| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07658336B2 |
Multi-zone sprinkler system with moisture sensors and configurable spray pattern
An irrigation system comprises sprinkler heads with an electrically configurable spray pattern, moisture sensors, and a controller. Based upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be watered and less water to fall on areas that do not require additional water. The irrigation system can additionally comprise fire sensors. Based upon input from the fire sensors, the controller activates the sprinklers. |
| US07658334B2 |
System for the real time inventory and localization of refrigerating containers and related method
System (10) for remotely controlling and monitoring a food refrigerator (1), and its content, of the type intended to be given in rental or in free loan from a manufacturer to a vendor of cold products, comprising a control unit (2) for checking and storing a plurality of functioning parameters of the food refrigerator (1), an RFID reader (3) intended to read data stored in a plurality of RFID tags attached to the cold products, a communication unit (4) for interconnecting an external device, the RFID reader (3) comprising means for retrieving data from said RFID tags when the cold products are still stocked inside the food refrigerator (1) and the communication unit (4) localization means for transmitting information to the external device about a geographical localization of the food refrigerator (1). System (10) according to claim 1 wherein said means produce a radio frequency signal at predetermined time intervals for activating said RFID tags. The data stored in said RFID tag comprises a unique identification number. The communication unit (4) is a GSM/GPRS unit. The external devices might be a second food refrigerator, residing in a same local area network (LAN). The external device is a remote server (5) located outside the local area network (LAN) equipped with a management information system. |
| US07658333B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device used as an ID chip is provided, of which operation is terminated when its role is finished or expires. According to the invention, an antenna circuit, a voltage detecting circuit, a current amplifier circuit, a signal processing circuit, and a fuse are provided over an insulating substrate. When large power is applied to the antenna circuit, a voltage is detected by voltage detecting circuit and a corresponding current is amplified by the current amplifier circuit, thereby the fuse is melted down. Also, when an anti-fuse is used, the anti-fuse can short an insulating film by applying an excessive voltage. In this manner, the semiconductor device has a function for making it invalid by stopping operation of the signal processing circuit when the role of the device is finished or expires. |
| US07658329B2 |
Consumer product package bearing a remotely-alterable radio-frequency (RF) powered electronic display label employing an electronic ink layer integrated within a stacked-layer architecture
A consumer product package bearing a remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display label employing an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The display label includes an integrated circuit layer having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and a data antenna layer. A signal transmitting layer transmits signals from the data antenna layer to a remote activator module. A signal receiving layer receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the data antenna layer. A power antenna layer, operably connected to a power converter, supplies electrical power the integrated circuit layer, for converting received RF-power signals into electrical power signals and storing electrical charge for powering the programmed processor to process instructions and data to determine the graphical indicia to be displayed by the addressable display assembly and activate the addressable display assembly to display the determined graphical indicia. The data antenna layer, power antenna layer, integrated circuit layer, signal transmitting layer, and signal receiving layer are arranged and stacked together behind and within the spatial extent of the addressable display assembly so as to form the remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display label having a stacked-layer construction. |
| US07658321B1 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad (404, 438, 458) through which users input confidential data. Covers (400, 422, 430) prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels (462, 464) are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine. |
| US07658311B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument with a geared return mechanism
A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to selectively advance a firing member and/or cutting member relative to an end effector and, in addition, a reversing drive configured to selectively retract the firing member and/or cutting member relative to the end effector. The firing drive can include a pawl which can be selectively engaged with the firing member in order to advance the firing member, wherein the pawl can be disengaged from the firing member when the reversing drive is engaged with the firing member. The reversing drive can include a gear train having a first gear operably engaged with the firing member and, in addition, a second gear operably engaged with the first gear, wherein the second gear can be selectively operable with the trigger such that an actuation of the trigger can retract the firing member and/or cutting element via the first and second gears. |
| US07658309B2 |
Nail presser lid structure for a nailer
The nail presser lid structure for a nailer includes a coupling end and a swinging end. The swinging end is provided with a flexible presser, formed of a presser portion and a spring. The presser portion protrudes from the swinging end to press on the closing side of the removable cover. An inclined guide plane is placed outside of the presser portion. When the removable cover presses the inclined guide plane, the presser portion is forced to return and press the spring to accumulate elastic restoring force. When the closing side of the removable cover overpasses the inclined guide plane, the presser portion will recover again and press the positioning portion of the closing side, such that the nail presser lid and removable cover of the nail box are closed flexibly, offering greater operational friendliness and practicability. |
| US07658300B2 |
Container for transporting and storing hazardous substances and method for making the container
A container for transporting and storing hazardous materials such as Chlorine includes a cylindrical body having end caps. The end caps are welded to the body to form a pressure vessel. The end caps have a peripheral edge that is recessed with respect to the ends of the body to protect the weld against damage from impact. The configuration of the juxtaposed components forms a lap joint that can be affixed together by a fillet weld. |
| US07658295B2 |
Closure with deflectable finger for retention of lid hinge shaft
A closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice. A lid is provided for covering the orifice. The body has a bearing member with two spaced-apart walls for defining a channel for receiving a pivot shaft on the lid. At least one deflectable finger projects from one of the body bearing member walls for being temporarily, elastically deflected to accommodate the insertion of the lid pivot shaft into the channel. The finger is resilient, and moves back over the lid pivot shaft to prevent removal of the lid pivot shaft from the channel. |
| US07658288B2 |
Bisulfite conversion reagent
Disclosed, among other things, are packaged bisulfite solutions comprising bisulfite reagent in an oxygen-impermeable container and methods. |
| US07658285B2 |
Article shipping and/or storage container and a shipping and/or storage container having articles
A sheet shipping and storage container includes a base supporting a stack of glass sheets in a vertical orientation, and a pair of telescoping end caps mounted on each side of the stack in facing relationship to one another. A first endless strap has its course around the end caps to bias the end caps toward one another about the stack; a second endless strap has it course around back end of each end caps and the back side of the stack to bias the back surface of the stack and the end caps downward toward the front of the base, and a third endless strap around the opposite end of the end caps and the front side of the stack to bias the end caps and the front side of the stack downward toward back side of the base to unitize the plurality of sheets, end caps and base. |
| US07658279B2 |
Medical multi-chamber container
A medical multi-chamber container (1) comprising a container body (3) having first and second chambers (10, 11) for storing medicaments, a weak partition seal (20) for portioning the charmers (10, 11) from each other, and an outlet (32) fitted into the container body (3) for allowing the medicaments to be delivered from the second chamber (11), the container body (3) further comprising a weak discharge seal (21) partitioning the second chamber (11) from the outlet (32) and unsealably formed so as to allow the chambers (10, 11) to communicate with each other when used, characterized in that the unsealing strength of the weak discharge seal (21) is less than that of the weak partition seal (20). |
| US07658275B2 |
Carrier type conveying apparatus and conveying carrier connection system of the conveying apparatus
A carrier type conveying apparatus capable of solving a problem in a conventional conveying apparatus wherein a conveying carriers (1) stop abnormally, comprising a rear-pushing traveling district (3) having, at its inlet, a rear-pushing drive means (5A) propelling the conveying carriers (1) at a constant speed and, at its outlet, a speed control drive means (5B) for sending out the conveying carriers (1) at the constant speed and a high-speed traveling district (4). The conveying apparatus comprises carrier connection systems (carrier connection means (9), connection engagement means (10), connection release means (11)). When the conveying carriers (1) travel in the high-speed traveling district (4), the connection of the conveying carriers (1) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction by the carrier connection systems is disabled. Only when the conveying carriers (1) travel in the rear-pushing traveling district (3), the conveying carriers (1) in the longitudinal direction are connected to each other by the carrier connection system to prevent the conveying carriers (1) in contact with each other at their end parts from being separated a specified distance or longer from each other. |
| US07658274B2 |
Switcher for product supply lines
The invention relates to a switcher for product supply lines, which comprises a support frame (2), a guide channel (8) which is transversally mobile on the support frame (2) with respect to the advancing direction of the products being supplied in inlet. The switcher (1) comprises a telescopic channel (10), located at an end (9) of the guide channel (8), and being slidably mobile with respect thereto. The guide channel (8) is mobile by a support element (6), slidable on respective transversal portions (4, 5) of the support frame (2). The support element (6) is in turn activated by cooperation between a cursor (13), slidable on the support element (6), and a con rod (15), hinged both to the cursor (13) and to a fixed transversal portion (4) of the support frame (2). The guide channel (8) is further provided with a separator device (20) for controlled distancing of the products which are grouped during the input supply stage. |
| US07658273B2 |
Carriage-type conveyance device
A carriage-type conveyance device using a carriage having a vertically movable object-supporting base that is controlled by a cam rail on the floor side, in which a turntable for changing the direction of the carriage has a low-floor structure. In the carriage-type conveyance device, the object-supporting base that is vertically movable between a lowered position and a lifted position is placed on a conveyance carriage (1), a cam follower roller vertically moving in association with the movement of the object-supporting body is provided at the bottom of the conveyance carriage (1), and a cam device (58) for pushing up the cam follower roller and a work section (3A) in which the object support base is supported at the lifted position are provided in a traveling route of the conveyance carriage (1). The conveyance device further has the turntable (7) placed in a traveling route on the downstream side of the work section (3A) and changing the direction of the conveyance carriage (1), and also has a means for holding at the lifted position the object-supporting body of the conveyance carriage (1) from at least the time immediately before the object-supporting body enters into the turntable (7) until it has exited from the rotated turntable (7). |
| US07658270B2 |
Coin bin having security feature for use with a coin processing device
According to one embodiment, a security grate for limiting access to a coin bin is disclosed. The security grate comprises a plurality of generally parallel upper slats and a plurality of generally parallel slats disposed below the upper slats. The plurality of first slats receives coins and directs coins moving under the force of gravity in a first direction. The plurality of lower slats receive coins from the upper slats and direct the coins moving under the force of gravity in a second direction. |
| US07658264B2 |
Combination descender, pulley and force limiting rope brake
A combination descender, pulley, and force limiting rope brake for rope rescue has a supporting plate having a one-way pulley sheave rotatably mounted thereto for free-wheeling rotation of the sheave in only a first rotational direction. A fixed brake member is mounted rigidly to the supporting plate. A movable brake member is pivotally mounted to the supporting plate. A pinching opening is defined by the gap. The rope passes in a first direction through the gap when the sheave is free-wheeling in the first rotational direction. The movable brake member translates relative to the fixed brake member in cooperation with rotation of the sheave. Rotation-under-load of the sheave in an opposite rotational direction urges translation of the movable brake member towards the fixed brake member from an open position, wherein the pinching opening is open sufficiently to allow the rope to freely pass therethrough, to a closed position wherein the movable brake member closes the pinching opening so as to frictionally pinch the rope at a preset minimum opening of the pinching opening. |
| US07658258B2 |
All terrain vehicle swept A-frame suspension and central support truss
The present invention features an all terrain, four-wheeled vehicle frame for carrying at least two passengers in a side-by-side riding configuration, comprising a rigid, tubular frame body which provides for a forward passenger compartment having structural support members for carrying a pair of seats for the side-by-side passengers and a rearward engine compartment configured for receiving an engine, power train, and transmission for driving wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle frame also includes a vertical, load-bearing truss member extending generally along a longitudinal, central axis of the vehicle within the passenger compartment, the truss member forming a load-bearing structural member between the pair of seats. |
| US07658256B2 |
Impact detection sensor attachment structure for motorcycle
Impact detection sensors are disposed with ease for coping with an oblique collision or the like. A front wheel is disposed between left and right forks and supported by an axle. Main sensors are attached to the left and right forks at respective positions near and above the axle so as to be symmetrical. Thus, the main sensors detect impacts resulting from front and oblique collisions. In addition, backup sub-sensors are attached to the left and right front forks at respective positions above the corresponding main sensors so as to be symmetrical. This makes it possible to dispose the impact detection sensors at sensitive positions with ease while eliminating a steering component. |
| US07658252B2 |
Riding vehicles, including tricycles, with stowable push handles and hide away rear wheel storage compartment
Wheeled riding vehicles, including tricycles, with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include movable, collapsible tires/wheel axle assemblies, as well as folding frame parts and a unique handle that is removable and stowable within the vehicle frame when not used. The riding vehicle hangs totally flat on the wall, or fits in car trunks easily. One version is pedal powered, and a second embodiment provides for an integrated propulsion linkage providing for battery or motor power to the rear most wheels when they are moved into their operative position. The rear tire wheel assemblies also may be stowed and folded compactly inside a rear storage compartment with a lid. |
