| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07644819B2 |
Apparatus for secure transport of containers
An apparatus comprising a base defining a recess shaped to accommodate a bottom of a tank, a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the base, and a pair of end walls extending upwardly from the base. Each side wall defines an indentation on the inner surface thereof shaped to conform to an outer surface of the tank when the bottom of the tank in the recess. One of the end walls defines a notch shaped to accommodate a neck of a bottle lying on a side thereof between the side walls. The apparatus may be used to transport one of the tank and the bottle at a time. |
| US07644818B2 |
Plaster dispenser
A plaster dispenser (1) for removing plasters (3) individually from a plaster pack (2) that includes a number of plasters (3), each inserted in a plastic or paper pocket, wherein the pockets are directed in mutually the same direction, and are together surrounded by a folded plastic or paper sheet (4a, 4b) whose first edge (5) extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of respective plaster accommodating pockets, the plaster pack (2) being widened from the first edge (5) in a direction towards two mutually opposing second edges (19a, 19b) of the sheet parts, and wherein the dispenser (1) including a box-shaped space (6). |
| US07644816B2 |
Grain saving, directable unloader boot assembly
A pivoting boot is disclosed for attachment to the unloading auger tube of combine harvesters, and serves as both a grain saving dam against unwanted grain spillage, and a directable spout. The boot permits evenly unloading grain onto, or completely filling, transportation vehicles or storage containers, without having to change the combine position, once it is staged for unloading. |
| US07644815B2 |
Unit for conveying packs of tobacco products
Packets of cigarettes are conveyed from a packer to a cellophaner by a unit utilizing a first pocket conveyor connected to the infeed of the cellophaner, and a second pocket conveyor by which packets are directed onto the first conveyor at a transfer point; the unit is also equipped with a sensor that will check whether or not each pocket of the second conveyor is occupied by a packet, and a placement mechanism, interlocked to the sensor, of which the function is to fill any empty pockets of the first conveyor with packets recycled from the cellophaner. |
| US07644814B2 |
Supercharger drive pulley
A supercharger drive pulley includes an inner hub and an outer drive pulley. One of the inner hub and the outer drive pulley is drivingly connected to a drive shaft of a supercharger for driving the supercharger and the other of the inner hub and the outer drive pulley is drivingly connected to an engine for being driven by the engine. A one way drive clutch is drivingly engaged between the inner hub and the outer pulley to allow driving torque from the engine to be transmitted to the supercharger in one direction and to allow the supercharger to freewheel in conditions where it overruns the engine. |
| US07644809B2 |
Spring member for disc-brake calipers and disc-brake caliper
A spring member for disc-brake calipers is interposed between a lateral edge of at least one pad and reaction surfaces of the caliper so as to act resiliently on the pad. The spring member comprises a ‘U’-shaped portion suitable for forming a connection with a protuberance of the reaction surfaces, a first resilient portion suitable for acting on the pad in a tangential direction, and a second resilient portion suitable for acting on the pad in a radial direction. The first and second resilient portions constitute a single body projecting from a first connection end of the first resilient portion that is connected to the ‘U’-shaped portion, so that, when the at least one pad is in a mounted configuration, it is acted on resiliently by the spring member both in a radial direction and in a tangential direction. |
| US07644807B2 |
Method for detecting a configuration of a plurality of lifting devices in a lifting system
The invention relates to a method for detecting a configuration of a plurality of lifting devices (12, 13) in a lifting system (11), wherein a lifting device (12, 13) is defined as a master lifting device with the node address 1, wherein subsequently a node address n+1 is generated and stored for the subsequent lifting device (12b, 13b) so that the number and assignment of the lifting devices (12, 13) will be detected. |
| US07644803B2 |
Silencing device
A silencing device disposed to the outside of a fan 2 that discharges air from the interior of a device 1 to the outside. The silencing device includes a reflection plate 6 provided substantially normal to the rotation axis 2a of the fan 2, and a right-angled parallelepiped shaped duct 4 that guides air from the fan 2 to the outside of the device 1. The reflection plate 6 is disposed at the other end of the duct 4, an air discharge slit 7 is formed in at least one of the four sides of the reflection plate 6, and the distance from the fan 2 to the reflection plate 6 satisfies the relationship L=(λ/2)×n. n is a natural number, and λ is the wavelength of the maximum component from among the wavelength components that constitutes the sound generated by the fan 2. |
| US07644793B2 |
Automotive heat exchanging system
An automotive heat exchanging system has a heat exchanger comprising a condenser and a radiator, an electric fan located in the front of an engine and an automatic transmission. A shroud is attached to and covers peripheral portions of the electric fan and the heat exchanger to prevent air from bypassing the shutter. The shroud forms an air passage inside of it for allowing airflow through the heat exchanger to flow toward the automatic transmission. A shutter is disposed in the shroud and attached at a periphery of the shroud. The shutter is controlled to open and close the air passage by a controller based on oil temperature. |
| US07644792B2 |
Motor cooling system
A vehicle motor system includes a motor that receives cooling fluid flow from two different cooling sources. A control, such as a valve, selectively changes the cooling flow between the two cooling sources in response to an operational state of the vehicle. |
| US07644790B2 |
Hybrid drive mechanism and method for operation thereof
A device and method for implementing a hybrid drive mechanism, which stands out by a very low construction expenditure, a small need of installation space, low cost of parts and a simple and effective maneuverability. Particularly, the start and stop of the internal combustion engine should stand out by simplicity and reliability. By a development of a one clutch, hybrid drive mechanism or without an additional second clutch, the needed installation space and costs can be minimized and by control, the expenditure for and the complexity of the control or regulation of a hybrid drive mechanism are considerably reduced. An electric machine (4) is disposed between a single clutch (2) situated between the internal combustion engine and a mechanical transmission (5) so that the electric machine can transmit a positive or negative torque directly to a transmission input shaft of the mechanical transmission. |
| US07644789B2 |
Transmission for four-wheel drive vehicle and four-wheel drive vehicle
A mechanism of a four-wheel drive vehicle for enabling an engine and a transmission to be arranged compactly by using an empty space within a body frame of the vehicle. The transmission includes a power take-off part for driving the front wheels of the vehicle, and a rear reduction gear mechanism for driving the rear wheels of the vehicle. The transmission and the engine are mounted on a swing arm which is supported on the body frame of the vehicle so as to be able to swing in an up and down direction. |
| US07644788B2 |
Tensioning and suspension system for a trailer
A trailer that includes a belts that each encompass a front wheel and a rear wheel and have a ground engaging surface and a wheel engaging surface, the wheel engaging surface having lugs thereon for mating with the apertures in the front wheel and the rear wheel such that when the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel rotates, the belt is positively driven and at least one belt tensioning system for maintaining tension on the plurality of belts, the at least one belt tensioning system includes a track tension cylinder operatively mounted between an axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel and the main frame, wherein the track tension cylinder maintains tension on the belt by moving the axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel in a horizontal. |
| US07644785B2 |
Geothermal heat loop installation
Methods and apparatuses associated with a rotary driven well drilling rig. One method includes providing a rig having: an erectable mast; a head drive unit for rotatably driving drill pipes into a surface; a pumping unit to deliver a fluid through a drill pipe secured to the head drive, the fluid being forced out a bottom end of the drill pipe and up to the surface along the outside of the drill pipe during a borehole drilling operation; and a deck unit pivotally mounted on a turret attached to a set of tracks. This method embodiment includes, while the rig is in a first location, performing a first borehole drilling operation to form a first borehole at a second location; and performing a second borehole drilling operation to form a second borehole at a third location while the rig remains in the first location. |
| US07644784B1 |
Transport watercraft
A transport floor connected to the transport watercraft. An elevated drilling floor integrally connected to the transport floor; supporting a derrick comprising at least two rails for supporting a traveling top drive supported by a crown block. The crown block is connected to the derrick. The elevated drilling floor has a control panel comprising a power throttle for operating the top drive. |
| US07644783B2 |
Power tool gear-train and torque overload clutch therefor
A power tool transmission is described in which an overload clutch mechanism is arranged to provide a relatively compact power tool. A torque adjustment dial is arranged between the visible portions of the motor housing and the gearbox, and the dial is coupled to a compression spring such that rotation of the dial cause the spring to be compressed or decompressed, thereby adjusting the torque at which the clutch overloads and ratchets. The compression spring is arranged at least partially between the motor and gearbox or gear train, in a space which conventional power tools do not utilized for this purpose. Thus, the dimensions of the power tool's transmission can be reduced with respect to conventional power tools. Furthermore, the space on the gearbox immediately behind a chuck can be used for another purpose other than accommodating the adjustment collar, as is the case with conventional power tools. |
| US07644780B2 |
Method and apparatus for a folding marker for an agricultural implement
A folding marker for connection to an agricultural implement toolbar with a marker shoulder pivot, an inner arm and a double acting hydraulic cylinder both pivotally connected to the shoulder pivot. A middle arm bracket is pivotally connected to the inner arm and the cylinder. A middle arm is connected to the middle arm bracket, with two beams extending from the bracket and terminating at an outer arm pivot, with a third beam connected between the bracket and a crossbrace. An outer arm pivot bracket is pivotally connected to the outer arm pivot, an outer arm connected thereto and having two legs connected between the outer arm pivot bracket and a plate assembly. The legs define a channel therebetween, and an adjustable arm is slidably connected within the channel. An extension element is insertable within the channel and lockable with the plate assembly, with a marking element connected thereto. |
| US07644774B2 |
Selectively activated float equipment
A valve for a well pipe, the valve having the following parts: a valve collar connectable to the well pipe; an index piston coaxially positioned within the valve collar for longitudinal translation within the valve collar between closed, flow-open, and locked-open configurations; a detent in the index piston, wherein the detent restricts fluid flow in a circulation direction through a flow path through the index piston; a spring that biases the index piston toward the closed and locked-open configurations; and a plug of the valve collar that mechanically communicates with the index piston to be in corresponding closed, flow-open, and locked-open configurations. |
| US07644772B2 |
Ball seat having segmented arcuate ball support member
Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore. The seat has a first position when the apparatus is in the run-in position and a second position when the apparatus is in the set position. The seat comprises an arcuate member comprising a plurality of slits defining a plurality of segment members having a gap there-between. Each of the gaps are variable such that movement of segment members inwardly causes the gaps to be narrowed or closed off completely when a plug element is disposed into the bore and landed on the arcuate member to move the arcuate member from the first position to the second position, causing restriction of fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit. |
| US07644767B2 |
Safety valve with flapper/flow tube friction reducer
A safety valve with a flapper/flow tube friction reducer. A safety valve for use in a subterranean well includes a closure assembly, an operating member which engages the closure assembly, and at least one of the closure assembly and the operating member including a friction reducing device which provides rolling contact between the closure assembly and the operating member. Another safety valve includes a flapper which rotates about a pivot relative to a seat, a flow tube which engages the flapper to rotate the flapper, and a friction reducing device which with rolling contact biases the flow tube toward the pivot when the flow tube engages the flapper. Yet another safety valve is described in which at least one of the flapper, the seat and the flow tube has a friction reducing device attached thereto which provides rolling contact between the flapper and the flow tube, or between the flow tube and the seat. |
| US07644766B2 |
Flushing device and method of flushing an annular space
A flushing device (20) comprising an inner sleeve (21), axially slidable relative to an outer sleeve (23). The inner (21) and outer (23) sleeves cooperate to define an inner passage (32) for the flow of a fluid, and are permanently coupled such that there is substantially no rotational movement between the two sleeves. The inner passage (32) has an inlet (22b) and an outlet (22a). The outer sleeve (23) has a plurality of flushing outlets (33) which, when the flushing device (20) is in an open condition allow fluid to be diverted from the inner passage (32). The flushing device (20) also comprises an indexing mechanism (80) which indexes between a first position, wherein the plurality of flushing outlets (33) are blocked from the internal passage (32) such that the flushing device (20) is in a closed condition, to a second position, wherein the plurality of flushing outlets (33) register with the internal passage (32) such that the flushing device (20) is in the open condition. When fluid flows through the flushing device (20), the flushing device (20) is configured such that it remains in the selected open or closed condition regardless of the forces acting thereupon. |
| US07644762B2 |
Solid state pump
The present invention is a material and method that enables creation of an in situ pumping action within a matrix or otherwise porous media. This pumping action may be used to move materials, namely fluids, through the matrix or porous media to a gathering point. This pumping action may also be used as a vibrational source, using the movement of the matrix itself as the radiator of vibrational, typically acoustic, energy. This vibrational energy may be used for a variety of purposes. |
| US07644761B1 |
Fracturing method for subterranean reservoirs
A method of creating multiple fractures in a well traversing a formation is described using pressurized fluids in a highly deviated or horizontal section of the well at a pressure above the fracturing pressure of the formation, wherein for creating a fracture the pressurized fluid is alternated between an acid fracturing fluid and a proppant loaded fluid, such that the proppant blocks the flow of pressurized fluid into a fracture created during a previous step of the method and the subsequently pressurized acid fracturing fluid creates a new fracture at a location along the highly deviated or horizontal section different from the location of the previously created fracture. |
| US07644760B2 |
Self contained temperature sensor for borehole systems
A sensor assembly that responds to temperature of fluids within an annulus formed by an outer surface of a borehole instrument and the wall of a borehole. The sensor assembly is removably installed preferably in the wall of the borehole instrument. Installation and removal are from outside of the borehole instrument thus eliminating the need to disassemble the borehole instrument. The sensor assembly comprises a temperature transducer that is hermetically sealed within a housing designed to obtain maximum thermal exposure of the transducer. Power to the temperature transducer is supplied from a separate electronics package in the borehole instrument through a rotary connector within the sensor housing. |
| US07644759B2 |
Enhancement of flow rates through porous media
For extracting a liquid (such as oil) from a porous medium, the liquid is subjected to pulses that propagate through the liquid flowing through the pores of the medium. The pulses cause momentary surges in the velocity of the liquid, which keeps the pores open. The pulses can be generated in the production well, or in a separate excitation well. If the pulses travel with the liquid, the velocity of travel of the liquid through the pores can be increased. The solid matrix is kept stationary, and the pulses move through the liquid. The pulses in the liquid can be generated directly in the liquid, or indirectly in the liquid via a localized area of the solid matrix. |
| US07644757B2 |
Fixed-point packoff element with primary seal test capability
A fixed-point packoff element for a full-bore pressure isolation tool supports a primary seal and a test seal to permit the primary seal to be tested by injecting test fluid through a side port of a tubing head spool before the pressure isolation tool is rigged up for a well stimulation procedure. |
| US07644751B2 |
Clip for heat sink
A heat sink clip (100) includes a spring member (10), a moveable locking member (20) and an actuating member (30). The spring member includes an elongated main body (11) and a first locking leg (14) connecting at one end of the main body. The locking member is coupled at the other end of the main body, including an engaging plate (22) and a second locking leg (26) extending from the engaging plate. The actuating member includes a handle (32) and an extension portion (34) formed at one end of the handle. The handle and the extension portion form an angle therebetween. The extension portion is operatively engageable with the engaging plate of the locking member. |
| US07644748B2 |
Control mechanism for slats of blinds
A control mechanism for a cordless blind includes a transmission unit, a scrolling unit and a tilt unit. The transmission unit has a transmission cable which is connected with a scrolling rod. The scrolling unit includes two scrolling cables which have respective one of two ends thereof wrapped to two ends of the rod, and the other end of each scrolling cables extends through the top rail, extends through parallel slats and is connected to a bottom rail. The tilt unit includes a tilt member with two tilt cables connected to two ends thereof the tilt member, the other end of the tilt cable extend through the top rail and are connected to the parallel slats. A tilt wand is used to rotate the tilt member to move the tilt cables moved upward and downward so as to tilt the slats. |
| US07644747B2 |
Rectangular substrate dividing apparatus
A rectangular substrate dividing apparatus, which can divide a rectangular substrate in a smaller space, accommodate devices, formed as individual pieces by the division, into device cases, and pick up the devices reliably and efficiently from a protective tape affixed to the back of the rectangular substrate, is provided. This apparatus separates a rectangular substrate, to whose back a protective tape is affixed and on which a plurality of devices are partitioned by a lattice of scheduled-separation lines, along the scheduled-separation lines to divide the rectangular substrate into the individual devices, and accommodates the devices in device cases. In a cutting-responsible region, the rectangular substrate is carried out of cassettes, cut by a cutter, and then cleaned by a cleaner. In a tape peeling-responsible region, the devices are picked up with the protective tape being peeled off. In a device accommodation-responsible region, the picked-up individual devices are accommodated into device cases. |
| US07644742B2 |
Woodworking machine for shaping molding
The woodworking machine for shaping molding has a hollow cylindrical cartridge with end caps having openings defined therein adapted for inserting a blank strip of molding through the cartridge. Robotic grippers advance the molding strip through the cartridge in indexed increments. A cutter assembly is mounted on a movable table, the cutter assembly having a plurality of spaced apart cutters. An electronic control system, preferably including a programmable logic controller, causes the grippers to grip the blank molding, insert the blank through the cartridge, actuate the cutter assembly and move the table so that the cutters simultaneously cut a plurality of notches in the molding, retract the cutter assembly, advance the molding the indexed distance, and automatically repeat the cycle, ejecting the strip when notches have been formed in the entire length of the molding. The machine may be used to form dental molding. |
| US07644738B2 |
Through air drying fabric
A through-air-drying (TAD) fabric for producing tissue paper and related products on a papermaking machine comprising a plurality of warp yarns interwoven with a plurality of weft yarns to produce warp and weft knuckles on a paper-side surface of the fabric, preferably to form an L-shaped knuckle pattern. |
| US07644737B2 |
Method for production of a velvet ribbon with double-sided nap and ribbon weaving machine for carrying out said method
A velvet ribbon with double-sided nap is produced by weaving three superimposed webs (8, 10, 12) connected to each other by nap threads (14). The nap threads (14) of the above triple web are separated between the middle web (8) and a first web (10) in a first cutting device (36, 36a). In a second cutting device (46, 46a) the nap threads between the middle web (8) and the second web (12) are separated to give the middle web as a double-sided velvet ribbon (8). The corresponding ribbon weaving machine (2) comprises three superimposed weaving points (31) each with a weft introduction body and a common shedding device (16). A first cutting device (36) for cutting the nap threads (14a) between the middle web (8) and a first web (12) and a second cutting device (46) for cutting the nap threads (14b) between the middle web (8) and the second web (10) are provided afterwards. The velvet ribbon (8) produced thus has a nap (56, 58) on both sides. |
| US07644734B2 |
Safety cap for couplings and fittings
The present invention is a male and female safety cap to protect hose and liquid transport fittings and the hand of the operator. The male safety cap has a circular disk with a diameter larger than the female fitting and a loop handle. The female safety cap has raised parallel ridges to protect the cam arm and a loop handle. A T-handle cam is provided to improve handling. In one embodiment, the safety caps are covered in a resilient material to reduce shock. In another embodiment, the safety caps are molded from an electrical dissipative material to prevent static electricity buildup and discharge when removing the safety cap. The loop handle forms a continuous arcuate structure to provide protection to the operator's hand. The safety caps can be color coded or affixed with labels to prevent product cross contamination. Safety caps can be adapted to threaded couplings and fittings. |
| US07644732B2 |
Slide-in flapper valves
A flapper valve assembly attaches to a fluid device, such as a heat exchanger and has a fluid port in communication with the fluid device to provide by-pass flow in cold flow or pressure spike conditions. The flapper valve assembly includes a shim plate and a face plate that together define a slot therebetween. A spring flapper slides into the slot and is retained therein and intermittently blocks flow through the fluid port to provide the by-pass flow when required. |
| US07644727B2 |
Hydraulic fluid reservoir and hydraulic system
A hydraulic fluid reservoir and hydraulic pump combination has at least one hydraulic fluid port and includes a container with a hollow body having a top and a conduit having a bottom within the container and a top above the bottom. The conduit has an opening adjacent to the bottom of the conduit. The opening is spaced apart below the top of the container. A closure member is releasably, sealingly connected to the top of the conduit. Hydraulic fluid can be added to the container via the conduit up to the level of the opening of the conduit. Addition of further hydraulic fluid fills the conduit to the top thereof and the conduit overflows if additional hydraulic fluid is added after the top of the conduit is reached by the fluid. Preferably the container has a main interior chamber and a smaller chamber which is adjacent to one of the side walls of the container. The smaller chamber is has a bottom opening near the bottom of the smaller chamber which communicates with the main interior chamber. Hydraulic fluid enters the smaller chamber through the opening and reaches the level of hydraulic fluid in the main interior chamber. Bubbles in the hydraulic fluid within the main interior chamber are isolated from the smaller chamber and accordingly do not impair the reading of the hydraulic fluid level by a photo detector. |
| US07644726B1 |
Self-cleaning flow shut off valve
A flow shut off valve for residential water line pressure includes a self cleaning valve element held in a housing having an inlet, an outlet section and an outlet adapter with a fluid passage connecting the inlet and the outlet adapter. The inlet and the outlet adapter include exterior threads for connection to a further item. The valve element is slidably mounted within a passage in a poppet guide and metering slot insert having one or more metering slots that allow variable fluid flow between the inlet and outlet adapter. A spring biases the valve element toward the inlet. Reduced back pressure at the outlet adapter drives the valve element into a closed position with a sealing surface against the valve seat to terminate flow. The flow shutoff valves are contemplated for integration with stop valves supplying water to employment with household appliances, sinks, toilets and the like. |
| US07644725B2 |
Mixing valve and mixing device
The object is to provide a mixing valve and a mixing device which can more easily control the flow rates of one fluid and another fluid or fluids in comparison with a conventional mixing valve. In a mixing valve 10A in which a main passage 13 through which one fluid f1 passes and at least one subsidiary passage 14 (14A, 14B) through which the other fluids f2, f3 pass are connected via opening/closing valve portions 20A, 20B to open/close communicating openings 18A, 18B, pressure sensors 31, 32, 33 (34) are disposed in the main passage and the subsidiary passages, respectively, to detect the pressures of the fluids passing through the main passage and the subsidiary passages. |
| US07644719B2 |
Walker tip
An improved walker leg tip having a felt nap is provided. The walker leg tip has an arcuate shaped shell with the shell having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has an aperture at least partially therethrough, the aperture dimensioned to accept an end portion of the walker leg. The felt nap covers at least part of the bottom portion of the arcuate shaped shell. In some instances, the arcuate shaped shell is spherically shaped and can be made from a polymer, vulcanized rubber and the like. Optionally, a sleeve can extend from the top portion of the shell, the sleeve having a sleeve aperture that is in alignment with the aperture of the top portion and dimensioned to fit at least partially over an end portion of a walker leg. A removable insert can also be included, the insert having an outer diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially into the aperture of the top portion and an inner diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially onto the end portion of the walker leg. |
| US07644717B2 |
Hair clip and hairpin combination
A hair clip and hairpin combining device includes a pin member pivotally coupled to a plate with a pivot axle and for allowing the plate to be rotated relative to the pin member between an open working position and a folded clamping position, and a spring member coupled between the ears and the flaps for maintaining the plate and the pin member either at the open working position as a hairpin or at the folded clamping position as a hair clip, and thus for allowing the hair clip and hairpin combining device to be changeable between the hair clip and the hairpin or for being used as either a hair clip or a hairpin. |
| US07644715B2 |
Restless leg syndrome treatment
The present invention describes a method of treating restless leg syndrome by eliminating venous reflux in an underlying vein. The malfunctioning vein can be removed or ablated by inserting a catheter into the vein that transmits sufficient energy to coagulate or ablate the lining of the vein causing it to permanently close, eliminating the source of venous reflux and the symptom of restless leg syndrome. |
| US07644714B2 |
Devices and methods for treating sleep disorders
Devices and methods for maintaining an open airway are described. Systems and methods are described for maintaining an opening of an airway by application of force to a patient's tissues in one of inferior, anterior, and lateral directions. |
| US07644708B2 |
Compound bow press with adaptable limb end fingers
A bow maintenance press and method provides operation adaptable to various bow designs using adaptable bow press fingers that apply force to the bow limb ends. The bow limb end fingers may be interchangeable to supply different shapes or sizes and/or may provide adjustment in at least a limb end width or length, such that substantially equal force is applied to the bow limb ends of a bow having at least one split limb end. The fingers may be tiltable to adjust for differing limb end lengths and may be spring-loaded to ease in initial placement and retention of a bow before it is compressed. |
| US07644705B2 |
Fuel delivery system
Fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine comprising a method and apparatus for generating and delivering a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio which relies on fuel-absorbent, air-permeable evaporative wick membranes in a primary mixing region to which a portion of thermally-regulated air from an air dividing region has come. A single moving control element is used to control the quantity of in-rushing air in the primary mixing region, and therefore the amount of fuel rich air produced in this primary mixing region, and at the same time this single moving control element modulates both the quantity of fuel rich air and the quantity of regular fuel-free combustion air which are brought together in a secondary mixing region where they combine in the desired ratio to form a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio. The use of a single moving control element allows extremely economical construction. A further advantage of this method is extremely rapid and accurate control of the fuel/fair ratio of the charge which is generated. The method can be used to safely and reliably generate clean-burning combustible mixtures for internal combustion engines, and to cool supercharged and turbocharged airstreams. Electronic control means are also provided to calculate the correct fuel/air ration under various engine operating and environmental conditions and so that spark plug timing and electromechanical valve timing can be adjusted in concert with adjustments to the fuel/fair ratio so that optimum fuel economy and emissions performance is obtained. |
| US07644703B2 |
Fuel supply device of motorcycle
A straddle type motorcycle includes a frame, an engine mounted on the frame and having a substantially vertical cylinder assembly and an intake air passage extended backward from a rear surface of the cylinder assembly, a fuel tank disposed above the cylinder assembly, and a fuel supply device. The fuel supply device includes a fuel pump disposed at a rear portion of the fuel tank, the fuel pump being overlapped with the cylinder assembly in a longitudinal direction of the motorcycle in a side view of the motorcycle, a fuel injector installed on the intake air passage, and a fuel hose connecting the fuel injector with the fuel pump. |
| US07644698B2 |
Non-equilibrium plasma discharge type ignition device
An ignition device performs spark ignition to a fuel mixture in a combustion chamber (13) of an internal combustion engine (100, 101) by using a spark plug (50). The spark plug (50) includes a first electrode (51), a second electrode (52, 11a, 11b, 21), and an insulating member (53, 11c) which is formed from dielectric substance and interposed between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21). By impressing an alternating current between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21), non-equilibrium plasma discharge between the insulating member (53, 11c) and one of the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21) is promoted. Igniting the fuel mixture by the non-equilibrium plasma discharge achieves a high ignition performance is achieved with low energy consumption. |
| US07644697B2 |
Governor device
A governor device comprises a first lever connecting a governor lever to a rotary speed setting lever interlockingly, a second lever pivotally supported by the first lever, and a third lever pivotally supported by the second lever, regulated its rotation amount by the second lever and interlocked with a governor weight. A fuel injection compensation spring is provided between the first lever and the second lever so as to bias them for decreasing the rotary speed for a fixed amount at the time of low speed rotation. A compensation starting rotary speed setting device, which is a set load changing means for the fuel injection compensation spring, is provided on the first lever near the fuel injection compensation spring. |
| US07644696B2 |
Internal combustion engine system, and a method in such an engine system
An embodiment of the invention relates to an engine system, and a method in an engine system comprising an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder (2) at which a piston (3), at least one inlet valve (5), at least one exhaust valve (7), and fuel injection means (11), for injection of fuel directly into the cylinder (2), are provided. The method comprises performing the following steps in at least one of the at least one cylinder: controlling (204) at least one of the at least one intake valve (5) so as to introduce air into the cylinder (2), performing (203, 206) at least one main combustion fuel injection (P21, P22) for a main combustion with air introduced into the cylinder (2), controlling (201), during an exhaust stroke and an intake stroke, the intake and exhaust valves (5, 7) so as to form a negative valve overlap (NVO) to capture main combustion residues, and performing (202) at least one pilot fuel injection (P1) during the negative valve overlap. The amount of fuel in the at least one pilot fuel injection (P1) is at least partly dependent on said introduction of air and at least one of the at least one main combustion fuel injection (P21, P22). |
| US07644695B2 |
Radial axis, spherical based rotary machines
A rotary machine which can be either a pump or an internal combustion engine has a housing enclosing a plurality of rotor spindles lying on the surface of an imaginary cone for driving an output shaft positioned at the vertex of the imaginary cone. The spindles have a beveled gear on one end and engaging an output shaft and a conical bearing on the other end. Angled eccentric rotors are mounted to each spindle shaped to maintain tangential sliding contact with two adjacent rotors to form a compression or combustion chamber. A spherical version of a compressor or an engine uses a plurality of rotary pistons each of which is eccentrically mounted and forms a spherical segment. Each rotary piston is mounted for tangential sliding contact with at least two other rotary pistons to form a displacement chamber therebetween. The rotary pistons use a generally “tear drop” shape. A rotary pump has a housing having a manifold for distributing intake and exhaust air. The pump has a plurality of lobe shafts, each having an eccentrically mounted rotor attached thereto mounted in the housing to form a compression chamber in the middle of the rotor when the rotors are all in contact with each other during rotation. |
| US07644693B2 |
Open ended mini lash adjuster
A hydraulic lash adjuster (17;61;81) in which the body (19) defines a body bore (39) extending over substantially the entire axial length of the body, thus making it possible to finish the bore (39) by a more accurate process, such as honing. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, there is a cylindrical member (71) disposed in the lower portion of the body bore (39) cooperating to define a leakdown clearance (39,71 S), to isolate side load on the plunger (25) the leakdown. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, there is both the leakdown clearance (23S,39) between the body bore and the plunger (23) and the leakdown clearance (39,71 S) between the body bore and the cylindrical member (71), the leakdown flow rate of FIG. 3 being variable if the body and the cylindrical member (71) comprise dissimilar metals, having different coefficients of thermal expansion. |
| US07644691B2 |
Device for modifying the control times of an internal combustion engine
A device (1) for varying the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A device (1) is proposed, with a means for limiting the angle of rotation, this being optimized in terms of the magnitude of the transmittable forces. A further aspect of the invention relates to making the mounting of the device (1) more flexible to the effect that the same components can be used in devices (1) with different relative angle-of-rotation ranges. |
| US07644687B2 |
Cooling circuit of internal combustion engine
An two-stroke internal combustion engine includes a cooling circuit having at least one passageway on the exhaust side of the engine for cooling the exhaust side of the engine and at least one passageway on the intake side of the engine for cooling at least a portion of the intake side of the cylinder. The engine also includes at least one cooling channel traversing the engine located in the vicinity of one of the bearings supporting the crankshaft for cooling the bearings. |
| US07644685B2 |
Unitized receiver-housing bearing collar for pet
A unitized receiver-housing bearing planar collar for a pet wherein the bottom end of the receiver housing is integrally formed with the collar, the bottom perimetrical edge of the receiver housing being oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the collar. The collar is overmolded, free of independent connectors or fasteners, on the receiver housing adjacent the bottom end of the receiver housing such that when the collar is affixed to the neck of a pet, for example, there is established and maintained a pre-selected orientation of the receiver housing relative to the pet. |
| US07644684B2 |
Method and apparatus to minimize chewing of and damage to animal toy
A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a bag or other hollow container. The bag has a mouth for inserting articles in the bag. After an article is inserted in the bag, a closure is utilized to secure and close the mouth. The closure and mouth of the bag are inserted in a ball to prevent an animal from chewing on the closure to open the mouth of the bag. |
| US07644681B2 |
Exit gate with cow push bar for milking parlor
A push bar serves to nudge or urge cows to leave a milking parlor and move to an exit alley. The push bar is mounted on extendible support members, which may have an inner tube and an outer tube, and which is mounted by a journal onto an overhead pivot. There is one air cylinder to rotate the assembly, and additional air cylinders to extend and retract the support members. A programmed controller ensures that the push tube travels in a generally straight, horizontal path to push the cows out, and then lifts the push tube so it is over the cows' heads on the return. |
| US07644679B2 |
Plant for the treatment, in particular the cataphoretic dip coating of objects, in particular of vehicle chassis
The invention relates to a plant for the treatment, in particular the cataphoretic dip coating of objects, in particular of vehicle chassis, comprising at least one transport car (5) which runs the objects (4) through the plant and introduces and retrieves the above to and from several treatment containers. The transport car (5) comprises a chassis (7, 8, 9 to 12), which travels along the trajectory of the objects (4), at least one pivot arm (50, 51), connected to the chassis (7, 8, 9 to 12), a mounting (61) joined to the pivot arm (50, 51), for at least one object. The translational displacement and the pivoting displacement of the at least one pivot arm (50, 51) and the mounting (61) are effected by independent drive devices. In order to reduce the energy required for the pivoting of the pivot arms (50, 51), at least one energy store (42) is provided, which buffers the energy released on dropping the object as elastic energy and from which the buffered energy can be recovered to support the upwards motion of the object. |
| US07644675B1 |
Lateral thruster unit for marine vessels
A thruster unit for generating side thrust for improved maneuverability of a marine vessel employs a peripherally-driven propeller situated below the waterline and remotely powered by a motor situated above the waterline via a flexible drive member. The propeller is supported by a rolling element bearing disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the propeller providing both axial and radial support. The lower portion disposed for submerged operation has a substantially thin cross section with a narrow thickness aligned transversely to the vessel to operate hydro-dynamically while the vessel is underway. This makes it possible for the present invention to remain in the operating position indefinitely even while the vessel is in motion without risking a structural damage. The thruster unit can be installed on the vessel using a hinged bracket assembly such that during the extended periods while the vessel is not operating the thruster unit may be pivoted out from the water for dry storing, safely away from the corrosion, marine growth, or any other harmful effect of the water. |
| US07644666B2 |
Pallet
A pallet includes parallel channels or corrugations in an upper surface of the deck. Perpendicular lower channels or corrugations are formed on a lower surface of the deck. The upper and lower channels or corrugations support one another and provide increased stiffness to the deck. The pallet is designed such that it can be rotomolded. |
| US07644658B2 |
Transfer drum and blanket fastening assembly
A blanket fastening assembly for securing an image transfer blanket to an intermediate transfer member drum of an electrostatic printer comprising a resilient biasing arrangement adapted to be connected to an end of the blanket to act in use so as to resiliently tension the blanket, with at least one end portion of the blanket being held in use by a resilient biasing clamping member which is adapted to move during the operational life of the drum so as to accommodate stretching of the blanket whilst maintaining tension in the blanket. |
| US07644655B1 |
Commercial tomato strainer attachment
A commercial tomato strainer attachment includes a hopper having open top and bottom ends and a downwardly converging wall. The bottom end has a cylindrical shape and a smaller diameter than the top end. A bottom support member is coupled to the hopper bottom end and has a cavity vertically aligned therebeneath. A drive shaft extends through the cavity and has a helical blade traveling along a major length thereof that is partially seated within the bottom support member. The blade radius decreases from a proximal to a distal end thereof. A universal coupling is mounted to the support member exterior surface. The proximal drive shaft end and the coupling are attachable to a commercial mixer. The hollow chamber is coupled to the bottom support member, houses a major length of the blade and the drive shaft, and has a distal end for discharging tomatoes therefrom. |
| US07644650B2 |
Water heater and coffee maker for aircraft
The invention provides an improved water heater and coffee maker for use in an aircraft. A water heater 1 of an aircraft has a water tank 20 to which water from a water tank 10 of the aircraft is fed via a solenoid valve 14 and a flowmeter 16. The water tank 20 is opened to the atmosphere, and it does not form a pressure vessel. The hot water heated by a rapid heating boiler 40 is sent to a coffee server 100, and sprinkled via a hot water shower head 170 into a coffee brewing cup 180. The brewed coffee is pooled in a coffee server 200. An electrostatic level sensor 260 senses the liquid surface level of the coffee, based on which power supply to the boiler is turned off and supply of hot water is stopped. |
| US07644645B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting dangerous conditions in power equipment
A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions. |
| US07644644B2 |
Cap opening apparatus
To solve problems in a conventional cap opening apparatus wherein it is uneconomical and requires a large storage space to prepare dedicated cap opening apparatus to open the caps of various cans and bottles sealed by different systems and, in a conventional cap opening apparatus having cap opening functions for different applications at both ends of a single output shaft, when one of the functions is set to develop a proper capacity, the other develops an excessive or a sufficient capacity.This cap opening apparatus comprises a speed changing portion 50 having a gear train for matching the output of a motor to the purposes of a plurality of output shafts and an output power changing section for the gear train. Since the speed changing portion transmits optimum torques to the output shafts 133 and 140 and can selectively drive only one output shaft through the output power changing section, safety can be increased. Further, an installation space and a storage space can be saved by adopting a ceiling-hanged type apparatus. |
| US07644642B2 |
Handlebar top clamp for steering systems
A top clamp for steering systems used in cycles, such as motorcycles, is provided. The top clamp may be adapted to allow a hand guard crossbar to couple directly thereto. The top clamp may also have a steering damper mount plate adjustably coupled thereto to enable the movement of the handlebars from a forward position to a rearward position without causing the steering damper to move from axial alignment with the axial center of a steering tube. |
| US07644640B2 |
Injection-molded resin bevel gear
A rim-shaped section of a teeth section with the same thickness among a bottomland and the same thickness as that of a web. An outward-radial-direction end of the web is connected to an inner end side of the rim-shaped section. In the rim-shaped section, a section from a teeth section connecting section of the web to an outer end of the ring-shaped rim-shaped section is connected to an outer circumferential surface of the boss by a plurality of first radial direction ribs. In the rim-shaped section, a section from the teeth section connecting section of the web to a tooth-width-direction center section is connected to an outward-radial-direction end of second radial direction ribs. The first and the second radial direction ribs are formed thinner than the web and the ring-shaped rim-shaped section. |
