice over IP telephony device), and identifies an association between a phone call to an identified called destination (e.g., a destination telephone number) and an identified contact, based on a prescribed association attribute. The identified associations are stored in nonvolatile memory. Any subsequent web request by a user device and related to the contact causes the customer premises router to supply to the user device the identified association specifying the contact and the identified called destination, enabling a user of the user device to determine the identified called destination for the contact, even if the visited web sites do not provide the identified called destination. |
| US08732313B2 |
Quality of service management
In one embodiment, a method receives current latency values from a plurality of host computers where a current latency value is calculated by a respective host computer based on an amount of time spent in the respective host computer's issue queue by an IO request most recently removed from the issue queue of the respective host computer. The issue queue of the respective host computer is used to transmit IO requests from the respective host computer to a storage system. The method then calculates a combined average latency value based on the current latency values and sends the combined average latency value to the plurality of host computers. Each respective host computer adjusts a size of the respective host computer's issue queue based on the combined average latency value, and the size controls a number of IO requests that are added to the respective host computer's issue queue. |
| US08732312B2 |
Computing system and computing system management method
A computing system includes: a plurality of computing machines and a load balancer configured to allocate computing processing to the plurality of computing machines. In the computing system, the plurality of computing machines executes the computing processing, each of the plurality of computing machines includes an execution instruction unit that instructs to execute one of garbage collection (GC) and restart of the computing machine. The computing machine, in an active state in which the computing processing is allowed to be executed, switches a state of another standby computing machine to an active state when the active computing machine is instructed to execute one of the GC and the restart of the computing machine, and starts one of the GC and the restart of the computing machine after the switching is completed. |
| US08732311B1 |
Network object delivery system for personal computing device
A networked object delivery system for a personal computing device includes a network, a personal computing device at least part time coupled to the network, and a service agent server at least part time coupled to the network. The personal computing device is preferably a PDA or the like, but can also include personal computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, etc. The personal computing device locally operates on a requested document with at least one downloaded application module from the network. The service agent server will download a requested document and at least one application module to the personal computing device over the network in response to a request for the document and in response to a desired action to be performed on that document. |
| US08732309B1 |
Request routing utilizing cost information
A system, method and computer-readable medium for request routing based on cost information are provided. A client request processing a resource identifier for requested content transmits a first DNS query to a content delivery network service provider. The content delivery network service provider transmits an alternative resource identifier in response to the client computing device DNS query. The alternative resource identifier is selected as a function of cost information. The client computing device then issues a second DNS query to the same content delivery network service provider. The content delivery network service provider can then either resolve the second DNS query with an IP address of a cache component or transmit another alternative resource identifier that will resolve to the content delivery network service provider. The process can repeat with the content delivery network service provider's network until a DNS nameserver resolves a DNS query from the client computing device. |
| US08732308B1 |
Coordinated management in virtualized systems using management brokers and management channels
A system for coordinating information between management entities includes management channels, management brokers and management agents. The management channels provide bidirectional communication between management entities. The management brokers implement coordination policies, and the management agents facilitate communication on the management channels. |
| US08732307B1 |
Predictive control for resource entitlement
A resource consumption of a resource compartment for a time interval is predicted. A resource entitlement for the resource compartment for the time interval is determined based on the predicted resource consumption. |
| US08732306B2 |
High speed parallel data exchange with transfer recovery
Systems and methods for transfer of data including establishing two separate connections, the two separate connections including a high speed connection and a high integrity connection. Blocks of data are exchanged over the high speed connection while the high integrity connection facilitates communication of descriptor data regarding data received over the high speed connection. As such, the data transfer speed of the high speed connection is utilized while communication via the high integrity connection allows for data reliability features not provided by the high speed connection. |
| US08732305B2 |
Management server, client terminal, terminal management system, terminal management method, program, and recording medium
A management server which is connected to a plurality of client terminals via a network, includes a storage unit adapted to store a management policy including usage-permitted time periods of the plurality of client terminals, and an application unit adapted to read out from the storage unit the management policy including the usage-permitted time period of the client terminal to be managed, output the readout management policy to the client terminal, and apply the usage-permitted time period to the client terminal, and extends the usage-permitted time period of the client terminal in accordance with a state of the client terminal. |
| US08732304B2 |
Method and system for ensuring authenticity of IP data served by a service provider