| US07658250B2 |
Energy storage and recovery for a tracked machine
A system for storing and recovering energy associated with a machine having ground engaging tracks is disclosed. The system includes a power source configured to supply mechanical energy for operation of the machine, and an electric generator operably coupled to the power source. The electric generator is configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The system further includes an electric motor operably coupled to the electric generator. The electric motor is configured to supply power to the ground engaging tracks. The system includes an energy storage device configured to store energy associated with the machine, and a controller configured to divert a portion of the energy supplied by the power source to the energy storage device while the machine travels in a first direction, and recover energy stored in the energy storage device for use while the machine travels in a second direction. |
| US07658240B2 |
Methods and apparatus for forming hole in ground
An apparatus for forming a hole in ground (10) includes a mounting plate (60) mounted to a loader (80). A probe (11) is coupled with the mounting plate (60). Two arms (32) extend radially outward from a vertical axis and from a periphery of the probe (11). The apparatus further includes two cylinders (40) each having an upper end (42) coupled to the mounting plate (60) and a lower end (44) coupled to one of the arms (32). The probe (11) is driven into the ground along the vertical axis by movement of the mounting plate (60) by the loader (80), and an upper portion of the probe (11) is simultaneously wobbled about two axes that are perpendicular to each other and to the vertical axis by moving at least one of the cylinders (40). The probe (11) is then moved out of the ground to leave a hole in the ground. |
| US07658239B2 |
Power tool, drive assembly, and method of operating the same
A power tool including a drive assembly including a first clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly transfers a drive force from a motor shaft to a spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly prevents the transfer of the drive force. The first clutch assembly can be movable toward the disengaged configuration when a torque exerted on the spindle exceeds a torque limit. The drive assembly can also include a second clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly transmits the drive force from the motor shaft to the spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly prevents the transmission of the drive force. The second clutch assembly can be movable toward the engaged configuration when the tool element engages a workpiece. |
| US07658238B2 |
Impact drill
An impact drill for boring a workpiece includes a main frame, a motor housed in the main frame, a spindle movably supported by the main frame and rotatable by the motor and movable in its axial direction, a first ratchet positioned fixedly with respect to the spindle, a second ratchet positioned with respect to the first ratchet, a spring biasing the second ratchet toward the first ratchet. The spring has at least one of a spring constant and a biasing force which prevents the second ratchet and the spindle from abutting against the main frame at least one of when a force ranging from 15 to 25 kg is applied to the main frame for boring the workpiece and when the spindle is moved to a retracted position. |
| US07658233B1 |
Self-propelled transportable rock picker
An improved rock picker system includes a prime mover, with an operator's cab and towing apparatus; windrows detachably and foldingly mounted to the prime mover front; a collector; a separator; a transfer apparatus; a dump trailer detachably connectable to the prime mover towing apparatus; an hydraulic power supply in fluid communication with the hydraulic loads; and, controls for controlling the hydraulic power supply and hydraulic loads individually. Controls include a plurality of remotely operated hydraulic control valves corresponding to the hydraulic loads and a control panel in electrical communication with the remotely operated hydraulic control valves, and speed controllers for controlling the speed of the hydraulic loads. |
| US07658227B2 |
System and method for sensing flow rate and specific gravity within a wellbore
A device determines the specific gravity of a wellbore fluid flowing into a submersible pump. The specific gravity of the wellbore fluid is determined by measuring the pressure increase across at least two pump stages and then using fluid flow properties and known pump characteristics to back calculate the specific gravity of the wellbore fluid. |
| US07658224B2 |
Flanged connection for heat exchanger
A heat exchanger including a plate pair having first and second plates each having an outward depression extending to a peripheral edge thereof, the first and second plates defining a fluid channel therebetween and secured to one another with the outward depressions defining a flow opening in communication with the fluid channel. An outer flange extends substantially around a periphery of the flow opening. A tubular fitting with a first end and an outer surface having an annular flange thereon spaced apart from the first end is secured to the plate pair with the first end received within the flow opening and the annular flange abutting against the outer flange. |
| US07658222B2 |
Heating a storage building
A storage building such as a garage of a residential house is heated to a low temperature above freezing but below that suitable for human habitation by connecting a closed loop pipe and a pump so as to pump heat transfer liquid through a portion of the pipe embedded in a cast concrete lid of a septic tank and through another portion of the pipe embedded in a cast concrete floor of the building. The simple system avoids use of a complex heat pump by using the limited heat available from the septic tank to directly heat the garage floor to a low temperature but above freezing. |
| US07658220B2 |
Barrier means
Barrier means are provided having a frame including a plurality of frame members, movable between a first substantially erect condition and a second substantially folded condition. At least one of the frame members including two or more telescopically mounted portions capable of relative movement to allow expansion and/or contraction of the length of the frame member. Locking means are associated with one or more of said frame portions to allow the portion or portions to be locked at a required length. The locking means are movable between the locked and/or unlocked position by relative movement of the frame portion or portions with which the locking means are associated. |
| US07658218B2 |
Window blind system
A window blind system includes a top traverse supporter adapted for affixing to a top beam of a ceiling, and two shading arrangements downwardly extended from the top traverse supporter The first shading arrangement includes a base member, a plurality of slats, a first hanging system for spacedly and suspendedly supporting the slats and for controlling a tilt angle of each of the slats, and a first operating system for selectively lifting up the base member towards the top traverse supporter and unlifting the base member to drop downwardly away from the top traverse supporter. The second shading arrangement includes a second hanging system suspendedly support a predetermined set of the slats, so that by lifting up the second hanging system, the predetermined set of the slats are capable of being lifted for selectively allowing a light of desirable intensity passing through. |
| US07658217B2 |
High temperature lamination tool
A tool for laminating a metal foil and polymer film to form a laminate structure is disclosed. A method of using the tool to form a laminate structure is also disclosed. |
| US07658216B2 |
Tire for two-wheeled vehicle comprising looped crown reinforcement
A motorcycle tire includes at least one carcass-type reinforcement structure formed of reinforcement elements, anchored on either side of the tire to a bead whose base is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, each bead being extended radially towards the outside by a sidewall. The sidewalls meet up radially towards the outside with a tread. Under the tread there is a crown reinforcement structure including at least one layer of reinforcement elements known as a working layer which has at least one continuous reinforcement cord forming portions in the central zone thereof. Those central cord portions display identical angles of between 10-80 degrees formed with the longitudinal direction, the angles being measured at points of intersection of the cord with a circumferential plane. Two adjacent cord portions are linked by a U-shaped loop. |
| US07658215B2 |
Method of operating a wood chipper and power transmission system for use therewith
A wood chipper includes a control system for controlling feed wheel rotation and engine operation to provide safety features and a fuel-saving mechanism. The control system allows the engine to start only when the feed wheel is in neutral; stops and/or reverses rotation of the feed wheel in response to an increased load on the engine; and dethrottles the engine if the feed wheel remains in neutral for a predetermined period of time. A pair of electric switches are activatable by the feed bar whereby an electronic control unit (ECU) can determine the position of the feed bar based on activation or non-activation of the switches and control the feed wheel and engine in light thereof. The ECU controls a pair of directional control valves via respective solenoids to control flow of hydraulic fluid to control rotation of a feed motor which drives the feed wheel. |
| US07658210B1 |
Loom
A loom and method of weaving, the loom having a frame and a member rotatably mounted on the frame. The rotatable member including a chin bar and a heddle. The loom is mountable on an operator's shoulders so that the operator may apply a force to the chin bar of the rotatable member, moving the heddle. Also a tandem loom having a frame supporting two rotatable members, for manipulating the two heddles by multiple operators. |
| US07658207B2 |
Hydraulic pressure reservoir
An hydraulic pressure reservoir having at least one pressure chamber with a fluid connection to a hydraulic circuit. The pressure chamber is formed between a movable partition member carried in a housing and having a pressure limiting valve, and a fixed partition. The movable partition member is in the form of a diaphragm spring. |
| US07658198B2 |
Washing system for dissolution vessels and the like
In one embodiment, a washing system including a nozzle assembly having a nozzle and having formed therein a rinse passageway and a waste passageway. Each passageway has first and second ends. The first end of the waste passageway is adapted to be coupled to a waste pump adapted to remove waste fluid via a waste aperture defining the second end of the waste passageway. The first end of the rinse passageway is adapted to be coupled to a rinse pump adapted to provide rinse fluid via a rinse aperture defining the second end of the rinse passageway. The nozzle is coupled to the rinse aperture and is adapted to rotate and direct flow of the rinse fluid outwardly while rotating. |
| US07658196B2 |
System and method for determining implanted device orientation
A system is operable to detect the orientation of an implant component. The system comprises an implantable component, an external component, and a logic component. The implantable component comprises a first coil operable to transmit a first signal having a phase. The external component comprises a second coil operable to transmit a second signal having a phase. The logic component is operable to compare the phase of the first signal with the phase of the second signal. The logic component is further configured to determine an orientation of the first coil relative to the second coil based on a comparison of the phase of the first signal with the phase of the second signal. The system may be used to determine the orientation of an injection port in an implanted gastric band system. The system may alternatively be used in a variety of other types of systems. |
| US07658185B2 |
Chamber for weapon
A barrel assembly for a device for shooting projectiles is disclosed. The barrel assembly comprises a firing chamber with first and second openings, wherein the firing chamber is capable of holding at least two projectiles. A first projectile retention device is located at the second opening of the firing chamber. A propellant injection device injects propellant into the firing chamber through a third opening. A firing control device initiates the injection of propellant into the firing chamber, wherein at least one projectile and the projectile retention device substantially seal the second opening of the firing chamber when propellant is introduced and at least one projectile is expelled out of a barrel through the first opening of the firing chamber. |
| US07658184B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing fuel to an aircraft engine
An aircraft engine includes an aircraft engine controller configured to detect an actual peak exhaust gas temperature of a cylinder assembly. The aircraft engine controller detects an intersection between a first function representing a relationship between a set of rich exhaust gas temperature signals and a corresponding set of rich fuel-air ratio values and a second function representing a relationship between a set of lean exhaust gas temperature signals and a set of lean fuel-air ratio values. Based upon the intersection between the first and second functions, the engine controller detects an actual peak fuel-air ratio value for the cylinder assembly and can determine if a correction in the fuel-air ratio of a fuel-air mixture provided to the cylinder assembly is required. Accordingly, the engine controller provides each cylinder assembly of the aircraft engine with an accurate fuel-air mixture to allow for operation of the engine with optimal fuel economy. |
| US07658180B2 |
Fuel pump and fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a fuel pump
In a fuel pump in the form of a side-channel pump for a motor vehicle two partially annular ducts (21, 22) concentrically enclosing one another are connected to one another via a connecting duct (29). Connections (33, 34) of the connecting duct (29) to the partially annular ducts (21, 22) are laid so that at a rated speed of the fuel pump the same pressure prevails in each of them. If the speed falls below the rated speed, fuel passes from the radially outer, partially annular duct (22) into the radially inner, partially annular duct (21). A sufficient delivery capacity through the radially inner, partially annular duct (21) is thereby ensured. |
| US07658178B2 |
Engine event-based correction of engine speed fluctuations
Ignition timing for a combustion engine may be controlled by determining the roughness of current engine operation, comparing the determined roughness with a control roughness to determine if the determined roughness is within a threshold limit of the control roughness, and changing the ignition timing in a subsequent fuel delivery event as a function of the difference between the determined roughness and the control roughness. Preferably, the ignition timing is changed at least when the determined roughness is not within the threshold limit, although other factors may be taken into account when changing the ignition timing. |
| US07658174B2 |
Method for controlling glow plugs in diesel engines
The invention describes a method for controlling glow plugs in diesel engines by varying the effective electric voltage applied to the glow plugs between an initial value and a target value, which is obtained at the end of a cold start phase determined by an engine control unit and which is smaller than the initial value, wherein the increase in voltage, i.e. the voltage difference by which the effective voltage applied to the glow plugs in the cold start phase is higher than its target value, is reduced by steps from a maximum value to zero. The invention provides that the effective electric voltage is increased in the cold start phase of the engine over a predetermined period or time, which is determined by the time elapsed until a preselected number of revolutions of the engine is reached. |
| US07658170B2 |
Two-cycle engine