| US07644636B2 |
Load pin brake cell apparatus
A load pin brake cell apparatus includes a load pin element that can be machined with a pair of external grooves in order to create independent load locations. A sleeve can be installed over the load pin element and can be welded at each edge of the grooves to relocate the pair of grooves to interior of the load pin element. The sleeve and the load pin act as one homogenous component to ensure a predictable and total transfer of stress and strain to a strain gauge located within the load pin. The ratio of a cross-sectional area between the sleeve and the load pin can be kept to a minimum in order to minimize the non-linearity due to bending stresses. The sleeve wall preferably possesses a sufficient thickness to prevent yielding at the grooves. |
| US07644633B2 |
Vortex flowmeter with temperature compensation
A vortex flowmeter has a vortex sensor and terminals that receive a thermal junction output from a thermowell assembly that is remote from the vortex flowmeter. The vortex flowmeter has a data input that receives data representing a thermal property of the thermowell assembly. The vortex flowmeter has a circuit that receives the first thermal junction output and the vortex sensor output, and that provides a flowmeter output that is compensated for temperature and for the thermal property. |
| US07644631B1 |
Electronics cabinet acoustical and thermal test device
An electronics component cabinet cover test device includes a housing that defines a test apparatus provided with first and second openings. A cover member is mounted to one of the openings, and an air moving device is arranged in the test apparatus. The air moving device includes an air inlet and an air outlet and generates airflow within the test apparatus. A sensor capable of measuring a characteristic of the airflow is mounted within the test apparatus. An airflow impedance device mounted to the inlet or the outlet of the air moving device. The airflow impedance device is configured to simulate an airflow obstruction. A controller establishes a flow rate of air from the air moving device and receives airflow data corresponding to the characteristic of the airflow from the sensor to determine one of an acoustical performance characteristic and a thermal performance characteristic of the cover member. |
| US07644630B2 |
Gearbox simulation test bench
The invention relates to a test bench that reproduces the performance of a gearbox. The invention consists of: at least one gearshift module (2) comprising a linear motor (12) and a ball joint (14) that can be used to convert a linear motion of the motor (12) into a rotational motion of a gearshift shaft (5) and a force sensor (17) that can be used to measure the force applied to the gearshift shaft (5). In particular embodiments of the invention, the test bench also comprises a vertical linear selection module or a horizontal selection module. The modules employed can be used to simulate forces as a function of the shift and selection position in a manner that is representative of a gearbox. |
| US07644628B2 |
Resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface
Several methods and a system of a resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment provides a force measuring device. The force measuring device includes a resistive sensor having a fixed surface and a movable surface. A spring assembly is positioned between the fixed surface and the movable surface. The spring assembly alters in height in response to a force applied perpendicular to the movable surface and causes a change in a resistance of the resistive sensor. A circuit generates a measurement of the force based on an algorithm that considers a change in the resistance of the resistive sensor. A universal serial bus (USB) interface of the circuit provides digital output of the measurement to a computing device. |
| US07644624B2 |
Artificial lateral line
An artificial sensor comprises at least one substrate, and a plurality of flow sensors disposed on the at least one substrate for providing a plurality of spatial-temporally varying signals representing a hydrodynamic stimulus. The plurality of flow sensors are spatially distributed on the at least one substrate. A processor is coupled to the plurality of flow sensors for receiving the signals and determining spatial-temporal information from the received signals. |
| US07644623B2 |
Semiconductor sensor for measuring a physical quantity and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor pressure sensing apparatus includes a metallic stem having a diaphragm and a semiconductor sensor bonded to the diaphragm. The semiconductor sensor includes a gauge section and first and second bonding pads. The gauge section is configured to be deformed according to a deformation of the diaphragm. The first and second bonding pads are respectively connected to different positions of the gauge section so that an electrical resistance between the first and second bonding pads can change with a change in the deformation of the diaphragm. The gauge section is formed to a semiconductor layer of an silicon-on-insulator substrate. The semiconductor sensor is directly bonded to the diaphragm by activating contact surfaces between the semiconductor sensor and the diaphragm. |
| US07644620B2 |
Sensor comprising a modular connection
A sensor comprising a base body and a sensor element, in particular for transforming and/or transferring measuring variables. The sensor element is associated with a receiving element. |
| US07644618B2 |
Apparatus and method for nondestructive inspection of parts
A method of inspecting a radius area of composite parts with an ultrasonic inspection system, the system includes at least one ultrasonic probe, an upper sliding surface, a lower sliding surface, an adjustable guide rail, and an adjustable encoder wheel rotatably coupled to a rotary encoder, is provided. The method includes generating a high frequency sound wave using the probe including a radius of curvature extending from a center point, the sound wave travels partially through the part, adjusting the guide rail to align the center point of the probe with a center axis of a part corner portion, sliding the part through the inspection system to inspect the corner portion using the sound wave by rotating the wheel and rotary encoder such that the arcuate distance of the part is recorded, adjusting the wheel to avoid any apertures defined within the part, and processing the sound wave information. |
| US07644615B2 |
Humidity sensor having humidity sensitive film and method for manufacturing the same
A humidity sensor includes: a sensor chip including a capacitive humidity sensor element and a connection electrode, wherein the capacitive humidity sensor element includes a humidity sensitive film having relative permittivity changeable in accordance with humidity, and wherein the connection electrode is electrically connected to the humidity sensor element; a lead plate electrically connected to the connection electrode; and a mold for covering a connection portion between the connection electrode and the lead plate. The mold is disposed on the sensor chip and includes a groove. The humidity sensitive film is disposed in the groove. The humidity sensitive film has a height in the groove, the height equal to or lower than a surface of the mold. The height of the humidity sensitive film in the groove is homogeneous. |
| US07644612B2 |
Thermal mass flow meter and method for its operation
The disclosure relates to a thermal mass flow meter for determining a material flow through a vessel. The mass flow meter has at least two measuring elements immersed into a vessel with a flowing medium, with one of the measuring elements being heated. It is proposed that the heated measuring element is arranged in front of the unheated measuring element in the flow direction of the medium for at least part of the time, and for part of the time the unheated measuring element is arranged in front of the heated measuring element. |
| US07644609B2 |
Exhaust sensor apparatus and method
Some embodiments include a housing including a dielectric portion, a particulate matter (“PM”) sensor fixed inside the housing such that the exhaust streaming through an exhaust system passes near and in electrical isolation from the PM sensor, the PM sensor including a terminal couplable to a PM sensing circuit to produce a PM sensor indication associated with sensed PM and a fastener coupled to the housing and mountable to the exhaust system to dispose the housing into the exhaust system such that exhaust streaming through the exhaust system passes outside the dielectric portion of the housing. |
| US07644608B2 |
Intake air temperature sensor diagnostic
An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor diagnostic module comprises a measured noise module, an expected noise module, an excess noise module, and an IAT fault detection module. The measured noise module measures noise in an IAT signal from an IAT sensor in a vehicle. The expected noise module determines expected noise based upon the IAT signal. The excess noise module determines an excess noise value based upon the measured noise and the expected noise. The IAT fault detection module diagnoses faults in the IAT sensor based upon a comparison of the excess noise value and a first predetermined value. |
| US07644601B2 |
Reducing tubes over a stepped mandrel to manufacture tubular shafts having an undercut in one operation
A method for manufacturing hollow shafts having end portions of greater wall thickness and at least one intermediate portion of reduced wall thickness, from a tube having constant wall thickness. The method includes providing a mandrel having diameters stepped over its length, with a first longitudinal section having a smallest diameter and at least one further longitudinal section having a further larger diameter. Reducing the external diameter of a first portion of the tube over the first longitudinal section of the mandrel to produce the first end portion. Reducing the external diameter of a middle portion of the tube over the at least one further longitudinal section of the mandrel to produce the at least one intermediate portion. Reducing the external diameter of a further portion of the tube over the first longitudinal section of the mandrel to produce the second end portion. |
| US07644599B2 |
Method for surface blasting cavities, particularly cavities in gas turbines
In a method for surface blasting hollow spaces or cavities, especially cavities of gas turbines, shot balls are accelerated with the aid of at least one vibrator, whereby the ultrasonically accelerated shot balls are directed onto surfaces of a cavity that is to be blasted. The vibrator is preferably positioned with a small spacing distance, preferably on the order of magnitude of the diameter of the shot balls utilized for the blasting, from the cavity to be blasted. |
| US07644597B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing plate glass
An apparatus 10 for producing a plate glass, comprising a bath 14 for float-forming for reserving a molten metal 16 for forming a band-shaped plate glass having a predetermined thickness by feeding a molten glass ribbon 20 in a predetermined direction on the molten metal 16, and a pair of partition walls 46 provided substantially above left and right edges 22 of the molten glass ribbon 20 and substantially along the edges 22 to partition a space above a bath surface of the molten metal into an upper space A above a region covered with the molten glass ribbon 20 and upper spaces B above regions not covered with the molten glass ribbon 20; wherein the partition walls 46 each has a vertically dividable structure dividable into an upper partition wall 46A and a lower partition wall 46B, and the lower partition wall 46B is constituted by strip-shaped lower strip members 58 provided continuously to each other in a lateral direction, and the strip members 58 are configured to be removable or openable from the upper partition wall 46A. |
| US07644596B2 |
Method of manufacturing a glass reflector
A short-arc discharge lamp capable of reducing the likelihood of cracks starting at an end face of a reflection mirror neck unit. Such cracks can be caused by heat generated from the discharge lamp. The short-arc discharge lamp includes a glass reflection mirror having a reflection surface of an even-order function on an inner surface thereof and formed by embossing. The short-arc discharge lamp is arranged with respect to an optical axis of the reflection mirror. A base of the discharge lamp is fixed to an insertion hole in a hollow neck unit formed in a bottom center of the reflection mirror. Furthermore, a base peripheral portion on the inner surface of the insertion hole in the hollow neck unit has a cylindrical shape with a narrow portion formed to extend from the cylindrical shape toward the reflection surface. Finally, an embossed portion extends from the narrow portion toward the reflection surface while diverging to contact the reflection surface. |
| US07644595B2 |
Combined recovery of hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquids from hydrogen-containing gases
A pressure differential of a feed gas (110) between a compressor (120) and expander (160) is employed to cool the feed gas to condense and remove at least a portion of one component to produce a partially depleted feed gas from which another component may then be removed. In especially preferred aspects, the feed gas comprises C2-C5 hydrocarbons and hydrogen, wherein the hydrocarbons are condensed in the cooler and hydrogen is removed using a pressure swing adsorption unit (180). |
| US07644591B2 |
System for remote refrigeration monitoring and diagnostics
A system for monitoring and managing a refrigeration system of a remote location includes a management center in communication with a refrigeration system through a communication network. The management center receives performance information of the refrigeration system. The management center employs software modules to analyze the performance information; diagnose system conditions; provide alarms for food safety issues, food quality issues and refrigeration system component failure; indicate maintenance conditions; and configure the refrigeration system. |
| US07644587B2 |
Method for providing auxiliary power to an electric power plant using fischer-tropsch technology
A method for meeting both base-load and peak-load demand in a power production facility. By integrating a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbon production facility with an electrical power generating facility, peak-load power demand can be met by reducing the temperature of the FT reactor thereby increasing the quantity of tail gases and using FT tail gases to fuel a gas turbine generator set. The method enables rapid power response and allows the synthesis gas generating units and the FT units to operate with constant flow rates. |
| US07644586B2 |
Control of supercharged engine
There is provided a method of controlling an engine system. The engine system comprises an internal combustion engine, a supercharging system having at least one supercharger to boost intake air to the internal combustion engine, a turbine, and a motor. The turbine receives an exhaust gas flow from an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine and is capable of at least partly driving the supercharging system. The motor is capable of at least partly driving the supercharging system. The method comprises operating the exhaust system in a first exhaust state and operating the motor in a first motor state when a speed of the internal combustion engine is below a first engine speed, operating the exhaust system in the first exhaust state and operating the motor in a second motor state where power to drive the motor is reduced from that in the first motor state when the speed of the internal combustion engine is between the first engine speed and a second engine speed which greater the said first engine speed, and operating the exhaust system in a second exhaust state where energy transmitted from the internal combustion engine to the turbine is reduced from that in the first exhaust state and operating the motor in the second motor state when the speed of the internal combustion engine is above the second engine speed. Accordingly, the maximum torque can be increased while maintaining the system efficiency over the entire engine speed range. |
| US07644585B2 |
Multi-stage turbocharging system with efficient bypass
A multi-stage turbocharging system recovers exhaust energy that is conventionally lost in bypassing exhaust flow from one stage to another in a multi-stage turbocharging system. The exhaust energy is preserved through converting a portion of the exhaust energy of the bypassed flow from pressure to kinetic energy (velocity) by passing the bypassed flow through a VGT vane outlet or other variable geometry valve/nozzle, and then not allowing the accelerated flow to dissipate energy before reaching the subsequent stage's turbine wheel, where the accelerated flow may then be converted to a mechanical rotational force by the lower pressure turbine's wheel. |
| US07644576B2 |
Sensor control device
A sensor control device is connected with a plurality of exhaust sensors including an NOx sensor to be disposed around a catalyst, and is constructed such that a plurality of drive control circuits to be connected in a one-to-one relationship with the individual gas sensors are disposed in one casing. The sensor control device is provided with a communication output section that outputs signals through a digital communication line so that the signal transmissions/receptions with an ECU may be executed through the digital communication line. This digital communication line is physically a one-system cable but can transmit and receive signals of a plurality of kinds with predetermined communication protocols. |
| US07644575B2 |
Morphing structure
A method for altering the shape of an exhaust mixing structure extending from a downstream end of a jet engine nacelle nozzle. The method may involve attaching a first end of at least one actuator to the nacelle nozzle, and attaching a second end of the actuator to an inner skin of the exhaust mixing structure. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) tendon connected to the actuator first and second ends may be activated such that the SMA tendon longitudinally constricts to move the inner skin of the exhaust mixing structure slidably along a longitudinal path. This causes a portion of the exhaust mixing structure to be flexed into a path of flow exiting the nacelle nozzle. |
| US07644570B2 |
Method for operating an open-end spinning device
The invention relates to a method for operating an open-end spinning device (1), comprising a spinning rotor (2) and an opening roller (12), which can be controlled so as to be driven individually independently of one another, wherein after an interruption in the spinning process takes place as a result of the detection of the absence of a thread, a piecing operation is initiated, comprising a piecing process, in which an upper thread passes through a fiber ring formed in the spinning rotor (2) and is connected to the latter, and a subsequent drawing-in accumulating process which serves to reduce a thin point in the thread following the piecer, wherein during the piercing operation, the opening roller (12) is temporarily driven at a piecing speed which is higher than the operating speed of the opening roller (12). |
| US07644568B2 |
Serrated edge bed knife
A bed knife for a mower includes a cutting implement for cutting a material. The bed knife includes a mounting portion that mounts to the mower, and a cutting area at which the cutting implement cooperates with the bed knife to cut the material. The bed knife further includes a serrated portion including a plurality of teeth. |
| US07644566B2 |
Curtain to direct crop in a header
A curtain for directing severed crop movement in a cutting header in an agricultural harvester. The curtain optimizes crop movement between a cutterbar to a crop conveying auger for lateral movement of the crop material from outboard ends of the cutting header toward an interior discharge zone for formation of a windrow. The curtain also reduces the tendency for clogging that occurs when crop approaches conveying augers on both sides of an axial centerline by directing all crop material toward the trailing side of the rotating auger and by preventing airflow generated by the auger from disrupting crop approaching the auger. Crop smoothing by the curtain also reduces disturbances to the crop material during movement within the header which reduces seed loss in seed-bearing specialty crops. |
| US07644565B2 |
Lawnmower attachment device for mounting an edge trimmer thereto and method of mounting same
A device for mounting an edge trimmer to a lawnmower, comprising a front clamp mounted to the lawnmower, and a rear clamp mounted to the lawnmower, wherein the front and rear clamps receive and support a shaft of the edge trimmer, and are adjustable to different angles with respect to a first axis substantially parallel to a surface on which the lawnmower rests. |
| US07644564B2 |
Electric modular pruning and/or topping machine
A modular pruning machine used in agriculture, viticulture, fruit growing, tree growing or for brush clearing has at least one cutter bar. The cutter bar has cutting modules affixed thereto. Each of the cutting modules has a rotary cutting tool and a three-phase asynchronous electric motor such that the three-phase asynchronous electric motor individually rotatably drives the rotary cutting tool. |
| US07644545B2 |
Insulation batt having integral baffle vent
A baffled insulation product for ventilating air under a roof from an open space is provided comprising an elongated insulation mat having top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface facing the roof when the product is installed in the open space, the insulation mat having a baffle integral therewith proximate to the top major surface, comprising at least one airflow channel for the ventilating air. |
| US07644542B2 |
Sliding door
A sliding door comprising a door leaf and a frame profile holding the door leaf. The frame profile includes lateral frame profiles and a lower frame profile. Intermediate pieces are disposed in a channel of the lower frame profile and in channels of the lateral frame profiles to connect the lower and lateral frame profiles together. Roller assemblies are disposed in the lower frame profile and are adjusted via screws which extend through the intermediate pieces. |
| US07644539B2 |
Automatic door bottom and sill assemblage
A door sill and a sealing mechanism engage one another analogously to a rack and pinion in order to automatically create a weather-resistant closure at the gap between an inswinging exterior door bottom and the floor below. The sealing mechanism, which fastens to the door bottom, contains a door-wide rotating shaft with an arm extension tipped with a flexible seal. On the underside of the shaft extension is a short “pinion” component with elongated teeth that engage in corresponding recesses in the sill, raising and lowering the seal in the process. The pinion is positioned on the far lock side of the door, so that the teeth engage and the seal begins to drop only when the door is nearly closed. As the door opens and the seal rises, a magnet further retracts the shaft extension and retains it until the door is again closed. |
| US07644536B2 |
Sanitizing container and display
Sanitizing container and display is a sealed but ventable container for removably placing demonstrable objects such as plants, cut flowers, inside the container, living creatures and the like in hospitals, home or other environments where immunocompromised or allergic patients live. This sealed container and display is provided with a ventilation system that establishes adequate air circulation to the inside the container while clearing the outflow air from any potentially harmful microbes, allergens (small particles that cause allergy) or chemical fumes that would be dangerous for those patients who lack normal immune protection or are allergic. This enclosed chamber can optionally be provided with an artificial light source for illumination of the displayed object if desired. |
| US07644531B2 |
Method and apparatus for fitting and aiming a firearm
An apparatus and method for aligning and aiming a firearm include a firearm alignment device. In an embodiment, the firearm alignment device includes a reflective surface. The reflective surface provides an image. The firearm alignment device also includes an opening in the reflective surface. A barrel of a firearm is disposable in the opening. In addition, the firearm alignment device includes a removeable band. The removeable band is horizontally disposed on the reflective surface. |
| US07644529B2 |
Rifle bolt cleaning tool
A rifle bolt cleaning tool comprising a single piece of material with an annular bolt scraping chamber comprising a bottom and two inner walls that extend from the bottom of the scraping chamber upward and spread outward to form two top surfaces of the scraping chamber. The inner walls of the scraping chamber are concave in shape so as to fit snugly around a tail end of a rifle bolt. The distance between the two inner walls of the scraping chamber is roughly equivalent to the outside diameter of a rifle bolt. The inner walls of the scraping chamber extend upward from the bottom of the scraping chamber by a distance that is slightly greater than the length of the tail end of the bolt. |
| US07644526B2 |
Extending tool of sheet-like material
An extension tool is provided for stretching a sheet-shaped material over its entirety with minimal adjusting portions and uniform tension. Four corner members are disposed along with four frame members for forming a rectangular frame. Four rods are disposed so as to pass through the four frame members and allow the sides and corners to move towards and away from each other for adjusting the size of the frame. One set of corner members are located on the diagonals and are provided with a moving mechanism for moving the rods along the sides of the rectangle. The extension tool for tensioning the material further comprises a transmission mechanism for converting the movement of a rod in a first side of the rectangle between first corner pairs into a reversing and approaching movement of a second rod in a second side of the frame between second corner pairs. |
| US07644525B2 |
Iron comprising a valve controlled by a thermally deformable element
Steam iron comprising a sole (1) in thermal communication with a heating body (5) equipped with a steam chamber (53), the steam chamber (53) communicating with a reservoir (7) by means of a supply circuit comprising a flow control valve (10) whose degree of opening is controlled by a thermally deformable element (16) in thermal communication with the heating body (5), characterized in that the opening of the control valve (10) is braked, beginning at an intermediate temperature, by a stabilizing element (18) that exerts a force that opposes the force generated by the thermally deformable element (16). |
| US07644518B2 |
Structural element for a shoe sole
The present invention relates to a shoe sole including a cushioning element. The shoe sole can include a heel cup or heel rim having a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of heel of a foot. Further, the heel part can include a plurality of side walls arranged below the heel cup or rim and at least one tension element that interconnects at least one side wall to another side wall or to the heel cup or rim. The heel cup or rim, the plurality of side walls, and the at least one tension element can be integrally formed as a single piece. |
| US07644517B2 |
Modular article of footwear
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure and at least two elements that join to form the upper and the sole structure. The elements each form a portion of the upper and a portion of the sole structure. With regard to the upper, the elements each form a strap portion that, in combination, secures a foot to the footwear. With regard to the sole structure, the elements each form a portion of the foot-supporting surface and the ground-engaging surface. The elements may be joined through a snap-fit system involving protrusions and apertures, or adhesives may be used. |
| US07644515B2 |
Lint filter assembly of laundry dryer
A lint filter assembly for a laundry dryer is provided. In the lint filter assembly, a door is provided, a lint filter has a filter housing installed at the rear of the door and a filter main body inserted into the filter housing, and at least one securing member is provided to secure the filter main body to the filter housing. |
| US07644514B2 |
Clothes dryer
A clothes dryer which comprises a housing, a rotatable drum for receiving the clothes and a bearing for rotatably receiving the drum in the housing. In order to protect the bearing from overheating, a cooling air device for cooling the bearing is provided. |
| US07644506B2 |
Edge level with side magnets and velcro(hook and loop fastener)
Present invention provides an edge level that can be used for measuring angles or levelness on all X, Y and Z axis simultaneously and in hands-free type operation, due to the use of Velcro or external clamps used together with the features introduced herein. A removable pod, containing the Z-axis bubble, provides the flexibility of insertion to the pod seat for measuring Z-axis angle and can be stored or put aside when not in use. |
| US07644505B2 |
Levelling rod, level determining apparatus for said rod, and level determining method
The levelling rod (1) for a level determining apparatus (2) has position indications therealong along expressed by barcode symbols (11, 12). At least some of said barcode symbols are color barcode symbols, the color serving to encode said position indications. The barcode symbols can be organised in first and second blocks (12, 11) of barcode symbols, each providing a position indication, wherein the length (Ls) occupied along the rod (1) by a first block (12) is smaller than the length (Lb) occupied along the rod by a second block (11), the first blocks thereby providing a finer position indication than the second blocks. The first blocks (12) of barcode symbols can be formed of monochrome and color bar code symbols, e.g. just one color barcode symbol and at least one monochrome barcode symbol, while the second blocks (11) can be formed purely of color barcode symbols. The invention also relates to a level determining apparatus specifically adapted for the above rod, and to a method of using that rod. |
| US07644504B2 |
Vehicular crash test measuring system
A fixture for positioning an ATD relative to a vehicle includes a housing attached to the vehicle having a first end and a second end. A locator is mounted on the housing and is movable along the housing between the first end and the second end to identify a position of the ATD relative to the housing. A target is disposed on the ATD and is spaced apart from the housing for alignment with the locator. A first measurement device outputs an angle of the housing that identifies an angular position of the target relative to a plane extending through the first end of the housing. |
| US07644502B2 |
Indicating apparatus and method
An indicating apparatus includes a base arranged to contact a first surface of an opening in a wall and a second surface of the opening in the wall, the base being rotationally stable when contacting the first and second surfaces of the opening, and an indicating member coupled to the base, the indicating member having a first portion arranged to indicate a first line along the wall when the base contacts the surfaces of the opening, and a second portion arranged to indicate a second line along the wall when the base contacts the first and second surfaces of the opening, the first line being parallel to the first surface, the second line being parallel to the second surface. |
| US07644496B2 |
Manufacturing method for imprinting stamper
A manufacturing method for imprinting stamper is disclosed. The manufacturing method includes forming a plurality of concave patterns on an insulation layer, forming a stamper by filling copper in the concave patterns, separating the stamper from the insulation layer, providing roughness on the surface of the stamper, can separate the stamper from the insulation layer, can prevent the deformation of the stamper and can manufacture pluralities of stampers repeatedly. |
| US07644494B2 |
Wire terminal installation tool
A tool for effecting attachment of an electrical terminal terminated on a wire with respect to a mating electrical contact is provided including an elongate tubular body having a first opened end, a second opened end and a continuous slot from the first to the second opened end. The continuous slot defines a pair of inwardly deflectable opposed sidewalls, wherein the wire may be loosely received between the opposed sidewalls. A first recessed stop toward the first opened end of the tubular body is adapted to seat at least the terminal at the first opened end. The opposed sidewalls are inwardly deflectable so as to grip the wire to effect attachment to the mating electrical contact. |
| US07644493B2 |
Adjustable head stack comb
The application discloses an adjustable head stack comb having adjustable first and second comb plates. The adjustable comb plates include at least one tooth segment which cooperatively form a comb having at least one tooth. The first and second comb plates are adjusted to adjust dimensions of the at least one tooth cooperatively formed by the tooth segments of the first and second comb plates. In the embodiments disclosed, a relative position of the first and second comb plates is adjusted to adjust a thickness dimension of the at least one tooth formed by the at least one tooth segments of the first and second comb plates. Also in illustrated embodiments, the comb plates are cooperatively adjusted to adjust an elevation or z-height of the at least one tooth of the comb. |
| US07644492B2 |
Dynamoelectric winding end portion forming apparatus
A holding jig is made into cylindrical body that has a conductor insertion aperture, and a conductor end portion is inserted into the conductor insertion aperture in a loosely-fitted state and held. The holding jig is moved along an arc that has a radius L that is centered around a projecting root portion of the conductor end portion to a vicinity of a coil end to bend and form the conductor end portion into a desired lead around shape. |
| US07644489B2 |
Thin membrane alignment method using patterned nanomagnets
A passive nanomagnet alignment method is described to self-align a membrane to another surface. The membrane and the surface each have a plurality of nanomagnets patterned on it, wherein the nanomagnets are magnetized based on an applied external magnetic field. The membrane is brought into close proximity and coarse alignment to the surface by a positioning mechanism (e.g., an actuation force), such that the nanomagnets on the membrane attract to and self-align with the nanomagnets on said surface based on the nanomagnet magnetizations. |
| US07644488B2 |
Method to form a conductive device
Electrical interfaces formed into a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like. |
| US07644485B2 |
Tool for connecting cable conductors
The invention relates to a tool for connecting cable cores, in particular of insulated telecommunication and data cables, to an insulation-piercing contact element, with a ram, which is formed with a ram head, by means of which the cable cores can be pressed into the insulation-piercing contact, the ram head being shaped in such a way that at least two cable cores can be pressed in simultaneously into at least two insulation-piercing contact elements lying next to each other. |
| US07644482B2 |
Planetary gear replacement method
A method permits replacement of components of existing epicyclic gear mechanisms of a wind energy system without having to lift the gear mechanism down from the gondola. In accordance with the method, the housing is divided up alternately in its first parting plane and in its second parting plane and moved apart. The center section of the housing, which includes the internal geared wheel, always remains connected with an adjacent section and therefore does not have to be moved with a hoist. Access to the components to be replaced is always guaranteed by the special method of opening. An installation bolt is also provided that is particularly suitable for implementing the method. |
| US07644481B2 |
Bearing positioning tool set
A bearing-positioning tool set comprises a grip having an inner end fixed with a combining rod extending outward, the combining rod bored with a combining threaded hole; at least one positioning press blocks respectively formed with two different diameters the positioning press blocks to be fitted with the grip respectively bored with an insert hole in the center, each of two ends of the insert hole being formed with a groove; each the positioning press block formed with a first circular fitting member, a first circular holding edge, a second circular fitting member and a second circular holding edge; and a combining member threadably combined with the combining threaded hole of the grip for fixing the positioning press block in position; one end of the combining member being formed with an enlarged head. |
| US07644475B2 |
Cable tie
There is provided an improved cable tie made of integrally molded thermoplastic material that includes a head, a strap that has a near end, a tail end, and an elongated body portion between the near end and the tail end. The strap includes a gripping surface formed on the upper surface of the tail end. The head is attached to the near end. The head has an opening extending there through that is slightly larger than the strap for receiving the tail end of the strap. A locking means is positioned within the head and extends into the opening and is formed to engage the gripping surface to prevent the strap from loosening once the strap is tightened. A blade is located within the head such that blade may be moved so as to cut the excess portion of said tail end once the strap is tightened. The blade extends through a portion of the wall of the head. The remaining end of the strap is recessed within the slot so that the end, if sharp, is not exposed. |
| US07644472B2 |
Hinge structure
A hinge structure is described. A hollow cylinder has a positioning slot in an inner wall thereof. A movable part has a positioning convex portion and a plurality of engraved portions. The positioning convex portion engages with the positioning slot such that the movable part slides within the hollow cylinder. A cover is fixed to the hollow cylinder to secure the movable part and the resilient part within the hollow cylinder. A resilient part is disposed between the cover and the movable part so as to provide the movable part a resilient recovery force. The engraved portions of the movable part are for engaging a rotatable member. |
| US07644470B2 |
Complex type cleaner
A complex type cleaner is provided. The complex type cleaner includes a body having either a dust collecting container that stores dust or a water collecting container that stores contaminated water, a fan motor installed in the body that generates a suction force, a suction head arranged at a lower side of the body, that sucks dust at a time of performing a vacuum cleaning operation, a water tank mounted adjacent the suction head, that stores cleaning water to be sprayed onto a region to be cleaned at a time of performing a water cleaning operation, and a suction nozzle integrally formed with the water tank, that sucks water contaminated after completing the water cleaning operation. The complex type cleaner so configured reduces a number of components, reduces a fabrication cost, and has a large capacity water tank. |
| US07644469B2 |
Vacuum electronics isolation method
A vacuum electronics isolation system utilizes an isolation circuit for providing a low voltage for operating a controller and to provide low voltage control signals for operating the vacuum motor to isolate the high voltage power source from the user. |
| US07644467B2 |
Filler material finishing tool
A hand held tool comprised of an elongated triangular shaped elastomeric applicator tool (20) for spreading, smoothing and feathering filler material which can be utilized with a handle (30). |
| US07644464B2 |
Caulk tool
A caulk tool has a finishing head at one end of a handheld main body, and a cutting mechanism located near the other end. The finishing head can include a bristle structure used for smoothing out caulk and sealants. The cutting mechanism may include a push button blade for cutting tips of caulk and sealant tubes to a desired length and angle. |
| US07644462B2 |
Article of footwear having midsole with support pillars and method of manufacturing same
An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly, and a support assembly positioned in the sole assembly and including a plurality of pillars. Each pillar includes an outer layer and an inner layer of cushioning material contained with the outer layer. |
| US07644461B2 |
Foam integrated innerspring mattress and method of manufacture
This invention relates to a foam integrated innerspring mattress and method of manufacture wherein a flexible polyurethane foam is adhered onto the top and bottom of individually wrapped pocket innersprings, and additional polyurethane foam is molded onto the sides of the mattress. |
| US07644460B2 |
Device and method for relieving back pain
The present invention relates to an apparatus for relieving back pain, the apparatus having a top and a leg assembly for supporting the top when the apparatus is placed on a surface. A method of relieving back pain is also provided, wherein a user adjusts the height of an apparatus according to the user's buttock popliteus length, and lay on the surface and place his/her lower legs or feet on the top of an apparatus such that the knees are bent at substantially 90 degrees and his/her back is flat on the surface. |
| US07644458B2 |
Hospital bed
A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a powered transport device to facilitate movement of a patient support. |
| US07644457B2 |
Hospital bed
A patient support (10) is provided for supporting a patient. Patient support (10) includes a frame (12), a deck (16), a mattress (18) and siderails (24 and 26). |
| US07644453B2 |
Shower curtain fastening system
The present invention relates to a kit for use in a shower enclosure with a shower curtain. The kit contains a wall component, a connecting component and a retaining component. The wall component has a back wall and at least one front wall, and is removably attachable to a wall surface of the shower enclosure. The connecting component has both a front portion and back portion. The back portion is detachably connectable to one of said at least one front wall of the wall component by means of magnets attached thereto. Once the wall component and connecting component are connected together, they form a watertight barrier. The front portion of the connecting component contains a protrusion in the form of two spaced apart, elongated arms that are each provided with an abutting edge against which part of the shower curtain may be positioned. The retaining component is detachably connectable to the protrusion of the connecting component with the part of the shower curtain snapped in between. The retaining component has a pair of arms with end edges that face toward each other and are sized to snap onto the abutting edges of the elongated arms of the protrusion of the connecting component with the part of the shower curtain pinched in between. |
| US07644452B2 |
Hydrotherapy jet with adjustable air and water inlets
A hydrotherapy jet comprising a jet body having a water inlet and an air inlet to allow water and air to flow into the jet body from water and air conduits, respectively. A diffuser is housed within that jet body and is rotatable within the jet body to control the amount of water flowing into the jet body. The water and air inlets are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the jet body to align the water and air inlets with the water and air conduits, respectively. |
| US07644451B1 |
Pedal operated toilet seat lifter and return
An apparatus for selectively moving a toilet seat between a first and second position comprising: a base, a first pedal having a first end for receiving a downward force thereon pivotally connected to the base, a first means connected between the toilet seat and an end of the first pedal opposite the first end for moving the toilet seat from a first position to a second position, a second pedal having a first end for receiving a downward force thereon and pivotally connected at an edge opposite the first end to the first pedal, a second means connected between the second pedal and an upper end of the first moving means for moving at least one of the toilet seat from the second position to the first position and the second pedal away from the first pedal. Upon applying the downward force to the first end of the first pedal, the first pedal pivots and causes the first moving means to move the toilet seat from the first position to the second position and causes the second moving means to move the second pedal away from the first pedal. Upon applying the downward force on the first end of the second pedal, the second moving means causes the toilet seat to be moved from the second position to the first position. |
| US07647646B2 |
Information input/output system, key management device, and user device
In an information input/output system, a user device inputs and outputs information to and from external sources including a key management device. The system includes the key management device that securely outputs invalid-device information specifying an invalid device unit that has been made invalid for use, and the user device that includes an input/output unit and a host unit. Via the input/output unit, input and output of information is enabled between the host unit and the external sources. The host unit securely receives, via the input/output unit, the invalid-device information outputted by the key management device and judges whether or not the input/output unit is an invalid device unit by referring to the received invalid-device information. When judging, that the input/output unit is an invalid device, the host unit thereafter prohibits input and output via the input/output unit. Due to this construction, the host unit can correctly judge whether or not the input/output unit is an invalid device unit. |
| US07647640B2 |
System for binding secrets to a computer system having tolerance for hardware changes
Systems and methods for binding a secret to a computer system are disclosed. Systems and methods for generating a strong hardware identification (SHWID) for a given computer system are also disclosed. The strong hardware identification (SHWID) is coupled to a bound secret. The strong hardware identification (SHWID) may be used to control the use of software on the given computer system depending on the degree of hardware changes to the computer system. |
| US07647638B2 |
Apparatus and a method for preventing unauthorized use and a device with a function of preventing unauthorized use
An authentication section comparing a characteristic included in a user's input into an input section with a characteristic of a person registered in memory, to determine an authentication result. An authentication control section including a function for (i) storing a value indicating a likelihood of being the person, (ii) controlling the value indicating a likelihood of the user being the person, based on (i) the authentication result of the authentication section and (ii) a passage of time. In response to an instruction to begin a process which requires authentication, the authentication control section controls whether or not to permit execution of the process depending on a the stored value Thus, unauthorized use of a device is prevented, while the trouble of asking a user to make a special input for authentication is resolved when a process requiring authentication is executed. |
| US07647634B2 |
Managing access to a network
One embodiment of the invention is directed to managing access of a host computer to a network. A first communication session with the host computer may be conducted to authenticate the host computer's identity. A second communication session with the host computer may be conducted to determine the health status of the host computer. |
| US07647631B2 |
Automated user interaction in application assessment
Various embodiments of systems, methods, software tools, etc. for performing an assessment of an application are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for performing an assessment of a web application. One such method comprises: recording user interactions with a web application; and playing back the user interactions to perform an assessment of the web application. |