A computer-implemented method and system identifies whether web content stored in a repository deviates from authentic web content being web content that is approved by authorized personnel of the web content prior to serving to a client requesting the web content. Web communications to the repository are monitored and web content is intercepted and analyzed in a safe environment for establishing that the web content conforms to a predetermined standard. If not, a web host serving the web content is alerted. In one embodiment, the web content is intercepted and analyzed prior to serving to the client and is served to the client only if either authenticated or after suitable modification to render it acceptable. |
| US08732303B2 |
Usage-sensitive policy and charging control method, servers, systems and computer programs
In a policy and charging control method carried out by a server including a policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF), identification information for identifying a particular service instance of a particular service type is obtained. When a packet is received, the PCEF determines whether the packet belongs to the particular service instance by using the identification information and by inspection of at least one of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layer n control information of the packet, wherein n is an integer equal to or larger than 3, and the packet's payload. If it is determined that the packet belongs to the particular service instance, the PCEF updates a usage parameter representing an accumulated usage associated with the particular service instance. The PCEF then makes available to a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), the usage parameter or information derived therefrom. |
| US08732299B2 |
Scalability breakpoint calculator for a software product
During a technique for estimating a scalability breakpoint of a software product, performance load tests of the software product are performed with different numbers of simulated concurrent users. For a given number of simulated concurrent users, a performance load test may include an associated set of transactions that are executed by the software product. Furthermore, during the performance load tests performance metrics for the transactions in the associated sets of transactions are measured. Then estimated total performance metrics for the transactions in the associated sets of transactions for the different numbers of simulated concurrent users are determined based on the measured performance metrics and the associated sets of transactions. Next, using the determined estimated total performance metrics, the estimated scalability breakpoint is calculated. |
| US08732296B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for redirecting IRC traffic identified utilizing a port-independent algorithm and controlling IRC based malware
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for redirecting internet relay chat (IRC) traffic identified utilizing a port-independent algorithm and controlling IRC based malware. In use, IRC traffic communicated via a network is identified utilizing a port-independent algorithm. Furthermore, the IRC traffic is redirected to a honeypot. |
| US08732292B2 |
Network system
A network system suitable for remote monitoring or remote control of equipments is provided. When an execution of a server-side object is requested from a client terminal device to a server, the server requests an execution of an equipment-side object to the equipment(s). The execution request of the server-side object from the client terminal device is performed by use of a first identifier assigned to the server-side object, and the execution request of the equipment-side object is performed by use of a second identifier assigned to the equipment-side object. Since the server has an identifier setting function of setting a correspondence relation between the first identifier and the second identifier, it is possible to reduce burden on the client terminal device, and flexibly cope with cases of exchanging and increasing the equipment(s) in the network system without considering specific identification information of the equipments such as IP address. |
| US08732291B2 |
Performance interference model for managing consolidated workloads in QOS-aware clouds
The workload profiler and performance interference (WPPI) system uses a test suite of recognized workloads, a resource estimation profiler and influence matrix to characterize un-profiled workloads, and affiliation rules to identify optimal and sub-optimal workload assignments to achieve consumer Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees and/or provider revenue goals. The WPPI system uses a performance interference model to forecast the performance impact to workloads of various consolidation schemes usable to achieve cloud provider and/or cloud consumer goals, and uses the test suite of recognized workloads, the resource estimation profiler and influence matrix, affiliation rules, and performance interference model to perform off-line modeling to determine the initial assignment selections and consolidation strategy to use to deploy the workloads. The WPPI system uses an online consolidation algorithm, offline models, and online monitoring to determine virtual machine to physical host assignments responsive to real-time conditions to meet cloud provider and/or cloud consumer goals. |
| US08732288B2 |
Apparatus and method for controling network using identification information of object
Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling a network using identification information of an object. The network controlling apparatus may include an extractor to extract identification information of a receiving object from received data, and a controller to verify, from a database, forwarding information that is stored in correspondence to the identification information, and to transfer the data to a gateway associated with a second domain designated by the forwarding information, when the receiving object is not included in a first domain. |
| US08732286B2 |
Health management systems with shadow modules
A shadowing platforms and systems in a network with a remote platform are provided. The shadowing platform includes a shadow health management module and platform storage coupled to the shadow health management module. The shadow health management module is configured to receive health information from the remote platform; store the health information in the platform storage; receive status information from the remote platform; and provide the health information to the remote platform when the status information is unacceptable. |
| US08732282B1 |
Model framework to facilitate robust programming of distributed workflows