A stratified scavenging two-cycle engine includes: an air passage for delivering pure air to a scavenging passage; an air valve for opening and closing the air passage; and an auxiliary air passage for delivering the pure air to the scavenging passage when the air valve is completely closed. An amount of air for air-fuel mixture sucked in a crank chamber is reduced to increase the concentration of the air-fuel mixture, and air that supplements the reduced amount of the air for air-fuel mixture is fed into the scavenging passage through the auxiliary air passage, which enables the engine to be smoothly accelerated even when being suddenly accelerated from an idling state with an appropriate concentration of the air-fuel mixture sucked in a cylinder chamber during idling. |
| US07658166B1 |
Anti-bark training system for dogs
This patent discloses a system to train a dog to reduce barking while the dog is kept in an outdoor dog pen. The system may include a bark switch connected between a transformer and a power supply, a water valve operatively connected to the transformer and connected between a supply hose and a spray hose, a water supply connected to the supply hose, and a sprinkler head connected to the spray hose. Those components that may freeze may be located in a heated building. If the bark switch receives a bark of a predetermined intensity, the bark switch allows the power supply to send power to open the water valve so that water sprays a predetermined area of the dog pen. A timer may shut off the water spray and a lack of bark from the dog may keep the water spray from being turned on again. |
| US07658157B2 |
Boxed tree transporter
A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position. |
| US07658155B2 |
Waste treatment process and apparatus
A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising: (i) either (a) a gasification step comprising treating the waste in a gasification unit in the presence of oxygen and steam to produce an offgas and a char, or (b) a pyrolysis step comprising treating the waste in a pyrolysis unit to produce an offgas and a char; and (ii) a plasma treatment step comprising subjecting the offgas and the char to a plasma treatment in a plasma treatment unit in the presence of oxygen and, optionally, steam. |
| US07658152B2 |
Tie plate inserting machine
A track mounted machine is capable of inserting a previously positioned tie plate between a rail and underlying cross tie of a railway. The machine preferably is also capable of lifting the rail from the tie prior to tie plate insertion and/or, is capable of operating on both rails of a railway simultaneously. The preferred embodiment includes two tie plate inserter assemblies mounted on a common workhead. Each tie plate inserter assembly includes a pusher that can be moved, under control of an operator stationed on the machine, vertically and longitudinally on the rails so as to be aligned with a field end of the tie plate. The pusher can then be actuated to push the tie plate laterally under the rail. |
| US07658148B2 |
Reactive shaped charges comprising thermal sprayed reactive components
Shaped charge liners are made of reactive materials formed by thermal spray techniques. The thermally sprayed reactive shaped charge materials have low porosity and high structural integrity. Upon detonation, the reactive materials of the shaped charge liner undergo an exothermic reaction that raises the temperature and the effectiveness of the liner. |
| US07658146B2 |
Inking-pad printing system
A pad printing system includes a pad printing machine and an object positioning device. The object positioning device is a multiple positioning device by means of which an object support may be consecutively positioned at a print station each time. |
| US07658141B2 |
Closed cartridge for preparing a beverage for extraction under pressure
The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a means (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened, in which the means guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the said bottom (13). |
| US07658140B2 |
Portable rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus and kit
A rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus is portable, erectable on the ground and/or as part of a ladder or tree stand. The apparatus incorporates therewith a seat and a rifle-positioning cradle that enables the user to remain in position and simultaneously rotate and selectively and rapidly adjust the height, distance and angular orientation of the rifle barrel, depending on the shooting environment presented. Additionally, the frame structure of the apparatus is adapted to be adjusted and leveled as to sloping ground and enables a hunting blind be erected to hide the hunter while in position. |
| US07658129B2 |
Method of making a composite utility blade
A composite utility knife blade and method of making such a blade involves butt joining a tool steel wire to a front edge of an alloy steel backing strip. The wire is electron beam welded to the backing strip to form a composite strip defining a first metal portion formed by the alloy steel backing strip, a second metal portion formed by the tool steel wire, and a weld region joining the first and second metal portions. The composite strip is then annealed, and the annealed strip is straightened to eliminate any camber therein. The annealed composite strip is then hardened such that the first metal portion defines a surface hardness within the range of approximately 38 Rc to approximately 52 Rc, and the second metal portion defines a surface hardness within the range of approximately 60 Rc to approximately 57 Rc. |
| US07658125B2 |
Steering device
A steering device comprises a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is attached, a steering column for housing and supporting the steering shaft so as to be rotatable, a tilt unit for tilting the steering column and the steering shaft, a main bracket fixed to a vehicle side bracket and a pressure applying member provided between the main bracket and the steering column for applying a pressure in one direction to the steering column. |
| US07658124B2 |
Compliant gear assembly and work machine using same
A compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring positioned about a hub and configured to translate responsive to a torque on the gear assembly, and biased toward co-axial alignment with the hub via at least one actuator. A method of managing loads on an idler gear in the gear train is still further provided including translating the gear ring responsive to the torque on the idler gear. A work machine includes an engine having a housing and a geartrain mounted thereon, the geartrain including a crank gear, a cam gear and a compliant idler gear assembly. |
| US07658122B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring manual actuation of spray devices
An assembly that provides operational information about operation of a spray device, such as a nasal spray pump or metered dose inhaler. A linkage adapted to extend between a mounting assembly, connected to a stationary part of the spray device, and an adapter assembly, connected to a movable part of the spray device, is in operational relationship with a transducer to enable the transducer to indicate a mechanical relationship between the movable and stationary parts of the spray device corresponding to the operation of the spray device. A data collection and processing system may be connected to the transducer for determining information that may be used to program an automated actuation system. |
| US07658121B2 |
Flow cytometric apparatus and method
The present invention discloses a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction means comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US07658113B2 |
Lift measurement
A method of determining the lift generated by a lift-generating member is presented. The lift-generating member being coupled to a component within the lift load path with the lift load path component experiencing strain as a result of the lift generated by the lift-generating member. The method involves the steps of coupling at least one strain measurement means to the lift load path component, obtaining strain measurements from the strain measurement means, and calculating the lift generated by the lift-generating member from strain measurements. |
| US07658109B2 |
Inertial sensor and manufacturing method of the same
A weight of an inertial sensor if formed from a plurality of divided weights, and the divided weights are connected to each other by elastically deformable beams. A movable range and a mass of each of the divided weights and a rigidity of each of the beams are adjusted and a plurality of deformation modes having different sensitivity ranges with respect to the acceleration are used in combination. By this means, it is possible to improve a detecting sensitivity of an acceleration and widen an acceleration response range. |
| US07658108B2 |
Method and apparatus for selection of balancer static imbalance correction mode
A method for measuring the imbalance characteristics of a rotating body, and for determining if an application of at least one imbalance correction weight in only one of two identified imbalance correction weight planes is sufficient to reduce the measured imbalance characteristics of the rotating body to an acceptable residual imbalance level. |
| US07658105B2 |
Fuel gauge cap
A fuel cap operable to close an opening of a fuel tank. The fuel cap includes an outer shell having a protrusion and a shell locking member. The fuel cap includes a detection mechanism for sensing a level of fuel within the tank. The fuel cap further includes an assembly component engageable with the outer shell to support the detection mechanism on the outer shell. The assembly component defines a groove operable to receive the protrusion. Additionally, the assembly component includes a component locking member. The outer shell and the assembly component are engageable with one another by a relative axial movement followed by a relative rotational movement about an axis. Once engaged, the outer shell and the assembly component are fixed against disengagement by engagement of the shell locking member and the component locking member. |
| US07658104B2 |
Liquid level sensor with level alarm
A liquid level sensor system actuated by a column pressure includes a hollow member having a distal open end adapted to be positioned into a liquid reservoir to a depth below a liquid surface level, and a sensor head unit. The sensor head unit is responsive to the column pressure to provide an indication of a liquid level in the reservoir. A low liquid level alarm circuit is responsive to the bellows member to generate a signal indicative of a low liquid level state. |
| US07658101B2 |
Raindrop detection device
A raindrop detection device includes a first fixing member which is fixed to a windshield and has a first engagement portion, an inner housing in which a detection unit is accommodated, an outer housing in which the inner housing is accommodated and which is fixed to the inner housing, a second fixing member having a second engagement portion which is detachably engaged with the first engagement portion of the first fixing member, and a leaf spring which is engaged with the inner housing to press and bias the inner housing toward the windshield. The second fixing member has a leaf-spring biasing portion, which contacts the leaf spring to elastically bias the leaf spring toward the windshield at a predetermined pressing force. |
| US07658093B2 |
Liquid discriminating apparatus and liquid discriminating method
A concentration sensor for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent through heat transfer characteristics between separate two points is provided in a storage tank for storing a liquid supplied to an NOx reduction catalyst. When the concentration read from the concentration sensor is 0% or less, the liquid is discriminated to be water, that is, it is utilized that when water is converted to the concentration of a liquid reducing agent, it is 0%, and it is also 0% even when the concentration is reduced by convection. When the concentration is greater than a predetermined value, it is discriminated that no liquid is present, since it is considered that the output of the sensor is abnormal because of the absence of a liquid in the tank. On the other hand, when the concentration is greater than 0% and less than a predetermined value, the liquid is discriminated to be the liquid reducing agent, provided that the concentration value may include an error. |
| US07658091B2 |
Method for the audible output of a piece of information in an analysis system
A system for analysing a fluid sample arranged on a test element comprises a data processing unit configured to process results of an analysis of the fluid sample arranged on the test element, an audible signal generator, and a control unit. The control unit may control the audible signal generator to generate an audible test signal that is configured to test the operability of the signal generator to audibly encode information. The audible test signal may include audible features that allow for identification of any deviation of the generated audible test signal from a correctly generated audible test signal, and/or from which malfunction of the signal generator can be detected. |
| US07658090B2 |
Grid bending machine
A grid bending machine is provided for bending a workpiece. The machine includes first and second guides having inner surfaces defining a cavity therebetween. A stationary anvil is mounted to the first and second guides. A first die is releaseably connected to the stationary anvil. A body is disposed in the cavity and is movable between a first position release position and a second bending position. A second die is releaseably connected to the body and is aligned with the first die. The second die is axially spaced from the first die with the body in the release position and is adjacent the first die with the body in the bending position. |
| US07658087B1 |
Light weight fine gauge double faced textile article
A double face, weft-knit textile article is shown and described. The article comprises a first fabric face and a second fabric face integrally constructed with a heat-set elastic yarn. The fabric has a fabric weight of less than about 5 oz. per square yard and is constructed to substantially reduce grin-through or transparency. In addition, the article may be a garment and may further include at least one body anchor for facilitating attachment of the garment to the wearer. |
| US07658085B2 |
Monolithic air conditioner
A monolithic air conditioner includes a cabinet, an outdoor heat exchanger mounted on a rear-inner portion of the cabinet and spaced away from a sidewall of the cabinet, a guide member attached on a rear surface of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a fan assembly disposed in the cabinet to introduce the outdoor air. The guide member has an air exhausting guide unit and an air introduction guide unit extending from the air exhausting guide section. |
| US07658084B2 |
Evaporative cooler
A refrigeration assembly includes a pair of refrigerated chambers defined within a working chamber. The refrigerated chambers include channel walls extending parallel to one another and spaced apart, and first and second panels extending channel walls to define a working channel for separating the working chamber into sub-chambers. Apertures defined in the panels allow airflow from the sub-chambers into the working channel, and a supply of water wets the panels and a first section of the refrigerated chambers. Air enters the sub-chambers and flows over the first sections of the refrigerated chambers for direct evaporative cooling. A portion of the air bleeds through the apertures and evaporates water from the panels prior to flowing over the second sections of the refrigerated chambers for indirect evaporative cooling. |
| US07658076B2 |
Open cooled component for a gas turbine, combustion chamber, and gas turbine
The invention relates to an open-cooled component for a gas turbine having an outer wall which is subjected to hot gas and which at least partly defines a first cavity for a first medium and in which through-openings are arranged, which through-openings open into the cavity on the one side and into the hot-gas space on the other side, and having at least one second cavity for admixing a second medium, this second cavity being fluidically connected to the through-openings. In order to specify a component for a gas turbine with which flashback and spontaneous ignition during feeding of fuel into the cooling air can be reduced, it is proposed that the second cavity be formed by supply passages which are provided in the outer wall and are connected via transverse passages (4) to the through-openings designed as through-bores, so that the two media cannot be mixed until inside the through-bores. |
| US07658073B2 |
Turbine systems and methods for using internal leakage flow for cooling