| US07647630B2 |
Associating security information with information objects in a data processing system
A method for authorizing information flows based on security information associated with information objects is provided. A hash key is generated based on an information object and a lookup operation is performed in a hash table based on the hash key. A determination is made whether an entry in the hash table at an index corresponding to the hash key identifies a labelset for the information object. A labelset, identifying a sensitivity of the information object, is stored in the entry at the index corresponding to the hash key for the information object if a labelset for the information object is not identified in the entry in the hash table. Information flows involving the information object are authorized based on a lookup of the labelset associated with the information object in the hash table. The hash table may be a multidimensional hash table. |
| US07647625B2 |
System and/or method for class-based authorization
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to authenticating an identity of users desiring access to an application program and determining whether an authenticated user is authorized to access one or more aspects of the application program. |
| US07647620B2 |
Subtitling transmission system
Graphic images that overlay a transmitted video signal are provided in the form of bitmaps that allow any character or font size to be displayed. A color-look-up-table (CLUT) at a receiver is defined that maps “m” inputs to a combination of color and luminance values for display. One or more map tables are provided that allow pixel colors to be encoded using fewer than “m” bits, the map tables providing an “m” bit output for accessing the CLUT. The provider of the graphic images can also specify a required minimum number of CLUT colors for rendering the images; if this minimum is greater than “m”, the image is not rendered. The use of map tables provides compatibility between a variety of encoding techniques and a variety of rendering devices, without requiring different CLUTs to be transmitted for each different color encoding format. |
| US07647618B1 |
Video distribution system
The invention relates to video distribution systems and, more particularly, to a system that blanket transmits video/audio content such as movies (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's recording, storage and playback system. Customers may preselect from a list of available movies or other content in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay for the video/audio content that is actually viewed. |
| US07647615B1 |
Method and system for distributing digital audio and video to an analog wireless device
An audio input interface (122) receives a digital audio signal and identifies an audio bitstream which is optionally decrypted by a decryption unit (123), and decoded by an audio decoding unit (124). An audio digital to analog converter (126) converts the decoded audio bitstream to an analog audio signal which is optionally decrypted by an audio analog decryption unit (127) and output by an audio output interface (128) to an analog wireline device (100). A video input interface (142) receives a digital video signal and identifies a video bitstream which is optionally decrypted by a video digital decryption unit (143), and decoded by a video decoding unit (144). A video digital to analog converter (146) converts the decoded video bitstream to an analog video signal that is optionally decrypted by a video analog decryption unit (147) and output by a video output interface (148) to the analog wireline device (100). |
| US07647613B2 |
Apparatus and method for interactive content requests in a networked computer jukebox
A remote user interface transmits a digital media request through a communication link to a control which is coupled to a digital audio-visual playback device for selecting and playing a stored digital media by the playback device. The control receives the digital media request and transmits digital media selection and/or the selected digital media content directly to a selected playback device or indirectly to the selected playback device through a playback device server. The communication between the control and the playback device can be through a global communication network. |
| US07647612B1 |
Wireless set-top unit and related methods
Disclosed is a set-top box capable of delivering television, internet service, video phone service, video-on-demand, and other media services to a consumer. One portion of the set-top box interacts with a CDMA network for the purpose of receiving wireless internet, video-on-demand, videophone and other IP services. Another portion of the device is satellite-enabled. The satellite portion of the device enables the user to also receive satellite service. Because the set-top box works to receive satellite programming and wireless CDMA network communications, it is not terrestrially-bound. This means it is not bound to be included within a cable, telephone, or other wired circuit network. |
| US07647602B2 |
Disc device
A disc device includes: a casing including: a casing body that has a housing section of a disc 4 and houses a device body including a drive unit for rotating the disc 4; and a cover section rotatably supported on the casing body for closing the housing section. The casing includes: a rotation stop mechanism 5 for stopping rotation of the disc 4 when the cover section is opened. The rotation stop mechanism 5 includes a lever 6 rotatably supported on the casing body and having a contact section 631 contacting with the disc 4 when the cover section is opened; a biasing unit 7 provided on the lever 6 for biasing the contact section 631 toward an edge face of the disc 4; and a first releasing unit 13B provided in a protruding state on the cover section, the releasing unit 13B contacting with the lever 6 to rotate the lever 6 for releasing contact between the contact section 631 and the disc 4 when the cover section is closed. The contact section 631 has a contact face 632 inclined against the rotational tangent direction of the disc 4. |
| US07647601B2 |
Pickup drive mechanism and recording medium drive having the same
A pickup supporter 72 supporting a pickup device 70A includes a driver 76 having an abutting surface 764 that is a flat surface substantially in parallel to an axial direction of a lead screw 752 and intersecting with both a focus direction and a plane direction substantially vertical to the focus direction. With such arrangement, even when a posture of the pickup supporter 72 is changed by adjusting heights of the main shaft 74A and the sub shaft 74B, the screw abutting surface 764 can abut on the lead screw 752 at a substantially constant angle. Therefore, when the posture of the pickup supporter 72 is changed, substantially constant driving force can be transmitted from the lead screw 752, so that stable and proper driving force can be constantly obtained. |
| US07647599B2 |
Interprocessor communication network providing dynamic dedication of ports
An IPC protocol/network allows for dynamic dedication of ports in order to reduce system latencies and power consumption. The IPC system allows for either the IPC server or any of the IPC clients to request that a port(s) be dedicated for use in the transfer of data, such as real-time data. The request for a port can occur for example by a client transmitting a control message to the server/another client requesting that a particular port be dedicated for its use. The server and client(s) negotiate the port dedication and once dedicated, the client can use the dedicated port to transfer its data either to the server or to another client. In one embodiment, the server can take away a dedicated port if it determines it needs the port for another data transfer that may be more critical or have a higher priority. |
| US07647596B2 |
Method for sharing a data store across event management frameworks and system comprising same
An object model comprises a plurality of event framework information objects, a shared event data store and an event managing object. Each one of the event framework information objects define event framework characteristics for a respective one of a plurality of event frameworks implemented in a server. The shared event data store includes a plurality of event information objects each defining server event information for a respective one of a plurality of unique events exhibited by the server during operation. Each one of the event information objects is at least temporarily referenced by at least one of the event framework information objects. The event managing object is configured for creating the event information objects and managing persistence of the event information objects. |
| US07647592B2 |
Methods and systems for assigning objects to processing units
Methods and systems are provided for assigning objects to processing units. In one implementation, a method is provided for assigning objects to a cluster of processing units, wherein each of the processing units has a storage capacity. The method may include the steps of providing an ordered sequence of objects, providing an initial distribution of the objects to the processing units, and processing the objects in the order of the sequence to improve the smoothness of the initial distribution. |
| US07647586B2 |
System and method for providing exceptional flow control in protected code through watchpoints
A system and method for providing exceptional flow control in protected code through watchpoints is described. Code is generated. The generated code includes a sequence of normal operations and is subject to protection against copying during execution of the generated code. Execution points within the generated code are identified. A watchpoint corresponding to each of the execution points is set. An exception handler associated with each watchpoint is defined and includes operations exceptional to the normal operations sequence that are performed upon a triggering of each watchpoint during execution of the generated code. |
| US07647584B2 |
Automation and isolation of software component testing
A system for the testing of a software component API includes the generation of a wrapper component. The wrapper component is generated by determining the interface of the software component and by mirroring that interface in the public interface of the wrapper. The wrapper methods delegate to the software component API. Test code is included within the wrapper component to permit capture and playback of interaction with the software component API. Test case software accesses the software component API through the wrapper. The wrapper both generates trace data based on the interaction between the test case and the software component and delegates to the software component API. |
| US07647582B2 |
Application domain manager
An application domain manager enables a host application to create, initialize, customize, and otherwise manage an isolation construct within the application. |
| US07647581B2 |
Evaluating java objects across different virtual machine vendors
An analysis tool extracts class data from Java objects originating from multiple vendors having a particular design specification. A database mining tool then creates training data from the extracted class data to create a definition of objects associated with the particular design specification. Various implementations of the defined classes are compared across various performance metrics, which are output for the program designer as a function of vendor. The designer then selects the best design choices based on the best practices of multiple vendors disclosed by the outputs of the analysis tool when implementing a new Java program. |
| US07647580B2 |
General programming language support for nullable types
The subject invention relates to systems and methods that provide null capabilities within the context of programming languages. In one aspect, a system is provided that facilitates null-support in various programming languages. The system includes one or more types associated with at least one programming language. A type modifier is provided to signal that the type is nullable. The type modifier enables a multi-element structure to be automatically created in association with the type wherein, the multi-element structure includes the type and a Boolean element indicating whether or not the variable is null. |
| US07647577B2 |
Editing, creating, and verifying reorganization of flowchart, and transforming between flowchart and tree diagram
Provides methods for transforming a flowchart to an equivalent tree diagram, methods for transforming an equivalent tree diagram to a flowchart, methods for verifying reorganization of a flowchart, methods for editing a flowchart, methods for creating a flowchart and a flowchart editor. A flowchart includes one or more logic structures and one or more processing activities in said one or more logic structures. The method for transforming a flowchart to an equivalent tree diagram comprises: traversing said flowchart; transforming said one or more logic structures in said flowchart to one or more branching nodes in said tree diagram; and transforming one or more processing activities in said logic structures of said flowchart to one or more leaf nodes below corresponding branching nodes in said tree diagram. Further, edition of a flowchart and verification of reorganization of a flowchart are performed by utilizing an equivalent tree diagram. |
| US07647572B1 |
Managing formal verification complexity of designs with multiple related counters
A counter abstraction tool generates an abstraction model for one or more counters in a circuit design for use with a formal verification system. The tool detects the presence of a counter in a circuit design, identifies one or more special values for the counter, and creates an abstraction for the counter. The tool can automatically perform the abstraction, guide a user in configuring the appropriate abstraction for the counter, or perform a combination of automatic and manual abstraction. The tool may further accommodate related counters. |
| US07647570B2 |
System and method for checking equivalence between descriptions
A behavior synthesis apparatus performs a behavior synthesis while optimizing an intermediate point pair, which is equivalent to each other only under a condition to be referenced. When an equivalence condition is provided for an intermediate cone, an equivalence-condition setting unit provides the intermediate cone with the condition for the equivalence. A logic-cone comparison unit determines whether or not the intermediate cone is equivalent under the provided equivalence condition. An intermediate-point-result reflection unit simplifies the intermediate cone with respect to the intermediate point pair determined to be equivalent in the logic cones to be verified. The logic-cone comparison unit checks the equivalence using the simplified logic cone. |
| US07647564B2 |
System and method for dynamically generating a graphical user interface
A system and method for building a representation of a graphical user interface (GUI), comprising generating a class, generating a first representation of the GUI, wherein the class can produce a second representation GUI based on the first representation, generating a second representation of the GUI from the class, wherein the second representation includes at least one control, and wherein the first representation can include at least one of hierarchical relationships among controls, control properties, and control event information. |
| US07647563B2 |
Methods for displaying both hierarchical and non-hierarchical data using tree diagram graphical user interfaces having secondary expansion capabilities
Methods for displaying a set of hierarchical data and a set of non-hierarchical data on an electronic display comprise displaying at least part of the set of hierarchical data in a tree diagram that has a plurality of levels with one or more nodes present at each level, and displaying the set of non-hierarchical data in a plurality of auxiliary nodes that are provided in between levels of the tree diagram. Expansion handles may also be displayed adjacent nodes in the tree diagram. These expansion handles may be configured to expand or collapse the tree diagram at the node they are adjacent to. The expansion handles may optionally be configured to display or hide selected of the auxiliary nodes. |
| US07647556B2 |
Apparatus and method for searching for a video clip
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for searching for a video clip. The method for searching for the video clip in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of a) displaying a predetermined number of video clips on a screen of a video play apparatus which plays a video file, b) selecting a specific video clip among the displayed video clips by a user, and c) dividing frames constructing the selected video clip according to a predetermined division reference, and displaying the video clip constructed of the divided frame. |
| US07647555B1 |
System and method for video access from notes or summaries
Recorded video is accessed from printed notes or summaries derived from the video. Summaries may be created automatically by analyzing the recorded video, and annotations are made by a user on a device for note-taking with digital ink and video. The notes and/or summaries are printed along with data glyphs that provide time based indexes or offsets into the recorded video. The indexes or offsets are retrieved by scanning the glyph on the printout. The glyph information can be embedded in the printouts in many ways. One method is to associate block glyphs with annotations or images on the printed pages. Another method is to provide an address carpet in an annotated timeline. Yet another method is to provide a two-dimensional address carpet with X-Y position mapped to time which can be used to provide selected access to the video. The accessed video may be played back on the note-taking device on a pen computer, or on a summary interface on a Web browser-type device. |
| US07647551B2 |
System and method for formatting a cell in response to data stored in a separate location
A data cell included in a document supporting cell structured data is conditionally formatted according to data that is stored in a separate location from the document. A user is allowed to select from a drop-down menu of related data sets a particular data set for conditionally formatting the data cell. The data cell is formatted according to the data set and the condition without requiring that the data set be stored locally in the document. |
| US07647550B1 |
Dynamic preloading of web pages
Preloading of web pages is described. In an implementation, an apparatus comprises a processor and storage. The storage includes program instructions that are executable by the processor to load a first web page in response to a selection by an operator and identify a link in the first web page pointing to a second web page. The program instructions are further executable to automatically preload the second web page based on the identified link, the second web page preloaded for later presentation. |
| US07647548B2 |
Methods and apparatus for low-density parity check decoding using hardware-sharing and serial sum-product architecture
Methods and apparatus are provided for decoding codes that can be described using bipartite graphs having interconnected bit nodes and check nodes. A magnitude of a check-to-bit node message from check node j to bit node i is computed based on a sum of transformed magnitudes of bit-to-check node messages for a plurality of bit nodes connected to the check node j, less a transformed magnitude of the bit-to-check node message for bit node i and check node j. A sign of the check-to-bit node message from check node j to bit node i can also be computed by multiplying a product Sj of the sign of bit-to-check node messages among a plurality of bit nodes connected to the check node j by the sign of the bit-to-check node message for bit node i and check node j. A decoder architecture is also disclosed for decoding a code that can be described using a bipartite graph having interconnected bit nodes and check nodes. The disclosed decoder can be concatenated with a soft output detector. |
| US07647545B2 |
Signal and protocol for remote dog trainer signaling with a forward error correction
A transmitter for a dog training system, the transmitter having a command input device for inputting a training command input into the transmitter, and a transmitter controller connected to the command input device. The transmitter controller translates the training command input into identification data and command data. The transmitter controller also generates at least one forward error correction codeword from the identification data and the command data. |
| US07647544B1 |
Disk drive implementing data path protection without writing the error detection code data to the disk
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a buffer memory, and control circuitry operable to receive a write command from a host, wherein the write command comprises write data and a write data address. Write EDC data is generated in response to the write data and the write data address, wherein the write data and the write EDC data are stored in the buffer memory. The write data is read from the buffer memory, and write check data is generated in response to the write data and the write data address. The write EDC data is read from the buffer memory and compared to the write check data to detect a write error. If the write error is not detected, the write data is written to the disk without writing the write EDC data to the disk. |
| US07647541B2 |
Method and apparatus for assigning hybrid-automatic repeat request processes
A method and apparatus for assigning automatic repeat request (ARQ)/hybrid-automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) processes in a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) to support enhanced uplink (EU) data transmissions. After parameters associated with the ARQ/H-ARQ processes are configured, the WTRU assigns an ARQ/H-ARQ process for selected data. After transmitting the data, the WTRU determines whether feedback information for the data has been received. The WTRU releases the ARQ/H-ARQ process if an acknowledgement (ACK) message has been received, and retransmits the data if a non-acknowledgement (NACK) message or no feedback information has been received in a predetermined time period while incrementing a transmission counter in the WTRU. When an ARQ/H-ARQ transmission limit has been reached, the WTRU may discard the data or reinitiate the transmission. An ARQ/H-ARQ process assigned for transmission of lower priority data may be preempted for transmission of higher priority data when there is no available ARQ/H-ARQ process. |
| US07647540B2 |
Decompressors for low power decompression of test patterns
Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to generate test patterns for testing integrated circuits. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to provide a low power test scheme and can be integrated with a variety of compression hardware architectures (e.g., an embedded deterministic test (“EDT”) environment). Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology can reduce the switching rates, and thus the power dissipation, in scan chains with no hardware modification. Other embodiments use specialized decompression hardware and compression techniques to achieve low power testing. |
| US07647538B2 |
Test apparatus and electronic device for generating test signal by using repeated interval in a test instruction stream
There is provided a test apparatus that tests a device under test. The test apparatus includes a pattern memory that stores a test instruction stream determining a test sequence for testing the device under test, an interval register that stores a repeated interval in response to the fact that the repeated interval showing at least one instruction to be repeatedly executed in the test instruction stream has been specified, an instruction cache that caches the test instruction stream read from the pattern memory, a memory control section that reads the test instruction stream from the pattern memory and writes the read stream into the instruction cache, a pattern generating section that sequentially reads and executes instructions included in the test instruction stream from the instruction cache and generates a test pattern corresponding to the executed instruction, and a signal output section that generates a test signal based on the test pattern and supplies the generated signal to the device under test. The pattern generating section repeatedly executes an instruction stream within the repeated interval in the test instruction stream when the repeated interval is stored on the interval register. |
| US07647537B2 |
Programmable logic device, information processing device and programmable logic device control method
The present invention provides a programmable logic device including a main circuit unit capable of variably building desired user logic, based on configuration data inputted from a storage device, and a configuration data monitor unit for monitoring configuration data stored in the storage device. |
| US07647536B2 |
Repair bits for a low voltage cache
A method and apparatus for repairing cache memories/arrays is described herein. A cache includes a plurality of lines and logically viewable in columns. A repair cache coupled to the cache includes a repair bit mapped to each logically viewable column. A repair module determines a bad bit to be repaired within a column based on any individual or combination of factors, such as the number of errors per line of the cache, the number of errors correctable per line of the cache due to error correction code (ECC), the failure rate of bits, or other considerations. The bad bit is transparently repaired by the repair bit mapped to the column including the bad bit, upon an access to a cache line including the bad bit. |
| US07647535B2 |
Using a delay clock to optimize the timing margin of sequential logic
A circuit including a first stage register that operates in response to a first clock having a period TCYCLE, a programmable delay circuit that introduces a programmable delay to the first clock, thereby creating a second clock, a second stage register that operates in response to the second clock, combinational logic coupled between the first register output and the second register input, and a third register having an input coupled to the second register output. The programmable delay is selected: (1) to have a positive value if the signal delay between the first and second registers exceeds TCYCLE, and (2) such that the signal delay between the second and third registers is less than TCYCLE minus the programmable delay. Additional delayed clocks generated in response to the second clock signal can be used to operate additional second stage registers, thereby staggering the outputs of these second stage registers within TCYCLE. |
| US07647532B2 |
Trace controller, microprocessor, and trace control method
A trace controller receives data access information during load instruction execution and ID (AID) of a load/store buffer to store the data access information during load instruction execution. Then, it generates trace control information TC based on the received data access information and selects a buffer to store the generated trace control information from a plurality of trace control buffers according to the received AID. After that, it receives read data information after load instruction execution and ID (RID) of a load/store buffer used for load instruction execution. Finally, it selects a buffer storing the trace control information TC from the plurality of trace control buffers according to the RID. |
| US07647531B2 |
Overriding daughterboard slots marked with power fault
Having detected an anomalous fault in a peripheral I/O slot, a processor entity may need to perform some remedial action, wherein the peripheral slot may have a fault line. First a voltage may be detected on the slot. Processor entity may set a fault if a voltage is found. A hotplug controller which may provide outputs that the processing entity may store as a fault syndrome word. The service processor or operating system, either during initial program load, or at another time, may detect that the fault could be a false fault depending on a set of predefined conditions and following the mechanism described here can then clear the fault earlier set. If an action from a previous device list is set, then there may be a clearing of the voltage fault based on determining that the action is set. |
| US07647522B2 |
Operating system with corrective action service and isolation
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates re-locating a web application associated with a network service utilizing a portion of serialized data. The network service can be any collection of resources that are maintained by a party (e.g., third-party, off-site, etc.) and accessible by an identified user over a network (e.g., WAN, Internet, etc.). A receiver component can receive a request for initiating and execution of a process that is maintained by the network service. A servicing component can analyze representations of multiple processes within the network service and determines whether to enable initiation and execution of the process based at least in part upon the analysis. |
| US07647521B2 |
Using highly skewed clocks for application based tracing and application based normalization of processor clocks in an SMP environment
A method, apparatus and computer instructions for application based tracing and for normalization of processor clocks in a symmetric multiprocessor environment. By deliberately establishing a large skew among processor clocks, it is possible to perform application based tracing by directly using the processors. In addition, the identity, time stamp, and drift information of each processor may be used to create a time library. The time library is used to adjust a measured time to execute a program or software routine. The adjusted time is a normalized time that is statistically more accurate than the measured time alone. The adjusted time is then reported as the time to execute the program or software routine. |
| US07647519B2 |
System and computer program product for dynamically managing power in microprocessor chips according to present processing demands
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for dynamically managing power in a microprocessor chip that includes physical hardware elements within the microprocessor chip. A process is selected to be executed. Hardware elements that are necessary to execute the process are then identified. The power in the microprocessor chip is dynamically altered by altering a present power state of the hardware elements that were identified as being necessary. |
| US07647515B2 |
System and method for information handling system adaptive variable bus idle timer
Power management of an information handling system PCI Express bus dynamically adjusts the inactivity time at the bus that is determined before initiation of a low power state by analyzing the transitions between low power and operating states over time. Dwell times of the bus in the low power state are compared with an inactivity goal to determine if the inactivity time should be adjusted up, such as when the bus enters the low power state too often, or should be adjusted down, such as when the bus enters the low power state too infrequently. In one embodiment, the dwell time is the time from entry into a low power state until initiation of the transition to an operating state and the inactivity goal is the time required for the bus to enter and exit the low power state. |
| US07647514B2 |
Reducing power consumption at a cache
In one embodiment, a method for reducing power consumption at a cache includes determining a nonuniform architecture for a cache providing an optimum number of cache ways for each cache set in the cache. The nonuniform architecture allows cache sets in the cache to have associativity values that differ from each other. The method also includes implementing the nonuniform architecture in the cache to reduce power consumption at the cache. In another embodiment, the method also includes determining a code placement according to which code is writeable to a memory separate from the cache. The code placement reduces occurrences of inter cache-line sequential flows when the code is loaded from the memory to the cache. The method also includes compiling the code according to the code placement and writing the code to the memory for subsequent loading from the memory to the cache according to the code placement to further reduce power consumption at the cache. |
| US07647510B2 |
System and method of classification in power over ethernet systems
A method is disclosed that includes receiving a classification voltage at a powered device from a network. The classification voltage includes a baseline voltage level that is below an operating voltage range of the powered device and includes a sequence of distinct signal elements derived from the classification voltage. The method further includes detecting a number of signal elements of the sequence of distinct signal elements. A current is drawn until the number of signal elements exceeds a predetermined number. |
| US07647509B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing power in a processing system with multiple partitions
A processing system may include a first processing unit for a first partition and a second processing unit for a second partition. To support power management, an interrupt handler in the processing system may receive a standby command from an operating system. In response to receiving the standby command, the interrupt handler may cause the first processing unit to transition into a reduced power mode. After the second partition detects a wake event, the second partition may cause the first processing unit to transition out of the reduced power mode. In an example embodiment, the interrupt handler executes within the first partition, and the first processing unit transitions into the reduced power mode by entering an idle loop within the interrupt handler. The first partition may determine from within the idle loop whether the first partition has been released from the low power state. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07647507B1 |
Secure digital content distribution system and secure hard drive
A secure hard drive comprises a storage medium that stores encrypted digital content and corresponding encrypted content keys. A public key decryption module receives one of the encrypted content keys from the storage medium and decrypts the encrypted content key using a private key to generate a content key. A block decryption module receives the encrypted digital content corresponding to the one of the encrypted content keys from the storage medium and the content key from the public key decryption module and decrypts the encrypted content using the content key. The storage medium is a magnetic storage medium. The public key decryption module and the block decryption module are implemented by a system on chip (SOC). A content player receives the decrypted digital content from the block decryption module and generates at least one of an analog output signal and a digital output signal. |
| US07647501B2 |
Communications apparatus, communications system, and method of setting certificate
An apparatus for communicating, including a communicating unit that enables the apparatus to communicate with a communications counterparty via the communicating unit. The communicating unit includes a unit for providing an individual certificate that is a digital certificate being provided with information identifying the apparatus for communicating in order to receive an authentication by the communications counterparty when communicating, and a unit for communicating when having been authenticated with the individual certificate by the communications counterparty. The apparatus further includes at least one storage area for storing the individual certificate and a common certificate that is a digital certificate not being provided with apparatus identifying information, in a replacement component as a minimum unit enabled for replacement. |
| US07647500B2 |
Synchronous validation and acknowledgment of electronic data interchange (EDI)
Synchronous validation and acknowledgment of electronic data interchange (EDI) transactions. A connection session on a communication network is established for handling EDI transactions from a source. A collection of EDI transactions is received via the communication network. A receipt acknowledgement is returned to the source indicating the EDI transactions have been received. The EDI transactions are validated as the EDI transactions are received. A validation acknowledgement is transmitted via the communication network to the source before the connection session is terminated. The validation acknowledgement indicates the EDI transactions have been validated. |
| US07647494B2 |
Name transformation for a public key infrastructure (PKI)
Under the present invention, when a request for a certificate is made, a set of (mapping) rules are used to identify an appropriate directory and any other information sources, and to retrieve information for the certificate therefrom. The directory name is then transformed using the set of rules for use in the certificate. Thereafter, a template for the certificate is developed using the set of rules. The template and the request are then communicated to the PKI, which will generate and return the certificate. Upon receipt, the present invention can verify that the certificate actually includes the transformed name. |
| US07647493B2 |
Communication system and method
The invention relates to a communication system which comprises at least one user equipment having a plurality of identities associated therewith. The user equipment has means for storing at least one of the identities. Storage means are provided for storing at least one of the plurality of identities and means for receiving identity information from the user equipment, for obtaining from the storage means at least one identity associated with the received identity information and for sending to the user equipment the at least one obtained from the storage means. |
| US07647490B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing updated system locality information during runtime
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus to collect and dynamically update system locality information during runtime. In one method embodiment, the present invention collects system locality information at boot time to be provided to an operating system. The system locality information describes distances between devices within an integrated processing system. The operating system is then notified that a triggering event has occurred that may potentially alter the distances between devices within the integrated processing system. Upon receipt of this notification, the operating system invokes an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) procedure that provides updated system locality information during runtime to reflect the changes in distances between devices within the integrated processor system after the occurrence of the triggering event. |
| US07647489B2 |
Function calling mechanism with embedded index for a handler program and an embedded immediate value for passing a parameter
A data processing system 2 is provided which includes an instruction decoder 18 responsive to a handler branch instruction HLB, HBLP which includes an index value field to calculate a handler pointer in dependence upon a handler base address HBA and the index value field and then to branch to that handler pointer position. A handler program 24, 26 at the branch target is then executed following which a return is made to an address following the handler branch instruction using a link address value stored when the handler branch instruction was executed. |
| US07647486B2 |
Method and system having instructions with different execution times in different modes, including a selected execution time different from default execution times in a first mode and a random execution time in a second mode
A method and system for controlling timing in a processor is disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, the method comprises fetching a plurality of instructions, wherein each instruction has a first default execution time during a first condition, and wherein each instruction has a second default execution time during a second condition; during a first mode, executing the plurality of instructions within a same execution time regardless of whether a condition is the first condition or the second condition; and during a second mode, executing the plurality of instructions within random execution time regardless of whether a condition is the first condition or the second condition. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the method effectively modifies the timing of a processor by controlling and/or minimizing variations in the execution times of instructions. |
| US07647476B2 |
Common analog interface for multiple processor cores
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having multiple processor cores to execute instructions, with each of the cores including dedicated digital interface circuitry. The processor further includes an analog interface coupled to the cores via the digital interface circuitry. The analog interface may be used to communicate traffic between a package including the cores and an interconnect such as a shared bus coupled thereto. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07647474B2 |
Saving system context in the event of power loss
Embodiments of a method and system for saving system context after a power outage are disclosed herein. A power agent operates to reduce the possibility of data corruption due to partially written data during an unexpected power outage. The power agent can determine an amount of time remaining before a power store is depleted. Based on the amount of time, the power agent can store system context information. Correspondingly, the power agent can operate to save complete system context, partial system context, or flush (I/O) buffers. Once power is restored, the power agent can restore the system context based on the nature of the save. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07647470B2 |
Memory device and controlling method for elongating the life of nonvolatile memory
A memory device and controlling method for nonvolatile memory are provided. The memory device and the controlling method for a nonvolatile memory are provided by which, where a file management system wherein there is a tendency that lower logic addresses are used frequently like the MS-DOS is adopted, physical blocks of a flash memory are used in an averaged fashion and the life of the flash memory can be elongated thereby. |
| US07647460B1 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a remote mirroring data facility without employing a dedicated leased line to form the link between two remotely disposed storage devices
A method and apparatus for implementing a remote mirroring data facility for a computer system comprising a central processing unit (CPU); a first storage system that is coupled to the CPU so that the CPU can store information in the first storage system; a second storage system coupled to the CPU via a communication link; and a mirroring controller to mirror at least some of the information stored in the first storage system in the second storage system by transferring the at least some of the information over the communication link. The communication link can be implemented via a network cloud, which may be the Internet or an intranet. Multiple pipes can be used to pass data through the network cloud in parallel. Alternatively, the communication link can be implemented using wireless technology. |
| US07647456B2 |
Comparing data in a new copy relationship to data in preexisting copy relationships for defining how to copy data from source to target
Provided are a method, system, and program for establishing copy relationships to copy source data to target data. A request is received to establish a copy relationship indicating to copy source data to target data. A determination is made as to whether the source data defined in the request comprises target data defined in a preexisting copy relationship. A determination is made as to whether base source data copied to the target data in the preexisting copy relationship also comprises the source data indicated in the request in response to determining that the source data defined in the request comprises target data in the preexisting copy relationship. A new copy relationship is defined to copy the determined base source data to the target data indicated in the request. |
| US07647455B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, program, and program recording medium
An information processing apparatus for processing an access request to access a recording medium from an application includes the following elements. A setting unit sets a priority unique to the access request from the application or permission information indicating whether or not processing on the access request from the application is permitted. A queue controller stores the access request provided with the priority or the permission information in a queue. An access request processor processes the access request stored in the queue according to the priority or the permission information. |
| US07647452B1 |
Re-fetching cache memory enabling low-power modes
A re-fetching cache memory improves efficiency of a processor, for example by reducing power consumption and/or increasing performance. When the cache memory is disabled or temporarily used for another purpose, a data portion of the cache memory is flushed, and a tag portion is saved in an archive. In some embodiments, the tag portion operates “in-place” as the archive, and in further embodiments, is placed in a reduced-power mode. In some embodiments, less than the full tag portion is archived. When the cache memory is re-enabled or when the temporary use completes, optionally and/or selectively, the tag portion is repopulated from the archive, and the data portion is re-fetched according to the repopulated tag portion. In some embodiments, less than the full archive is restored. According to various embodiments, processor access to the cache is enabled during one or more of: the saving; the repopulating; and the re-fetching. |
| US07647451B1 |
Data placement technique for striping data containers across volumes of a storage system cluster
A technique places content, such as data, of one or more data containers on volumes of a striped volume set (SVS). The placement of data across the volumes of the SVS allows specification of a deterministic pattern of fixed length. That is, the pattern determines a placement of data of a data container that is striped among the volumes of the SVS. The placement pattern is such that the stripes are distributed exactly or nearly equally among the volumes and that, within any local span of a small multiple of the number of volumes, the stripes are distributed nearly equally among the volumes. The placement pattern is also substantially similar for a plurality of SVSs having different numbers of volumes. |
| US07647443B1 |
Implementing I/O locks in storage systems with reduced memory and performance costs
Technologies are described for implementing locks to control I/O operations in a storage system. The lock implementations can have reduced resource requirements for memory and processing. Through the utilization of the technologies and concepts presented herein, an I/O process preparing to acquire a write lock can advertise its need for the lock for a pre-determined time before the lock is granted. The time period for advertisement can be specified so that all I/O operations that were initiated before the advertisement are guaranteed to have completed by the time the advertisement period is over. As such, a lock controller may only need to track outstanding I/Os that begin once the advertisement starts. This can reduce the typical requirement to maintain and process a lock structure for every unit of storage in the system at all times. |
| US07647439B2 |
Electronic Warning System
A building control or danger warning system includes a two-core circular bus for voltage supply and for communication with bus user circuits connected to the cores of the circular bus. The bus user circuits are looped-into the circular bus via FET (field effect transistor) polarity-reversal protection bridges, thereby simplifying connection of the bus user circuits to the circular bus. A bus user circuit is located between d.c. connection terminals and connected in parallel with two protection bridges. The bus user circuit measures the voltage conditions and polarity of the a.c. voltage input terminals of the bridges. According to the results of the measurement, the bus is relayed to the subsequent bus user circuit. |