A method is disclosed. A finite state machine model for a single system workflow is replicated across a plurality of distributed nodes associated with a leader election protocol. A leader is determined amongst the plurality of distributed nodes to perform a next action of the finite state machine model based at least in part on the leader election protocol. One or more nodes amongst the plurality of distributed nodes are configured to submit a timeout ticket if the next action of the finite state machine model does not appear to have been performed by the leader within a prescribed time. |
| US08732279B2 |
Secure network deployment
In one embodiment, a Manufacturer Installed Certificate (MIC) and a personal identification number are sent to a call controller to request a configuration profile. When the configuration file is received, the IP phone is provisioned according to the configuration profile. |
| US08732278B2 |
Fantasy open platform environment
A fantasy server application may comprise a platform generator component to generate a resource document with a host segment arranged to present a host resource document and a guest segment arranged to present a guest resource document, a host manager component to send a request to generate the host resource document with fantasy content from a fantasy content database to a host server program, receive a response with the host resource document, and add the host resource document to the host segment, and a guest manager component to generate a guest reference for use by a client device, the guest reference arranged to refer the client device to a guest server program arranged to generate the guest resource document with fantasy content from the fantasy content database, and add the guest reference to the guest server program to the guest segment. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08732276B2 |
Data gathering using a mobile computing device
Systems and methods for field data gathering and which provide flexible configuration options for a central office. The system, run from, mobile computing devices, provides a free-flowing data gathering experience while only requiring what the central office needs from the field. The central office can configure the system to accept different types of data by way of different data input means available to the mobile computing device. Only the data needed by the central office need be collected by the mobile device operator. The data format is defined by the central office and is uploaded to each of the relevant mobile computing devices for use by the operators. Once each data set has been collected by an operator, the data package with the data set is scheduled for transmission to the central office once a connection with the central office can be made. |
| US08732275B2 |
Methods and systems for delivering a personalized version of an executable application to a secondary access device associated with a user
An exemplary method includes a media content presentation system 1) delivering a primary media content stream to a primary access device, the primary media content stream comprising data representative of a media content instance that is presented by the primary access device as the primary media content stream is delivered to the primary access device and data representative of an executable application related to the media content instance, 2) determining that a secondary access device associated with a user is located within a detection zone associated with the primary access device during a time period associated with the presentation of the media content instance by the primary access device, and 3) directing the primary access device to generate and deliver a version of the executable application that is personalized for the user to the secondary access device. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08732267B2 |
Placement of a cloud service using network topology and infrastructure performance
Techniques are described for selecting an optimal data center for instantiating a first cloud service. Embodiments of the invention receive a request specifying a topology of a first cloud service to be hosted by one of a plurality of data centers which provide computing resources to host a plurality of cloud services. A suitability value is then determined for each of the data centers which measures a fitness of the data center for instantiating the first cloud service. In one embodiment, the suitability value is determined by calculating a plurality of metric values for the data center, normalizing the metric values and calculating a weighted average of the normalized values. One of the data centers is then selected for instantiating the first cloud service, based at least in part on the determined suitability values. |
| US08732264B2 |
HiperSockets SIGA light-sending without outbound queue
Performing logical partition (LPAR)-to-LPAR communication in a network computing environment. Read or write requests to different memory areas of a single computer memory are controlled by a storage control element, where the requests are issued by different multiple operating systems using a general network transfer format. A request is sent by a first operating system to said storage control element, where the request is executed with a processor instruction. A result of the request is received by the same or a second operating system. A modified processor instruction is sent to the storage control element, which implements an execution of the instruction synchronously performed to the sending of the instruction, without buffering the request of the instruction in a dedicated queue. |
| US08732261B2 |
Apparatus and methods of a zero single point of failure load balancer
Apparatus and methods in a load balancer computing apparatus include, in aspects, determining if a master is functioning, and if the master is not functioning, then attempting to become the master by setting a master network identification in a master database table to a self network identification before at least one other slave sets a corresponding other slave network identification as the master network identification in the master database table. In other aspects, the apparatus and methods include assigning each of a group of commands to one of a plurality of slaves, storing the commands and a corresponding assignment in a database table, checking a command status in the database table for each of the group of commands, wherein the command status indicates whether or not the respective command has been executed; and executing a callback function when all the commands are executed. |
| US08732260B2 |
Interactive maintenance management alarm handling
An Interactive Maintenance Management System (“IMMS”) (10) is an alarm handling system (FIG. 2) for handling alarms (102) that indicate present or imminent equipment failure. The IMMS (10) may be utilized in industrial situations, such as strip-mines (14), to reduce equipment (12) downtime and reduce or prevent equipment failure. The IMMS (10) utilizes a flexible response system to track, analyze, and improve performance of the alarm handling system. |