A cooling system for a turbine with a first section and a second section. The first section may include a first line for diverting a first flow with a first temperature from the first section, a second line for diverting a second flow with a second temperature less than the first temperature from the first section, and a merged line for directing a merged flow of the first flow and the second flow to the second section. |
| US07658070B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the energy conversion efficiency of electrical power generators
An energy efficient electrical power generator has a primary energy conversion mechanism, such as an internal combustion engine, and a secondary energy conversion mechanism, such as a thermoelectric device. The secondary energy conversion mechanism increases the electrical power output and efficiency of the generator. |
| US07658065B2 |
Hydraulic system having in-sump energy recovery device
A hydraulic energy recovery device for a hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic energy recovery device has a first impeller configured to receive a flow of pressurized liquid, and a second impeller configured to pressurize a flow of liquid. The hydraulic energy recovery device also has a common shaft connecting the first and second impellers. |
| US07658062B2 |
Gas generator and turbojet fitted with such a generator for starting
A gas generator comprises a casing forming a ring or a ring portion and housing a pyrotechnic charge, the casing including at least one vent for ejecting the gas produced during combustion of the charge. Because of its ring design, the gas generator is easy to integrate in the structure of a rotary machine. In particular, it can constitute a starter device for a turbojet. |
| US07658053B2 |
Method and device for packaging flat articles
A method for packaging flat articles, whereby the flat articles (1), when in a transport flow (3), are covered on both sides by a packaging material (2a, 2b) and a welding beam (11) establishes cross-connections between subsequent articles (1) in an upper area (2a) and a lower area (2b) of the packaging material. Welding beams (11) are provided with at least one resilient hold-down element (12a, 12b) each which brings the packaging material (2a, 2b) to be processed into a defined position. The hold-down element (12a, 12b) compresses the packaging material (2a, 2b) before the welding beam contacts the packaging material (2a, 2b) and executes a processing operation such as welding or pressing. The transport flow, in the area of processing, is transported by means of a support belt which exerts a force countering the forces exerted by the hold-down elements (12a, 12b) and the welding beam (11). |
| US07658047B2 |
Suspended ceiling system
A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees. The trim strips have a G-shaped profile that is adapted to receive portions of cross tee connectors assembled through slots in the webs of the main grid tees. |
| US07658045B2 |
Wall structure for protection against wind-caused uplift
In a system and a method for erecting a structure, the walls of the structure are securely interconnected with a foundation, such as, a concrete slab or footing. The system includes a laminated shear panel formed by bonding a thin shear layer (e.g., a layer of sheet steel or other suitable high-strength material) to a surface of a non-structural layer. The thin shear layer has one dimension longer than the non-structural sheet so that a tab of the shear layer extends from one edge of the non-structural sheet. The shear panel is mounted on the exterior walls of a structure with the panel secured to the vertical studs of the wall and with the extended tab secured to the foundation. The shear panel binds the walls of the structure to the foundation to inhibit the walls from lifting or shifting during high wind conditions. |
| US07658044B2 |
Gap covering for cabin panels
Currently, piping tapes are used as elastic masking elements of joints between lateral panels in an aircraft. According to one embodiment, a gap covering for cabin panels in an aircraft is provided, where the gap covering comprises a flexible cover region that is arranged between the cabin panels and finishes off so as to be substantially flush with surfaces of the panels. In this way, a lightweight economical gap covering which covers gaps in an effective and attractive manner and provides protection against injury is provided. |
| US07658042B2 |
Fire-protection walls of cementitious composite materials
A highly protective firewall (13) supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. In one form, the firewall comprises a group of vertically stacked panels (14) made of such material, and the panels are in turn formed by a plurality of elongated and vertically stacked hollow members (21) of the same material. |
| US07658040B2 |
Panel for sheathing system and method
The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes. |
| US07658031B2 |
Handheld rangefinder operable to determine hold over ballistic information
A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine a hold over value based on the first range and the determined angle. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm and bow use by providing ranges and hold over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations. |
| US07658030B2 |
Vertical fore grip with bipod
Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights. |
| US07658025B2 |
Retainer pin and tooth for tooth and adaptor assembly
A retainer pin assembly and tooth for an excavation tooth and adaptor assembly is provided. The retainer pin assembly can comprise at least one retainer pin section having a circular longitudinal main body with chamfered leading edges at one end for insertion into a passageway in the adaptor, and a displacement-bearing block having at least one facet disposed at the opposite end. The tooth can comprise at least one opening on a sidewall having one flat vertical bearing surface to correspond to a facet of the displacement-bearing block when a retainer pin section is inserted into the adaptor passageway. Magnets can be disposed on the chamfered ends of a pair of retainer pin sections to urge the retainer pin sections towards one another when inserted in the adaptor passageway. |
| US07658019B2 |
Lace system for footwear
A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock. A release strap, graspable by the wearer, facilitates unhooking the lace. |
| US07658017B1 |
Vacuum drying method
A vacuum drying apparatus and method to dry and cure paint is disclosed. The method provides a substantially particle free environment that shortens drying time, reduces cost and improves surface finish. The apparatus includes an enclosed drying tunnel that is maintained at a reduced pressure relative to ambient conditions. Heat lamps with the drying tunnel aid in curing and provide the desired particle free environment. |
| US07658016B2 |
Apparatus for hang-drying wet garments
Embodiments of an apparatus for facilitating drying of a garment on a garment hanger are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for drying a garment on a garment hanger includes an elongated body comprised of a water resistant material. The body has a major axis extending between a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be repeatably changed between a substantially flat and a substantially tubular orientation. An elongated aperture formed in the first end of the elongated body to allow passage of the hook of the garment hanger through the body. |
| US07658014B2 |
Length measuring arrangement
A length measuring arrangement for measuring the relative position of two objects, the length measuring arrangement including a housing made of a non-magnetic material and longitudinally extending in a measuring direction. The length measuring arrangement including a scale in the housing, the scale having a measuring graduation, a first guide face and a second guide face which extends perpendicular to the first guide face. A mounting piece attachable to one of the two objects rigidly in the measuring direction and resiliently transversely to the measuring direction. The length measuring arrangement including a scanning carriage that scans the measuring graduation, wherein the scanning carriage is coupled to the mounting piece rigidly in the measuring direction and resiliently transversely to the measuring direction, and the scanning carriage is linearly guided in the measuring direction on the first and second guide faces and is pressed against the first and second guide faces. A pressure force is generated by a magnetic force between at least one first element of the scanning carriage and a second element provided on the housing. |
| US07658013B2 |
Support assembly for a counter weight of a laser level
A support assembly for a counter weight of a laser level is disposed in a main body of the laser level for supporting the counter weight with a laser module mounted therein in the main body. The support assembly includes a fixing unit and a universal bearing. The fixing unit is disposed in the main body and the universal bearing is mounted in the fixing unit. The counter weight has a shaft portion formed on an upper end thereof and connected with the universal bearing. The counter weight is swingingly supported in the main body by the universal bearing. Basing on the structure, the present invention has a simple structure for easy assembly and disassembly, thereby being manufactured, maintained and corrected conveniently. |
| US07658008B2 |
Injection molded magnesium convertible top stack
A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended. |
| US07658006B2 |
Method of manufacturing a handle for a beverage dispensing head
In a method of manufacturing a beverage dispensing head, a first section is molded to include an exit channel and a first portion of a valve bore. A second section is molded to include an entry channel, a passage through the second section, and a second portion of the valve bore. A third section is molded to include a passage through the third section and a third portion of the valve bore. The first section is mated with the second section and the second section is mated with the third section to form a handle including a passageway therethrough. The mating of the first section with the second section and the second section with the third section aligns the first portion with the second portion and the second portion with the third portion to form the valve bore for the passageway. In addition, the entry channel is sealed to form a fluid entry aperture and a fluid entry conduit for the passageway. Further, the exit channel is sealed to form a portion of a fluid exit conduit for the passageway. Still further, the exit channel aligns with the passages to form a portion of the fluid exit conduit and to provide a fluid exit aperture for the passageway. After forming the handle, a valve assembly is placed within the valve bore, and a valve actuator assembly is mounted onto the handle. A nozzle is secured to the handle such that the fluid exit aperture communicates with the nozzle. |
| US07658005B2 |
Method for producing heat exchanger elements, heat exchanger elements and method for assembling such elements
A heat exchanger panel for a surface of a room, the panel having plate-type heat exchanger elements and having a heat exchanger pipe. The heat exchanger elements include two main surfaces facing away from each other and a peripheral surface linking the main surfaces, a fiber mat and a thin plaster layer. The plaster layer adheres to the fiber mat and the heat exchanger pipe extends at least partially within the plaster layer. The pipe has at least two connections in the area of the peripheral surface. |
| US07658001B1 |
Electrical connector for disk drive suspension assembly and method of non-contact solder attachment of same
A method for electrically connecting disk drive suspension assembly elements including positioning a first component having a first terminal with an edge adjacent to a second component having a second terminal and applying solder to form a solder joint over the edge of the first terminal and onto the second terminal. Heat to melt the solder is provided from a source that is physically remote from the components. |
| US07657999B2 |
Method of forming an electrical circuit with overlaying integration layer
In a method of forming an electrical circuit assembly, a substrate is provided including a plurality of first segments that form an electrical circuit. The first segments have surfaces that rise above surfaces of other segments that form the electrical circuit. All of the segments are deposited on the substrate via one or more shadow mask vapor deposition processes in a vacuum. A photoresist caused to cover all of the segments is hardened and then abraded until surfaces of the first segments are exposed, but surfaces of the other segments are not exposed, and a surface of the abraded photoresist is at the same level as the exposed surfaces of the first segments. Second segments can be deposited on the exposed surfaces of the first segments via a shadow mask vapor deposition process in a vacuum to a level above the top surface of the abraded photoresist. |
| US07657996B2 |
Tube connecting apparatus and tube connecting method
A tube connecting apparatus capable of stably and reliably connecting tubes in which liquid is contained and sealed is provided. A tube connecting apparatus 1 equips a first tube-holding assembly 2 and a second tube-holding assembly 3, each holding tube 8, 9 in which blood is contained and sealed in a parallel state. A first clamp 6 and a second clamp 7, each pressing the tubes to a flat state, is provided at the first tube-holding assembly 2 and the second tube-holding assembly 3. A tube-pushing member 10 which presses the tubes to a flat state is disposed movably to and integrally with the first clamp 6 at a side of the second clamp 7. The tube connecting apparatus 1 has a cutting mechanism 4, disposed between the first clamp 6 and the second clamp 7, for melting and cutting the tubes, and has a movement mechanism which moves the first tube-holding assembly 2 and the second tube-holding assembly 3 such that end portions to be connected contact closely each other. |
| US07657994B2 |
Method for installing a switch pad
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assembling a first component, such as a switch pad, to a second component, such as a circuit board. |
| US07657991B2 |
Magnetization apparatus and magnetization method
A magnetization apparatus for magnetizing a magnetic material provided inside a yoke housing of a motor, which has a connector portion radially outward of the yoke housing, includes at least one pair of magnetization cores and a plurality of magnetization coils. The at least one pair of magnetization cores are provided to oppose to each other, wherein the at least one pair of magnetization cores have corresponding magnetization surfaces, which oppose to each other. The plurality of magnetization coils generate a magnetic field at the at least one pair of magnetization cores, wherein the plurality of magnetization coils magnetize the magnetic material in a state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces. The at least one pair of magnetization cores defines a receiving recess therein for receiving the connector portion of the motor in the state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces. |
| US07657987B2 |
Methods for the attachment of a functional element to a sheet metal part
A functional element for connection to a sheet metal part, and a method for connecting a functional element to a sheet metal part. The functional element includes a head part, a tubular rivet section extending from the head part and a tubular guide section disposed within the rivet section, with a portion of the guide section extending beyond the open end of the rivet section. When the sheet metal part is pre-holed, the portion of the guide section extending beyond the rivet section serves to dilate the pre-cut hole while centering the rivet section, and the functional element includes security components to provide an enhanced and stable connection as well as to secure against rotation. The guide section can be configured as a self-piercing component for use with a sheet metal part that is not pre-holed. |
| US07657984B2 |
Robot positioned welding tip dresser
A robot positioned welding tip dresser assembly includes a pivot arm pivotally mountable on a welding gun apparatus. The pivot arm is pivotal about a pivot point. A welding tip dresser is mounted on a distal end of the pivot arm. A first retaining tab extends from the pivot arm. The first retaining tab includes an opening extending therethrough. At least one positioning mechanism is disposed relative to the pivot point and is cooperable with the first retaining tab to retain the pivot arm in one of a home position and a working position. The first retaining tab is engagable by end-of-arm tooling of a robot. The end-of-arm tooling is operable to release the positioning mechanism, and movement of the robot moves the pivot arm between the home and working positions. |