| US07647438B1 |
Binary base address sorting method and device with shift vector
A base address sorting device in a switching device is disclosed that includes an array of base address registers in which each base address register contains a base address, an address shifting device; and a control logic element electrically coupled to the array of base address registers and operable, upon receiving a configuration command comprising a new base address, to implement a method for reconfiguring the contents of the array of base address registers. The method includes determining an insertion point base address register in the array of base address registers into which to write the new base address, shifting the contents of one or more base address registers array to other base address registers to preserve the sorted order, and shifting the contents of the configuration command into the insertion point base address register. The inserting results in preserving the pre-determined order of the register array content. |
| US07647437B2 |
Moving, resizing, and memory management for producer-consumer queues by consuming and storing any queue entries from an old queue before entries from a new queue
Systems, methods, and software products for moving and/or resizing a producer-consumer queue in memory without stopping all activity is provided so that no data is lost or accidentally duplicated during the move. There is a software consumer and a hardware producer, such as a host channel adapter. |
| US07647435B2 |
Data communication method and apparatus utilizing credit-based data transfer protocol and credit loss detection mechanism
A communications bus for a digital device includes a credit-based flow control mechanism, in which a sending component maintains a local record of its credits. Credits are returned to the sender by pulsing a single-bit credit return line. A separate mechanism provides a count of available credits from the receiver, the separate mechanism not necessarily being current. The local record is compared to the count of credits from the separate mechanism over a pre-determined time interval, failure of the two values to agree at any time during the interval indicating a probable credit discrepancy. A credit discrepancy is confirmed, preferably by suspending certain bus activity for a sufficiently long period to account for any delay in propagating credit value changes, and re-comparing the values. Preferably, the bus communicates between internal components of an integrated circuit chip. |
| US07647433B2 |
System and method for flexible multiple protocols
A system and method for flexible multiple protocols are presented. A device's logical layer may be dynamically configured on a per interface basis to communicate with external devices in a coherent or a non-coherent mode. In coherent mode, commands such as coherency protocol, system commands, and snoop response pass from the device's internal system bus to an external device, thereby creating a logical extension of the devices internal system bus. In non-coherent mode, the input-output bus unit receives commands from the internal system bus and generates non-coherent input-output commands, which are eventually received by an external device. |
| US07647429B2 |
Providing multicast services in a point-to-multipoint manner for a radio communication system
Data for a multicast service is provided by a radio communication system by performing header compression and employing a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) entity that exists for every specific MBMS service to be provided for a cell with users therein. The particular network component (e.g., in a SRNC or a CRNC) that includes one PDCP layer for each specific MBMS service depends upon certain characteristics of the terminals (UE) located within a cell that wish to receive the specific MBMS service. The terminal receives via a common transport channel and restores (i.e., decompresses) the header-compressed data of the MBMS service that was transmitted after header compression at the CRNC, while the terminal receives via a dedicated transport channel and restores (i.e., decompresses) the header-compressed data of the MBMS service that was transmitted after header compression at the SRNC. |
| US07647428B2 |
Method and apparatus for email relay of moving image conversion and transmission, and programs therefor
Even if an email attached with a moving image is sent to a terminal that is not capable of moving image display, pseudo moving image display can be carried out in high quality on the terminal. An email reception unit receives the email, and a model judgment unit judges the model of the terminal as a destination of the email. If the destination terminal cannot display the moving image, a moving image conversion unit generates a multimedia image data in a multimedia format from moving image data representing the moving image. An image attaching unit attaches the moving mage data or the multimedia image data to main content of the email, and an email transmission unit sends the image-attached email to the destination terminal. |
| US07647426B2 |
Method and apparatus for achieving Border Gateway Protocol convergence using alternate route information
A method of improving BGP convergence in a packet-switched network comprises receiving, at a router in the packet-switched network, an advertisement of a first route that includes alternate route information indicating that an alternate route is available; storing the alternate route information in association with the first route; detecting a change in network reachability of the first route, and in response thereto, determining if the alternate route information is stored for the first route, and if so: awaiting, for a particular time, an advertisement of an alternate route; storing and using the alternate route in place of the first route. |
| US07647424B2 |
Multi-level redirection system
In a multi-level redirection method, a first level redirection of a first request is performed based on static information. At a manager, a second level redirection of a second request is performed to an agent server based on dynamic information. The manager is configured to monitor an individual status of the agent server. The static information is associated with selection of the manager and the dynamic information is associated with selection of the agent server. The second level redirection is application redirection performed based on application protocols and contents used in the first and second request. |
| US07647420B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling storage device
A method and apparatus for controlling a transmission of data from a first storage device to a second storage device. The first storage device includes a recording unit for recording the data, a buffer for temporarily storing the data read from the recording unit, and a transmission unit for transmitting the data read from the buffer. It is determined that sufficient buffer space in the buffer is not available for the transmission of the data in a predetermined time interval. It is ascertained whether a transmission error exists in a communication line connecting the first storage device to the second storage device. If the transmission error exits, then the transmission unit is controlled to not perform the transmission of the data from the first storage device; otherwise the transmission unit is not controlled to not perform the transmission of the data from the first storage device. |
| US07647417B1 |
Object cacheability with ICAP
A novel system and method is provided for improving object cacheability in an ICAP-configured network cache. Unlike prior implementations, the present invention does not require the network cache to invalidate every data object in its object store in response to receiving an updated ISTag value from an ICAP server. Rather, the network cache invalidates data objects on an object-by-object basis after receiving the updated ISTag value. Specifically, the network cache invalidates a data object if the following conditions are satisfied: (1) the network cache has received an updated ISTag value, (2) the data object is requested by a client and (3) the requested data object requires transformation by the ICAP server. When each of these conditions is satisfied, the data object is invalidated and replaced with its transformed version. Because not every client-requested data object necessarily requires ICAP transformation after an updated ISTag value is received, the network cache may invalidate fewer data objects than in prior implementations. |
| US07647416B2 |
Full hardware based TCP/IP traffic offload engine(TOE) device and the method thereof
A full hardware based TCP/IP traffic offload engine (TOE) device and the method thereof are disclosed. The device includes a TOE interface and a TOE driver. With the designed socket API executing in the kernel of the operating system, the TOE interface and the TOE driver can effectively improve the input/output traffic load between network nodes without protocol stacking. |
| US07647414B2 |
System and method for managing multiple stack environments
Systems and methods that manage multiple stack environments are provided. In one example, a system may include, for example, a first protocol processing stack, a second protocol processing stack and a mapper. The mapper may be coupled to the first protocol processing stack and to the second protocol processing stack. A first port number may be associated with the first protocol processing stack and a second port number may be associated with the second protocol processing stack. The mapper may store a correspondence between the first port number and the second port number. |
| US07647413B2 |
System for providing on-demand media streaming from a user's own library to a receiving device of the user
A system and method are provided for on-demand media streaming from a user's own media library to a user's receiving device that may be located in a different location from that where the media library is stored. The present invention provides an out-of-the box on-demand media server device that may be used by itself, in conjunction with a personal computer, or in conjunction with a personal home stereo system or video system. The on-demand media server includes security mechanisms that allow a user to establish a private server that only the user may communicate with and gain access to the user's media library. In one particular embodiment, a smart card or other removable media are used as a security device to ensure that access to the media files on the user's personal on-demand media streaming server is limited to the user. In addition, the system and method provides an on-demand conversion of the media in the user's personal media library to an appropriate format. |
| US07647409B2 |
Gradual online subscription removal
Managing subscriber access to online subscription services providing online subscribers or potential new subscribers access to a subscription or trial subscription content at a normal level of service during the subscription period but, after the subscription has expired, providing a decreased level of service during a post-expiration period. The level of service may be decreased incrementally by reducing the content available to a subscriber, downloading the subscription content at a slower than normal rate, delivering certain features in black and white instead of color, deleting sound files, disabling any inter-active features, or any combination of these features. A subscription server manages the various databases and downloads subscription content to the online subscribers. The databases contain information about the subscribers and instructions for the subscription server to follow in granting normal or reduced access to the subscription content. |
| US07647407B2 |
Method and system for administering a concurrent user licensing agreement on a manufacturing/process control information portal server
Disclosed is a server that provides session-persistent concurrent licenses for resources accessed by clients. In one embodiment, rather than requiring a license when the server is initially accessed, a license is not requested until a client seeks access to a licensed resource. In one implementation, scripts for Web pages associated with licensed resources include requests for licenses from a license management facility. Certain resources conditionally request a license based upon the origin of the access request: the license request may be bypassed for access requests from “pre-licensed” applications. Session-based licensing allows equitable assessment of compensation to a service provider for use of the services. The server includes many resources, some of which require a license for access while others do not. The services of premium value are the only ones for which customers are expected to obtain/claim a license. |
| US07647406B2 |
Method for implementing resources reservation in a proxy-requested mode in next generation network
A method for implementing resources reservation in a proxy-requested mode in an NGN, includes: an AF entity sending a resources request message carrying resources requirement parameters information on behalf of a user to a resources mediation PDF; the resources mediation PDF making an admission decision according to network operation policy rules, subscriber configuration files, and availability of transport resources; if the corresponding resources request is admitted, the resources mediation PDF sending an admission installation command to a BGF, setting and keeping corresponding admission decision parameters information in the BGF; the BGF forwarding subscriber traffic entering networks according to the admission decision parameters information to ensure QoS class requested by the user. According to the present invention, terminals with various QoS negotiation capabilities are supported, and QoS requirement parameters of the media flows are negotiated or are determined by the AF entity according to the media flows and service operation policies. |
| US07647403B2 |
Method for processing a request for access to a data network
A network access arrangement for connecting an end user's computer to the Internet includes a network access server and a proxy server. When an end user requests to be connected to the Internet, the network access server forwards the access request to the proxy server. The proxy server authenticates some requests itself but forwards other requests to authentication servers for authentication. After receiving a response from one of the servers, the proxy server forwards the response to the network access server. If the proxy server does not receive a response from one of the authentication servers, it follows a default procedure. This can be to authenticate the request in the proxy server or simply to accept the request. The proxy server has a counter associated with each of the servers. Each time the proxy server receives a response from one of the servers, it decrements the appropriate counter. Each time it does not receive a response, it increments the appropriate counter. When one of the counters reaches a threshold value, the proxy server then follows the default procedure for a pre-set number of requests which would normally be forwarded to the appropriate server. After following the default procedure for this predetermined number of access requests, the proxy server forwards the next access requests, which would normally be forwarded to the relevant server, to that server. |
| US07647401B1 |
System and method for managing resources of a network load balancer via use of a presence server
A system and associated method for managing resources of a network load balancer. The method begins with registering the network load balancer with the presence server. Next the network load balancer notifies the presence server when an end user requests resources from an application server connected to the network load balancer. The network load balancer then provides the end user access to the application server and subscribes to an information feed pertaining to the end user and supplied by the presence server. After receiving a notification from the presence server that the end user changed their presence information, the network load balancer updates their records pertaining to the end user in a database. Finally, the network load balancer determines whether to continue providing the end user with access to the application server or purge the end user's records from the database. |
| US07647398B1 |
Event query in the context of delegated administration
When an event (for example, an e-mail message) is received at a server it is saved into a log file (or a summary is saved). The log entry for each message includes a set of groups within an organization to which the message is considered to belong. An administrator who has authority over any one of those groups is allowed to view this message. When an administrator logs onto the system it is determined which group or groups the administrator owns, i.e., for which groups the administrator has the authority to view their e-mail messages. For each e-mail log entry it is determined whether there is a group in common between the set of groups stored in the log entry and the groups that the administrator owns. A group in common indicates that the administrator is allowed to view that particular e-mail message. |
| US07647396B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for centralized management of an INFINIBAND distributed system area network
A method, system, and product in a data processing system are disclosed for providing centralized management of an INFINIBAND distributed system-area network that includes multiple end nodes. A manager application is established in one of the end nodes. An agent application is established in one or more end nodes. Each agent application is independent from the manager application. The manager application maintains a current list of active agent applications and uses the list to manage the agent applications in the end nodes. |
| US07647393B2 |
Server load balancing apparatus and method using MPLS session
The present invention provides a server load balancing apparatus using MPLS session labels. The server load balancing apparatus includes a packet analyzing unit, a load balancing processing unit, a session label switching unit, a session managing unit, and a session label managing unit. The packet analyzing unit inspects whether a session label has been attached to a received packet, analyzes header information of the received packet to learn session information, and attaches a session label to a header of the received packet. The load balancing processing unit assigns a server to a session of the received packet without the session label attached. The session label switching unit hardware-switches the received packet with the session label attached using only the session label information. The session managing unit manages and maintains relevant information and states of sessions. The session label managing unit manages the session label. |
| US07647391B1 |
Processes and systems for creating and for managing trouble tickets and work orders
Processes and systems are disclosed for creating and for managing trouble tickets and work orders. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and receiving a request to create a work order. The work order is initiated and identified with a work order number. The work order number includes a telephone number experiencing the problem. The work order is then distributed to clients, and the work order is identified and tracked using a customer's telephone number. A trouble ticket is similarly managed, with the trouble ticket describing a problem in a communications system. Here the trouble ticket is initiated and the work item number is assigned. The trouble ticket is then distributed to clients, and the trouble ticket is identified and tracked using a customer's telephone number. |
| US07647390B2 |
Automatic internet access method using digital subscriber line
An automatic Internet access method using a digital subscriber line includes: upon receiving an automatic Internet access program install request from a user, installing a PPPoE device driver including a PPPoE adapter and an NDISWAN (Network Driver Interface Specification Wide Area Network) miniport driver, and an ADSL monitoring tool which is an application program for informing the user whether ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) is connected, in a user PC; upon power on of the user PC, attempting automatic Internet access by the PPPoE device driver on WINDOWS™ over a device driver, and interposing between TCP/IP and the PPPoE device driver a PPP/PPPoE module for informing the user of a current connection state through the ADSL monitoring tool under the control of the device driver; receiving a user ID and a password input by the user through a user interface while installing the PPPoE device driver in the user PC, and storing the received user ID and password in a registry; and upon power on of the user PC, attaining by the device driver user authentication from a NAS server on the Internet using the user ID and the password stored in the registry, and performing Internet access. |
| US07647389B2 |
Method for configuration negotiation in a data communication system
In the method for configuration negotiation in a data communication system, an access network receives an access request and a token from an access terminal. The token includes at least one bit associated with a parameter group type, and the bit indicates whether the access terminal is operating according to a default parameter group for the associated parameter group type. The access network sends information to and receives information from the access terminal according to the default parameter group without negotiating a parameter group of the associated parameter group type when a portion of the access network communicating with the access terminal operates according to the default parameter group for the associated parameter group type and the bit indicates the access terminal operates according to the default parameter group for the associated parameter group type. |
| US07647388B2 |
Control information transmission method, intermediary server, and controlled device
A controlled device (12) sends a signal to a intermediary server (21) at a predetermined time interval, and the intermediary server (21) receives the signal from the controlled device (12) with a private address allocated by a router (11) and changes an operation mode from a passive mode to an active mode. The operation of the controlled device (12) is changed to the passive mode. The intermediary server (21) continuously establishes a communication path with the controlled device (12). The intermediary server (21), which receives control information from a control terminal (41), relays data transmitted via two communication paths, that is, a communication path established with the control terminal (41) and a communication path established with the controlled device (12), to allow the control terminal (41) to control the controlled device (12) operating in the passive mode. |
| US07647384B2 |
Method and system for managing fragmented information packets in a computer network
A method and system are disclosed for managing fragmented information packets in a computer network. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an information packet is transmitted from a client to a plurality of servers via a switch, wherein the information packet is fragmented within the computer network into at least a first fragment and a second fragment. The switch forwards the first fragment to a first server of the plurality of servers using a computer network address contained in the first fragment. The switch forwards the second fragment to a second server of the plurality of servers using connection information contained in the switch. The first server transmits to the switch a fragment fabricated by the first server, wherein the fragment fabricated by the first server contains a computer network address to which the second fragment is to be sent. The switch forwards the fragment fabricated by the first server to the second server. The second server forwards the second fragment to the computer network address contained in the fragment fabricated by the first server. |
| US07647383B1 |
Intelligent message deletion
In accordance with certain aspects of the intelligent message deletion, a system includes a message queue and an intelligent deletion module. The intelligent message deletion module adds a newly received message to the message queue and deletes a previously received message from the message queue based at least in part on a sender of the newly received message. |
| US07647381B2 |
Federated challenge credit system
Systems and methods for reducing the number of challenge messages that are sent in response to an incoming message in situations where the incoming message is likely not unsolicited. The systems and methods include evaluating the behavior of a sender with regard to one or more federated messaging services and determining if the sender is approved or unapproved. If the sender is approved, the incoming message is deliver to a recipient's inbox without issuing a challenge message. Unapproved senders are required to respond to a challenge message. |
| US07647380B2 |
Datacenter mail routing
A system and method for providing email using a flexible routing technique based on MX records. The method includes the steps of creating an MX record for a user, the MX record identifying a storage location for the user within the system; and routing mail within the enterprise email system using the information contained in the MX record. A system may include an inbound mail transfer agent coupled to an external network and an internal network; user email data storage having an address within the internal network; a user location database server containing a unique user token identifying a storage location for user email data in the user email data storage; and an internal DNS server including MX records for storage domains on the internal network. |
| US07647378B2 |
Personnel search enhancement for collaborative computing
A collaborative computing method can include the step of providing a collaborative computing system that includes at least one instant messaging client. The instant messaging client can be initialized within a graphical user interface. A search initializing action can be performed within the graphical user interface. A search view can be presented responsive to the search initiating action. A search pattern can be specified within the search view. A search result can be displayed within the search view, wherein the search result can include at least one online entity, such as a user and/or group. |
| US07647377B2 |
Data transmission device, method and program for providing a unified transmission method in multi-destination delivery
A data transmission device, method and program capable of increasing work efficiency in data transmission during multi-destination delivery by unifying transmission method. According to the data transmission device, method and program, a user's instruction is received to designate for each destination one of a first transmission mode in which a file is sent attached to an e-mail message, a second transmission mode in which a file is sent to a file transfer server, and a third transmission mode in which a file is sent to a file transfer server and an e-mail message having a text string including address information of the file transfer server is sent, it is determined whether or not the destinations include those for which the first transmission mode is designated as well as those for which the second transmission mode is designated, and then the third transmission mode is set for the destinations for which the first transmission mode is designated in place of the first transmission mode when it is determined that the destinations include those for which the first transmission mode is designated as well as those for which the second transmission mode is designated. |
| US07647373B2 |
System and process for network collaboration through embedded annotation and rendering instructions
A process for network collaboration using embedded annotations and rendering instructions allowing collaborators to generate, share, and render collaborative content over the internet without installing any applications other than a web browser is disclosed, which allows the recipients of such collaborative content to view the content without installing any application other than the web browser. The message containing collaborative content sent between collaborators is a URL and collaborative content elements, which not only contain the identity of the base document, but an encoded representation of the collaborative content itself. These URLs are self-contained, and can be distributed using synchronous or asynchronous messaging systems. |
| US07647369B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of securely associating ownership information with an electronic device. These modules in the described embodiments include a presentation component coupled to an electronic device, the presentation component configured to present ownership information; a latch connected to the presentation component and the electronic device, the latch configured to restrict access to the ownership information; and a controller coupled to the latch, the controller configured to free the latch to permit access to the ownership information. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow easy identification of the proper possessor of an electronic device and reduce the incidence of theft of the electronic device. |
| US07647367B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating a multiplication
An apparatus for calculating a modular multiplication includes an examiner for examining digits of the multiplier with a lookahead algorithm to obtain a multiplication shift value. In addition, a determinator and intermediate-result shift value are provided which determine a positive intermediate-result shift value. A calculator for calculating a multiplicand shift value as the difference between the intermediate-result shift value and the multiplication shift value. The intermediate result from the preceding iteration step as well as the multiplicand are then shifted by the corresponding shifting magnitudes to then perform a three-operands addition with the shifted values, if need be while considering lookahead parameters. |
| US07647359B1 |
Techniques for file system translation
Techniques for file system translation are provided. Access to a file of a first file system having a first format invokes a simultaneous access to a second file system in a second format. In an embodiment, a translation file system simultaneously maintains data on both a first file system and a second file system when accesses are made to the translation file system, the first file system, or the second file system. |
| US07647357B2 |
Data transfer management in consistency group formation
Provided are a method, system, deployment and program for managing data transfer in consistency group formation. In one embodiment, a transfer time for a data structure is selected as a function of at least one determined backlog. Upon expiration of the selected transfer time, the mode of operation may be switched. By dynamically selecting a transfer time, backlogs may be reduced to increase the likelihood of successful creation of a consistency group. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07647356B2 |
Methods and apparatus for facilitating analysis of large data sets
Methods and apparatus are described for updating a database using a multi-dimensional data model in which data corresponding to the database are organized in multi-dimensional blocks. Each block has summary information associated therewith corresponding to a current state of evolution of the associated block. Dependency information is maintained in the data model which identifies data dependencies within and among the blocks. Change information is maintained which identifies changes made to particular ones of the blocks and times at which the changes were made. The database is updated with reference to the dependency information, the summary information, and the change information. At least some of the blocks are updated without reference to all dependents thereof. In some implementations, the underlying database may be a relational database, the data from the relational database being mapped to the multi-dimensional data model. |
| US07647355B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing efficiency of data storage in a file system
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for storing data in a file system. A determination is made as to whether space is available in an inode of the file in the file system. The data is stored into the inode in response to space being available. Additionally, data for a file may be stored in a block that is partially filled with data from another file. Data for a file may be stored using either the inode or by sharing a block. Data also may be stored using both of these mechanisms. |
| US07647352B2 |
Online delivery platform and method of legacy works of authorship
An online delivery platform and/or method of works of authorship is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes automatically creating index data referencing segment data of a native markup language file using a dynamic index algorithm. In addition, the method includes storing the index data and the native markup language file in a digital content module of the online delivery platform and accessing at least one of the segment data when a query data generated by a user of the digital content module matches with any one of the index data. The method may also include generating a master index to streamline multiple index data when multiple native markup language files are processed. The method may further include generating a compilation markup language file using a style-sheet based on at least one format analysis of multiple segment data of the compilation markup language file. |
| US07647344B2 |
System, method and software for providing persistent entity identification and linking entity information in an integrated data repository
The present invention provides a system, method and software for linking persistent and unique business identifiers, associated with business entities, for associating corresponding business records without a loss of historical records, regardless of subsequent changes, updates, and mergers. In the various embodiments, a first business record, of the plurality of business records, is associated with a first business identifier; and a second business record, which does not match the first record, is associated with a second business identifier. Subsequently, when the first business identifier and the second business identifier are determined to correspond to a singular business entity, the first business identifier and the second business identifier are linked, and respective associations of the first business record and the second business record with the linked first business identifier and second business identifier are maintained, with corresponding source references, and collectively utilized in subsequent search and match determinations. |
| US07647343B2 |
Information presentation system, management device, and terminal device
An information presentation system that simplifies entry of information relating to a package media of a user. The information presentation system includes a playback apparatus, a library information management apparatus, and a terminal apparatus. The playback apparatus reads an identifier identifying a content from a portable recording medium in which the content is recorded, and transmits the read identifier to the library information management apparatus via a network. The library information management apparatus receives the identifier, acquires attribute information, generates library information including the attribute information and the identifier, and stores the library information. Upon request by the terminal apparatus, the library information management apparatus generates presentation information based on the library information, and transmits the presentation information. |
| US07647342B2 |
System and method for automatically generating a slate using metadata
A system and corresponding methods are provided for enabling the automatic generation of a slate using metadata. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a request to provide a user with a list of video media assets so the user can select a video media asset to generate a slate; providing the user with the list of video media assets and receiving a selected video media asset from the user; acquiring metadata associated with the selected video media asset, creating a preview of the slate by generating fields that are associated with the acquired metadata, generating the slate in response to the user's approval of the previewed slate; transmitting the slate to a video server; and editing the slate into the selected video media asset so the slate and the video media asset can be viewed in conjunction with each other, thereby providing the user (via the slate) with information about the video media asset such as the video media asset's name, duration, database location, etc. |
| US07647340B2 |
Metadata in JPEG 2000 file format
A JPEG2000 file includes a plurality of boxes containing data suitable to render an image including a metadata box that includes information within the box describing the content of the image. The information within the metadata box describing content may be MPEG-7 data, which is compliant with the MPEG-7 specification. |
| US07647339B2 |
Method for digitally labeling websites
There is described a host website and method for digitally labeling websites or subscribers with digital labels which represent characteristics and qualities of the website. The digital labels are stored on host websites, each of which is directed to a specific subject or activity. The host website can also provide digital labels for storage in other host websites. The host website is provided with artificial intelligence capabilities. |
| US07647336B2 |
Creating a real-time class package to class archive file mapping index
According to the preferred embodiments, an apparatus and method is described for creating a real-time class package to class archive file mapping index that improves the performance of a class loader to load needed classes in an object oriented programming environment. In preferred embodiments, the class loader includes a mapping mechanism that creates and maintains a real-time class package to file archive mapping index. In preferred embodiments, the mapping mechanism optimizes access to the file archive mapping index. In a preferred embodiment, when the mapping mechanism finds a entry in the file archive mapping index for the package, but the class is not found, the class is searched in the class path beginning from the last file archive listed in the index to optimize the search. In other embodiments, the class loader includes a large package list that is used to further optimize access to the archive index. |
| US07647328B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing a context change request in a CCOW environment
A method and apparatus for use in a computer system comprising at least two software applications sharing context in accordance with a Clinical Context Object Workgroup (CCOW) standard, wherein a context change may be requested by a user of at least one of the at least two software applications. In response to the user requesting a change from a first context to a second context, at least one business rule is applied to at least a portion of the first context and/or to at least a portion of the second context to obtain at least one result from the application of the business rule. In response to the at least one result, at least one act is performed selected from the group consisting of: denying the request to change from the first context to the second context; requesting the user to provide information relating to the requested change; and requesting the user to affirm information relating to the requested change. |
| US07647327B2 |
Method and system for implementing storage strategies of a file autonomously of a user
A method and system for implementing storage strategies of a file autonomously of a user. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising creating an electronic file in a computer system, creating metadata regarding the file (wherein the metadata defines at least in part data management preferences for the file), and implementing storage strategies for the file autonomously of a user of the file. |
| US07647326B2 |
Method and system for evaluating media-playing sets
An exemplary method and system for evaluating media-playing sets evaluates the likelihood of a selected performance condition occurring in a subject set including based on source data automatically collected from a sample group of the sets, systematic analysis of this data to form a decision tree model revealing prescribed values for characteristic input parameters that are determined to best relate to the condition, and automated comparison of the respective parameter values of the subject set to these prescribed values in order to screen each subject set for the likelihood of the condition occurring within a specified timeframe, which screening can be repeated for different conditions and timeframes using different decision tree models. |
| US07647324B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing user access to a computing environment
Methods and apparatus for controlling user access to a computing environment. In one embodiment, a user gains access to at least one computing device at a first time by providing credential information to authenticate the user's identity; presents to a first user interface for the at least one computing device a physical device comprising identifying information to associate the device with the authenticated user; and gains access at a second time by presenting the physical device to the first user interface or a different user interface without providing the credential information. In another embodiment, in response to a user seeking access by presenting a physical device comprising identifying information, granting access only when the device was previously associated with a user who, within a grace period, provided credential information to authenticate the user's identity. |
| US07647322B2 |
System and method for retrieving and displaying data, such as economic data relating to salaries, cost of living and employee benefits
A system and method for retrieving and displaying data, such as economic data. The method can include receiving over a computer network a user request for a first item of economic data, retrieving the first item of economic data from a database, and providing a display description for view by the user over the computer network with the display description including the first item of economic data. The method can further include receiving a second item of economic data from the user over the computer network and at least reducing a fee from the user for receiving the first item of economic data. In another embodiment, the method can include displaying a plurality of discrete data items to the user and receiving a selection of one of the discrete data items from the user resulting from the user at least aligning a cursor on the graphical display with the selected discrete data item. The method can further include retrieving additional data corresponding to the selected discrete data item and providing instructions for displaying the additional data to the user. |
| US07647318B1 |
Management interface having fine-grain access control using regular expressions
Techniques for controlling access to resources within a device are described. A device is described, for example, that includes a computer-readable medium and a management interface. The computer-readable medium stores configuration data and authorization data. The authorization data defines an access control attribute and an associated regular expression specifying a textual pattern. The management interface receives a text-based command to access the configuration data of the device, evaluates the command using the regular expression, and controls access to the configuration data based on the evaluation. |
| US07647314B2 |
System and method for indexing web content using click-through features
System and method for the determination of the relevance of a content item to a query through the use of a machine learned relevance function that incorporates click-through features of the content items. A method for selecting a relevance function to determine a relevance of a query-content item pair comprises generating training set having one or more query-URL pairs labeled for relevance based on their click-through features. The labeled query-URL pairs are used to determine the relevance function by minimizing a loss function that accounts for click-through features of the content item. The computed relevance function is then applied to the click-through features of unlabeled content items to assign relevance scores thereto. An inverted click-through index of query-score pairs is formed and combined with the content index to improve relevance of search results. |
| US07647313B2 |
Isolated ordered regions (IOR) node order
Method for ordering nodes within hierarchical data. The concept of isolated ordered regions to maintain coordinates of nodes is used by associating each node with coordinates relative to a containing region. Modifications to nodes within a region only affect the nodes in that region, and not nodes in other regions. Traversals that retrieve information from the nodes can rebase the coordinates from their containing region and return with a total order. |
| US07647312B2 |
System and method for automatic generation of suggested inline search terms
A system and related techniques detect the initiation of a user's search input and monitor that input character-by-character, to generate suggested search terms on the fly. Arbitration logic may monitor the user's keyboard of other entry of search or query terms at a Web search site or other search engine or resource, and examine that input along with stored query history or usage data on a real-time basis to predict or infer search terms which the user is attempting to transmit. Spelling corrections may likewise be made. According to embodiments, the arbitration logic and/or query history or usage data may be hosted in the user's machine, in the search service itself or in other resources. As the arbitration logic generates suggested search terms in inline fashion, those search suggestions may be presented to the user in real-time, for example by way of a wordwheel, drop-down or other dialog or interface. The user may for example choose to select one of the set of search suggestions before completing the typing or other inputting of their search data, and in embodiments may edit those suggestions in real-time as well. According to embodiments in a further regard, the user may provide configuration inputs to the automatic inline search suggestion feature, for example to turn that capability on or off on a per-session, per-search, permanent or other basis. |
| US07647311B2 |
Content enhancement for analyzing data in a database
An electronic commerce system (10) includes a content enhancement module (47) that analyzes the product data stored in a seller database (32) using one or more rules and that identifies one or more potential errors in the product data according to the rules. The rules include one or more generic rules that apply to substantially all seller databases (32) including product data. These generic rules include one or more of the following rules: a rule indicating that a potential error exists if two products in the seller database (32) have identical product identifiers but have otherwise different product data, a rule indicating that a potential error exists if two products in the seller database (32) have different product identifiers but have otherwise identical product data, and rules indicating that a potential error exists if the values associated with particular generic product attributes have a non-numerical format. |
| US07647307B2 |
Reverse attribute pointers
Values for virtual reverse attributes are generated for distinguished name entries in a lightweight directory access protocol directory by navigating through a list of distinguished name values for an input virtual recursive attribute. An attribute list of the values for the virtual reverse attributes may be cached or indexed. In another aspect, the list of distinguished name values for the inputer virtual recursive attribute is generated. |