| US08732259B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing notification of network alarms using a plurality of distributed layers
A method is disclosed for providing notification of network alarms using a plurality of distributed layers. A message is received that indicates an event occurred at a primary entity. The event is bound to a managed object, which represents the primary entity, to create a bound event. An overall condition is determined for the primary entity, based at least in part on the bound event, to create one or more condition notifications. The impact of a particular condition notification on one or more entities, which are related to the primary entity, is analyzed to create one or more impact notifications. One or more first alarms, which indicate the one or more related entities are impacted by a particular impact notification, are created. One or more second alarms are created based on the one or more first alarms. |
| US08732258B2 |
Method and system for transporting telemetry data across a network
A method for transporting telemetry data involves receiving a request from a client in a first network. The client is registered with a data transport service executing in a second network. The request includes an authentication credential for the client, a message including telemetry data, and a message priority. The method further involves authenticating the request using the authentication credential. The method further involves parsing the request to obtain and subsequently execute a command for storing the message in a physical queue of the second network. The physical queue is associated with a back-end service executing in the second network. A virtual queue maintains entries for messages stored in the physical queue that were sent from the first network to the second network. Another virtual queue maintains entries for messages stored in the physical queue that were sent from the second network to the first network. |
| US08732257B2 |
Server apparatus, terminal apparatus, and communication control method
A server apparatus for establishing communication with a plurality of input/output devices via a network. The apparatus includes: a management unit configured to manage a communication session with the input/output devices; a storage unit configured to store information of the input/output devices in association with group information thereof; an execution unit configured to execute an application program; a communication unit configured to receive an operation instruction for the application program and to transmit to the input/output devices a processing result of the application program; a determination unit configured to determine whether the processing result requires connection of the input/output devices to an external server; and a message transmission unit configured to generate a message including an instruction to connect to the external server, when the determination unit determines that the processing results requires such a connection. The message includes the group information. |
| US08732255B2 |
Dynamically created shared spaces
In one embodiment, a social networking system automatically create a shared space for posting requests to the social networking system from multiple users based on social, spatial and temporal proximity, and create a news feed corresponding to the shared space. |
| US08732252B2 |
Cooperating system, chat server, program, and cooperating method
A cooperating system includes a chat server and a blog server, the chat server includes an extracting part for, when detecting a URL related to a blog in a message received from outside, extracting the received message, an acquiring part for acquiring a trackback URL from a blog server based on the detected URL, and a storage part for storing a message and the trackback URL extracted by the extracting part in association with a newly created URL; and the blog server including a receiving part for receiving the created URL transmitted based on storage of trackback URL to the storage part with the storage part. |
| US08732251B2 |
Interactive web collaboration systems and methods
A topic room is provided in which one or more individuals or other entities may collaborate on topics of mutual interest. Multiple individuals or participants may use the topic room to communicate in real or non-real time and may work together to create, browse, modify, comment on, and perform any other suitable action on content. A chat room within the topic room receives, records, and transmits the communications and all activity in the topic room to all participants as messages. Client processes at a participant's user equipment may listen to the messages and take particular actions. For example, one participant can follow another participant as that participant browses through material by using the messages received from that participant. |
| US08732241B2 |
Following content providers in a social context
In general, a method for providing content to a user includes providing a content item to a user responsive to a received request. The content item is displayed to the user in a slot associated with a third party content site. The content item includes a first annotation providing information for or about re-publishing the content item. A request is received from the user to follow a content provider associated with the content item. The user is designated as being interested in updated content from the content provider. Designating the user includes presenting information about the user to one or more of the content provider or a social application that includes a content provider presence so as to allow for updates associated with the content provider to be followed by the user. |
| US08732240B1 |
Scoring stream items with models based on user interests
A system and method for generating a stream of content includes a content stream module that generates a model based on user input and/or prior activities using heterogeneous data sources. The heterogeneous data sources include search, entertainment, social activity and activity on third-party sites. The content stream module retrieves candidate content items that have interests that are similar to the user. The candidate content items are compared to the model and scored based upon interestingness of the content item to the user. The content stream module generates the stream of content from the candidate content items. |
| US08732234B2 |
Providing relevant non-requested content to a mobile device