| US07657983B2 |
Method of producing a topology-optimized electrode for a resonator in thin-film technology
In a method of producing an electrode for a resonator in thin-film technology, the electrode of the resonator is embedded in an insulating layer such that a surface of the electrode is exposed, and that a surface defined by the electrode and the insulating layer is substantially planar. |
| US07657982B2 |
Suction device for liquids, in particular hydroentangling machines
The invention relates to a suction device for liquids in hydroentangling machines, in which more than one water bar, which generate jets of liquid, are allocated to the exterior of the suction device. The suction device consists of a suction tube comprising one or more axial suction openings for each water bar, said openings being located along the working length of the tube. The liquid is sucked from the allocated water bar through said openings as a result of the negative pressure that is created in the tube. According to the invention, the suction openings that extend over the entire working width are configured to be sealed in relation to each respectively allocated water bar. |
| US07657976B2 |
Hanger
A hanger allows a height position of an object to adjusted easily after the object is hung when hanging the object using wire rope. The hanger includes wire rope inserted through a lock case and has a wire grip mechanism and a hook, wherein a height position of the lock case with respect to the wire rope can be adjusted after the object is hung on the hook. |
| US07657970B2 |
Device for preventing door slamming
A device for preventing door slamming including a housing that has a bore formed therein, a control element that slides in the bore, the control element having a bore formed therein, a plunger that slides in and out of the bore of the control element, the plunger being biased against a distal end of the bore of the control element by a biasing device, and a stopper element received in the plunger and extending into the control element, wherein a slamming force applied on the plunger dislodges the stopper element from the plunger so that the stopper element becomes lodged in the control element and the housing, thereby preventing the control element from sliding in the bore of the housing. |
| US07657967B2 |
Brush vibrating apparatus for vacuum cleaner
A brush vibrating apparatus for a vacuum cleaner. The brush vibrating apparatus includes a brush provided in a head portion of the vacuum cleaner and reciprocating and rotating for separating foreign substances from an object to be cleaned; support units provided on the head portion for rotatably supporting the brush; an elastic force supply unit installed between the brush and the support units for supplying elastic force from both sides of a center of the reciprocation of the brush to the center; and a driving force supply unit for supplying driving force, thereby minimizing noise and vibration generated from the reciprocation of the brush, thus allowing the vacuum cleaner to be operated in a smooth and calm state. |
| US07657964B2 |
Lift off tank handle latch
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface includes a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. Additionally the apparatus includes a solution tank, a recovery tank, both removable mounted to a handle, and a suction source. The solution tank supplies a flow of cleaning solution and the recovery tank receives dirt and liquid thorough fluid communication with the base portion and a suction nozzle secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the suction source to generate the suction. The solution tank has a fixedly secured carrying handle and the apparatus further includes a latch pivotally connected to the tank carrying handle and releasably connected to the handle for releasably latching the solution tank to the handle. Simultaneously grasping the latch and the tank carrying handle unlatches the solution tank from the handle. |
| US07657963B2 |
Wiper motor
By reducing thickness of a slidable contact member which is attached to an output shaft and a sector gear part and slidably contacts with a gear case, a wiper motor is downsized. A motive power conversion member comprises: an arm part rotatably connected to the worm wheel; and a sector gear part meshing with the output gear, wherein a gear shaft of the sector gear part is swingably supported with respect to the output shaft by a swinging plate. A first slidable contact member is mounted on a tip of the output shaft, and a second slidable contact part which is formed separately from the first slidable contact member is attached to a tip of the gear shaft, wherein the first slidable contact member and the second slidable contact part slidably contact with a cover of the gear case. |
| US07657956B2 |
Patient support
This disclosure described a patient support having an air permeable layer, a plurality of inflatable bladders, a pressure-sensing assembly and a controller. In one embodiment, a combination of transverse bladders and vertically oriented can-shaped bladders is provided. In one embodiment, one or more angle sensors are provided in articulatable sections of the patient support. |
| US07657955B1 |
Nursing pillow with privacy panels and integrated carrying case
A nursing pillow with integrated privacy panels that provide privacy to mothers while breast feeding infants. The pillow is U-shaped having a soft filler material and a pillow case. A neck strap helps keep the pillow close to the mother. The infant is supported on the pillow and kept in close proximity to the mother's body. The pillow folds in on itself for ease of transport and storage. |
| US07657954B1 |
Head and face covering apparatus
A head and face covering apparatus includes a flexible housing that defines a pillow case and is U-shaped. The housing includes a central portion and a pair of arms extending away from the central portion. The housing has an elongated opening therein. A pillow is removably extendable into the housing through the opening. A flexible head covering is attached to the housing and extends upwardly therefrom. The head covering includes a rear wall, a pair of lateral walls, and a top wall. The top and lateral walls form a continuous front edge defining an opening extending into a front side of the head covering. The rear and lateral walls are attached to the housing. The head covering has an internal volume greater than 1.0 cubic feet to allow a person's face to be encapsulated by the head covering when the person abuts their head against the rear wall. |
| US07657948B2 |
Pivotal shower device
A shower device includes a hollow frame having a coupler for engaging with a wall-mounted shower supply pipe and having two tubes attached to two end portions, a housing having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall and having two openings for rotatably receiving the tubes, a cover engaged with the housing and having two protrusions engaged with the openings of the housing and for anchoring the cover to the housing, a casing disposed in the housing and having two ports, and two distributors each having a pipe rotatably engaged into the tube and a mouth engaged with the port of the casing for supplying the water from the tubes into the chamber of the casing and then flowing out through the cover. |
| US07661147B2 |
System for controlling use of digitally encoded products
A method (300) and system for controlling use of software programs on multiple workstations of a network. An agent running on each workstation detects (306) any new process (using a kernel hooking technique), which is started in response to the request of execution of a program (397). The process is suspended (308) and an authorization to run the program is requested (334) to an associated metering server. The metering server compares (380) the current usage of the product with the respective authorized conditions of use, and answers (382) the agent granting or denying the authorization to run. The process is accordingly resumed (312), in order to enable the program to start, or aborted (315), so as to prevent execution of the program. In any case, the program is not stopped (but it is prevented from starting); this avoids killing the program while it is performing potentially risky operations. |
| US07661146B2 |
Method and system for providing a secure multi-user portable database
A system and method for providing, managing, and accessing a multi-user secure portable database using secure memory cards is provided. The database has a secure portion for storing security keys and a non-secure portion for encrypted data files. Access to the encrypted data files is controlled by assigning access rights through an access control matrix to each encrypted data file according to a hierarchical structure of users. A user requesting access is identified in the hierarchy, associated with a key for allowing the requested access, and the requested access allowed to a file in accordance with the rights allocated through the access control matrix. A patient can selectively grant access to encrypted medical records on his card to a physician. Authentication of the owner/patient is preferably required. Other records required by emergency medical personnel are readable from the same card without requiring permission from the patient. |
| US07661145B2 |
Method and apparatus for copy protection for applications
A copy protection technique is described which enables the content (14) of an application file (4, 20), for example, provided by a licensed game provider, to be copy protected without action having to be taken at the time of encoding the application file onto a DVD or other optical disc. DSV data patterns, that is data patterns which are difficult to encode without causing DSV problems, are to be incorporated in the application file (4, 20). It is expected that sophisticated encoders (8) at games console manufacturers will be able, for example, by using look-ahead techniques, to encode and apply the application to the glass master (10) in a manner such that the encoded data will not cause DSV problems. However, if an attempt is made to read the data on the original disc, for example, for copying purposes, the DSV data patterns will cause a CD or DVD writer to encode the data onto the copy disc in a manner which renders the resultant copy disc effectively unplayable. The DSV data patterns may be incorporated in an application file (20) within information, or in control data therof (FIG. 5). |
| US07661144B2 |
Apparatus and method for moving contents having a restricted number of copies between storage media
A method of managing content, the method being performed by a device including an analyzing unit and a control unit. The method includes judging, via the analyzing unit, whether the content can be moved to an external entity based on moving control information, the moving control information being different from copy control information indicating whether the copy of the content is permitted, determining whether an authentication with the external entity is needed in order to move the content to the external entity, if the judging step judges that the content can be moved, and controlling, via the control unit, a moving operation of the content to the external entity such that the content can be moved to the external entity without the authentication if the determining step determines the authentication is not needed. |
| US07661136B1 |
Detecting anomalous web proxy activity
A method, system and apparatus for detecting anomalous web proxy activity by end-users are disclosed. The techniques include analyzing records from a web proxy log and determining whether the records contain anomalous end-user activity by inspecting a uniform resource locator and a connect instruction included therein. The techniques also include generating an alert in response to the analysis. |
| US07661135B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for gathering trace data indicative of resource activity
An apparatus, system, and method are provided for gathering trace data indicative of resource activity on a computer system. The present invention includes a monitoring module that initiates one or more activity monitors on a target computer system to detect different types of resource activity. A determination module determines activity indicators involving resources of the target computer system using the one or more activity monitors. The activity indicators may comprise a variety of information useful in identifying one or more separate resource activities. A collection module organizes the activity indicators into trace data representative of the resource activity. Preferably, the monitoring module, determination module, and collection module operate continuously on the target computer system. In this manner, the trace data includes an accurate set of both current activity indicators as well as historical activity indicators. |
| US07661128B2 |
Secure login credentials for substantially anonymous users
Methods and apparatus for secure communications. The techniques feature receiving over the first connection a login credential for the server, generated by the server without the use of any information identifying a computer user. The techniques further feature establishing a second secure connection with the server using a secure protocol and the login credential provided by the server. |
| US07661127B2 |
Instrument access control system
A system for centrally managing a set of network-connected laboratory instruments is disclosed. For example, the system includes a centralized database that includes information about the instruments in the system and about the authorized users of the system. In particular, the centralized database indicates which users are authorized to use each of the instruments in the system. The database may also include information about the operations that each user is authorized to perform using the instruments and information indicating whether tests performed by each instrument must be signed using one or more electronic signatures. The system may recognize a number of “roles,” each of which is associated with a particular set of rights, and may assign one or more roles to each user. Instruments and other elements of the system may access the centralized database over a network to enforce the user rights represented by the information in the database. |
| US07661125B2 |
System for providing and utilizing a network trusted context
A system for establishing a connection between a data server and a middleware server is disclosed. The system includes defining a plurality of trust attributes corresponding to a trusted context between the middleware server and the data server and validating the plurality of trust attributes against a plurality of attributes corresponding to the middleware server. The plurality of attributes provided in a connection request. The system also includes establishing the trusted context based on the validating the plurality of trust attributes. |
| US07661123B2 |
Security policy update supporting at least one security service provider
Security policy update supporting at least one security service provider includes each of one or more security service providers receiving a set of new rules to be enforced as part of a new security policy. Each security service provider processes the new rules in order to be ready to begin using the new rules, but continues to use the previous set of rules until instructed to begin using the new rules. When all of the one or more security service providers are ready to begin using the new rules, they are instructed to begin using the new rules at which point all of the security service providers begin using the set of new rules substantially concurrently. |
| US07661122B2 |
Method and device for initializing cable card and channel list using reset menu on OSD screen
An apparatus and method are provided for initializing a cable card and a channel list using a reset menu on an OSD screen. The initialization of a cable card is achieved by receiving a cable card reset request through the reset menu on the OSD screen; and according to the cable card reset request, performing an initialization of the cable card. If a malfunction occurs in equipment, a user can initialize the cable card by selecting the reset menu on the OSD menu screen. |
| US07661121B2 |
In-band data recognition and synchronization system
A method and apparatus for recognizing and synchronizing to in-band data at a multimedia device is provided. A content stream includes in-band data. The in-band data is processed and in-band data pattern data associated with the content stream are created. Metadata are attached to the event identification data. The event identification data are provided to multimedia devices which receive broadcasted multimedia content streams containing video programs with in-band data. The in-band data are processed and compared to the event identification data. If a match occurs, the multimedia device uses the metadata to perform specified actions. |