| US07647299B2 |
Serving advertisements using a search of advertiser web information
Advertisers are permitted to put targeted ads on, or to serve ads in association with, various content such as search results pages, Web pages, e-mail, etc., without requiring the advertiser to enter and/or maintain certain targeting information, such as keyword targeting. This may be accomplished by using a searchable data structure, such as an inverted index for example, of available advertiser Web information. The advertiser Web information may include terms and/or phrase extracted from the advertiser's Website. In particular, a search query may be used to search for matching advertisers, and therefore matching ads. For example, the search query can be used to search an inverted index including words and/or phrases extracted from advertiser Websites. The advertiser Web page, or some other identifier, can be used as a key to search for an associated ad. |
| US07647297B2 |
Optimizing media player memory during rendering
Optimizing operation of a media player during rendering of media files. The invention includes authoring software to create a data structure and to populate the created data structure with obtained metadata. The invention also includes rendering software to retrieve the metadata from the data structure and to identify media files to render. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary format designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players. |
| US07647294B2 |
Indexing and querying engines and methods of indexing and querying
A query engine, an indexing engine and methods of indexing and querying data. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a query engine for searching data including an artificial intelligence controller configured to select an appropriate combination of fuzzy logic and conventional logic based on query information and employ the combination to compare at least one element of the data with at least a portion of the query information to provide a comparison result. |
| US07647292B2 |
Document management network system for managing original document information and additional information
A document delivery server is connected to a user terminal through a network. The document delivery server includes a transmission/reception portion, memory portions that store original document information and public additional information respectively, storage control portions that store and read out the original document information and public additional information together with the memory portions, and a browse information separation/composition portion that transmits the original document information and public additional information to the user terminal through the transmission/reception portion. The terminal includes a transmission/reception portion, a memory portion that stores personal additional information, a storage control portion that stores and reads out the personal additional information together with the memory portion, and a browse information separation/composition portion that composites the original document information and public additional information sent from the transmission/reception portion and the personal additional information read out from the memory portion. |
| US07647291B2 |
B-tree compression using normalized index keys
A b-tree may contain multiple keys stored in a normalized form. This normalized form allows keys to be quickly compared and may be used in compressing the underlying b-tree. Each normalized key is compressed relative to the previous key by replacing the common prefix bytes with a common prefix length byte containing the number of bytes in common between the key and the previous key. The compressed keys are stored sequentially in memory with no gaps in between. |
| US07647281B2 |
Systems and methods for modeling approximate market equilibria
The present invention leverages demarcation of an agent into both a demander and a supplier to provide a polynomial-time method of approximating a supply and demand system's equilibrium value. This provides, in one instance of the present invention, a simplified means to iteratively extract the equilibrium value. By providing demarcated data, the present invention accounts for both demand and supply effects of an agent within a modeled supply and demand system. In one instance of the present invention, a market equilibrium price vector is approximated by employing a revenue value generated for an agent in a current market equilibrium price iteration as a budget value for the agent in the next iteration. This permits market equilibrium value modeling that encompasses an agent's contributions to a market both as a buyer and a seller within the same market for a given good and/or service. |
| US07647277B1 |
Regulating access to content using a multitiered rule base
Access to a content selection may be regulated by accessing a medium associated with the content selection, identifying a profile associated with the medium, using the profile to analyze a content request with a multitiered rule base that includes two or more of a medium rule base, a media player rule base, and a host rule base, and enabling access to the content selection in accordance with one or more results of the analysis. |
| US07647276B2 |
Methods and apparatus for electronic file use and management
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. |
| US07647275B2 |
Automated payment system and method
An automated payment system for processing payment by a customer to a company. The payment system includes a document scanning system which has an input receptacle adapted to accept a document. After receiving an authorization agreement from the customer, the scanner acquires at least one image from the document. Also provided is a first computer adapted to receive images from the document scanning system. Adapted to communicate information represented by the image, a first communication link couples the document scanning system and the first computer. The payment system also includes a second computer adapted to receive images which is in communication with the first computer via a second communication link. The second communication link is adapted to communicate images and payment information. |
| US07647273B1 |
Method for providing a liquidity facility
A method of providing a liquidity facility for a business entity is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the method comprises offering for sale a unit issued by an issuer. Each unit comprises a credit linked note, wherein the credit linked note is linked to the credit of the business entity. Interest on the notes is funded, at least in part, from (1) income received by the issuer from an interest rate swap counter-party under an interest rate swap agreement, wherein the issuer pays the interest rate swap counter-party income received on assets held by the issuer, wherein the assets are purchased using proceeds from the issuance of the units, and (2) payments from the business entity to the issuer pursuant to a credit agreement between the business entity and the issuer. |
| US07647267B2 |
System and method for setting and using a momentum liquidity replenishment price in a hybrid auction market
The lowest trade price for a security within a predetermined period of time is determined, and a momentum liquidity replenishment price is determined by adding the greater of a predetermined price or a predetermined percentage of the last trade price to the lowest trade price for the security for the security within the predetermined period of time. In a similar fashion, another momentum liquidity replenishment price is determined from the highest trading price of the security within predetermined period of time. |
| US07647259B2 |
E-commerce development intranet portal
An intranet providing a multiple-carrel public-access kiosk provides free access to foreign and domestic informational e-commerce intranet sites as well as e-mail and public service educational and informational materials. The kiosk accepts anonymous pre-paid cards issued by a local franchisee of a network of e-commerce intranets that includes the local intranet. The paid services provided by each carrel may include video-conference and chat room time, playing and/or copying audio-visual materials such as computer games and music videos, and international e-commerce purchase support services such as customs and currency exchange. Third-party sponsored public service materials may include audio-visual instructional materials in local dialects introducing the user to the use of the kiosk's services and providing training for using standard business software programs. |
| US07647258B2 |
Determining taxes by applying tax rules specified using configurable templates
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that is designed in a manner that processes used for determining or administering taxes for a transaction apply tax rules that are specified (by a tax user) using configurable templates. During operation, the system receives a transaction for which taxes are to be determined during which a process may require the application of rules. The system then examines a configurable template associated with a tax rule, wherein the configurable template identifies a set of attributes associated with the transaction. The system also examines a condition group for the set of attributes. If each condition of the condition group is satisfied, the system, by way of completing the said process, uses the process result that is associated with the condition group for the process. |
| US07647251B2 |
Process integration error and conflict handling
A system and method are provided for handling errors that arise in communications between process agents on behalf of business objects. The system and method deal with the discovery and reconciliation of business-logic-level errors and conflicts. The system and method may operate at two levels: they may detect errors and conflicts from within a process agent based on the messages it receives or has access to, or they may detect the errors and conflicts from another object based on collection of inter-process agent messages. Errors and conflicts may be automatically reconciled. This may occur when the system or method determines potential causes of the error and the potential impact of each cause. This allows for automated error or conflict handling in many cases where the cause is trivial or where the cause and solution are definitely discernable. |
| US07647250B2 |
Method and program product for event monitoring
An event management method, program product and system for monitoring the status of a purchase order involves receiving purchase order information from a user, obtaining timeline information corresponding to the purchase order, receiving information from one or more sources on the status of the purchase order, using the received information to monitor progress of the purchase order against the timeline information, and providing a notification to the user upon identification of a missed date in the timeline information. Remedial measures are suggested or taken by the event management system. |
| US07647244B2 |
Method for providing a certificate for an online product
The present invention relates to a method for providing a certificate for an online product. A certificate comprising an authorization code is provided. The authorization code is unique and associated with characteristics that are recorded for tracking purposes. A purchaser receives the certificate, such as by purchasing a physical certificate. The certificate is provided to a user from the purchaser. The user then connects to a system of networked computers and finds the web site indicated on the certificate. The user enters the authorization code on the web site where indicated on the web site. In response to entering the authorization code, the user is provided with an online product at no fee, a reduced fee, or at a standard price. |
| US07647243B2 |
Electronic marketplace system and method for creation of a two-tiered pricing scheme
A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee. |
| US07647239B2 |
Methods and systems for smoothing of the assumed long-term discount rate for pension plans and actuarial valuations
Methods and computer systems provide for the determination of employer liabilities and resulting contributions to pension plans by utilizing a smoothed discount rate in place of an assumed long-term discount rate. A compounded expected cumulative return on market value over a period of time that is based on the assumed long-term discount rate is found. A compounded actual return on market value over the chosen look-back period is also found. An adjusted expected rate of return over a future period of time remaining in an assumed period of time is then found based on the compounded expected return and the compounded actual return. The smoothed discount rate to be used in place of the assumed long-term discount rate is then based on the adjusted expected return. |
| US07647237B2 |
Communication station and software for interfacing with an infusion pump, analyte monitor, analyte meter, or the like
A communication station is for use with a medical device (such as an infusion pump) and a processing device (such as a computer). The communication station includes a housing, a medical device interface coupled to the housing, a processing device interface coupled to the housing and a processor coupled to the housing. The device interface interfaces with the medical device, and the processing device interface interfaces with the processing device. The processor provides a communication path between the medical device and the processing device such that programming and instructions may be communicated from the processing device to the medical device and data may be transferred from the medical device to the processing device. The communication station may be combined with a system that is capable of generating reports either locally or remotely. In addition, the medical device interface may be a cradle that is configurable to attach to different shaped medical devices. |
| US07647230B2 |
Method and apparatus for tracking a special service delivery of a mail item created by an office worker
A method and apparatus for tracking a special service delivery by a carrier of a mail item created by an office worker. The method utilizes one or more special service indicators on the mail item to ensure that the office worker can obtain information about the status of the mail item by the simple placement of one of the special service stickers on the mail item. |
| US07647229B2 |
Time scaling of multi-channel audio signals
A method and related apparatus comprising: buffering an encoded audio input signal comprising at least one combined signal of a plurality of audio channels and one or more corresponding sets of side information parameters describing a multi-channel sound image; changing the length of at least one audio frame of said combined signal by adding or removing a segment of said combined signal; modifying said one or more sets of side information parameters with a change corresponding to the change in the length of said at least one audio frame of said combined signal; and transferring said at least one audio frame of said combined signal with a changed length and said modified one or more sets of side information parameters to a further processing unit. |
| US07647227B1 |
Machine assisted speech generation for a conversational voice response system
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for building a speech application. The method comprises reading data from a table; creating a data construct that models the structure of the table, in terms of fields contained therein; providing a user interface (UI) to display the structure of the table to a user; receiving a selection of data fields from the user; and automatically generating code for a voice browser (VB) based on the selection. |
| US07647226B2 |
Apparatus and method for creating pitch wave signals, apparatus and method for compressing, expanding, and synthesizing speech signals using these pitch wave signals and text-to-speech conversion using unit pitch wave signals
A pitch wave signal creation method as a preliminary process for efficiently coding a speech wave signal having a fluctuated pitch period is provided. A speech signal compressing/expanding apparatus and a speech signal synthesizing apparatus using the method, and a signal processing associated therewith are further provided. The pitch wave creation method of the invention is essentially comprised of a method of detecting the instantaneous pitch period of each pitch wave element of the speech wave signal, and a process of converting a corresponding pitch wave element into a normalized pitch wave element having a predetermined fixed time length by expanding and compressing the pitch wave element on a time axis while retaining its wave pattern based on the each detected instantaneous pitch period. The speech signal having a pitch fluctuation can be compressed in high quality and high efficiency by coding or synthesizing the speech wave signal using the pitch wave signal creation method of the invention. Text-to-speech conversion using pitch wave signals. |
| US07647225B2 |
Adjustable resource based speech recognition system
A real-time speech recognition system includes distributed processing across a client and server for recognizing a spoken query by a user. Both the client and server can dedicate a variable number of processing resources for performing speech recognition functions. The partitioning of responsibility for speech recognition operations can be done on a client by client or connection by connection basis. |
| US07647224B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer program product for speech recognition
A speech recognition apparatus includes a sound information acquiring unit that acquires sound information, a unit segment dividing unit that divides the sound information into plural unit segments, a segment information acquiring unit that acquires segment information that indicates a feature of each unit segment, a segment relation value calculating unit that calculates a segment relation value that indicates a relative feature of a target segment which is a unit segment to be processed with respect to an adjacent segment which is a unit segment adjacent to the target segment, based on segment information of the target segment and segment information of the adjacent segment among the segment information, a recognition candidate storing unit that stores recognition candidates that are targets of speech recognition, and a recognition result selecting unit that selects a recognition result from the recognition candidates stored in the recognition candidate storing unit utilizing the segment relation value. |
| US07647214B2 |
Method for simulating stable but non-dissipative water
A method for graphically simulating stable but non-dissipative water in real-time includes steps for modeling multiphase materials with grid of nodes, suppressing numerical dissipation for getting rid of loss of mass of material, and suppressing numerical diffusion for reducing dampening of the fluid motion of materials in liquid phase. The step of modeling multiphase materials includes steps of describing liquid and gas with a set of nonlinear partial differential equations, representing the liquid-gas interface as an implicit surface, and determining properties of the materials, from the information about the liquid-gas interface, including the surface curvature and the surface tension. The set of nonlinear partial differential equations includes multiphase incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The step of representing the liquid-gas interface includes a level set method. |
| US07647206B2 |
System and method for monitoring structures for damage using nondestructive inspection techniques
A system and method for monitoring a structure for damage is provided. The method includes stimulating a sensor in a sensor array to generate a plurality of waves. The sensor array includes one or more quadrants, wherein each quadrant includes one or more sensors. Sensor data from all sensors are acquired in each quadrant in parallel. The sensor data wave characteristics is processed for analysis. The processed sensor data wave characteristics are compared with threshold values to determine the presence of damage to the structure. If the presence of damage is determined, a corrective system is notified for corrective action. |
| US07647205B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of an electric energy storage device to achieve a target life objective
A method for determining a preferred operating gradient for use in attaining a life objective for an electrical energy storage device is disclosed. A present state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device is provided and a life target for the electrical energy storage device is established as a predetermined limit in a predetermined metric at a predetermined state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device. A state-of-life gradient is then determined with respect to the predetermined metric which converges the state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device to the life target. |
| US07647204B2 |
Method for estimating the impact of fuel distribution and furnace configuration on fossil fuel-fired furnace emissions and corrosion responses
Provided is a method for estimating the impact of fuel distribution on emissions and corrosion responses of a fossil fuel-fired furnace. A variable is determined, termed herein separation number, by inputting fuel oil and air into the furnace, wherein the variable provides a linear relationship to multiple furnace process responses. Emission measurement equipment is located at various furnace outlet positions and thermocouples are located in tubes of the furnace, wherein the responses can be measured to obtain operating data. This operating data is interpreted based on different modes of operation of the furnace, and a change is estimated in the responses as a function of the separation number, wherein the change can be quantified to determine an impact of the fuel distribution or the furnace configuration as a result of the operating data lying on a plane defined by the separation number and a load variable. |
| US07647203B1 |
Multifaceted video benchmarking system, method, and computer program product
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for gauging video processing. In use, results are identified with respect to a first analysis for testing a performance of video processing of a processor, a second analysis for testing a functionality of the video processing of the processor, and a third analysis for testing a quality of the video processing of the processor. To this end, the video processing of the processor may be gauged based on the results. |
| US07647202B2 |
Method for exception-based notification of the condition of an apparatus
A system (30) includes an analysis engine (34) and a notification engine (38) for selective notification of a condition (72) of an apparatus (26) monitored by a monitoring device (28). A method executed by the system (30) receives (116) data elements (58) from the monitoring device (28), processes (118) the data elements (58) to detect the condition (72) of the apparatus (26), and determines that the condition (72) defines an exception (74) to a normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26). A first notice (60) of the condition (72) is conveyed (146) to a responsible party (59) at a first instance of determination of the exception (74), and conveyance of a second notice (60) is prevented (140) at a second, subsequent, instance of determination of the exception (74). In addition, communication of the normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26) is prevented. |
| US07647197B2 |
Mobile instrument, viewing device, and methods of processing and storing information
A method of transferring information stored in a mobile instrument, the information including a first information file containing metadata and a pointer indicative of a first auxiliary file address; and first auxiliary file containing image information, the first auxiliary file being located at the first auxiliary file address. The method includes the steps of: storing the metadata in a second information file; storing the image information in a second auxiliary file at a second auxiliary file address; generating a second pointer indicative of the second auxiliary file address; and storing the second pointer in the second information file. The instrument includes a camera; one or more spatial sensors; and an external sensor port. Power to the sensors can be controlled asynchronously. Various parsing methods are also described. The instrument includes a marker module configured to superimpose a marker on the image. |
| US07647192B2 |
Active removal of aliasing frequencies in a decimating structure by changing a decimation ratio in time and space
When a sample stream is decimated, frequency components from outside of a desired frequency band are aliased into the desired band, causing interference and loss of information. Different decimating ratios result in different frequencies aliasing into the desired frequency band. A current-mode sampling mixer 800 with capacitor banks 811 and 812 that are controlled by a digital control unit 820 with a capability to integrate and decimate an RF current at different decimating ratios is able to measure the frequency spectrum with different decimating ratios. The measured frequency spectrum is then analyzed to detect the presence of interferers aliased into the desired frequency band. The interferers can then be eliminated or avoided. |
| US07647178B2 |
Method and system for forward collision avoidance in an automotive vehicle
A method and system for autonomous collision avoidance in multiple obstacle scenarios. A forward collision avoidance system detects obstacles in front of a vehicle hosting the system and estimates a position, a velocity and an acceleration of each of the obstacles. The maneuvers which the vehicle is capable of performing that will lead to a collision with each respective obstacle are evaluated separately. The union of maneuvers which will lead to collision with any one of the obstacles is formed. The set of maneuvers which the vehicle is capable of performing through which collision with any of the obstacles may be avoided is established, and the set used for deciding how to avoid or mitigate collision with any one of the obstacles. Finally, a collision avoidance maneuver based on the decision is executed autonomously. |
| US07647175B2 |
Discrete inertial display navigation
A system and method for calculating velocity vectors from accelerations by establishing a predetermined acceleration threshold, and attributing a predetermined velocity vector to accelerations that cross the predetermined threshold. Preferably, the system and method are used in conjunction with hand-held displays. |
| US07647174B2 |
Navigation system with function of one-touch map matching correction and method thereof
A navigation system with a function of one-touch map matching correction, and a method thereof. The navigation system includes a GPS module for receiving each position signal, and measuring self position and driving direction; a map database for storing map data; a storage unit for storing a candidate designation index, road information, a guidance stop flag, a flag activating a map-matching correction button, and voice data for road sequence guidance; a display unit for displaying the map data, activating or deactivating the map-matching correction button, and generating a coordinate value of a position; and a controller for indexing the parallel roads, generating a candidate road array, activating the map-matching correction button, and sequentially selecting candidate roads while performing the map matching correction. |
| US07647173B2 |
Data server used in a system for supplying augmentation data for the satellite navigation signals
The invention relates to a data server (40) used in a system (10) for supplying complementary data, so-called augmentation data, for satellite navigation signals. The inventive server (40) is especially adapted to be used with elements that are compatible with those used in EGNOS technology (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service). Said system (10) for supplying augmentation data for the satellite navigation signals comprises at least one calculator (20) for the determination of said augmentation data, said augmentation data being determined from data transmitted by at least one receiving station (S01. . . SON) receiving navigation information sent by means of at least one satellite. Said server (40) comprises a first inlet (401) for receiving the augmentation data transmitted by the calculator (20), a first outlet (402) for transmitting the augmentation data towards at least one user (U01. . . UOK), and a second outlet (403) for re-emitting the augmentation data towards the calculator (20) with a delay that is pre-determined in relation to the reception at the first inlet (401). |
| US07647172B2 |
Methods and systems for determining a telecommunications service location using global satellite positioning
Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location. Another embodiment includes obtaining through a technician server at least one set of “from” coordinates associated with the first customer service location and at least one set of “to” coordinates associated with the second customer location; transmitting the “from” and “to” coordinates to a mapping system; and, generating directions in the mapping system based on the “to” and “from” coordinates. At least one of the sets of coordinates includes latitude and longitude data. System and computer-readable media embodiments of these methods are also provided. |
| US07647170B2 |
Navigation apparatus displaying visual guidance
A navigation apparatus for a vehicle displays, based on map information, a map image for vicinity of a present position of the vehicle and a guidance route in superimposition in a display device. An end point relative to a moving arrow is defined as being a predetermined first distance ahead of the present position along the route; a start point is defined as being a predetermined second distance smaller than the first distance ahead of the present position along the route. The navigation apparatus is further configured to superimpose, on the displayed route, the moving arrow which includes an arrowhead and a line between the arrowhead and the present position, such that the arrowhead moves from the start point to the end point along the route when a distance to a nearest guidance point is smaller than a predetermined distance. |
| US07647168B2 |
Map displaying apparatus, map displaying method, and computer product
The map-display-area determining unit determines an area in which a map is to be displayed. The road-information obtaining unit obtains, from map data transmitted from a map-data distributing server, curved-point coordinate information and name information of a traffic route. A map-display-data generating unit determines a display position for each of a character or symbol included in a character/symbol string in the name information so that the character or symbol is positioned along the traffic route without interfering with another character or symbol, and generates map display data for displaying the character or symbol at the determined display position. |
| US07647164B2 |
Web service for mobile device tracking
A method and system for providing location data of a mobile device using a web service is provided. In one embodiment, a method for providing location data of a mobile device using a web service includes receiving location data associated with a mobile device, the mobile device operable to transmit a wireless signal including corresponding location data. A location request is received from a client using a web service. The location request comprising information identifying the mobile device and the client. A response to the location request is automatically communicated based on the location data associated with the mobile device. |
| US07647161B2 |
Fuel injection controller and fuel injection system using the same
A fuel injector performs a main injection and a pilot injection prior to the main injection. A fuel injection controller detects an ignition timing of a fuel injected at the main injection, detects a driving condition of the internal combustion engine, and varies a pilot injection quantity of the pilot injection when the driving condition is stable. Furthermore, the controller detects a variation in ignition timing due to a variation in the pilot injection quantity, and learns the pilot injection quantity based on the variation in ignition timing due to the variation in the pilot injection quantity. |
| US07647154B2 |
Method and control architecture for optimization of cylinder deactivation selection and engine input torque for a hybrid powertrain system
A method and article of manufacture are provided for operating an internal combustion engine adapted to transmit torque to a hybrid transmission. The method comprises determining engine input torque transmittable to the hybrid transmission for a plurality of engine states the engine states comprising an all-cylinder operation and a cylinder-deactivation operation. Costs are determined for operating the engine and hybrid transmission in the engine states to substantially meet an operator torque request. The engine state is controlled to one of the all-cylinder operation and the cylinder-deactivation operation based upon the costs. |
| US07647152B2 |
Control device for vehicle
ECU executes a program including the steps of: detecting a mode input by a driver, detecting an accelerator opening degree TA to calculate an operation potential Pta based on the accelerator opening degree TA and an accelerator operation speed dTA, counting the number of times Pta exceeds a threshold value set according to a mode, as COUNT value, and learning a driver intention level in a sport direction when COUNT value is equal to or greater than the threshold value set according to a mode. |
| US07647149B2 |
Control device for electric power steering system of vehicle having wheel slip control system active on steered vehicle wheels
The operations of an electric power steering system and a wheel slip control system such as a traction control system or an anti-lock brake system are co-related so as not to undesirably affect one another, by the target assisting steering force for the electric power steering system being modified differently according to whether or not the wheel slip control system is in operation. In doing so, the target value of assisting steering force according to an increase of the steering torque of the steering wheel is increased by a degree increased along with increase of a time based differential of the steering torque of the steering wheel, or the degree of increasing the target value of assisting steering force according to an increase of the steering torque of the steering wheel is decreased along with increase of a time based differential of steering angle of the steering wheel. |
| US07647148B2 |
Roll stability control system for an automotive vehicle using coordinated control of anti-roll bar and brakes
A roll stability control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes an active anti-roll bar system (62) and a rollover sensor (40) that generates a roll attitude signal indicative of a pending rollover of the vehicle. A controller (26) controls the active anti-roll bar system (62) to prevent the vehicle from rolling over in response to the roll attitude signal. The controller (26) may also control a brake system (60). The brake system may be used in addition to the active anti-roll bar system to prevent rollover of the vehicle. |
| US07647144B2 |
Obstacle sensing system for an autonomous cleaning apparatus
An obstacle-sensing system for carriers, particularly autonomous carriers such as robot vacuum cleaners, enables the carriers to disengage themselves from any obstacle or obstruction with which they come into physical contact and proceed past the obstacle or obstruction. The obstacle-sensing system is established by constructing a carrier to have front and rear sections which, normally, are in a neutral relationship with respect to one another but which move relative to one another when the front section physically engages an obstacle or obstruction. The relative movement activates a guidance and control system that maneuvers the carrier around the obstacle or obstruction. |
| US07647138B2 |
Programmable automotive computer system having start time and wheel spin correction
A system, device, and corresponding method for enabling a user to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle. A portable programmable computer device that a user can readily install by plugging it into a diagnostic connector port of the vehicle. The system includes a detector for detecting the start time of first movement of the vehicle independent of the on board diagnostic system. Velocity data from the onboard diagnostic system is time stamped by a clock in the device and stored. Velocity curves are generated from the velocity data and time stamps. Wheel spin is accounted for by smoothing the velocity curve to determine a point of inflection in the velocity indicative of termination of wheel spin and creating correcting velocity and acceleration curves by solving equations from the inflection point backwards on the curve down to time zero. From the corrected curves, an accurate distance is calculated. |
| US07647134B2 |
Method of operating a temperature management device
There are provided a method of operating a temperature management device. For example, there is disclosed a method of operating a temperature management device. The method comprises transmitting towards the temperature management device a probe, the probe having a pre-determined format; receiving a probe response, the probe response being representative of at least one dynamic operational characteristic of the temperature management device; analyzing the probe response to obtain a control parameter suitable for controlling operation of the temperature management device. |
| US07647126B2 |
Integration of process modules and expert systems in process plants
A process control system element for use in a process plant includes a process module, which represents a logical unit in the process plant, integrated with an expert module capable of detecting and/or mitigating abnormal situations associated with the logical unit. The process module may include a plurality of process objects, each process object representing a corresponding physical entity in the process plant. At least some of the process objects may include simulation capabilities to simulate the corresponding physical entities. The expert module may be adapted to detect at least one abnormal situation associated with the logical unit, and may be communicatively coupled to the process module to receive data from the process module during operation of the process module. Because the expert module is integrated with the process module, a user can more easily configure the expert module to detect and/or mitigate abnormal situations associated with the logical unit. |
| US07647125B2 |
Time-based control of a system having integration response
A time-based controller provides control for a controlled system including a plant having an integration response. The time-based controller includes a comparator that detects a polarity change in a comparison of a sensed signal from the plant and a reference signal while a control signal is in a first state, time calculation logic that, responsive to detection of the change in the comparison, determines a time at which to change a state of a control signal supplied to the plant, and a modulator that, at the determined time, changes the state of the control signal supplied to the plant from the first state to a second state. |
| US07647123B2 |
Method for treating intervertebral discs
An interverterbral fissure can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the functional element is positioned at a selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. Then the functional unit treats the annular fissure. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to seal the fissure. |
| US07647120B2 |
Dual cochlear/vestibular stimulator with control signals derived from motion and speech signals
A system for treating patients affected both by hearing loss and by balance disorders related to vestibular hypofunction and/or malfunction, which includes sensors of sound and head movement, processing circuitry, a power source, and an implantable electrical stimulator capable of stimulating areas of the cochlea and areas of the vestibular system. |
| US07647112B2 |
System and method for selectively stimulating different body parts
Devices and methods are provided for electrically stimulating a predetermined body part of a mammal. The method includes placing at least one electrode in proximity to the mammal's skin, injecting an electrically conductive gel into the body of the mammal so as to form a conductive gel pathway extending at least partially along a distance between the at least one electrode and the predetermined body part, and stimulating the predetermined body part by applying an electrical signal via the electrode that travels, at least in part, through the conductive gel pathway. |
| US07647111B2 |
Connector assembly for connecting a lead and an implantable medical device
A connector assembly for detachably coupling a proximal end of a lead and an implantable medical device. The connector assembly includes a deflectable connector clip having a first arm, a second arm and a top portion extending between the first arm and the second arm. The first arm and the second arm detachably position the proximal end of the lead within the implantable medical device. A housing portion has a first deflection portion that deflects the connector clip from a first position corresponding to a first distance between the first arm and the second arm, to a second position corresponding to a second distance between the first arm and the second arm. Subsequent advancement of the lead through the first and second arms further deflects the connector clip from the second position to a third position, which transfers all of the spring force of the connector clip to the lead. |
| US07647106B2 |
Detection of vasovagal syncope
It has been discovered that a change in posture that results in an increase in orthostatic stress, when followed by a withdrawal of sympathetic nervous activity, may indicate a future onset of vasovagal syncope (VVS). The invention is directed to devices and techniques for early detection of an episode of VVS so that therapies may be applied in advance of the episode to prevent the episode from occurring. Detection of a posture transition triggers a device such as an implanted pacemaker to determine an indicator of an autonomic nervous system activity of the patient. As a function of this determination, the device estimates a probability that the patient will experience VVS. When the probability exceeds a threshold, preventative therapy may be applied to address the VVS and to reduce the risk that the patient will faint. |
| US07647105B2 |
Method and system for detecting and treating junctional rhythms
A method and an apparatus for treating cardiac arrhythmias are provided. An interval between first and second consecutive beats of a heart, having first and second chamber types, is determined. The heart is paced at a first rate if the first beat is from the first chamber type and the second beat is from the second chamber type and the interval is less than a predetermined amount of time or if the first and second beats are both from the second chamber type. The heart is paced at a second rate if the first beat is from the first chamber type and the second beat is from the second chamber type and the interval is more than the predetermined amount of time. |
| US07647103B2 |
Addressing pacemaker syndrome
In general, the invention is directed to techniques for detecting and addressing pacemaker syndrome. When a pacemaker detects a risk of pacemaker syndrome, the pacemaker paces one or more chambers of the heart to reduce the risk of pacemaker syndrome. One pacing technique is to apply ventricular paces, thereby reducing the delay between the atrial activation and the ventricular activation. Another technique, available to a patient who receives atrial pacing, is to decrease the atrial pacing rate. |
| US07647095B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifying a determined cardiac event in a medical device based on detected variation in hemodynamic status
A method and apparatus for verifying a determined cardiac event in a medical device based on detected variation in hemodynamic status that includes a plurality of sensors sensing cardiac signals, and a physiologic sensor sensing physiologic signals to generate a plurality of variation index samples corresponding to the sensed signals. A microprocessor detects a cardiac event in response to the sensed cardiac signals, computes a variation index trend associated with a predetermined number of variation index samples of the plurality of variation index samples, determines a rate of change of the computed variation index trend, and confirms the determined cardiac event in response to the computed variation index trend and in response to the determined rate of change. |
| US07647092B2 |
Systems and methods for spectroscopy of biological tissue
The system and method of the present invention relates to using spectroscopy, for example, Raman spectroscopic methods for diagnosis of tissue conditions such as vascular disease or cancer. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for measuring tissue includes a fiber optic probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a diameter of 2 mm or less. This small diameter allows the system to be used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease or other small lumens or soft tissue with minimal trauma. A delivery optical fiber is included in the probe coupled at the proximal end to a light source. A filter for the delivery fibers is included at the distal end. The system includes a collection optical fiber (or fibers) in the probe that collects Raman scattered radiation from tissue, the collection optical fiber is coupled at the proximal end to a detector. A second filter is disposed at the distal end of the collection fibers. An optical lens system is disposed at the distal end of the probe including a delivery waveguide coupled to the delivery fiber, a collection waveguide coupled to the collection fiber and a lens. |
| US07647087B2 |
Apparatus and methods of cortical surface registration and deformation tracking for patient-to-image alignment in relation to image-guided surgery
A cortical surface registration procedure related to a diagnostic or surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the procedure includes the steps of pre-operatively obtaining a first textured point cloud of the cortical surface of a targeted region of a brain of a living subject, intra-operatively obtaining optically a second textured point cloud of the cortical surface of the brain of the living subject, and aligning the first textured point cloud of the cortical surface to the second textured point cloud of the cortical surface so as to register images of the brain of the living subject to the cortical surface of the living subject. |
| US07647083B2 |
Multiple wavelength sensor equalization
A physiological sensor has intensity compensation introduced along an optical path from emission to detection so as to compensate for unequal tissue attenuation as a function of wavelength. The sensor has emitters configured to transmit optical radiation having multiple wavelengths into a tissue site. At least one detector is capable of receiving the optical radiation after tissue attenuation. An equalization is capable of compensating optical radiation intensity so as to account for differences in tissue attenuation across at least a portion of the multiple wavelengths. |
| US07647080B1 |
Hands-free device
The send, end, and/or push-to-talk functions of a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, are controlled with a single button on a hands-free device having a cable attached to the button, a microphone, and an earpiece. The button is pressed to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. The user speaks while continuing to press the button, to transmit the user's words in the two-way radio conversation. Next, the user releases the button, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting, to permit the user to hear words transmitted by the other party to the two-way radio conversation. Additionally, in some examples the user may answer an incoming cellular telephone call by pressing the button used during the two-way radio conversation, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation. |