A system and method are directed towards providing non-requested content to a mobile terminal based on characteristics of, and tracked usage of the mobile terminal to request content through an online portal service, which provides access to content in multiple subject areas. A mobile user profile is created from the characteristics and patterns of the tracked usage. The tracked usage information includes the time, location, frequency at which the content was requested. Based on the mobile user profile information, content related to previously requested content is provided to the mobile terminal upon a trigger that is related to the requested content. The trigger event may include the mobile terminal returning to a location from which certain content was previously requested. The non-requested content may further be based on a related general user profile that indicates usage of an alternate electronic device to access content through the portal. |
| US08732233B2 |
Integrating portable electronic devices with electronic flight bag systems installed in aircraft
An electronic flight bag apparatus includes an electronic flight bag (EFB) system installed in an aircraft and which interfaces with a ground network, and a portable EFB device connectible with the EFB system via a trusted secure connection. This apparatus makes it possible for a flight crew member to remove the portable device from the aircraft, enter flight information into the device in a convenient manner, and transfer the information to the installed EFB system. Auxiliary crew members may use the portable device during flight to assist the flight crew. |
| US08732229B2 |
Completion processing for data communications instructions
Completion processing of data communications instructions in a distributed computing environment, including receiving, in an active messaging interface (‘AMI’) data communications instructions, at least one instruction specifying a callback function; injecting into an injection FIFO buffer of a data communication adapter, an injection descriptor, each slot in the injection FIFO buffer having a corresponding slot in a pending callback list; listing in the pending callback list any callback function specified by an instruction, incrementing a pending callback counter for each listed callback function; transferring payload data as per each injection descriptor, incrementing a transfer counter upon completion of each transfer; determining from counter values whether the pending callback list presently includes callback functions whose data transfers have been completed; calling by the AMI any such callback functions from the pending callback list, decrementing the pending callback counter for each callback function called. |
| US08732226B2 |
Integer rounding operation
Systems, methods, processors, media, and other embodiments associated with integer rounding a floating point number in one micro-operation (uop) are described. One system embodiment includes a memory to store an integer rounding floating point instruction and a processor to perform the integer rounding floating point instruction. The processor may include a floating point unit that includes circuits and/or logics that integer round the floating point number. |
| US08732218B2 |
File access system
A disclosed file access system is capable of receiving each of code data from a server apparatus and updating a local file without increasing the processing time upon receiving the code data as the number of received code data is increased. The file access system includes a header data receiving unit receiving header data; a header data writing unit writing the header data into the local file; a code data receiving unit receiving designated code data from among the code data; a storage area allocating unit allocating a storage area with respect to the local file so that the code data received by the code data receiving unit can be written from the same starting position of the local file as that of the original file; and a code data writing unit writing the code data from the position of the local file. |
| US08732217B2 |
Using a per file activity ratio to optimally relocate data between volumes
A method for identifying data for relocation in a multivolume file system. The method includes generating a file location map, the file location map containing a list of the locations of files that occupy space on each of a plurality of volumes of the file system, wherein The file system comprising least a first volume and a second volume. The method further includes updating the file location map in accordance with changes in a file change log for the file system, and identifying data residing on the first volume of the file system by scanning the file location map. Using the identified data, a ratio of per-file activity during a first time period relative to overall file system activity over a second time period is calculated to derive a file activity ratio for each of the files of the identified data. Files are then selected for relocation based on the file activity ratio. |
| US08732216B2 |
Docbase management system and method for extending docbase management system and functions
The present invention discloses a docbase management system and a method for extending docbase management system functions. The method includes: determining an extended function module which matches extended data, wherein, the extended function module is compatible with a system extension interface in a docbase management system; invoking, through the system extension interface of the docbase management system, the determined extended function module to process the extended data. The method provided by the present invention enables the docbase management system functions to be extended without recompiling the docbase management system. |
| US08732212B2 |
System for simplifying an XML-based schema
A method for simplifying an extensible markup language (XML) schema, including: identifying data in an instance specification as variable or fixed, wherein the instance specification corresponds to a complex XML schema; determining a set of types including the variable data, wherein the set of types conforms to a structure of the complex XML schema; capturing the set of types as metadata annotations associated with the instance specification; and generating a simplified XML schema from the instance specification, wherein the simplified XML schema is stored on a memory device. |
| US08732206B2 |
Distributed storage timestamped revisions
Various revisions of encoded data slices stored in a distributed storage system can be time stamped to assist in retrieving desired data revisions. Each of the multiple revisions of the encoded data slices may have the same name, but different revision numbers. An encoded data slice, which is received at a distributed storage unit along with a write command, slice name, and the revision number, is time stamped. The timestamp and revision number are stored in conjunction with the data slice. A desired encoded data slice can be retrieved by sending a read command, slice name, and timeframe to the distributed storage unit. The appropriate encoded data slice can be retrieved by determining which revision number has a timestamp most closely matching the requested timeframe. |