| US07661118B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for classifying subscribers
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for classifying a subscriber. An event record is formed comprising at least one command from at least one subscriber and a time associated with the at least one command. Data describing the at least one event record is merged with data describing media programming to form data describing an event timeline that describes the at least one command and the media programming selected by the at least one subscriber over a period of time. Purchasing data describing the at least one subscriber's purchase is retrieved and compared to the data describing the event timeline. The at least one subscriber is classified in a category when the data describing the event timeline indicates that the at least one subscriber viewed an advertisement and the purchasing data indicates that the at least one subscriber afterwards purchased an advertised product or service. |
| US07661115B2 |
Method, apparatus and program storage device for preserving locked pages in memory when in user mode
A method, apparatus and program storage device for preserving locked pages in memory when in user mode. A user command daemon is provided for executing a command string received from a user application. A socket interface is disposed between the user command daemon and the application for routing signals between the user application and the user command daemon. The user command daemon provides a returned value to application for loading into memory without causing latencies to the running of the application. |
| US07661109B2 |
Transporting objects between a client and a server
An environment for developing clientside/serverside code is disclosed. The environment supports the perception that the server space and client space are seamlessly joined into a single program execution space. An outgrowth of the single execution space includes effective event handling on the server through enabling created objects to migrate effectively between the server and client. |
| US07661108B2 |
Messaging component configuration and deployment in an archived form
Embodiments provide mechanisms and methods for configuring a messaging component of an application. These mechanisms and methods can enable embodiments to configure message objects, i.e., software objects relating to messaging, with the messages. The ability of embodiments to configure message objects with messages can enable application developers, for example, to package custom code, for example, as message objects combined with messages and/or parameters into an archive convenient for distributing to one or more servers, clients or other computational entities. The distributed archive can be readily accessed by these computational entities, enabling embodiments to achieve improved configuration of the messaging component of a distributed system. |
| US07661105B2 |
Exception types within a secure processing system
An apparatus for processing data includes a processor operable in a plurality modes including at least one secure mode being a mode in a secure domain and at least one non-secure mode being a mode in a non-secure domain. When the processor is executing a program in a secure mode the program has access to secure data which is not accessible when the processor is operating in a non-secure mode. The processor is responsive to one or more exception conditions for triggering exception processing using an exception handler. The processor is operable to select the exception handler from among a plurality of possible exception handlers in dependence upon whether the processor is operating in the secure domain or the non-secure domain. |
| US07661102B2 |
Method for reducing binary image update package sizes
A system and method for reducing the update package size used to convert an original image into a new image based on the differences between the two images. From comparison of original and new images, an update package is generated which includes ADD and COPY operations. This design introduces a RELOCATE operation. The update encoder attempts to re-express submitted COPY operations with one or more RELOCATE operations whose total length exceeds that of the original COPY. If this is the case, the RELOCATE operation(s) have progressed further through the images than the original COPY operation, thus producing a smaller update package. Each individual RELOCATE operation includes a number of instructions and a number of data items to be relocated. |
| US07661098B2 |
Computer program optimization in a dynamic compilation environment
Dynamically compiled computer program code containing virtual calls can reduce the options for optimization during compilation. A virtual call can affect sections of the program code that are compiled subsequent to the virtual call. Therefore, the state under which the effected sections are to be executed may not be known at the time of compilation thus complicating optimization of these sections. If assumptions are made about the state of an effected section, then this section can be optimized. In order to provide proper operation of the executing program code given the optimization, a check of the validity of the assumptions is performed prior to execution of the optimized section. If an assumption does not hold true then the original un-optimized section can be executed to reduce adverse program performance. |
| US07661097B2 |
Method and system for analyzing source code
Methods and systems are provided for analyzing a source code. The method includes collecting function entry information during the execution of tests on the source codes. The function entry information is then converted into symbolic codes. The function calls are replaced by the elements of the symbolic codes in the source codes. The elements can be in the form of functions. Subsequently, static analysis is performed on the source code by using the mapping between the function calls and the functions in the source code. |
| US07661095B2 |
System and method to build a callgraph for functions with multiple entry points
A technique for building a callgraph for a software program that includes multiple function entry points using dynamic instrumentation. In one example embodiment, this is achieved by inserting function count probe code at each function entry point of each multiple entry function having multiple function entry points in the software program. Inter-entry point arc probe code is then inserted substantially before each arc source address of an arc. A performance analysis tool is then used to collect data resulting from execution of the software program including the function count probe code and the inter-entry point arc probe code and to obtain an actual function count value for each multiple entry function. A callgraph is then built using the obtained actual function count values. |
| US07661091B2 |
Extensible on-demand property system
A system and method for handling properties of objects is provided. More specifically, the system and method provide a dependency mechanism for expressing the relationship between the properties in a formal manner. This relationship may either be applied globally or locally. Using the dependency mechanism, the property system monitors relationships between properties and detects circularities between the different properties during runtime. The system and method also provide an evaluation mechanism for calculating a value for any of the properties. Because the property system is on-demand, the value need not be stored in local storage. The dependency mechanism and the evaluation mechanism are extensible, which allows the property system to model any type of relationship, such as a direct relationship, inheritance, reverse inheritance, property sheets, encapsulation, and the like. |
| US07661089B2 |
Tools for stacking uncoordinated software projects
A tool is provided for addressing a number of issues related to assembling software stacks including multiple uncoordinated components such as open source projects. The tool identifies individual projects for stacking, manages dependency relationships and provides an intuitive graphical interface to assist a user. A project filter is also provided for controlling access to or installation of projects in accordance with filter criteria. In this manner, compliance with internal policies regarding the use of open source or other software is facilitated. |
| US07661088B2 |
Systems and methods to efficiently and automatically effect population of custom controls onto a visual designer toolbox
The subject invention provides for a system and/or methodology that automatically effects populating a visual designer toolbox with predefined custom controls. In accordance with aspects of the subject invention, a user (or application) can program a binary definition of a desired custom control. The subject invention can scan the binary to identify the control and transfer the control onto the toolbox. Once populated onto the toolbox, a user can quickly and easily transfer (e.g., click and drag) the controls onto a form within a project as desired. |
| US07661087B1 |
Yield analysis with situations
Systems, methodologies and technologies for the analysis and transformation of integrated circuit layouts using situations are disclosed. A method for transforming an integrated circuit (IC) layout includes recognizing shapes within the IC layout, identifying features for each of the shapes and extracting situations for the respective features. Extracted situations can be used to improve optical proximity correction (OPC) of the IC layout. This improved OPC includes extracting the situations, simulating the situations to determine a set of the situations identified for modification based on failing to satisfy a desired OPC tolerance level, modifying the set of situations to improve satisfaction of the desired OPC tolerance level, and reintegrating the modified set of situations into the IC layout. Extracted situations can also be used to improve aerial image simulation of the IC layout. This improved aerial image simulation includes extracting the situations, simulating a subset of the situations to determine aerial images of the subset, and tiling the subset of situations to form a larger aerial image. Extracted situations can further be used to improve density analysis of the IC layout. This improved density analysis includes extracting the situations for a window of the IC layout, removing overlap from the window based on the extracted situations, calculating a density for each of the situations, and calculating a density for the window based on the density for each of the situations. |
| US07661086B1 |
Enhanced clock signal flexible distribution system and method
A diagonal offset clock signal distribution system and method are presented that facilitate maximized placement of a diagonal offset clock signal distribution tree. |
| US07661084B2 |
Implementing memory read data eye stretcher
A method and data receiver apparatus implement a high speed, such as double data rate (DDR), memory read data eye stretcher and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides is provided. Altering the reference level is performed to increase the size of the data eye. Knowledge of the previous data state is used to adjust the reference level for the current data being latched so that the data eye is maximized. |
| US07661083B2 |
Probabilistic noise analysis
A method of determining whether voltage from an aggressor net exceeds a voltage threshold on a victim net design in an integrated circuit design. Probabilistic noise from the aggressor net on the victim net is calculated. The probabilistic noise is checked against the voltage threshold, and the victim net design is passed when the probabilistic noise does not exceed the voltage threshold. When the probabilistic noise does exceed the threshold, then an effective noise at a desired mean time to failure is computed, and the effective noise is checked against the voltage threshold. The victim net design is passed when the effective noise does not exceed the voltage threshold, and failed when the effective noise does exceed the threshold. |
| US07661076B2 |
Two dimensional trees to edit graph-like diagrams
Dynamically laying out a graphical diagram based on a graph-like visual language into a two dimensional tree-like structure to allow ease of user interaction with and optimal display. A graphical tree-like structure is displayed that includes at least one branch that starts at the root of the tree-like structure and includes one or more sub-portions that are configured to be modified in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The sub-portions represent an overall object model in terms of functional relationships and internal behaviors for one or more objects, attributes, operations, and associations. User input is received that modifies one or more of the sub-portions other than the end portion. Based on the user input, one or more sub-portions are modified horizontally, vertically, or both to allow for ease of user interaction, optimization of the display of the graphical tree-like structure or both. |
| US07661072B2 |
Accelerated scrolling
A system and method for accelerating scrolling of a display is disclosed. When a wheel of a wheeled pointing device is actuated by a user at a first rotational rate, the display in a window scrolls up or down one line at a time. When the wheel is rotated at a second rotational rate, the display in the window scrolls up or down multiple lines at a time. In additional embodiments, the scrolling technique shifts from one line at a time/multiple lines at a time to a page or pages at a time when the wheel is rotated for at a rotational rate for a minimum period of time. |
| US07661067B2 |
Method for providing quick responses in instant messaging conversations
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for allowing a user to quickly and directly responds to a turn in an instant messaging conversation. One or more instant messaging chat conversations are displayed to a user. User input is received selecting a turn in the one of more instant messaging chat conversations. Responsive to receiving the user input selecting a turn, a user input region is provided to the user, wherein the user input region is used to receive an instant message from the user. Upon the user entering an instant message into the user input region, the message is sent to a set of participants in the instant messaging chat conversation. |
| US07661066B2 |
Visual administrator providing java management bean support
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for a visual administrator providing Java management bean (MBean) support. According to one embodiment, a representation of a plurality of MBeans is displayed on a graphical user interface of a computing device. One of the plurality of MBeans may be selected with the graphical user interface. In an embodiment, an attribute of the selected MBean is accessed with the graphical user interface. In an embodiment, an operation of the selected MBean is invoked with the graphical user interface. |
| US07661060B2 |
Multimedia reproducing apparatus and method
An apparatus for controlling the reproduction of multimedia includes an input unit for receiving a SMIL document, a SMIL analyzer for analyzing the SMIL document and generating a DOM tree based thereon, a control table generator for generating a predetermined control table with reference to the DOM tree and a media reproducing unit for reproducing a media data of the SMIL document. The apparatus also includes a controller for controlling the media reproducing unit with reference to the control table. A method for controlling reproduction of multimedia also analyzes a SMIL document. Through the apparatus and method, the multimedia data is effectively controlled in a limited resource system in which a multi-processing is not supported. |
| US07661057B2 |
Clocking Chien searching at different frequency than other Reed-Solomon (RS) ECC decoding functions
Clocking Chien searching at different frequency than other Reed-Solomon (RS) ECC decoding functions. An efficient implementation allows for a fast clock signal to govern the operation of the more computationally and time-intensive portions of the error correction code (ECC) time budget. For example, at least one module and/or decoding function within the ECC decoding is governed by using a first clock signal, and at least one other module and/or decoding function (or all the other modules and/or decoding functions) is/are governed by using a second clock signal. In one implementation of Reed-Solomon (RS) decoding, the Chien searching function is operated using a faster clock signal than at least one other RS error correction decoding function thereby allowing for a significant reduction in area and power than other architectural trade-offs. |