| US07647076B1 |
Displaying customized images on a wireless device
Customizing an image for display on a wireless device. A user accesses an image database and selects an image to customize. After the user selects an image, the image is retrieved from the image database based on a profile of the device. A customized image is produced from a composite of the selected image and a text layer generated from user text provided by a user. The customized image is formatted for the user's device based on the device profile and then transmitted to the user's device for display. |
| US07647075B2 |
Terminal device and program
In a terminal device equipped with a function of running an application program, operation of an application program is suspended when an event is detected, the type of the event is predetermined, and event data representing the detected event is stored. Then, the terminal device delivers stored event data to the application program, after the suspended application is resumed. |
| US07647074B2 |
Cellular telephone with print preview system
In one embodiment, a print control system is provided for use in a cellular telephone. A printing logic is configured to generate printer-ready data from a selected data to be printed. A viewing logic is configured to interpret and display the printer-ready data to simulate a printed state of the printer-ready data. |
| US07647072B2 |
IP switching based distributed radio network controller
The invention provides an IP switching based radio network controller. The radio network controller comprises a plurality of functional modules, at least comprising: an ATM interface module, an interface management module, a radio signaling management module and a radio bearer processing module, characterized in that, the radio network controller replaces an ATM switch with an IP switching network to achieve data and signaling exchange among the above functional modules in the radio network controller. Said functional modules respectively comprise at least one functional board, and the functions of each of the functional modules are respectively achieved in different functional boards. The radio network controller of the invention has the advantages of low cost, simple configuration and management, and easy to achieve the system. |
| US07647071B2 |
Communication devices with integrated gyrators and methods for use therewith
A device includes an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the device. An RF transceiver generates an outbound RF signal from an outbound symbol stream, transmits the outbound RF signal to a remote station of a wireless network, and generates an inbound symbol stream from an inbound RF signal received from the at least one remote station. A processing module is coupled to process the motion parameter to produce motion data, to convert outbound data into the outbound symbol stream, and to convert the inbound symbol stream into inbound data, wherein the outbound data includes the motion data. |
| US07647063B2 |
Method and system for outer loop power control
Methods and apparatus are described for improving convergence time of a reference signal-to-interference (SIR) value calculated in outer loop power control for use in inner loop power control. Instead of considering only error rate information for each transport channel individually, other information, such as quality information from other transport channels and block rate information for the channel, is also considered to determine the reference SIR. By considering such other information, an improved outer loop power control is achieved, thus reducing the power needed for the physical channel and increasing the capacity of the communication system. |
| US07647062B2 |
Control of transmission power in a radio system
The invention relates to a method for controlling transmission power in a radio system, preferably in a radio link system. To establish a power control mechanism which is capable of taking into account the various phenomena affecting the performance of the radio connection and which can also respond to degrading signal quality before bit errors begin to occur, pseudo errors, i.e. decision-making instants at which a symbol error nearly occurred, are monitored at the receiving end. The transmission power is then decreased when the rate of the pseudo errors is below a predetermined threshold and increased when pseudo errors occur so that a predetermined criterion is fulfilled. |
| US07647058B2 |
Method and system for processing broadcast SMS message in mobile communication terminal, and mobile communication terminal having the system
A method and system for processing a broadcast SMS (Short Message Service) message in a mobile communication terminal is provided. The system includes a Broadcast Management Task which performs UI (User Interface) control; and a Main Control Task which determines whether or not a Data Burst Message received from the mobile communication system is a broadcast SMS message, and, if the Data Burst Message is the broadcast SMS message, controls such that the Broadcast Management Task performs broadcasting, where the Main Control Task determines whether or not the received broadcast SMS message is a message of a registered broadcast channel, and, if the received broadcast SMS message is not a message of the registered broadcast channel, the Main Control Task does not transmit Bearer Data to the Broadcast Management Task so that the Broadcast Management Task cannot perform unnecessary processes. |
| US07647044B2 |
RF switching device
The present disclosure relates to a switching device having a display that allows an operator to readily visually assess the signal strength of both a primary signal and a back-up signal. In certain embodiments, the information relating to the signal strength of the primary and back-up signal is provided on a graphic display. In certain other embodiments, the signal strength of the back-up signal is displayed relative to the signal strength of the primary signal. |
| US07647042B2 |
User interface methods and apparatus for processing voice call requests from a mobile station based on communication conditions
User interface methods and apparatus for processing voice call requests based on communication conditions of a mobile communication device are disclosed. The mobile communication device includes one or more processors, a wireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors, and a user interface which includes a visual display. A voice call request for a voice call is received through the user interface. If the voice call request is received during an out-of-coverage condition of the mobile communication device, the processor causes a call denial indication to be displayed in the visual display, which indicates that the voice call request could not be completed. The processor also causes a call reminder setup prompt to be displayed, which may be accepted or declined through the user interface. If an acceptance of the call reminder setup prompt is received, the processor causes a call reminder prompt for reattempting the voice call request to be displayed when an in-coverage condition of the mobile communication device is subsequently identified. The call reminder prompt, which may be accepted or declined through the user interface, reveals various call information regarding the previous voice call request such as the telephone number, name, and time of the previous request. If the call reminder prompt is accepted, the processor causes a voice call associated with the voice call request to be initiated. Additional call reminder techniques are disclosed to provide an even more flexible and easy-to-use interface. |
| US07647040B2 |
Terminal and method of automatically executing function establishment thereof
A terminal and method of automatically executing function establishment thereof are disclosed, by which establishments of supportable services and additional functions can be supported under a user-oriented environment, by which a function establishment of the terminal can be automatically executed according to a user, and by which function establishment contents previously used by a user can be automatically applied to a terminal that is for rent or newly purchased. The present invention includes registering an establishment value used in executing a prescribed terminal function to a communication system, requesting the establishment value to the communication system from a random terminal, receiving the establishment value from the communication system to the terminal, and allowing the terminal to change a previous establishment value of the function previously stored in the terminal using the received establishment value. |
| US07647037B2 |
Location aware, on demand, media delivery to remote devices
A method, system and computer program and method for delivering a streaming data to a remote device from a wireless transmitter. In one embodiment, a transmitter is configured to send units of the streaming data to the remote device. A receiver is configured to receive usage data about the streaming data from the remote device. An adjusting module is configured to automatically adjust a transmission strategy of unsent units of the streaming data based, at least in part, on the usage data as a function of time according to a transmission policy. The usage data may include at least location information about the remote device or time of day information at the remote device. A user interface at the remote device may be configured to adjust the predefined transmission policy. |
| US07647033B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device for communication
A level converter level-converts an oscillation output signal of a reference frequency oscillator and supplies the level-converted signal to a phase comparator of a PLL/fractional synthesizer for controlling an oscillation frequency of an RF transmission voltage-controlled oscillator. The level converter includes a self-bias type voltage amplifier which amplifies a reference frequency signal of the reference frequency oscillator. The self-bias type voltage amplifier includes a coupling capacitor, an amplifying transistor, a load and a bias element and suppresses a variation in the level of each harmonic component even though an external power supply voltage varies. |
| US07647031B2 |
Vehicle receiver system in which a single receiver circuit is controlled to receive signals transmitted from a plurality of remote devices having respectively different transmission frequencies
A vehicle-mounted receiver system includes a receiver apparatus that is controlled for receiving, in common, transmissions from a plurality of external devices such as a remote key, smart key, etc., having respectively different transmission frequencies. The receiving frequency at the current time is selected based on criteria such as the insertion/non-insertion status of the ignition key, or whether an interrogation signal has been transmitted to a specific external device so that a response transmission is be received from that device during a specific time interval and the receiving frequency is to be set accordingly during that specific interval. |
| US07647028B2 |
Internal calibration system for a radio frequency (RF) transmitter
An internal calibration system for a radio frequency (RF) transmitter comprises a digital processing element to generate within a radio frequency (RF) transmitter test points at which an output of the RF transmitter is measured, an RF detector to measure the radio frequency output of the RF transmitter at the test points, the digital processing element also determining transmitter impairments by analyzing the measured radio frequency output, and compensation circuitry to compensate the RF transmitter for the measured impairments. |
| US07647026B2 |
Receiver architecture for wireless transceiver
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a wireless transceiver. In an example embodiment, a wireless transceiver may include a transmitter adapted to output a signal at an image frequency (e.g., a simulated image) for a channel during a first mode (e.g., calibration mode) of operation. The wireless transceiver also includes a receiver adapted to receive, via loopback from the transmitter, the (e.g., simulated) image frequency signal and to determine digitally a receiver in-phase/quadrature-phase (I/Q) signal calibration adjustment based on the (simulated) image frequency signal to improve a match in amplitude and a predetermined phase shift between I and Q signals of the receiver during the first (e.g., calibration) mode of operation. The I/Q calibration adjustment may be applied to received signals during a second mode (e.g., operation mode) of operation to improve image rejection. |
| US07647024B2 |
Method and system for improving client server transmission over fading channel with wireless location and authentication technology via electromagnetic radiation
Wireless personal area network (Zigbee, Bluetooth, UWB) and wireless identification technologies (Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)) are implemented in particular client server functions and communications. Connected with an Authentication Server, a wireless HUB authenticates user identification and provides the user with access to secure data communication with a wireless terminal such as a cellular phone or a PDA. A Location Server provides user locations via methods such as RSSI, TDOA, and GPS and sends location information to a Center Control Server and the Authentication Server. With location information, the Center Control Server initiates and optimizes secure information processes and coordinates the functions of servers and user terminals. |
| US07647020B2 |
Multi-mode foldable electronic apparatus and method thereof
A multi-mode foldable electronic apparatus and the method thereof are provided. The multi-mode foldable electronic apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a first hinge, a second hinge and a system. The first hinge and the second hinge are used for connecting the first housing and the second housing. A first magnet and a second magnet are disposed in the first housing, and magnetism changes when the first and the second magnet being moved. A first magnetism sensor disposed in the second housing is used for sensing the changes in magnetism of the first magnet and generates a first signal thereby. A second magnetism sensor disposed in the second housing is used for sensing the changes in magnetism of the second magnet to generate a second signal thereby. The system commands the apparatus in one of different modes in response to the first and the second signals being received. |
| US07647018B2 |
Printing system
A printing system and method is provided. The printing system includes one or more printing system modules, at least one media sheet path interfacing the printing system modules, and a job scheduler for executing one or more printing system print jobs. The job scheduler routes a media sheet to one or more printing system modules for preshrinking or preenlarging without marking and subsequently routes the preshrunk or preenlarged media sheet to one or more printing system modules for marking. The method of printing includes generating a print job to be printed using one or more printing system modules. Print jobs requiring two or more printing system modules for marking are executed by routing a media sheet to one or more printing system modules for preshrinking or preenlarging without marking, and subsequently routing the preshrunk or preenlarged media sheet to the one or more printing modules for marking. |
| US07647015B2 |
Color image forming apparatus and color image forming method
A color image forming apparatus includes a color-shift-detection-image forming unit, a color shift detector, a recording-material color-shift correcting unit and a conveyance-unit color-shift correcting unit. The color-shift-detection-image forming unit selectively forms a color-shift detection image on a recording medium or a first conveyance unit. The color shift detector detects color shift based on the color-shift detection image. The recording-material color-shift correcting unit performs color-shift correction based on the color-shift detection information corresponding to the color shift on the recording medium. The conveyance-unit color-shift correcting unit performs color-shift correction based on an amount of change in the color-shift detection information corresponding to the color shift on the first conveyance unit. The amount of change is determined using the color-shift detection information corresponding to the color shift on the first conveyance unit, which is obtained after the recording-medium color-shift correcting unit performs the color-shift correction, as a reference. |
| US07647011B2 |
Toner container and image forming apparatus provided with toner container
A toner container adapted to be detachably attached to a developer provided in an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus includes a casing for loading a toner therein. The casing has a bottom wall formed with a replenishing port for replenishing the toner to the developer. A sheet member is placed on the bottom wall. The sheet member has a first end fixed to the casing near the replenishing port, and a second end opposite to the first end. The second end is movable up and down. A first magnet is attached to a lead end of the second end of the sheet member, and a guide to guide the up and down movement of the first magnet. The first magnet is upwardly movable while being guided by the guide by a repulsion force resulting from application of a certain magnetic force to the first magnet. |
| US07647008B2 |
Imaging apparatus and improved toner therefor
The invention relates to a liquid toner and imaging apparatus provided with an imaging surface having a liquid toner image formed thereon on fibrous toner particles and carrier liquid. The fibrous toner particles can be composed of a polymer portion and pigment dispersed therein, where the polymer portion comprises a surface of the fibrous toner particles and is insoluble in the carrier liquid at temperatures below 40° C., so that the polymer portion will not dissolve or solvate in storage. The polymer portion also is solvatable by the carrier liquid only at temperatures above 50° C. The carrier liquid has, as a major component, first liquid hydrocarbon having a first rate of evaporation, and, as a minor component, second liquid hydrocarbon having a second rate of evaporation which, at room temperature, is at least an order of magnitude less than the first rate of evaporation. |
| US07647006B2 |
Image forming apparatus having endless belt
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of rotors, and an endless belt that is supported with tension by the plurality of rotors and rotated by the rotors. Herein, at least one of the plurality of rotors is provided, at a first end, with a belt restraining member that has a restraining face for restraining displacement of the endless belt toward the first end and that is rotatable with respect to the rotor; and the belt restraining member is arranged such that an angle between the restraining face of the belt restraining member and a rotation shaft of the rotor is greater at a contact start point at which the endless belt begins contact with the belt restraining member during rotation than at a contact end point at which the endless belt ends contact with the belt restraining member during rotation. |
| US07647004B2 |
Process cartridge, developer cartridge, and image forming device
A developer cartridge includes a first developer wall formed with a convex part and a second developer wall disposed in confronting relation with the first developer wall. The convex part of the first developer wall is insertable into an insertion portion of an image-bearing member cartridge when the developer cartridge is mounted on the image-bearing member cartridge. When a plurality of the developer cartridges are stacked one on the other with the first developer wall being downside with respect to the second developer wall facing upward, the first developer engagement part in one developer cartridge engages the second developer engagement part in another developer cartridge disposed just below the one developer cartridge. |
| US07647001B2 |
Developing device and image forming device equipped with same
A developing device is disclosed which includes a fixed magnet roller 25 having a plurality of magnetic poles, a development roller 27 having a development sleeve 26 that is supported axially with the ability to rotate freely, and a magnetic sealing member 29 arranged at the end of the longitudinal direction X of the development sleeve 26. Further, the length of each of the plurality of magnetic poles not facing the magnetic sealing member 29 (in other words, the development pole SI, lead-in pole N1, and blade pole N3) of the fixed magnet roller 25 are shorter than the length of each of the plurality of magnetic poles facing the magnetic sealing member 29. Accordingly, the magnetic toner retained on the peripheral surface of the development sleeve 26 is guided to the development area side in the longitudinal direction X of the development sleeve 26. |
| US07646999B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for processing print requests in a print queue
An image forming apparatus, and a control method and program for same, whereby processing efficiency can be improved by permitting processing in respect of other print requests, even when paper has not been loaded in a manual paper supply unit after a manual print request has been made. When a print request relating to a prescribed paper is received, processing in respect of other print requests is permitted until it is detected that the prescribed paper has been loaded. |
| US07646989B2 |
Light emitting element driving device
A light emitting element driving device of the present invention comprises at least one light emitting element and a power supply device for generating a driving current of the light emitting element. The power supply device has a step-up type DC-DC converter circuit. The step-up type DC-DC converter circuit has a soft-start function for gradually increasing the driving current at a rise of the driving current in generation of the driving current. Thus can be provided a light emitting element driving device which is capable of suppressing an inrush current to be generated at turn-on of the main power supply of the power supply device. |
| US07646988B2 |
Linear amplifier for use with laser driver signal
An active linear amplifier circuit mounted in an optoelectronic package includes input nodes for receiving a differential signal pair, a first bipolar transistor, a second bipolar transistor, an electro-optical transducer and a decoupling circuit. A base terminal of the first bipolar transistor is coupled to the two input nodes and an emitter terminal of the first bipolar transistor is coupled to a base terminal of the second bipolar transistor. A collector terminal of the first bipolar transistor is coupled to a first terminal of the electro-optical transducer, the first terminal of the electro-optical transducer also being configured to be coupled to a voltage source. A collector terminal of the second bipolar transistor is coupled to a second terminal of the electro-optical transducer and an emitter terminal of the second bipolar transistor is coupled to a signal ground which is not the header ground. |
| US07646987B2 |
Open path laser/optical communication systems and methods utilizing wavelengths between atmospheric and gaseous absorption lines
An open-path optical communication system has either optical or laser sources and communicates between the source and a detector. In a first embodiment, the laser source includes a gas cell in the laser cavity to regulate laser wavelengths based on the minimum absorption between spectral lines of the gas in the cell. The laser is tuned close to a minimum absorption wavelength and the minimum absorption line locks the laser wavelength to the minimum position. In a second embodiment, the strong absorption lines of a gas in a gas cell positioned at a receiver site are used to provide channel isolation of the receiver. In a third embodiment, an atmospheric gas provides the channel isolation. In the fourth embodiment, individual wavelength channels are positioned between the absorption lines of atmospheric or non-atmospheric gases to prevent cross-talk between adjacent channels. |
| US07646984B1 |
Clocking of integrated circuits using photonics
Embodiments of an integrated circuit are described. This integrated circuit includes: a clock-generator circuit configured to provide a clock signal; an optical clock path coupled to the clock-generator circuit; and a latch coupled to the optical clock path. This optical clock path is configured to distribute an optical signal corresponding to the clock signal. Furthermore, the optical clock path is configured to optically set a skew value for the optical signal, and is configured to selectively gate distribution of the optical signal to the latch based on activity of the latch. Note that the selective gating is performed optically. |
| US07646983B2 |
Apparatus and method for commissioning an optical transmission system
An apparatus and method directed to testing and optimizing performance of an optical transmission system is disclosed, including at least one broadband dispersion compensation unit (DCU) or at least one depolarization device. The depolarization device may be used alone or in combination with the at least one broadband DCU. A method for optimizing performance of data channels in initial loading (IL) and full loading (FL) configurations of the optical transmission system is also disclosed. |
| US07646970B2 |
Image sensing apparatus, control method, and user interface display apparatus
An image sensing apparatus on which a plurality of lens units are interchangeably mountable includes a system controller configured to acquired information specific to a mounted lens unit from the mounted lens unit, a detection unit configured to detect a focus shift amount of the mounted lens unit, a display circuit configured to display the specific information acquired by the system controller in association with a focus correction value for correcting the focus shift amount detected by the detection unit, an operation switch configured to be operated by a user, and a setting unit that sets the focus correction value according to an operation on the operation switch. |
| US07646967B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, program and recorded medium
An AV stream, as an entity of contents, is managed by ClipInformation. The reproduction of the AV stream is managed by PlayList. The attribute information of the AV stream is recorded in the ClipInformation, whereby the attribute information may include address information corresponding to the discontinuous point in the AV stream, information correlating the time information in the AV stream and the address information, and the time information corresponding to a characteristic picture in the AV stream. This enables a preset mark to be retrieved promptly. |
| US07646961B2 |
Data recording and reproduction apparatus
A recording time setting process, performed by a data recording and reproduction apparatus capable of readily setting a recording start time and a recording finish time, includes: the step of detecting execution of a meter recording setting mode, the step of detecting an input of recording start position, the step of calculating a time from the recording start position, the step of storing the recording start time in a memory, the step of detecting an input of recording finish position, the step of calculating a time from the recording finish position, the step of calculating a recording time period when the recording finish position is determined, and the step of storing the recording finish time in the memory if the recording time period has not yet been selected for another recording and if the required capacity does not exceed the storage capacity of the HDD. |
| US07646960B2 |
Determining chapters based on presentation of a program
A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, calculate scores for cells within a program based on a speed at which the cells were presented and a frequency that the cells were presented. A cell includes one or more frames of presentable data. Chapters within the program are then determined and located within the program based on gradients of the scores that exceed a threshold. The scores are calculated based on incrementing a score for each cell each time the cell is presented and by different amounts depending on the speed at which the cell is presented. In an embodiment, the score is incremented by a larger amount in response to a slower presentation speed of the associated cell. In an embodiment, scores may be received from multiple clients where the program was presented, the scores may be aggregated for all the clients, and the chapters may be determined based on the aggregated scores. The scores may further be used to change the presentation speed of the program based on the scores of the cells being presented or skipped. |
| US07646953B2 |
Fiber optic cable systems and methods to prevent hydrogen ingress
Purging interior regions of a cable reduces or prevents hydrogen darkening of an optical fiber located in the cable. While hydrogen may permeate through an outer surface of the cable, fluid circulating through the cable purges the hydrogen from within the cable. This circulation of the fluid occurs between an inner tube containing the fiber and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. |
| US07646952B2 |
Optical fiber cable having raised coupling supports
Disclosed is an optical fiber cable that includes optical fibers and a deformable coupling element enclosed within a buffer tube. The coupling element is formed from a deformable yet substantially incompressible material and features a number of raised members projecting toward the optical fibers. The design of the coupling element layer permits coupling of the optical fibers to the buffer tube without the use of a compressive cushioning layer. This arrangement distributes the compressive force applied to discrete points along the outer perimeter of the optical fiber element. |
| US07646948B2 |
Flexible optical waveguide film, optical transceiver module, multi-channel optical transceiver module, and method of manufacturing flexible optical waveguide film
A flexible optical waveguide film comprises: two waveguide cores; and a clad surrounding the two waveguide core, wherein a light entrance/exit part is disposed at one end of each of the two waveguide cores, the waveguide film having an optical path converting part comprising an air void located inside the waveguide film, and a light entrance/exit end face of the light entrance/exit part is a plane surface facing an optical path converting surface of the optical path converting part, the optical path converting surface being an interface defining the air void. |
| US07646944B2 |
Optical sensor with distributed sensitivity
A system and method for a structure monitoring and locating a disturbance event is disclosed. The system includes a compact transceiver chip sending optical signals in three optical fibers that encompass the monitored structure appropriately. The fiber arrangement has different density in different parts of the monitored structure, such as, for example, critical places in the structure may have larger number of fiber loops surrounding them. All fibers transmit signals in both directions: from the transceiver to a returning point and back. A set of two detectors registers the returning signals, and a time delay between those signals is calculated, which is indicative of the disturbance event location. Polarization states of the returning signals are controlled by transceiver built-in controllers. The event location is determined with different sensitivity in different parts of the monitored structure depending on the density of fibers in these parts. |
| US07646941B2 |
Data capture apparatus with handwritten data receiving component
A data capturing module combined with a portable data terminal of the hand-held type to record handwritten data. Using a digitized pad, the module can provide for direct input of handwritten data into the system, or a peripheral digital scanner can be employed to provide for data entry. Depending upon the particular application, the module therefore provides for data entry of handwritten text or graphics using the data terminal and other components of a portable data system to enter, display, print or otherwise communicate the handwritten data. |
| US07646939B2 |
Electronic album editing system, electronic album editing method and electronics album editing program
There is provided an electronic album editing system having a first storage section for storing a plurality of images captured by a user as an electronic album, a second storage section for storing each electronic album containing a plurality of images captured by cameramen other than the user by correlating with traveling routes of the cameramen of the images contained in the electronic albums, a traveling route calculating section for calculating a traveling route of the user in the plurality of images stored in the first storage section, an album detecting section for detecting an electronic album, out of the plurality of electronic albums stored in the second storage section, corresponding to a traveling route that presents a degree of coincidence of a reference value or more with respect to the calculated traveling route and an editing section for storing the images contained in the detected electronic album to the first storage section. |
| US07646937B2 |
Image display method
The present invention provides an image display method for downloading an image of large longitudinal and transverse size and displaying it on a viewer with less latency time.The image display method may be used to divide an image larger than a display region of a viewer into a plurality of areas where each divided image is provided beforehand in a server. The viewer determines the plural divided images of which at least a part of each is contained in the display region of the viewer in accordance with a relative position between the image and the display region of the viewer and makes a preferential request of the viewer for the divided images. The viewer rearranges and displays the received divided images in their original form. |
| US07646936B2 |
Spatially variant image deformation
Disclosed are systems for and methods of registering (i.e., aligning) a deformable image with a reference image subject to a spatially variant flexibility model and/or a non-Gaussian smoothing model. These systems and methods allow for the consideration of differences between the ways in which structures of interest may move within a patient. The registration includes modifying the deformable image to match similar features in the reference image. The systems include a deformation engine configured for performing a deformation algorithm subject to the spatially variant flexibility and/or smoothing models. |
| US07646934B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting an image of a reflective object
A method of detecting an image of a reflective object includes the steps of capturing an exposure image by an image sensor while an LED is ON; down-sampling an exposure image signal from the image sensor to a first digital signal by comparing the level of the first image signal with a first reference level; capturing a dark image by the image sensor while the LED is OFF; down-sampling a second image signal from the image sensor to a second digital signal by comparing the level of the second image signal with a second reference level; computing an image of difference between the exposure image and the dark image by subtracting the second digital signal from the first digital signal; and specifying the image of the reflective object by locating a bright point remaining in the image of difference. |
| US07646931B2 |
Automatic analysis and adjustment of digital images with exposure problems
Techniques and tools for analyzing and adjusting the exposure of digital images are described. For example, a computer processes a digital image by analyzing exposure data, assigning an image classification (e.g., StretchNeeded, UnderExposed, OverExposed, or Normal) based on the analysis, and selecting an exposure compensation technique (e.g., histogram stretch, positive gamma curve, negative gamma curve, or no adjustment) based on the image classification. The exposure data can be luminance values for pixels in the digital image represented in a histogram. The computer can produce transform data comprising a transformation of the exposure data according to the selected exposure compensation technique. The computer can store transform data in a look-up table and can store the look-up table in the digital image file. The described techniques and tools can be implemented as a feature of an operating system environment and can be activated responsive to user action via a user interface. |
| US07646915B2 |
Image recognition apparatus, image extraction apparatus, image extraction method, and program
An image recognition apparatus includes an objective image data acquisition unit to acquire objective image data containing a face image portion, a feature area detection unit to detect an eye area corresponding to left and right eyes contained in the objective image data, an inclination estimation unit to estimate inclination of the face image portion in a depth direction thereof based on the relative position of the detected eye area, an area-to-be-extracted determination unit to determine a shape of an area to be extracted in response to the inclination estimated by the inclination estimation unit, and an area-to-be-extracted extraction unit to extract the area to be extracted of the shape determined from the objective image data. Preferably, the area to be extracted is subjected to predetermined processing. |
| US07646911B2 |
Conversion method, apparatus and computer program for converting a digital image obtained by a scanner
An image conversion method and an apparatus for converting a digital image obtained by a scanning unit into a converted digital image includes the steps of acquiring statistics for at least some pixels of the digital image, extracting characteristic values of a background color using the acquired statistics, operating a selection of pixels in the digital image, and converting the selected pixels. Each pixel in the digital image is sequentially set as a target pixel, and the selection of the target pixel depends on a representative color distance determined between a number of pixels located in a vicinity of the target pixel and the background color. |
| US07646906B2 |
Computer-implemented methods for detecting defects in reticle design data
Computer-implemented methods for detecting defects in reticle design data are provided. One method includes generating a first simulated image illustrating how the reticle design data will be printed on a reticle using a reticle manufacturing process. The method also includes generating second simulated images using the first simulated image. The second simulated images illustrate how the reticle will be printed on a wafer at different values of one or more parameters of a wafer printing process. The method further includes detecting defects in the reticle design data using the second simulated images. Another method includes the generating steps described above in addition to determining a rate of change in a characteristic of the second simulated images as a function of the different values. This method also includes detecting defects in the reticle design data based on the rate of change. |
| US07646901B2 |
System and method for facilitating cardiac intervention
One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises features, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention. |
| US07646898B1 |
Methods and apparatus for processing medical images
A system for analysing a brain image compares the image with a brain atlas, labels the image accordingly, and annotating the regions of interest and/or other structures. This atlas-enhanced data is written to a file (or more than one file) in the Dicom format or any web-enabled format such as SGML or XML format. The image used may be produced by any medical imaging modality. A fast algorithm is proposed for a landmark-based piecewise linear mapping of one volumetric image into another volumetric image. Furthermore, a new set of brain landmarks are proposed, and algorithms for the automatic identification of these landmarks are formulated for three orientations, axial, coronal, and sagittal. |
| US07646894B2 |
Bayesian competitive model integrated with a generative classifier for unspecific person verification
A Bayesian competitive model integrated with a generative classifier for unspecific person verification is described. In one aspect, a competitive measure for verification of an unspecific person is calculated using a discriminative classifier. The discriminative classifier is based on a Bayesian competitive model that is adaptable to unknown new classes. The Bayesian competitive model is integrated with a generative verification in view of a set of confidence criteria to make a decision regarding verification of the unspecific person. |
| US07646887B2 |
Optical flow for object recognition
Disclosed is a system and method for using optical flow to detect objects moving past a camera and to select images of the moving objects. A shopping cart, for example, may be detected by subdividing an image into a plurality of image blocks; comparing the blocks to a preceding image to determine the motion of the portion of the object pictured; associating the most common motion with the shopping cart. The motion of the cart may also be integrated over time for purposes of tracking cart motion and selecting a subset of the captured images for object recognition processing. Detection of the cart and image selection improves computational efficiency an increase merchandise throughput. |
| US07646886B2 |
Closely-spaced multiple targets detection using a regional window as a discriminant function
A method and system, for detecting closely spaced objects with data from an imaging sensor. A CFAR detector performs detection on the image data at a threshold level. A processor runs a first algorithm on exceedances above the CFAR threshold. The first algorithm is for single target detection and includes a local-max algorithm that identifies multiple exceedances within a 2×2 matrix of image data and only keeps exceedance with the maximum value. All other exceedances in image are single target detections. The processor runs a second algorithm that identifies multiple exceedances (single target detections) within a local regional area across the whole image. The regional area size may be a 3×3, 4×4, or 5×5 matrix depending on the specified CSO separations. This algorithm may use a regional moving window across the whole image. An alternative method using the indices of all the exceedances' (x,y) coordinates is also disclosed. |
| US07646885B2 |
Method for monitoring prepaid postage indicia on mail
The inventive method is characterized in that the prepaid postage indicia are checked to see if they contain a predefined security feature. If they do not, at least one selected read area of the mail is checked to determine whether it contains a predefined graphic representation of a prepaid postage indicia. |
| US07646884B2 |
Active night vision image intensity balancing system
A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (62) generates a first image signal and a second image signal. The first image signal is generated in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A controller is coupled to the light source (46) and the receiver (62). The controller generates an image in response to the first image signal and the second image signal. |
| US07646883B2 |
Digital watermark detection method and apparatus
A digital watermark detection apparatus includes an extraction unit extracting a specific frequency component signal from an input image signal, a first transformation unit orthogonal-transforming the image signal, a second transformation unit orthogonal-transforming the specific frequency component signal, a combination unit combining first and second transformed image signals from the first and second transformation units, a third transformation unit orthogonal-transforming a combined image signal, an estimation unit estimating embedded watermark information by searching for a peak appearing in a third transformed image signal of the third transformation unit, and a compressor compressing a target signal in amplitude based on a compression characteristic varying according to an amplitude and frequency of the target signal to obtain a compression signal, the target signal formed of at least one of the first transformed image signal, the second transformed image signal and the combined image signal. |
| US07646880B2 |
Makeup method based on texture and texture map
A texture word map is produced by selecting a plurality of texture words to express the makeup textures; classifying the plurality of selected texture words into two types; producing a texture word map by arranging one characteristic in the ordinate and the other characteristic in the abscissa and arranging positional correlations of the texture words one another in the coordinates of the ordinate and the abscissa. A texture image map is produced by overlapping individual images on the texture word map and makeup with a texture is done based on the texture image map. |
| US07646879B2 |
Headset communication unit
A headset communication unit includes a housing and a microphone arm pivotally connected to the housing. The housing has a first pivotal portion that has a pivotal end and connects a supporting pillar in direction of the pivotal end. The microphone arm has a microphone and an elastic slice member received therein. In the process of the microphone arm rotating from an opening status to a closing status, the elastic slice member contacts the supporting pillar and rotates around the supporting pillar. Among this process, there is a farthest supporting position away from a geometric center of the cross-section of the supporting pillar in all supporting position of the supporting pillar. When the elastic slice member contacts the farthest supporting position, an elastic force stored in the deformed elastic slice is maximized. The elastic force is released to push the microphone arm forward to the closing status. |
| US07646873B2 |
Key manager for QKD networks
Key manager systems and methods for a QKD-based network are disclosed. The system includes a QKD layer that generates quantum encryption keys, a persistent storage layer that stores the quantum encryption keys, and a key management layer. The key management layer generates an application registration record that includes a list of multiple applications that use the quantum encryption keys. The key management layer also generates a corresponding key storage layer. The multiple applications reside in an applications layer. The applications in each node remove keys from the key storage layer so that each node can encrypt/decrypt data using quantum encryption keys. The methods also include secure QKD system boot-up and authentication that facilitate implementing a commercial QKD system in real-world environments. |
| US07646870B2 |
Triple churning
A data encryption-decryption method includes the steps of receiving a data byte N and performing a triple-churning operation on byte N to obtain an encrypted byte N. Preferably, the triple-churning operation includes performing a first churning operation to obtain a first churned output, bit-wise XORing the first churned output with two values to obtain a first XOR result, performing a second churning operation on the first XOR result to obtain a second churned output, bit-wise XORing the second churned output with two values to obtain a second XOR result, and performing a third churning operation on the second XOR result to obtain encrypted byte N. |
| US07646868B2 |
Method for steganographic cryptography
Methods for encrypting a clear text message into hidden cipher text are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to encrypt clear text into a contextual altered form that does not appear to an observer to be cipher text. Embodiments of the present invention produce encrypted text without using a mathematical model of prime number factorization. Embodiments of the present invention provide better security by producing better quality cipher text output than known linguistic steganography approaches. |
| US07646863B2 |
Movement powered headset
An apparatus and method are provided for advantageously powering a headset without a power cable. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer, and a kinetic energy converter operably coupled to a power cell for powering the headset, the kinetic energy converter capable of converting kinetic energy of the headset into an output charge for charging the power cell. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides for reliably and efficiently powering a headset without having to replace or dock a headset battery and without requiring power cables. |
| US07646861B2 |
Customer relationship management for customer service requests
Information is shared between an agent and a user. Information for a communications service is provided to the user. Information for a related service that relates to the communications service is retrieved. The related service is described to the user. The related service is activated for the user when the agent confirms that the related service has been described to the user. |
| US07646860B2 |
Enhanced private call screening
A method and apparatus for identifying a caller who does not provide caller identification on an unanswered call. The caller is asked to record his/her name (or some other characteristic utterance). If the call is unanswered, the record is retained and can be accessed by the called party when that party requests his/her stored voice mail. Advantageously, even on unanswered calls, the identity of the caller can be presented to the called party when that called party requests stored voice mail messages, even if the calling party has private service. |
| US07646855B2 |
Computer implemented voice markup system and method
A computer-implemented method and system for processing a service request received from a telephone communication device. The telephony system and method utilizes a call management server and a voice interpreter server. The call management server receives an incoming call from a user, and the voice interpreter server processes the service request contained in the incoming call. Data communication encapsulation is used to communicate data between the call management server and the voice interpreter platform in order to process the service request. |
| US07646852B2 |
Method, a processor, and a system for tracking a focus of a beam
A system, a processor, and a method for tracking a focus of a beam are described. The method includes determining a plurality of intensities corresponding to a plurality of voltages, and applying a first voltage of the plurality of voltages corresponding to a maximum intensity of the plurality of intensities during a scan. |
| US07646847B2 |
Handheld two-dimensional X-ray diffractometer
A handheld X-ray diffractometer comprises a miniaturized X-ray source and multiple area detectors to allow the diffractometer to obtain two-dimensional X-ray diffraction images in a large diffraction space without rotating the sample. The source and detectors are located inside of a radio opaque enclosure that protects the operator during use. The handheld diffractometer also comprises a sample monitoring and alignment system that allows an operator to observe the measuring area and to align the diffractometer to the sample from outside of the housing. A specially designed mouthpiece, which mates the diffractometer to the sample area, prevents x-ray leakage and triggers off the data collection. The detectors can be positioned to perform measurements necessary to calculate a mechanical stress in the sample. Linear detectors may also be used in place of the area detectors. |
| US07646845B2 |
Method and system for low radiation computed tomography
A method for single photon counting transmission computed tomography (CT) is described. The method is based on an apparatus consisting of a radiation source and detectors on an opposite side of the subject from the source. The radiation source is for example an X-ray tube. The detectors are independently connected to parallel, fast, low-noise processing electronics capable of recording and counting individual X-ray photons at very high rate. In one embodiment of the invention, said detector is made of a scintillator coupled to a photodetector. The photodetector can be an avalanche photodiode (APD). The method comprises the steps of: directing the low energy radiation source toward the subject; detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject towards the detectors and recording the position and energy of each individual X-ray photon; rotating the radiation source and detectors around the subject; recording data for each position of the radiation source and detectors around the subject to form projections; and creating a CT image from the recorded projection data. The proposed method allows enhancing CT image contrast and reducing radiation dose to the patient by counting individual X-ray photons. |
| US07646842B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reconstructing thick image slices
A method for obtaining data includes scanning an object using a CT imaging system having at least two detector rows to acquire projection data, wherein the projection data includes at least some data obtained from at least two rows of the detector array, and reconstructing data representative an image of the object utilizing the projection data wherein the reconstruction includes pipelining the acquired projection data through a pipeline of operations including column-filtering, tomographic filtering, and backprojection. Thick reconstructed images using 3D backprojection can be obtained with significantly lessened artifacts relative to conventional 3D backprojection image reconstructions. |
| US07646840B2 |
Clock recovery circuit and a memory device employing the same
A method of inputting data to an integrated circuit is disclosed. A plurality of data signals are serially received from a source external to the integrated circuit. A strobe signal is derived from the plurality of data signals. The deriving is done by circuitry within the integrated circuit. The data signals can be latched at an input of the integrated circuit using the strobe signal that was derived within the integrated circuit. |
| US07646834B2 |
Method and apparatus for combining transponders on multiple satellites into virtual channels
A satellite communications system provides an information channel between remotely located transmitters and receivers. A virtual satellite system provides the same service, but divides the signal either in power or in data content into subchannels such that any particular signal is conducted to the intended receiver via a plurality of traditional satellite channels. The receiving terminal accepts the plurality of signals simultaneously from a possible plurality of satellites, combining the subchannels comprising the virtual channel into the original signal content as if conducted via a single channel. The receiving antenna system receives satellite subchannel signals from a plurality of directions using multiple antennas or a single antenna with multi-direction capability. Prior to signal combining, the receiver necessarily time-synchronizes the plurality of subchannels by introducing time delay in some channels before combining the subsignals into the original composite. A timing signal present in the virtual satellite system assists the receiver in determining the amount of delay to apply to each incoming signal. The timing signal is either a separate carrier or an additional modulation on the existing information-bearing carrier. |
| US07646830B1 |
Complex maximum likelihood range estimator in a multipath environment
In ranging systems such as GPS, radar, and the like, accuracy of the ranging information recovered depends on the phase linearity of the ranging receiver, generally implemented as a superheterodyne radio. Superheterodyne radios use bandpass filters in their Intermediate Frequency (IF) amplifiers to accomplish suppression of adjacent channel signal interference. Depending on the ratio of IF center-frequency to signal-bandwidth, such filters evidence phase non-linearity affecting the signal group delay response. This generally manifests in coupling of the in-phase and quadrature detected signals during signal modulation changes in state. If this effect is ignored, reduced accuracy in the recovery of ranging information can be expected. One solution is to incorporate in the ranging receiver a phase non-linearity compensation structure, but this has an adverse economic impact. On study, it has been determined that real-time Maximum Likelihood estimates of signal parameters in a multipath environment is both tractable and efficacious. The subject of this invention is means to obtain Maximum Likelihood estimates of the amplitude, carrier phase, and delay parameters of the direct and secondary path signals arising in a multipath environment when the receiver signal modulation is complex-valued, an appropriate signal model when phase non-linearity is operating. An algorithmic solution to the problem of ranging receiver induced phase non-linearity is a preferred solution, since there is little to no economic impact. |
| US07646828B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a baseband processor, a first handler, a second handler, and a storage unit. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data may configure an RS frame, and the RS frame may include the mobile service data and first signaling information of a first data type on the mobile service data. The first handler parses the first signaling information received from the RS frame, converts parsed data elements of the first data type to a second data type, and merges multiple identification information of the parsed first data type, thereby generating identification information of the second data type. The second handler receives second signaling information of the second data type on the mobile service data, the second signaling information including at least one fragment, uses the identification information of the second data type included in the first handler to search at least one fragment within the second signaling information, and maps data elements received through the searched fragment with the data elements converted to the second data type. |
| US07646827B2 |
Demodulation of a digitally frequency-modulated analog received signal by evaluation of the time intervals between the zero crossings
A detector (1) for zero crossings and a counter (2) which is connected to it are used to determine the time intervals between the zero crossings of the received signal or of an intermediate-frequency signal which is produced from the received signal, and for detection of the digital signal data. In this case, a sequence of determined zero crossing intervals can be stored in digital form in a shift register chain (3), and can be compared in a classification device (4) with previously stored interval sequences. Furthermore, a frequency offset can be determined by averaging the zero crossing intervals and can be compensated for by suitable selection or modification of the previously stored interval sequences, in which case the latter can also be used during the synchronization phase. The synchronization process may, furthermore, be assisted by payload data identification. |
| US07646821B1 |
Method and apparatus for equalization and decoding in a wireless communications system including plural receiver antennae
A baseband processor includes a demodulator that demodulates a symbol received by a maximum ratio combining (MRC) receiver via receive pathways. A viterbi decoder generates branch metrics for decoding the symbol. The branch metrics are generated based on a channel state information (CSI) of the symbol. |
| US07646820B2 |
Transmission apparatus and receiving apparatus
A transmission apparatus used in a radio communication system adopting the OFDM scheme is disclosed. The transmission apparatus includes: a dividing inverse Fourier transform part including plural transform parts, wherein the dividing inverse Fourier transform part divides a signal to be transmitted into plural signals, and each of the plural transform parts performs inverse Fourier transform on one of the plural signals; a peak control part for outputting a peak control signal based on peaks that are detected from output signals of the dividing inverse Fourier transform part; and a peak reducing process part for adjusting a weight or an arranging order of an output signal of the dividing inverse Fourier transform part according to the peak control signal to output an adjusted signal, and synthesizing the adjusted signal with other signal so as to output a synthesized signal. |
| US07646813B2 |
Encoding circuit for transform coding of a picture signal and decoding circuit for decoding said signal
An encoding circuit transforms a picture signal into blocks of, for example, 8*8 coefficients, in which each block of coefficients is read motion- adaptively. In the case of motion within a sub-picture, the block of coefficients is read in such an order that the obtained series of coefficients includes, as it were, two interleaved sub-series. The first series starts with a dc component. In a first embodiment, the second series starts with the most relevant motion coefficient. In a second embodiment, two interlaced sub-fields are separately transformed and the second series also starts with a dc coefficient. As a result, the coefficients are transmitted as much as possible in their order of significance. This particularly produces the largest possible clusters of zero value coefficients. Such clusters are transmitted as one compact run-length code so that an effective bit rate reduction is achieved, also for moving pictures. |
| US07646807B1 |
Receiver system with interdependent adaptive analog and digital signal equalization
An analog equalizer (613 and 614) adaptively equalizes an input analog signal affected with intersymbol interference (“ISI”), or an intermediate analog signal generated therefrom, to produce a filtered partially equalized analog signal with reduced ISI. An analog-to-digital converter (210) converts the filtered analog signal, or an intermediate analog signal generated therefrom, into an initial digital signal. A digital equalizer (212) adaptively equalizes the initial digital signal, or an intermediate digital signal generated therefrom, to produce an equalized digital signal as a stream of equalized digital values with further reduced ISI. An output decoder (605) decodes the equalized digital values, or intermediate digital values generated therefrom, into a stream of symbols. Equalization control circuitry (213, 214, and 217) adjusts equalization filter characteristics of the equalizers such that adjustments of the filter characteristics of the analog equalizer depend adaptively on adaptive adjustments of the filter characteristics of the digital equalizer. |
| US07646806B2 |
Double equalizer for multi-path rejection
An apparatus for improved reception of a signal is described. The apparatus includes an equalizer that has at least two cascaded maximum-likelihood detectors and an adjustable delay unit. The equalizer and the adjustable delay unit are configured for adaptation in accordance with one or more multi-path signals in a communication channel that conveys the signal. |
| US07646803B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating and combining frequency errors in a mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for estimating and combining frequency errors in a mobile communication system. A controller divides data received from a main base station (BS) and control information received from a neighbor BS and controls allocation to fingers. A main automatic frequency control (AFC) loop is formed by estimating and combining frequency errors of the data received from the main BS. A sub AFC loop is formed by subtracting a corrected value of the main AFC loop after estimating and combining frequency errors of the control information received from the neighbor BS. |
| US07646802B2 |
Communication receiver with hybrid equalizer
Wireless communication receiver with hybrid equalizer and RAKE receiver. The receiver compares performance of the system for RAKE only and RAKE in combination with equalizer estimates. The receiver enables or disables the equalizer accordingly. |
| US07646799B2 |
Edge emitting semiconductor laser comprising a plurality of monolithically integrated laser diodes
An edge emitting semiconductor laser containing a plurality of monolithically integrated laser diodes (1, 2, 3). Each laser diode (1, 2, 3) contains an active zone (11, 12, 13), with the active zones (11, 12, 13) being in each case arranged between waveguide layers (6), the waveguide layers (6) in each case adjoining a cladding layer (7, 8) at a side remote from the active zone (11, 12, 13). The cladding layers (7, 8) comprise inner cladding layers (7), which are arranged above a bottommost active zone (11) and below a topmost active zone (13), and outer cladding layers (8) which are arranged below the bottommost active zone (11) or above the topmost active zone (13). The inner cladding layers (7) have a smaller thickness than the outer cladding layers (8). |
| US07646797B1 |
Use of current channeling in multiple node laser systems and methods thereof
Current channels, blocking areas, or strips in a semiconductor laser are used to channel injected current into the antinodal region of the optical standing wave present in the optical cavity, while restricting the current flow to the nodal regions. Previous devices injected current into both the nodal and antinodal regions of the wave, which is fed by the population inversion created in the active region by the injected electrons and holes, but inversion created in the nodal regions is lost to fluorescence or supports the creation of undesirable competing longitudinal modes, causing inefficiency. Directing current to the antinodal regions where the electric field is at its maximum causes a selected longitudinal mode to preferentially oscillate regardless of where the longitudinal mode lies with respect to the gain curve. In one embodiment, exacting fabrication of the Fabry-Perot cavity correlates the current channels to antinodal regions, vis-a vis current blocking areas, strips or segmented layers. |
| US07646796B2 |
Solid-state suspension laser with separate excitation and extraction
A laser. The novel laser includes a gain medium, a pump source adapted to optically excite the gain medium in a first location, and a resonator adapted to extract energy from the gain medium in a second location distinct from the first location. In an illustrative embodiment, the gain medium is comprised of a plurality of solid-state gain particles suspended in a fluid. The gain medium is adapted to flow, and optical excitation of the gain medium occurs outside of the resonator. In a preferred embodiment, the flow velocity and the density of gain particles in the gain medium are adjusted for optimal absorption efficiency during optical excitation and then for optimal extraction efficiency in the resonator. In addition, the resonator may be shaped for optimal extraction efficiency, while pump modules that hold the gain medium during optical excitation are shaped for optimal absorption efficiency. |
| US07646795B2 |
Methods and apparatus for maintaining a quality of a Raman medium in a Raman conversion cell
Methods and apparatus for maintaining a quality of a Raman medium in a Raman conversion cell. In various examples, a flow velocity of the Raman medium is tailored based on a spatial nonuniformity of heat deposition resulting from the Raman conversion in the cell. In particular, in one example, the flow velocity of the Raman medium may be tailored to be higher where the heat deposition/temperature rise is larger and smaller elsewhere in the cell. This type of flow velocity profile reduces the overall required volumetric flow of the Raman medium in the cell without significantly affecting a quality of the Raman medium. |
| US07646794B2 |
Laser apparatus and manufacturing method of a battery
A laser apparatus is provided which is capable of achieving deep penetration into an aluminum-like metal material without causing welding defects such as spatters or cracks and performing high-speed pulse seam welding. The laser apparatus includes a pulse power source that generates a current signal and a mask signal for masking a fluctuation component included in the current signal, and which supplies a current signal in which a fluctuation component has been masked by the mask signal to a YAG pulsed laser oscillator. In addition, the laser apparatus sets the spot shape of a CW laser light oscillated by a CW laser oscillator to a rhombic streamlined shape, and causes a focus spot of the CW laser light to include a circular focus spot of a pulsed laser light. |
| US07646791B2 |
Method and apparatus of data segmentation in a mobile communications system
A method of data segmentation in a transmitter of a mobile communications system includes initiating alternate extension bit interpretation, a last data segment of a Service Data Unit exactly ending at an end of a Protocol Data Unit, no Length Indicator in the Protocol Data Unit indicating the end of the Service Data Unit, a length of a next Service Data Unit following the Service Data Unit exactly equaling to a length of a data field of a next Protocol Data Unit following the Protocol Data Unit, and setting a first extension bit of the next Protocol Data Unit to be a specified value for indicating that the next Protocol Data Unit comprises a complete Service Data Unit, which is not segmented, concatenated or padded, and indicating that a Service Data Unit exactly ended in the Protocol Data Unit. |
| US07646789B2 |
Communication system including several communication terminals and server, its communication terminal, its server and data transfer control program
In a communication system in which a plurality of communication terminals sequentially transfer data to a server during the respective transmission permissible periods assigned to the respective communication terminals, the communication terminal transfers a preamble for synchronization to the server at a time of starting the transmission permissible period, converts a data frame for every 8 bits into every 10 bit-code, and transmits to the server, the signal string with a code indicating the head added there, during the transmission permissible period, and turns a communication to the server into a zero signal state, during a period other than the transmission permissible period, while the server establishes a synchronization by reading the preamble for synchronization inserted into the signal string received from each of the communication terminals, converts a portion of the zero signal state of the signal string into a predetermined special code string, and inversely transforms the received signal string into the data frame before the coding. |
| US07646787B2 |
Method for the packet-oriented transmission of data, network intermediate nodes and telecommunications network
The invention relates to a method for the packet-oriented transmission of data in telecommunications networks between a communications terminal and a data computer in which the data is transmitted via an intermediately connected protocol-converting intermediate node which converts messages in a connectionless transmission protocol into messages in a connection-oriented transmission protocol, and vice versa. In the method, a program module is transferred to the communications terminal which permits the communications terminal to transmit and receive messages by the connectionless transmission protocol. Furthermore, the invention relates to a network node and a telecommunications network. |
| US07646786B2 |
Neighbor discovery in cable networks
A network device has a communications link to allow the device to communicate with customer devices and a processor. The processor is to receive neighbor discovery messages from requesting customer devices, examine the neighbor discovery messages to determine if the neighbor discovery message should be forwarded to other of the customer devices, and respond to the requesting customer devices. |
| US07646784B2 |
Apparatus for estimating frequency offset from received signal and method for the same
Provided are an apparatus for estimating frequency offset from received signal and method for the same. The apparatus and method estimates frequency offset precisely without increment of autocorrelator by performing moving average filtering on a noised signal to thereby alleviate jitter. The frequency offset estimating apparatus includes: moving average filter for alleviating jitter of received signal; multiplier for multiplying a filtered signal by conjugate complex operanded pilot signal; phase-rotation value calculator for calculating a phase-rotation value from multiplicand operanded signal by using of symbol delay and an autocorrelation function; frequency offset estimator for estimating frequency offset from the phase-rotation value based on a smoothing function multiplication. |
| US07646782B1 |
Data link/physical layer packet buffering and flushing
A buffering structure including at least a first FIFO storage structure to stage at least a selected one of undiverted egress packets and undiverted ingress packets is provided. The buffering structure further includes at least first associated packet drop logic to selectively effectuate head or tail flushes of the first FIFO storage structure. In various embodiments, one or more additional FIFO storage structures are also provided to stage one or more diverted and/or insertion of egress/ingress packets. Those use for staging diverted egress/ingress packets are likewise provided with associated packet drop logic to perform tail flushes of these additional FIFO structures. In one application, the buffering structure is employed by a multi-protocol network processor, which in turn is employed by an optical networking module. |
| US07646781B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for selectively discarding packets
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for selectively discarding packets in a network device. The method includes receiving an upstream bandwidth saturation indicator for a queue in the network device, and identifying one or more codecs employed in packets in the queue when the upstream bandwidth saturation indicator indicates saturation. The method further includes determining a packet discarding policy based on the one or more codecs, and discarding packets in accordance with the packet discarding policy. |
| US07646779B2 |
Hierarchical packet scheduler using hole-filling and multiple packet buffering
A hierarchical packet scheduler using hole-filling and multiple packet buffering. Packet references are enqueued into a hierarchical packet scheduler, wherein the hierarchical packet scheduler includes one or more levels, each level including one or more schedulers being served by one or more threads, wherein the number of threads serving a particular level is not dependent on the number of schedulers on the particular level. Packet references are dequeued from the hierarchical packet scheduler at a root level scheduler of the one or more schedulers. |
| US07646775B2 |
Protocol and system for firewall and NAT traversal for TCP connections
Firewalls and network address translators (NAT) provide many advantages for client and the Internet itself, however, these devices break many existing transmission control protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP) applications, since they conceal the identity of IP clients (i.e., peers) and block transmission control protocol (TCP) call setup requests. Firewalls and NATs make it impossible for one TCP peer to discover another and establish a connection. Embodiments of this invention provides a system and a protocol to enable two TCP peers that exist behind one or more firewalls and NATs to automatically setup a true peer-to-peer TCP connection and exchange data without making changes to the firewall or NAT devices or existing TCP-based applications. In embodiments of this invention, the synchronization between the blind TCP peers is achieved using a system that consists of a registration server, an agent application, and a virtual network interface that together relay and replicate the control signals between the two TCP peers. In addition, embodiments of this invention are also used to traverse the NAT and establish a bi-directional peer-to-peer TCP connection in the firewall. |
| US07646774B2 |
Method of processing traffic information and digital broadcast system
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a method for processing data are disclosed. The method for processing data may enhance the receiving performance of the receiving system by performing additional coding and multiplexing processes on the traffic information data and transmitting the processed data. Thus, robustness is provided to the traffic information data, thereby enabling the data to respond strongly against the channel environment which is always under constant and vast change. |
| US07646773B2 |
Forwarding database in a network switch device
A layer-2 network switch device forwarding database implementation and method to access the forwarding database. A forwarding database (FDB) is implemented as a tree. A separate VLAN database is also structured as a tree. Each node in the tree represents a separate VLAN. For each VLAN, all associated ports are maintained in a data structure organized as a tree. Likewise, all port information is maintained in a tree-based data structure, and for each port, all VLAN information associated with the port is maintained in a tree data structure. Each node in a VLAN's port tree data structure is linked with each corresponding node in the port's VLAN tree data structure. Each pair of nodes maintains a linked list of all FDB entries relating to the node pair. Operations are quickly and efficiently performed on the FDB using the data structure architecture. |
| US07646772B2 |
Graceful shutdown of LDP on specific interfaces between label switched routers
LDP label switching may be discontinued gracefully on one or more selected ones of multiple links interconnecting a pair of label switched routers (LSRs) while leaving label switching in operation on the remaining LDP-enabled links. Mechanisms for graceful shutdown of LDP on a selected link are added by way of modification to one or more of: e.g., LDP discovery Hello messages, LDP Label Withdraw/Label Release messages, LDP Notification messages. |
| US07646768B2 |
Re-mapping and interleaving transport packets of multiple transport streams for processing by a single transport demultiplexor
Techniques are provided for re-mapping and interleaving transport packets of multiple transport streams for processing by a single transport demultiplexor. At least one PID re-map table is employed having re-map values indexed by n possible PID values of transport packets associated with at one transport stream of the multiple transport streams. The n possible PID values is less than or equal to the number of PID values which can be handled by the single transport demultiplexor, and is less than all possible PID values of transport packets within the multiple transport streams. The PID values within at least one transport stream are compared with the n possible PID values of the PID re-map table, and when a match is found, the table is indexed using the matching entry and a re-map value is generated therefrom. The re-map value replaces the original PID value within the transport packet. |
| US07646767B2 |
Method and system for programmable data dependant network routing
A method and system for routing fiber channel frames using a fiber channel switch element is provided. The switch element includes, a hashing module whose output is used to select the column from a look up table to route frames. The method includes, indexing a look up table using domain, area, virtual storage area network identifier, a hashing module output and/or AL_PA values; selecting a column from the look up table based on a column select signal; and routing a frame if a route is valid. The hashing module takes a fiber channel header to generate a pseudo random value used for selecting a column from the look up table. The hashing module uses same field values in an exchange to generate the pseudo random value. A hash function is used on a frame's OX_ID, D_ID, S_ID, and/or RX_ID to route fiber channel frames. |
| US07646764B2 |
IP network and communication method therein
An IP network and a communication method therein. The IP network includes a first terminal adapted to make an outgoing call and a second terminal adapted to transmit information on a plurality of serviceable communication modes other than a communication mode of the call incoming from the first terminal depending upon whether the incoming call is connected. |
| US07646763B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving voice band data (VBD) connectivity in a communications network
High compression rate codecs in gateways servicing Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Voice Band Data (VBD) calls distort modem/fax Answer Back Tones (e.g., 2100 Hz), which may lead to signal distortion and call hang-ups. To prevent such occurrences, a method or corresponding apparatus forces originating and terminating gateways to stay in a low complexity non-voice compression codec (e.g., ITU G.711) after prenegotiating a high complexity, voice compression codec (e.g., G.729 or G.726) during a short beginning period of a voice call. The low complexity codec avoids distorted answer back tone leakage associated with previous solutions that use a notch filter to block the leakage, thereby significantly improving the success rate of a VBD call by completely eliminating modem answer back tone distortion caused by high complexity codecs that use voice compression and by completely eliminating use of the notch filter. |
| US07646762B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing session data to a subscriber to a multimedia broadcast multicast service
A communication system that includes a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) service provides re-broadcasts of an event to subscribers to the MBMS service. An infrastructure included in the communication system and comprising a server coupled to a RAN controller via a support node receives a first set of MBMS data from an MBMS content provider and conveys the first set of MBMS data along with an associated first Session Description to a subscribed mobile station. The infrastructure then receives a second set of MBMS data from the MBMS content provider, wherein the second set of MBMS data comprises a re-conveyance of the first set of MBMS data, and conveys an MBMS notification along with an associated second Session Description to the mobile station. The mobile station may then determine whether to receive the re-conveyance based on the first and second Session Descriptions. |
| US07646760B2 |
Multi-port system and method for routing a data element within an interconnection fabric
A system and method for routing data elements from an origin to a terminus is disclosed. The switches each have a plurality of ports. These ports are numbered relative to one another, such that a first output port, adjacent to the input port, may be numbered “0”, while a second output port, adjacent to the first output port, would be numbered “1”, This numbering continues for each port in the switch. When a data element is received on an input port of the switch, an output port is selected based on a value contained in that received data element. In one embodiment, the value is contained within a path specification, which includes a count field and a plurality of turn fields. |
| US07646758B2 |
Method and apparatus for coordinating adjacent channel transmissions on multiple radio nodes
A method, apparatus and computer program product for coordinating adjacent channel transmissions on multiple-radio nodes is presented. A Maximum Channel Occupancy Duration (MCOD) limit for a length of an overall transmit period is defined. A set of timers (NNAV) for each neighbor node is maintained, each of said NNAV including a first timer (CTSNNAV) for the channel which, if set, indicates the maximum duration of a transmission to said neighbor node and a second timer (RTSNNAV) for a channel which, if set, prevents the neighbor node from authorizing a transmission the channel. |
| US07646757B2 |
Methods and apparatus for processing radio modem commands during network data sessions
In one illustrative example, a radio modem device includes a serial interface adapted for connection to a host device via a wired serial link with use of a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connection; a radio modem router coupled to the serial interface; a radio modem server coupled to the radio modem router; and radio frequency (RF) transceiver processing circuitry coupled to the radio modem router. The RF transceiver processing circuitry is configured to provide communications over a wireless link with a cellular network, establish a packet data service attachment with the cellular network, and maintain an attachment state of the attachment during operation of the radio modem device. The radio modem router is configured to receive data packets from the host device; remove a PPP wrapper of the data packets to reveal a destination IP address and a destination UDP or TCP port number; identify whether the destination IP address and the UDP or TCP port number match an IP address and UDP or TCP port number of the radio modem server; in response to identifying a mismatch between the IP addresses or the UDP or TCP port numbers: cause the data packets to be routed to a server, over the wireless link, using the attachment with the cellular network; and in response to identifying a match between the IP addresses and the UDP or TCP port numbers, cause the data packets to be routed to the radio modem server. The radio modem server is configured to receive the data packets from the radio modem router when the IP addresses and the UDP or TCP port numbers match; receive a command code in the data packets; and if the command code is for obtaining the attachment state of the attachment with the cellular network, then cause a response having the attachment state to be sent to the host device. |
| US07646748B2 |
Power saving in communication terminals
A communications terminal using interleaving may be awakened at certain times. The paging message determines whether the terminal will remain awake or it can return to sleep. The amount of time that the communications terminal is awakened may be reduced by determining whether it is necessary to demodulate all of the available time slots. In many cases, it may be possible, based on the environment in which terminal finds itself and the quality of the signals it receives, to obtain the necessary information without demodulating symbols from all the time slots in which symbols of the message are transmitted. As a result the period to receive the paging message may be reduced and the power consumption may likewise be reduced. |
| US07646747B2 |
Channel constructing method and base station using the method
The present invention is directed to a channel structuring method that includes a step of providing time frames segmented at a predetermined interval in communication channels of n subcarriers, a step of selecting a predetermined number of subcarriers from n subcarriers and a step of inserting a common control channel signal and a common pilot signal periodically into each of the time frames of the selected subcarriers. |
| US07646740B2 |
System and method of providing advertisements to vehicles
A system and method of providing advertisements to vehicles is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having at least one wireless communication access point deployed along a freeway, a database for storing one or more media files associated with one or more advertisements, the database storing information concerning the types of media files supported by a number of media systems of a corresponding number of user vehicles, and a server coupled to the database having access to the at least one wireless communication access point. The server can direct the wireless communication access point to transmit one or more advertisements to the portable communication devices according to one or more types of media files determined to be supported by the media systems, and the corresponding user vehicles being proximately located to a freeway exit. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US07646739B2 |
Multicast routing over unidirectional links
Various systems and methods are disclosed for performing multicast routing over unidirectional links. For example, one method involves maintaining a multicast adjacency state, which is associated with an interface that is coupled to receive messages from a network device via a unidirectional link. The multicast adjacency state identifies a network address of the network device. The method also involves sending a multicast protocol control message to the network device via a bidirectional path. The destination address of the network multicast protocol control message is the network address in the multicast adjacency state. |
| US07646734B2 |
Method for traffic engineering of connectionless virtual private network services
A method for traffic engineering of connectionless virtual private network (VPN) services that includes receiving physical connectivity data for a connectionless VPN. The data includes service nodes and links between the service nodes. One or more of the service nodes are also edge nodes. Logical connectivity data for the edge nodes is received. A restricted topology is created in response to the physical connectivity data and to the logical connectivity data. The restricted topology includes a single path between each pair of the edge nodes and each path includes a plurality of the service nodes and one or more of the links. A bandwidth requirement for each link in the restricted topology is calculated. The bandwidth requirement is reserved on each link in the restricted topology. The method further comprises directing routing software to force a packet received from an edge node through one of the paths in the restricted topology. |
| US07646729B2 |
Method and apparatus for determination of network topology
A method and apparatus for determining network topology includes adapting a single sniffer to collect information from nodes associated with at least two selected areas of the network and determining a topology of at least a portion of the network using the collected information. |
| US07646720B1 |
Remote service testing system
A remote service testing system comprising a service analyzer within an access network, a first enterprise network having a first plurality of nodes, and a first network extension coupled to the first enterprise network and the service analyzer. The service analyzer accesses the first enterprise network over the first network extension and performs test functions on the first plurality of nodes. |
| US07646719B2 |
Inter-domain TE-LSP selection
A technique selects a traffic engineering (TE) label switched path (LSP) from among a plurality of TE-LSPs, each of which spans multiple domains of a computer network from a head-end node of a local domain to a tail-end node of a remote domain, in order to reach one or more address prefixes within the remote domain. The inter-domain TE-LSP selection technique comprises a selection algorithm executed by the head-end node and based on predetermined TE-LSP attributes (e.g., bandwidth, cost, etc.) and/or address prefix reachability attributes (e.g., cost from a tail-end node to the prefix) to select an appropriate inter-domain TE-LSP for the reachable address prefix. The selection algorithm is embodied in one of two modes: (i) a hierarchical selection mode, or (ii) a weighted selection mode. In addition, the technique comprises a load balancing aspect that cooperates with the selection algorithm to enable the head-end node to balance traffic loads among the multiple TE-LSPs based on the results of the selection algorithm. |
| US07646717B1 |
Method and apparatus for packet scheduling
A methods, apparatus and computer memory are provided for packet scheduling. A processor polls queues in a round robin fashion and schedules for transmission onto a link a packet in each queue with no deficit before scheduling for transmission onto the link a packet in each queue with a deficit. A credit is allocated to each queue with the deficit based on a proportional weight, until each queue with the deficit has a credit. |
| US07646712B2 |
Using a signal route dependent on a node speed change prediction
A device, method, computer program product, and network subsystem are described for receiving wireless data via a node-speed-change-prediction-dependent signal route and relaying at least a portion of the wireless data. |
| US07646711B2 |
Policing device
A policing device having a table storing monitored bandwidth, packet history information for each importance level, and the allocation weight of the monitored bandwidth for each importance level, a policing table control circuit for reading out these items of information into each storage of a policing unit when a packet is inputted, and a calculation unit for judging the bandwidth of the input packet as being conformant or non-conformant to the contract on the basis of these items of information, thereby to control the bandwidth at each importance level. |
| US07646710B2 |
Mobility in a multi-access communication network
The present invention provides a terminal capable of establishing multiple communication sessions with a public network proxy through different access networks. The terminal actively communicates with the public network proxy to control which of the multiple communication paths are active, as well as control the transition from actively using one communication path to using another. The public network proxy facilitates data and voice sessions between the terminal and any number of other communication devices. In one embodiment, the communication sessions are reserved tunneling sessions, and the terminal cooperates with the public network proxy to effectively control how many tunneling sessions are established, how many tunneling sessions are active at any given time, and the transition from one tunneling session to another for active communications. Each of the communication or tunneling sessions may be established over different access networks using different communication technologies and protocols. |
| US07646702B2 |
OFDM communication apparatus
An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission apparatus and method generate a transmission sequence including first data, second data, and known signals such that more known signals are allocated to the first data than to the second data within the transmission sequence. The transmission sequence is OFDM multiplexed into a sequence of OFDM signals and transmitted. A receiver of the OFDM signal sequence uses the known signals for estimating transmission paths of the communicated OFDM signals and improving the reception of the data to which they are allocated. |
| US07646697B2 |
Optical head device and disk drive device
An optical head device may include a frame type of laser beam emitting element provided with a heat radiating fin on which a laser chip is mounted, a device frame on which the laser beam emitting element, a light receiving element and an optical system are mounted, and a heat radiation member formed of material having a superior heat conduction property. The upper face of the laser beam emitting element is fixed to the device frame, and an under face of the heat radiating fin which corresponds to a portion where the laser chip is mounted is exposed on an outer side to form an exposed part, and the heat radiation member is disposed to extend over the exposed part and the device frame. The device frame may include a first protective cover covering the optical disk side of the optical elements, and a second protective cover which covers the optical disk side of the objective lens drive mechanism and which is separately formed from the first protective cover and made of material having a superior heat conduction property, and a part of the second protective cover is extended to a laser driver IC, which is disposed to be exposed on the optical disk side, to form a heat radiation part where heat generated in the laser driver IC is radiated. |
| US07646692B2 |
Apparatus for recording dye based recordable DVD media and process for recording the same