| US07661054B2 |
Methods and arrangements to remap degraded storage blocks
Methods and arrangements to remap degraded storage blocks on, e.g., IDE/ATA drives are disclosed. Embodiments may comprise a host and/or a data storage device for, e.g., a handheld device. The host may comprise remapping logic. In many embodiments, the remapping logic may track degraded storage blocks as indicated by the data storage device. In several embodiments, the host may remap data from degraded storage blocks in response to indications from the data storage device that the degraded storage blocks have degraded to a point at which further use may risk loss of data. The data storage device may execute error correction code to acquire valid data and if error correction measures exceed a threshold, or are otherwise determined to be excessive, the data storage device may communicate the degradation of the storage block to the host. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed. |
| US07661051B2 |
System to reduce programmable range specifications for a given target accuracy in calibrated electronic circuits
An apparatus comprising a comparator circuit, a reference circuit, a plurality of elements and a logic circuit. The comparator circuit may be configured to generate a difference signal in response to (i) a reference signal and (ii) a test signal. The reference circuit configured to generate the reference signal in response to a first control signal. The plurality of elements may each be configured to generate an intermediate test signal. One of the intermediate test signals may be presented as the test signal by activating one of the test elements, in response to a second control signal. The logic circuit may be configured to generate (i) the first control signal and (ii) the second control signal, each in response to the difference signal. |
| US07661049B2 |
Integrated circuit with JTAG port, TAP linking module, and off-chip TAP interface port
An IC includes an IEEE 1149.1 standard test access port (TAP) interface and an additional Off-Chip TAP interface. The Off-Chip TAP interface connects to the TAP of another IC. The Off Chip TAP interface can be selected by a TAP Linking Module on the IC. |
| US07661047B2 |
Method and dual interlocked storage cell latch for implementing enhanced testability
A method and Dual Interlocked Storage Cell (DICE) latch for implementing enhanced testability, and a design structure on which the subject DICE latch circuit resides are provided. DICE latch includes an L1 latch and an L2 latch are coupled to the L1 latch. Each L1 latch and each L2 latch includes redundant latch structures. A separate output is provided with the redundant L2 latch. The DICE latch includes a Redundant Test Latch Enable (RTLE) input. Each L1 latch and each L2 latch includes a path selector control in the redundant latch structures controlled by the RTLE input providing each of the redundant latch structures in a scan path during a test mode. |
| US07661044B2 |
Method, apparatus and program product to concurrently detect, repair, verify and isolate memory failures
Method and system for repairing memory failure in a computer system in one aspect determines one or more test patterns and time duration for testing the new memory unit that replaced a failed memory unit. The test pattern is written to the new memory unit and read from the new memory unit. The read pattern is compared to the test pattern that was used to write. If the read test pattern and the written test pattern doe not match, a further repair action is taken. If they match, writing and reading of the test pattern repeats until the time duration for testing expires. The new memory unit may be configured as available for use when the write and read test completes successfully for the testing time duration. |
| US07661041B2 |
Test circuit and method for multilevel cell flash memory
A test device and method may be used to detect voltage, current or signals of a digital multilevel memory cell system or to test operation or performance by applying inputted voltages, currents or signals to the memory cell system. |
| US07661033B2 |
Method and system for establishing network connections
A method, computer readable medium and computer system for repairing a failed network connection between a client system and a network is disclosed. In a first aspect, the method preferably includes collecting real time connectivity information by the client system and utilizing the real time connectivity information by the client system to establish a connection with the network. In a second aspect, a computer system coupled to a network includes at least one network adapter for monitoring and collecting real time connectivity information from the network, memory for storing the real time connectivity information, and a processor coupled to the memory and to the at least one network adapter, where the processor is configured to execute program instructions for utilizing the real time connectivity information to repair a failed network connection between the computer system and the network. |
| US07661032B2 |
Adjusting sliding window parameters in intelligent event archiving and failure analysis
A computerized method, program product, and an autonomic data processing system that oversees real-time log data acquired by a logging application of an executing computer program. In response to an event occurring, the logging application communicates the occurrence of the event to an event correlation engine, and invokes a window-resizing module. If the event is part of a symptom of processing problems developing, then the window-resizing module immediately expands the amount of real-time log data that is retained in temporary memory to include not log data including the event but also log data during the time duration of the symptom. In conjunction with a information level module, the granularity or level of information of the log data that is archived increases immediately upon the event so that not only is more time of the log-data but also a higher information level of the log data is saved for symptom analysis and verification. It is contemplated that the method, program product, and the autonomic data processing system may be in a learning mode to acquire data and recognize events that constitute a symptom. |
| US07661031B2 |
Correlating macro and error data for debugging program error event
A solution for managing a program execution is provided. During execution of a program, macro data and error data can be generated and stored. The macro data includes a set of execution entries, each of which includes data for a user interface task for a user interface object and a time for the user interface task. The error data, if any, includes a set of failure entries, each of which includes data for an error event and a time for the error event. A failure entry can be subsequently correlated with at least one execution entry based on the corresponding times. Further, relationship data and/or the like can be used to generate a test case, which can enable the user interface tasks that led up to the error event to be recreated. |
| US07661028B2 |
Rolling cache configuration for a data replication system
Performing data management operations on replicated data in a computer network. Log entries are generated for data management operations of an application executing on a source system. Consistency point entries are used to indicate a time of a known good, or recoverable, state of the application. A destination system is configured to process a copy of the log and consistency point entries to replicate data in a replication volume, the replicated data being a copy of the application data on the source system. When the replicated data represents a known good state of the application, as determined by the consistency point entries, the destination system(s) may perform a storage operation (e.g., snapshot, backup) to copy the replicated data and to logically associate the copied data with a time information (e.g., time stamp) indicative of the source system time when the application was in the known good state. |
| US07661025B2 |
Method of ensuring consistent configuration between processors running different versions of software
A method of establishing and maintaining a consistent configuration state of a first processor, running on a first version of operating software, and a second processor, running on a second version of operating software, is described. The method involves determining a current configuration state of the first processor, where the configuration state comprises a list of configuration commands. The method also involves performing a syntax check for each command in the current configuration, using the second processor and the second version of operating software, with the syntax check resulting in a pass or a fail result. For every command which results in a fail result, an entry is added to a mismatched configuration list (MCL). Embodiments of this invention can be utilized to keep the configurations consistent during an upgrade or downgrade of the operating software. |
| US07661022B2 |
System for error handling in a dual adaptor system where one adaptor is a master
Provided is a system for processing Input/Output (I/O) requests to a storage network including at least one storage device and at least two adaptors, wherein each adaptor is capable of communicating I/O requests to the at least one storage device. An error is detected in a system including a first adaptor, wherein the first adaptor is capable of communicating on the network after the error is detected. In response to detecting the error, a master switch timer is started that is less than a system timeout period if the first adaptor is the master. An error recovery procedure in the system including the first adaptor would be initiated after the system timeout period has expired. An operation is initiated to designate another adaptor in the storage network as the master if the first adaptor is the master in response to detecting an expiration of the master switch timer. |
| US07661019B2 |
Method and apparatus for seamless management for disaster recovery
A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and system are presented for establishing redundant computer resources. According to one embodiment, in a system including a plurality of processor devices and a plurality of storage devices, the processor devices, the storage devices and the management server being connected via a network, the method comprises storing device information relating to the processor devices and the storage devices and topology information relating to topology of the network, identifying at least one primary computer resource, selecting at least one secondary computer resource suitable to serve as a redundant resource corresponding to the at least one primary computer resource based on the device information and the topology information, and assigning the at least one secondary computer resource as a redundant resource corresponding to the at least one primary computer resource. |
| US07661017B2 |
Diagnostic operations within a switched fibre channel arbitrated loop system
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture wherein at least a first zone is maintained in a fibre channel arbitrated loop system, and wherein a plurality of storage devices is included in the first zone. A determination is made that diagnostic operations have to be performed on a storage device that is included in the plurality of storage devices. A second zone is generated, wherein the second zone includes the storage device on which the diagnostic operations have to be performed, and wherein the storage device is removed from the plurality of storage devices in the first zone leaving a remaining set of storage devices in the first zone. Diagnostic operations are performed on the storage device in the second zone while other operations are performed on the remaining set of storage devices in the first zone. |
| US07661014B2 |
Network storage appliance with integrated server and redundant storage controllers
A network storage appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a chassis enclosing a backplane, and a server enclosed in the chassis and coupled to the backplane. The appliance also includes storage controllers enclosed in the chassis, each coupled to the backplane, which control transfer of data between the server and storage devices coupled to the storage controllers. The storage controllers also control transfer of data between the storage devices and computers networked to the appliance and external to the appliance. The storage controllers and the server comprise a plurality of hot-replaceable blades. Any one of the plurality of blades may be replaced during operation of the appliance without loss of access to the storage devices by the computers. In one embodiment, the server executes storage application software, such as backup software for backing up data on the storage devices, such as to a tape device networked to the server. |
| US07661012B2 |
Spare device management
Provided are techniques for spare device management. Candidate devices are sorted into spare coverage groups by type. One or more candidate devices having closest fitting characteristics of a desired type are identified from the spare coverage groups. The identified one or more candidate devices are assigned to be spare devices for the spare coverage group. It is determined whether a desired number of spare devices have been assigned to the spare coverage group. In response to determining that the desired number of spare devices have not been assigned, a spare device having the closest fitting characteristics for every predetermined number of candidate devices having the closest fitting characteristics is assigned, until the desired number of spare devices having the closest fitting characteristics are assigned. |
| US07661011B2 |
Method and apparatus for a variable processing period in an integrated circuit
The invention is a system for modifying the processing period in a digital logic module. The invention comprises the following. A processing circuit is configured to receive an input in order to create an output. A controller is coupled to the processing circuit and is configured to track L manipulations, wherein L is an integer. The controller is further configured to send a select signal to the processing circuit and to cause the processing circuit to manipulate the input over N clock cycles. N is an integer and N is less than or equal to L. N varies over the plurality of processing time periods. An output port is coupled to the processing circuit and is configured to convey the output. |
| US07661010B2 |
Apparatus and method for interfacing to a memory
A delay locked loop (DLL) is added to the system in order to provide an accurate, PVT insensitive translation of the drive clocks into the write data eye. Adding a master-slave DLL to the system provides an accurate, PVT insensitive translation of the echo clocks into the read data eye. Solidifying the timing critical drive and receive logic which directly interfaces to the I/O buffers reduces the pin-to-pin skews. Utilizing clock phase outputs of the DLL in the solidified drive and receive logic blocks reduces further the skew between the clock and related data signals, and also removes the reliance on a differential clock. The system allows a much more relaxed constraint on clock duty cycle. Design of circuitry within the solidified drive and receive logic blocks permits simple logic modeling for fit within an ASIC flow. Physical design of the solidified drive and receive logic blocks permits simple fit within ASIC place and route flows for increased ease of implementation and ease of reuse. |
| US07661009B2 |
Apparatus and methods for discriminating late software commands sent to hardware
Apparatus and methods for discriminating late software commands sent to hardware from software executed by a processor. The apparatus, in particular, includes a storage device configured to receive information concerning a timing requirement for software commands transmitted from a microprocessor, where the timing requirement is dependent on a system time. A time counter is also included and configured to determine the system time. The apparatus further includes a comparator configured to determine whether the timing requirement has been met, and a switching circuit configured to selectively allow the software command to be issued from the processor to a hardware circuit based on the determination of whether the timing requirement has been met. Complementary methods are also disclosed. |
| US07661007B2 |
Methods and systems for adjusting clock frequency
A method for adjusting clock frequency is disclosed. The method includes halting a central processing unit (CPU) while tuning a clock frequency, thereby enabling multiple clock signals with the tuned clock frequency to be generated. |