The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for recording dye-based recordable DVD media in higher quality at higher linear recording velocity, and provides an apparatus for recording a dye-based recordable DVD medium comprising a shortest mark recording unit, a second mark recording unit, and a cooling pulse irradiating unit, wherein the dye-based recordable DVD medium comprises a substrate and a recording layer formed on the substrate, the substrate comprises a guide groove to which wobble is formed, and the recording layer comprises at least an organic dye, the shortest mark recording unit is configured to record each of the shortest marks by use of one pulse beam of which the rear edge is more energized than the front edge, the second mark recording unit is configured to record each of the marks other than the shortest marks by use of one pulse beam of which the two sites of front and rear edges are energized, the cooling pulse irradiating unit is configured to irradiate cooling pulse laser beams onto the backwards of the respective pulse beams at 0.1 mW/pulse or less of optical energy, and the recording of marks is performed on the recording layer at a recording linear velocity of 42 m/sec or more. |
| US07646690B2 |
Disk having unique code for identifying its type for optical disk player and method for discriminating types thereof
A BCA (Burst Cutting Area) code including a unique disk code indicating the type of a disk is written in a BCA code area of the disk. If the disk is mounted into the optical disk player, the optical disk player reads data written in the BCA code area, extracts the disk code contained in the read data, and confirms the type of the disk corresponding to the extracted disk code by retrieving a disk code table in which disk codes corresponding to the types of disks are mapped. |
| US07646684B2 |
Recording management information and reliability information in a recording medium for management of the recording medium
There are included a plurality of record information recording areas (OPC areas PCA0, user data areas 109-0 or spare areas SA) for recording record information; a management information recording area (management area MA) for recording a plurality of management information for managing the respective ones of the plurality of record information recording areas; and a reliability information recording area (management area MA) for recording a plurality of reliability information (reliability flag group 150) that indicate, for each of the plurality of management information (120, 130 or 140), reliability as to whether the plurality of management information are correctly updated. |
| US07646682B2 |
Focusing controller and method thereof for an optical disk drive
A focusing controller and a method thereof for an optical disk drive. The focusing controller includes a filter which filters out a high-frequency component of the track error signal to output an adjusted signal, a coupler which couples the focus error signal with the adjustment signal to generate a coupled signal. The focusing controller further includes a focus compensator which receives the coupled signal and output the focus control signal to control position of the pick up head of the optical disk drive out of focus such that the coupling of the track error signal with the focus error signal is improved and also the stability of the servo system. While seeking ended, the offset signal is removed to resume the position of the optical pick-up head to the normally focus position. |
| US07646679B2 |
Irregular display mechanism for a timepiece
A display mechanism is described, driven by the hour wheel of a mechanical or quartz horological movement, the hour wheel driving a cam controlling a rack turning about an axis and arranged in engagement with a pinion, secured to an hour hand, the cam having a configuration allowing different spaces or angles between the hours to be displayed. |
| US07646670B2 |
Autonomous ocean bottom seismic node recording device
The present invention relates to an improved autonomous node seismic recording device having an integrated modular design and one or more features that assist coupling of the unit to the sea floor in order to improve the vector fidelity of seismic signal measurement. |
| US07646660B2 |
Semiconductor memory, system, and operating method of semiconductor memory
Partial refresh information indicating enabling/disabling of a refresh operation is set according to an external input and is output as a partial set signal. A refresh request signal is output periodically corresponding to a memory block for which a refresh operation is enabled. The partial set signal is masked so as to enable a refresh operation for all of the memory blocks during a period in which the partial refresh information is changed by the external input. Thus, it is possible to prevent disabling of a refresh operation in response to a refresh request even when timing of changing the partial refresh information and timing of occurrence of the refresh request signal overlap. Consequently, the refresh operation can be executed securely, and malfunctioning of the semiconductor memory can be prevented. |
| US07646652B2 |
Internal voltage generator for use in semiconductor memory device
An internal voltage generator stably supplies an internal voltage in a semiconductor device. The internal voltage generator includes: a first internal voltage generating means for supplying a first internal voltage which has a level corresponding to a first reference voltage using an external voltage; a second internal voltage generating means for supplying a second internal voltage which has a level corresponding to a second reference voltage using the external voltage; and a third internal voltage generating means for supplying a third internal voltage which has a level corresponding to a third reference voltage generated based on the first internal voltage, using the second internal voltage as a power source. |
| US07646651B2 |
Latch structure and bit line sense amplifier structure including the same
A latch structure includes a first inverter that includes a first PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor, and a second inverter that includes a second PMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor, receives an output signal of the first inverter, and outputs an input signal to the first inverter. The sources of the first and second transistors of the same type are connected to a common straight source line. |
| US07646650B2 |
Buffer component for a memory module, and a memory module and a memory system having such buffer component
A buffer component for a memory module having a plurality of memory components includes item of access information in accordance with a data transmission protocol, the address, clock, control and command signals depending on the access information, a second data interface for driving a clock signal and address and command signals to the plurality of memory components and for driving a control signal to a group of the plurality of memory components in accordance with a signaling protocol, wherein an activation of the memory components and an acceptance of the address and command signals are effected in a manner dependent on the control signals, and a control unit which applies the address and command signals to the plurality of memory components during a first clock period of the clock signal and applies the control signal for activating the group of the plurality of memory components to the group of the plurality of memory components to be activated when address and command signals are present, in a succeeding second clock period of the clock signal, whereby the address and command signals present are accepted into the group of the plurality of memory components. |
| US07646646B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a memory cell array having: a cell string including a plurality of memory cells connected in series; a plurality of word lines respectively connected to the plurality of memory cells; a source side selecting gate connected to one end of the cell string; and a drain side selecting gate connected to the other end of the cell string; a word line selector that selects one of the word lines connected to a target memory cell to be written; and an equalizing unit that equalizes voltages of the plurality of word lines after data write of the target memory cell is finished. |
| US07646645B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing the functionality of a page decoder
A method and apparatus for testing correct operation of a page decoder in a memory is provided. In one implementation, the method includes erasing the memory to reset all memory cells associated with each of the N pages in the memory, and iteratively generating a unique bit sequence of M bits and programming the unique bit sequence into a plurality of the N pages at a given time until each of the N pages contains a unique bit sequence relative to other pages in the memory. Responsive to each of the N pages having a unique bit sequence, the method further includes using the page decoder to read out each unique bit sequence associated with the N pages to verify correct operation of the page decoder. |
| US07646644B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device with multiple references and corresponding control method
A memory device includes a group of memory cells organized in rows and columns and a first addressing circuit for addressing said memory cells of said group on the basis of a cell address. The device further includes a plurality of sets of reference cells, associated to the group, each of said set having a plurality of reference cells, and a second addressing circuit for addressing one of the reference cells during operations of read and verify of addressed memory cells. |
| US07646641B2 |
NAND flash memory with nitride charge storage gates and fabrication process
NAND flash memory cell array having control gates and charge storage gates stacked in pairs arranged in rows between a bit line diffusion and a common source diffusion, with select gates on both sides of each of the pairs of stacked gates. The gates in each stacked pair are self-aligned with each other, and the charge storage gates are either a nitride or a combination of nitride and oxide. Programming is done by hot electron injection from silicon substrate to the charge storage gates to build up a negative charge in the charge storage gates. Erasing is done by channel tunneling from the charge storage gates to the silicon substrate or by hot hole injection from the silicon substrate to the charge storage gates. The array is biased so that all of the memory cells can be erased simultaneously, while programming is bit selectable. |
| US07646640B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes first and second memory cell blocks, a block decoder, and first and second block switches. The first and second memory cell blocks have a plurality of memory cells connected in a string structure and are respectively disposed in neighboring planes. The block decoder outputs first and second block select signals in response to pre-decoded address signals and first and second plane select signals, which are respectively enabled according to an enable state of the planes. The first and second block switches connect global word lines to word lines of the first and second memory cell blocks in response to the first and second block select signals, respectively. |
| US07646639B2 |
Circuit and method generating program voltage for non-volatile memory device
Provided are a circuit and method for generating a program voltage, and a non-volatile memory device using the same. The circuit, which generates a program voltage for programming a memory cell of a semiconductor memory device, includes a program voltage controller and a voltage generating unit. The program voltage controller generates a program voltage control signal according to program/erase operations information. The voltage controller generates a program voltage in response to the program voltage control signal. |
| US07646638B1 |
Non-volatile memory cell that inhibits over-erasure and related method and memory array
A memory cell includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor is configured as an erase capacitor, and the second transistor is configured as a program transistor. Gates of the first and second transistors are coupled together to form a floating gate. During an erase operation, a first voltage (like 12V-24V) is applied to the first transistor, such as to a source, a body, and a drain of the first transistor. A second voltage (like ground) is applied to the second transistor, such as to a source and a body of the second transistor. A drain of the second transistor could be grounded. The first and second voltages cause electron discharge from the floating gate through the first transistor and electron injection through the second transistor onto the floating gate. This helps to prevent an over-erase condition from forming in the memory cell. |
| US07646636B2 |
Non-volatile memory with dynamic multi-mode operation
A method and system for extending the life span of a flash memory device. The flash memory device is dynamically configurable to store data in the single bit per cell (SBC) storage mode or the multiple bit per cell (MBC) mode, such that both SBC data and MBC data co-exist within the same memory array. One or more tag bits stored in each page of the memory is used to indicate the type of storage mode used for storing the data in the corresponding subdivision, where a subdivision can be a bank, block or page. A controller monitors the number of program-erase cycles corresponding to each page for selectively changing the storage mode in order to maximize lifespan of any subdivision of the multi-mode flash memory device. |
| US07646632B2 |
Integrated circuit for setting a memory cell based on a reset current distribution
An integrated circuit includes an array of resistance changing memory cells and a first circuit. The first circuit is configured to set a selected memory cell to a crystalline state by applying a decreasing stair step pulse to the selected memory cell. The pulse is based on a reset current distribution for the array of memory cells. |
| US07646631B2 |
Phase change memory cell having interface structures with essentially equal thermal impedances and manufacturing methods
A memory device as described herein includes a memory member contacting first and second interface structures. The first interface structure electrically and thermally couples the memory member to access circuitry and has a first thermal impedance therebetween. The second interface structure electrically and thermally couples the memory member to a bit line structure and has a second thermal impedance therebetween. The first and second thermal impedances are essentially equal such that applying a reset pulse results in a phase transition of an active region of the memory member spaced away from both the first and second interface structures. |
| US07646629B2 |
Method for operating a data storage apparatus employing passive matrix addressing
In a method for obviating the effect of disturb voltages in a data storage apparatus employing passive matrix addressing, an application of electric potentials for an addressing operation is according to a voltage pulse protocol. The data storage cells of the apparatus are provided in two or more electrically separated segments each constituting non-overlapping physical address subspaces of the data storage apparatus physical address space. A number of data storage cells in each segment are preset to the same polarization by an active voltage pulse with a specific polarization. In a first addressing operation one or more data storage cells are read by applying an active pulse with the same polarization to each data storage cell and recording the output charge response. On basis thereof the output data in subsequent second addressing operation are copied onto preset data storage cells in another segment of the data storage apparatus, this segment being selected on the basis of its previous addressing history. |
| US07646626B2 |
Page mode access for non-volatile memory arrays
An array of non-volatile memory cells arranged in logical columns and logical rows, and associated circuitry to enable reading or writing one or more memory cells on a row in parallel. In some embodiments, the array of memory cells may include a phase change material. In some embodiments, the circuitry may include a write driver, a read driver, a sense amplifier, and circuitry to isolate the memory cells from the sense amplifier with extended refresh. |
| US07646619B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling power converter
A power converter controlling apparatus that can prevent burnout caused by overcurrent and/or overvoltage generated by low power index operation or output short circuit in a high frequency power converter employing a digital controlling method, and a method thereof. The power converter controlling apparatus includes a digital controller which outputs a gate signal for controlling intermittent operation of a predetermined switch based on inputted control data, a detector which generates a detection signal in response to generation of overcurrent and/or overvoltage, and a registration maintenance unit for maintaining a state where the output of the gate signal is shut off, when the detection signal is generated. |
| US07646617B2 |
Method for controlling a direct voltage source and a voltage supply device
The invention concerns a method for controlling a direct voltage source with a first direct voltage source (2) and a voltage monitoring device (24), which monitors an output voltage of the first direct voltage source (2) and acts upon a control device (31), the control device (31) controlling the working state of the first direct voltage source (2). Further, the invention concerns a voltage supply device (22) with which the method can be used. In this connection it is endeavored to reduce the risk of an increase in voltage in a circuit with several direct voltage sources. For this purpose, a second direct voltage source (3) produces a voltage change at the voltage monitoring device (24). |
| US07646615B2 |
Electromagnetic inferference shield for an optoelectronic module
An electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield that can help control the emission of electromagnetic radiation from an optoelectronic module in which the EMI shield is positioned. In one example embodiment, an EMI shield includes a base and plurality of flanges extending from a perimeter of the base. The base defines an optical subassembly (“OSA”) opening and a plurality of complementary structures. The OSA opening is configured to receive an OSA. Each complementary structure is configured to engage a complementary structure of an OSA connector block. |
| US07646609B2 |
Method and apparatus for achieving rigid attachments for computer components
A method and apparatus used for actuation is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an actuation body having a gradually tapered wider end received at one end by an expandable member and at an opposing end by a drive shell. The actuation body being movable from a first position to a second position by means of the drive shell such that this movement causes a looser or tighter fit at the wider end with respect to the expandable member. |
| US07646607B2 |
Quasi-radial heatsink with rectangular form factor and uniform fin length
In some embodiments, a heatsink includes a thermally conductive core and at least ten thermally conductive fins extending quasi-radially from the thermally conductive core, wherein most of the fins are of uniform length, and wherein at least a portion of the thermally conductive core is shaped such that the fins having uniform length form a substantially rectangular cross sectional form factor. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US07646606B2 |
IGBT packaging and cooling using PCM and liquid
A power control system may use power semiconductor devices such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT's) in a switching unit to provide motor control. The IGBT's may be cooled with a system that is configured and sized to provide proper cooling at steady-state operating conditions of the switching unit. The IGBT's may be placed in thermal communication with a compartment that may contain phase change material (PCM). When and if the switching unit is operated under transient high load conditions, excess heat may be absorbed by melting of the PCM. When steady state operating conditions are restored the PCM may solidify and release its latent heat to a coolant. The PCM may thus act as a thermal buffer for the cooling system and thus may provide that the cooling system may be minimally sized. |
| US07646604B2 |
Heat dissipation device having a fan mounted thereon
A heat dissipation device for at least a heat-generating electronic component includes a heat sink, a fan for providing an airflow through the heat sink and a fan holder coupling the fan to the heat sink. The heat sink has a first locking part and a second locking part opposite to the first locking part. The fan holder has a first engaging part engaging with the first locking part at one side of the heat sink and a second engaging part engaging with the second locking part of the heat sink at an opposite side thereof. The first engaging part has a horizontally extending fixing arm and a barb extending downwardly from the fixing arm and hooking with a top side of the heat sink. |
| US07646603B2 |
Noise-reducing attachment apparatus for heat exchanger door of an electronics rack of a data center
A noise-reducing attachment apparatus for a heat exchanger door is provided for facilitating attenuation of noise emanating from an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a frame structure configured to coupled to the heat exchanger door. The door includes in air opening and air-to-liquid heat exchanger, and air passing through the air opening also passes across the heat exchanger. The air opening facilitates passage of external air through the electronics rack. The frame structure defines in part an airflow channel through the apparatus, wherein air passing through the air opening also passes through the airflow channel when the apparatus is operatively coupled to the door. An acoustically absorptive material, which is coupled to the frame structure and at least partially defines the airflow opening through the apparatus, is selected and positioned to attenuate noise emanating from the electronics rack when the apparatus is coupled to the heat exchanger door. |
| US07646600B2 |
Structural support module to prevent common interface deflection
A method and incorporated assembly is provided to enhance structural integrity and prevent interface deflection in a computer rack having a midplane and capable of housing a plurality of nodes. The assembly comprises at least one structural filler book capable of being disposed above or below said midplane where any node may be disposed having geometry and material properties to resist and counteract the plugging force of said node an causing a cancellation effect. The filler book have at least two horizontal supports being connected to one another via a vertical support and a plenum an air for directing air flow. The filler book is being secured to said rack or midplane via an engagement component disposed on one of its horizontal supports. The engagement component has a complementary air duct such that when said filler book and said engagement compartment are engaged and disposed in the rack, the air duct and the plenum align to provide a tuned path of air to be delivered to electronic components plugged to said rack and midplane. |
| US07646598B2 |
Electronic device and housing
The invention provides an electronic device that is environment-friendly and capable of achieving satisfactory noise prevention effect at low cost, and a housing implementing such electronic device. The housing has an electronic circuit disposed therein, and includes a component exposure section in which part of a conductive component disposed in the housing is exposed outward, a plate section made of a conductive material having a predetermined thickness, and spreading at a distance from the component exposure section, and a bridge section with the overall thickness thereof larger than the thickness of the plate section, extending along the component exposure section and electrically connecting the plate section and the conductive component. |
| US07646597B2 |
Porous light-emitting display with air flow through display, its use in a disk-drive system and method
A system and method for an improved multiple hard-disk-drive data-storage enclosure. Some embodiments position drives in counter-rotating pairs, each simultaneously accessing half the data, such that seek-caused actuator rotational-acceleration vibration cause simultaneous canceling rotational torque. Some embodiments position the edge of a first drive (or drive pair) at an angle to the actuator midpoint of a nearby second drive (or drive pair), such that rotational-acceleration vibration from a seek-caused actuator rotation in the first drive does not cause a rotational movement into the second drive that affects the tracking or seek operation. Some further embodiments position drives in a herringbone pattern to redirect air flow in addition to reducing rotational-acceleration vibration interaction. Other embodiments include a printed wire circuit board mounted to reduce the rotational-acceleration vibration interaction. |
| US07646596B2 |
Test carriers for storage devices
A test carrier 10 for storage devices 38 comprising a carrier base 12; a slider tray 16 slidably mounted to the carrier base 12, the slider tray 16 having at least one aperture for receiving a storage device 38 therein; at least one storage device connector 20 connected to the carrier base 12; and a tester interface 22, where, when the slider tray 16 is in a first position, the storage device 38 can be received within the at least one aperture of the slider tray 16 and, when the slider tray 16 is in a second position, an interface of the storage device 38 mates with the storage device connector 20; appropriate circuitry contained in the carrier base 12 connecting the tester interface 22 and the storage device connector 20 thereafter allowing the storage device 38 to be tested via the tester interface 22. |
| US07646595B2 |
Computing device
A computing device includes a baseboard, a memory coupled to the baseboard, an input/output coupled to the baseboard and a processor system coupled to the baseboard. The processor system includes a circuit board, a central electronic control coupled to the circuit board and a processor component. The device further includes a first structure coupling the processor component to the circuit board and retaining the processor component relative to the circuit board at a selected one of a plurality of positions in both directions along an axis perpendicular to the circuit board. The first structure is movably coupled to one of the processor component and the circuit board for movement in a direction perpendicular to the first axis at least prior to being coupled to the other of the processor component and the circuit board. |
| US07646591B2 |
Support structure for flat display panel
A support mechanism includes a support member which has a tab slidable along a groove, and can be fixed at a desired position when an engagement teeth array in the tab engages with an engagement hook. Also, a pressing member with a presser portion is movable along the engagement teeth array, and can be fixed at a desired position when an engagement hook engages with an engagement teeth array. Thus, a single front panel can be used for a number of flat display panels of different sizes. |
| US07646580B2 |
Electrostatic chuck and wafer holding member and wafer treatment method
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic chuck which has a good separation response and scarcely causes gas leakage while keeping the uniformly heating property and high attracting capability for a substrate and a treatment apparatus using the chuck.To solve the above object, an electrostatic chuck according to the present invention comprises a plate-shaped ceramic body in which one main face is a setting face to put an object to be held, the plate-shaped ceramic body having; an electrode on the other main face or inside for electrostatic attraction: a circular projected part formed in the outer circumferential rim part of the setting face, the circular projected part being brought into contact with the object: and through holes formed in the inside of the circular projected part and in the electrostatic, wherein Ra(max) and Ra(min) which denote a maximum value and a minimum value of the arithmetic mean deviation Ra of the face to be brought into contact with the object respectively satisfy {Ra(max)·Ra(min)}/Ra(max)≦0.2. |
| US07646578B2 |
Filter circuit and filter device
A filter circuit has first and second varistors, a resistance, an input terminal, an output terminal, and a ground terminal. The resistance is connected between the first and second varistors. The input terminal is connected to a junction between the first varistor and resistance through a first coil. The output terminal is connected to a junction between the second varistor and resistance through a second coil. The ground terminal is connected to a side of the first varistor opposite from the resistance and a side of the second varistor opposite from the resistance. |
| US07646574B2 |
Voltage regulator
Provided is a voltage regulator having an overcurrent protective circuit, which is excellent in detection precision and small in current consumption. The voltage regulator having the overcurrent protective circuit which detects that overcurrent flows in an output transistor, and limits the current of the output transistor, includes a regulated cascode circuit that makes a voltage at a source of the output transistor equal to a voltage at a source of the output current detection transistor, in which the operating current of the regulated cascode circuit is supplied by a transistor that is controlled by the output voltage of an error amplifier circuit. |
| US07646572B2 |
Aircraft system and method of arc fault protection for an aircraft system
A system is for an aircraft including a plurality of rows of seats. The system includes a plurality of monitors, a plurality of arc fault circuit interrupters each of which includes three poles having a line terminal and a load terminal. Each of a plurality of electronic enclosures is capable of being energized from a corresponding one of the load terminals of a corresponding one of the poles of a corresponding one of the AFCIs. A panel holds the AFCIs. A single-phase power source powers the line terminals of the poles of the AFCIs. Each of the poles corresponds to one row of the aircraft. Each of the electronic enclosures corresponds to one of a plurality of zones. Three of the rows are disposed in each of the zones. One of the AFCIs is associated with a corresponding one of the zones. |
| US07646568B2 |
Ultra thin seed layer for CPP or TMR structure
Improved magnetic devices have been fabricated by replacing the conventional seed layer (typically Ta) with a bilayer of Ru on Ta. Although both Ru and Ta layers are ultra thin (between 5 and 20 Angstroms), good exchange bias between the seed and the AFM layer (IrMn about 70 Angstroms thick) is retained. This arrangement facilitates minimum shield-to-shield spacing and gives excellent performance in CPP, CCP-CPP, or TMR configurations. |
| US07646567B2 |
Flex on suspension with a heat-conducting protective layer for reflowing solder interconnects
A FOS is provided for electrically connecting a data transfer head with a PCCA. The FOS comprises a polymeric layer supporting an electrical trace. The electrical trace comprises an uninsulated pad surface configured for electrically engaging a solder interconnect of the PCCA. The polymeric layer comprises a continuous portion covering the pad and opposing the pad surface. A method is provided comprising providing the FOS comprising the electrical trace and the polymeric covering, contactingly engaging the pad surface portion of the trace with the solder interconnect portion of the PCCA, and conducting heat through the polymeric covering to reflow the solder interconnect, thereby electrically connecting the FOS to the PCCA. |
| US07646565B2 |
Tape head with outrigger
A magnetic head assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate having a tape bearing surface. A plurality of elements are coupled to the substrate and positioned towards the tape bearing surface. The elements selected from a group consisting of readers, writers, and combinations thereof. A base is coupled to the substrate. The base has an outrigger formed integrally therewith. The outrigger causes a tape passing thereacross to approach the substrate at a first wrap angle relative to a plane of the tape bearing surface of the substrate. |
| US07646563B2 |
Recording disk cartridge having a plurality of flexible recording disk media
A recording disk cartridge includes a plurality of flexible recording disk media, a rotational member, and a cartridge case. The rotational member holds the recording disk media so that the recording disk media simultaneously rotate. The cartridge case provides a rotationally free housing for the recording disk media and the rotational member. The cartridge case has an opening to allow an end portion of the rotational member to be exposed to an outside of the cartridge case. The recording disk cartridge has an elastic member which provides a force to thrust the rotational member toward the opening. |
| US07646558B2 |
Positioning system and method for a transducer head
In one embodiment of a system and method for positioning a transducer head, the transducer head includes a first group of elements for reading data from or writing data to a set of tracks on a storage medium, and a second group of elements for reading data from or writing data to a set of tracks on a storage medium. A device supplies electrical power to the first group of elements to read data from or write data to a first position on the storage medium, and supplies electrical power to the second group of elements to read data from or write data to a second position on the storage medium different than the first position without coarse movement of the transducer head relative to the storage medium. |
| US07646557B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating a clock signal, for writing servo tracks, and for characterising timing errors in a servo track writer
A method of generating a clock signal from a moving medium includes detecting movement of at least one mark that moves synchronously with the medium. A generally sinusoidal output signal corresponding to movement of the mark is produced. The generally sinusoidal output signal is interpolated to provide a clock signal having a higher frequency than said generally sinusoidal output signal. The interpolation dynamically adjusts the phase of the interpolated output clock signal to correct for errors in the phase of said output signal. In one embodiment, servo tracks are written to a magnetic disk using a servo pattern signal, the phase of the servo pattern signal being adjusted relative to a clock signal. In another aspect, timing errors in a servo track writer are characterised. |
| US07646547B2 |
Three-unit zoom lens and image pickup apparatus equipped with same
A three-unit zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a negative first lens unit G1, a positive second lens unit G2 and a third lens unit G3, wherein during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end the distance between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 decreases and the distance between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 changes. The first lens unit G1 is composed of one negative lens component including, in order from the object side, a negative lens having a concave surface directed toward the image side and a positive lens having a convex surface directed toward the object side. The second lens unit G2 includes at least one negative lens and a plurality of positive lenses, wherein at least three lenses among these lenses are cemented to adjacent lenses, the total number of lens components included in the second lens unit G2 is two or less. The third lens unit is composed of one lens component composed of two or less lenses. |
| US07646546B1 |
Anamorphic optical system providing a highly polarized laser output
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transforming a laser beam to a polarized shaped beam in, for example, a frequency converted laser system. In one embodiment, an anamorphic optical system includes a first prism and a second prism that can be configured to form a Brewster telescope, the first prism and second prism each having an input surface and an exit surface, and wherein at least one surface of the input or exit surfaces are coated with a polarization selective coating. The optical system can include an adjustment system configured to change the position of one or both of the first prism and the second prism to adjust the transformation of the shape of the laser beam. In some embodiments of the optical system, a configuration of the first prism, the second prism, and the polarization selective coating produce a laser beam having a polarization ratio of about 100:1 or higher. |
| US07646531B1 |
Wavelength conversion devices having multi-component output faces and systems incorporating the same
The present invention relates generally to wavelength conversion devices and laser projection systems incorporating the same. According to one embodiment of the present invention, wavelength conversion devices are provided without limitation of their field of use to laser projection systems. For example, the wavelength conversion device may comprise a waveguide region comprising a relatively linear waveguide portion and a pair of lateral planar waveguide portions. The output face of the wavelength conversion device comprises a multi-component output face comprising a core portion and a pair of lateral portions. The lateral portions of the output face are configured to be relatively non-transmissive and the waveguide region is structured such that an optical signal propagating along the waveguide region will define relatively low intensity laterally distributed parasitic light in substantial alignment with the lateral planar waveguide portions along the lateral, non-transmissive portions of the output face. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US07646522B2 |
Optical pattern generator using a single rotating component
An optical pattern uses a single rotating component. The rotating component includes a number of deflection sectors. Each sector deflects an incident optical beam by a substantially constant angular amount although this amount may vary from one sector to the next. The rotating component may be combined with an imaging lens group that produces, for example, image points, spots, or lines displaced along a line locus. |
| US07646521B2 |
Optical scanning device and image formation apparatus
An optical scanning device includes: a light source; a first optical element that converts light emitted from the light source to parallel light; a deflection element that deflects the light in a fast scanning direction to scan a surface of an object to be scanned with the light at a constant speed; a second optical element that guides the light to the deflection element; and a third optical element that focuses the light deflected by the deflection element onto the surface of the object to be scanned, at least one surface among surfaces of the third optical element that intersect the light including a surface form which affects only one of fast scanning direction characteristics or slow scanning direction characteristics at an image plane. |
| US07646520B2 |
Optical element holder, light scanning unit, and image forming apparatus with accommodation for heat-related dimensional changes of optical element
An optical element holder is provided with a holding frame having a side surface provided spaced apart by a specific distance from an end portion of the correction lens in a longitudinal direction by deeming a light scanning direction as the longitudinal direction and holding the correction lens so as to cover the correction lens except for at least an incident portion and an exiting portion of light, and a pushing member that pushes the correction lens toward the holding frame, so that displacement in the light scanning direction due to heat of the optical element is lessened. |
| US07646516B2 |
Image forming apparatus and reading method of two-sided document
An image reading apparatus for reading a document image includes: a document feeding tray for placing the document thereon; a first document reading position for reading the first face of the document ejected and conveyed each from the document feeding tray; a document reverse tray for storing the document so that the document having passed through the first document reading position is reversed and conveyed; a stationary document reading position wherein the document having passed through the document reverse tray and having been reversed and conveyed is conveyed to a platen and the stationary document is read; and an image reading unit for reading the document image. The image reading unit stops at the first document reading position to read the first face of the document, and performs scanning movement at the stationary document reading position to read the second face of the document. |
| US07646512B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method of the same
The invention discloses an image processing apparatus and method thereof capable of preserving a great deal of light and dark details, so as to improve the contrast of each image. Furthermore, when calculating the value of gray level, the gray levels may be divided into equal parts, each of which includes four gray levels. Accordingly, the range of gray level is changed from 0˜255 to 0˜63, such that the hardware resources can be saved. |
| US07646509B1 |
Prevent strike-through and show-through in printing by object based ink density correction
A computer-implemented method for preventing strike-through and show-through in printing comprises grouping pages of an electronic document into at least one page pair, identifying an area of high ink density in a page of the page pair, adjusting ink density of an image object related to the area of high ink density to ameliorate the area of high ink density, and sending the electronic document to an output device. |
| US07646507B2 |
Calibration system and calibration method
A calibration system includes: an image formation unit that outputs a patch sheet having a plurality of patch patterns based on different gradation values for each color of color material that is used; a selection unit that receives an instruction to select a device from among a plurality of color measurement devices comprising a first color measurement device and a second color measurement device of a lower color measurement accuracy than that of the first color measurement device; a color measurement unit that receives data of a color measurement result for the patch sheet that is color-measured by the color measurement device selected by the selection instruction; a color measurement value determination unit that acquires color measurement values for each of the patch patterns on the basis of the color measurement result data received; and a color adjustment unit that generates color correction information of the image formation unit on the basis of the color measurement values acquired. In the system, the output patch sheet is common irrespective of the color measurement device selected by the selection instruction and, when the second color measurement device is selected by the selection instruction, the color measurement value determination unit acquires, by averaging a plurality of the color measurement result data that exist in the patch pattern, the color measurement values for each of the patch patterns. |
| US07646493B2 |
Solid state image pickup device, method for producing the same, and image pickup system comprising the solid state image pickup device
A solid state image pickup device includes a light receiving area, a plurality of layers, and a light collecting unit disposed above the plurality of layers. The plurality of layers includes first and second layers, such that a pattern of the first layer is formed by a plurality of exposure shots each illuminating a different region, and a pattern of the second layer is formed by a one shot exposure. The patterns of the first and second layers have apertures corresponding to the light receiving area, and the light collecting unit and the aperture of the pattern of the second layer define a light path through which light is incident in the light receiving area, and the pattern of the first layer is disposed outside of the light path. |
| US07646489B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring film thickness
A film thickness measuring apparatus of the present invention includes: a light source that emits white light to be irradiated onto a multilayer thin film; a spectroscope that disperses reflected light obtained as a result of irradiating the white light onto the multilayer thin film in order to obtain reflectance spectrums; and a computation section, said computation section including: a setting section that sets a plurality of wavelength ranges for the reflectance spectrums; a first conversion section that obtains wavenumber range reflectance spectrums by re-sequencing, among the reflectance spectrums, reflectance spectrums in the plurality of wavelength ranges set in said setting section at equal intervals, respectively; a second conversion section that converts the wavenumber range reflectance spectrums in the plurality of wavelength ranges obtained in said first conversion section into power spectrums, respectively; and a calculation section that obtains a film thickness of the multilayer thin film based on the power spectrums. |
| US07646485B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing the accuracy of CRDS measurements
A method and apparatus for enhancing the accuracy of spectroscopic measurements using a cavity ringdown spectrometer (CRDS) is provided. A first aspect of the invention consists of a novel algorithm for the processing of ring-down data that significantly reduces the amplitude of an exponential fitting artifact, and thereby gives a better estimate of the actual loss. The primary cause of the artifact is the presence of an unwanted backwards-traveling wave that counter-propagates within the ringdown cavity. Scattering due to small imperfections at the cavity mirrors produces this wave and its intensity may be minimized by adjustment of the mirror positions during cavity construction. A second aspect of the invention consists of an apparatus for measuring the backscattered wave within a cavity to allow such cavity mirror adjustments to be made. |
| US07646483B2 |
Light emitting means with an integrated measuring module and measuring composition module for light emitting means
A light emitting device with an integrated measuring module for determining at least one measured value for calculating the power consumption of the lamp, the luminosity emitted by the lamp and/or the operating time of the lamp. The measuring module is integrated in the lamp and is used in the light emitting device considerably simplifies the measuring of the energy operating characteristics of the lamp. |
| US07646482B2 |
Methods and apparatus for optical analysis of samples in biological sample containers
An apparatus and method for optically analyzing samples in a biological sample container containing samples arranged at different locations on the base of the container. An optical acquisition device is provided comprising a detector and an objective. The position of the upper and lower surfaces of the base at each of the sample locations is determined by a confocal polychromatic displacement sensor. Light is collected from each of the sample locations by adjusting the focal plane to be coincident with, or vertically offset from, the upper surface of the base, as determined from the displacement sensor. This allows for rapid scanning of large numbers of samples in a multi-well plate or other biological sample containers. |
| US07646481B2 |
Method and microscope for high spatial resolution examination of samples
A method and a microscope, in particular a laser scanning fluorescence microscope, for high spatial resolution examination of samples, the sample (1) to be examined comprising a substance that can be repeatedly converted from a first state (Z1, A) into a second state (Z2, B), the first and the second states (Z1, A; Z2, B) differing from one another in at least one optical property, comprising the steps that the substance in a sample region (P) to be recorded is firstly brought into the first state (Z1, A), and that the second state (Z2, B) is induced by means of an optical signal (4), spatially delimited subregions being specifically excluded within the sample region (P) to be recorded, are defined in that the optical signal (4) is provided in such a way that a standing wave with defined intensity zero points (5) is formed in the sample region (P) to be recorded. |