| US07661001B2 |
Information-signal encrypting apparatus and information-signal decrypting apparatus
In an apparatus for encrypting an information signal into an encryption-resultant signal, a first encryption key peculiar to the present apparatus is generated. Key information is read out from a replaceable recording medium. A decision is made as to whether or not the read-out key information has been generated by an apparatus different from the present apparatus. A second encryption key is generated in response to the read-out key information when it is decided that the read-out key information has been generated by an apparatus different from the present apparatus. One is selected from the first encryption key and the second encryption key as a final encryption key. An information signal is encrypted in response to the final encryption key. |
| US07660995B2 |
Access control system, authentication server, application server, and packet transmission device
A system for preventing spoofing to use a service provided on a network. The system holds correlation between a first identifier used by a user of a service provided on a network for first authentication for permitting a user to make connection to the network and a second identifier used for second authentication for permitting the user to use a service, holds correlation between a third identifier assigned to the user permitted to make connection to the network and the first identifier of the user, and checks the correlation between the second identifier and the third identifier contained in the packet for the second authentication. |
| US07660992B2 |
Electronic data storage system and method thereof
An electronic data storage system stores electronic data with attaching an electronic signature, and output the electronic data along with the attached electronic signature, which decreases the operation costs with a simple operation. By using a public key-based signature, a third party can verify the data, and by using a secret check code, the electronic signature at registration is always valid without risk of falsification. Also by attaching an electronic signature at access, the validity of the stored data is assured, and a third party can verify the data. By using all of these features, the verification by a third party becomes possible over the long term. In this way the long term storage of electronic data is implemented. |
| US07660989B2 |
System for, and method of, authenticating an electronic message to a recipient
A sewer provides a message from a sender to a recipient and an attachment including the sender's identity, the recipient's identity and address, and the time of transmission from the sewer to the recipient. The method includes receiving the message and attachment at a sewer displaced from the recipient's location from the recipient and operates upon the message and attachment to allow comparison between information contained in the attachment and/or the message to determine the authenticity of the message. |
| US07660988B2 |
Electronic notary
A process is disclosed for notarizing a document, by a client in the presence of a notary, comprising the steps of registering the notary, the client and the document, from a local workstation coupled to a central office, to provide for assigning at least one respective encryption key for identifying each of the notary, the client and the document to be notarized; associating in the central office, the respective encryption keys of the client with the notary and with the; generating a transaction code, based on the step of associating the respective encryption keys, for authorizing execution of the to provide the notarizing; executing the; and embedding selected ones of the respective encryption keys together with a notary seal in the document. |
| US07660987B2 |
Method of establishing a secure e-mail transmission link
A method of establishing an e-mail secure transmission link between an initiator and a responder for the transmission of secure e-mail messages over a network comprising creation of a unique initiator designator or number, generation of a unique initiator exchange key component including the unique initiator designator or number, transmission of a request from the initiator to the responder to establish the e-mail secure transmission link and the unique initiator exchange key component, acceptance of the request by the responder to establish the e-mail secure transmission link, creation of a unique responder designator or number, combining of the unique responder designator and the unique initiator exchange key component to create a unique initiator/responder exchange key at the responder site, generation of a unique responder exchange key component including the unique responder designation, transmission of the unique responder exchange key component from the responder to the initiator, combining the unique initiator designator with the unique responder exchange key component to create the unique initiator/responder exchange key at the initiator site and to establish the e-mail secure transmission link to send and receive e-mail between the initiator and the responder exchange with the unique initiator/responder exchange key. |
| US07660986B1 |
Secure control of security mode
A system to change security levels is used to change the level of security used in a secured processing system. The system uses a status indicator to designate the security level being implemented. The security level can be upgraded to allow a higher level of security to be implemented with relative ease. However, in order to change from a higher level of security to a lower level of security, an authorization code is utilized to confirm that the change in security is authorized. |
| US07660983B1 |
Method and apparatus for creating a secure communication channel among multiple event service nodes
An approach for establishing secure multicast communication among multiple event service nodes is disclosed. The event service nodes, which can be distributed throughout an enterprise domain, are organized in a logical tree that mimics the logical tree arrangement of domains in a directory server system. The attributes of the event service nodes include the group session key and the private keys of the event service nodes that are members of the multicast or broadcast groups. The private keys provide unique identification values for the event service nodes, thereby facilitating distribution of such keys. Because keys as well as key version information are housed in the directory, multicast security can readily be achieved over any number of network domains across the entire enterprise. Key information is stored in, and the logical tree is supported by, a directory service. |
| US07660981B1 |
Verifiable chain of transfer for digital documents
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, related to techniques for creating a chain of transfer for a digital document in which every transferor and transferee participates in the transfer. A first entity, e.g., an offeror with current control of the document, generates an offeror certificate associated with the digital document, and encrypts the offeror certificate with the offeror's private key. The offeror transmits the encrypted offeror certificate to a second entity, e.g., an offeree that will be the subsequent controller of the document. The offeree generates an offeree certificate from the offeror certificate, encrypts the offeree certificate with the offeree's private key, and transmits the encrypted offeree certificate to the offeror. When the offeror receives the offeree certificate, the offeror adds the offeree to a chain of transfer for the document and generates a transfer certificate for the offeree. |
| US07660977B2 |
System and method to control microcode updates after booting an operating system in a computing platform
An embodiment of the invention is meant to prevent/allow microcode updates after an operating system is booted on a platform. A processor includes a lock directive that, when set, prevents microcode updates to occur after the operating system has been booted. In an embodiment, the lock directive is read during boot of the processor. A lock indicator is then written to an accessible location so that an attempt to patch, or update, microcode after the operating system has booted will be prohibited if the lock indicator indicates that microcode patch updates are not allowed. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US07660976B2 |
Reduced read time in electronic apparatus and media control method in electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus is provided with a media reader for accessing a removable recording medium and performs initial processes for ensuring proper access to the recording medium. A memory retains its content even when the supply of power to the media reader is discontinued. The result of the initial processes is stored in the memory when the supply of power to the media reader is discontinued. When the supply of power to the media reader is resumed, the media reader accesses the recording medium by using the result of the initial processes held in the memory. |
| US07660974B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing performance, and computer product
In a performance analyzing apparatus, a setting unit sets an event of which the performance is desired to be monitored, a detecting unit detects an instruction address at the time of generation of an interrupt signal from a timer, and a calculating unit calculates a variation amount of a counted value by a hardware counter at a detected instruction address. The variation amount is accumulatively retained for each detected instruction address. A specifying unit specifies an instruction address that corresponds to the event, and a display unit displays a graph of the total variation amounts. |
| US07660967B2 |
Result data forwarding in parallel vector data processor based on scalar operation issue order
A computer processor is responsive to successive processing instructions in an issue order to process regular vectors to generate a result vector without use of a cache. At least two architectural registers having input-vector capability are selectively coupled to memory to receive corresponding vector-elements of two vectors and transfer the vector-elements to a selected functional unit. At least one architectural register having output capability is selectively coupled to an output, which in turn is coupled to transfer result vector-elements to the memory. The functional unit performs a function on the vector-elements to generate a respective result-element. The result-elements are transferred to a selected architectural register for processing as operands in performance of further functions by a functional unit, or are transferred to the output for transfer to memory. In either case, the order of the result vector-elements is restored to the issue order of the successive processing instructions.In some embodiments, restore order buffers operate with issue-order codes of result-elements in result registers and architectural registers to restore order to the result vector-elements for output to memory. |
| US07660965B2 |
Method to optimize effective page number to real page number translation path from page table entries match resumption of execution stream
A method, system and computer program product for optimizing EPN to RPN translation when a data miss occurs. The method, system and computer program product take advantage of the high-likelihood of finding the matching PTE in the first half of the PTEG and utilize early data-coming signals from the L2 cache to prime the data-flow pipe to the D-ERAT arrays and requesting a joint steal cycle for executing the write into the D-ERAT and a restart request for re-dispatching the next-to-complete instruction. |
| US07660964B2 |
Windowing external block translations
A buffer of block addresses for use by a client for read and write operations in a client-server system is maintained. Block addresses are maintained in the buffer and are streamed to the client in response to a request for the addresses to support a read or write operation. The quantity of addresses maintained in the buffer may be dynamically adjusted in response consumption of addresses for read and write operations. |
| US07660963B2 |
Interface device for debugging and/or tracing a computer system comprising one or multiple masters and one or multiple slaves working together
An interface device (D) is dedicated to debugging and/or tracing in a computer system (CS) comprising at least one master (M1, M2, M3) working with at least one slave (SLj) adapted to be readable and writable at chosen addresses, each master being adapted to execute tasks and to deliver slave addresses for reading and/or writing purposes. This interface device (D) comprises i) a group of first FIFO memories (SMi) each assigned to one master for storing data representative of the tasks it executes, ii) a group of dynamically allocatable second FIFO memories (DFk) linkable to one another and to the first FIFO memories (SFi), and iii) processing means (PM) arranged to compute dynamically the FIFO memory size required by each master at a given time, considering the tasks it is executing, and to allocate dynamically a number of second FIFO memories (DFk) to each master chosen according to the corresponding computed FIFO memory size. |
| US07660958B2 |
Maintaining consistency for remote copy using virtualization
Provided are a system and article of manufacture for copying storage, wherein a first unit receives data updates from a second unit. The data updates are stored in a plurality of physical storage locations associated with the first unit. Links are generated to at least one of the plurality of physical storage locations to achieve consistent data between the first unit and the second unit. |
| US07660956B1 |
Save set bundling for staging
Backing up data blocks is disclosed. An indication that a first set of one or more backed up data blocks are related at an application level to one or more other sets of one or more backed up data blocks is received. An associating data that associates the first set of backed up data blocks with the one or more other sets of backed up data blocks is stored. The associating data is used to ensure that the first set and the one or more other sets remain stored together. |
| US07660955B2 |
Node polling in consistency group formation
Provided are a method, system, deployment and program for managing data transfer in consistency group formation. In one embodiment, nodes are periodically polled to determine traffic conditions. An estimated drain time for a node such as the most congested node, for example, is compared to a drain time limit and if within a vicinity of the drain time limit, operations switch to a consistency group formation mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07660954B2 |
Techniques for saving data
The invention concerns a system for saving data derived from a mainframe characterized in that it comprises a computer equipment including an input/output interface for exchanging data with the guest computer, said interface comprising a backup document reader/inscriber emulator, at least one intermediate storage device and a tape document reader/inscriber, the equipment further comprising a processor for transfer between the input/output interface or the intermediate storage device and the key-to-tape reader/inscriber, the system further including a supervisor comprising a storage unit for recording data concerning key-to-tape recordings of the computer equipment, and for controlling said computer equipment according to instructions coming from the guest computer. |
| US07660952B2 |
Data bus bandwidth scheduling in an FBDIMM memory system operating in variable latency mode
A method and system for scheduling the servicing of data requests, using the variable latency mode, in an FBDIMM memory sub-system. A scheduling algorithm pre-computes return time data for data connected to all DRAM buffer chips and stores the return time data in a table. The return time data is expressed as a set of data return time binary vectors with one bit equal to “1” in each vector. For each received data request, the memory controller retrieves the appropriate return time vector. Additionally, the scheduling algorithm utilizes an updated history vector representing a compilation of data return time vectors of all executing requests to determine whether the received request presents a conflict to the executing requests. By computing and utilizing a score for each request, the scheduling algorithm re-orders and schedules the execution of selected requests to preserve as much data bus bandwidth as possible, while avoiding conflict. |
| US07660949B2 |
Exactly once cache framework
A system for managing objects in a clustered network includes a file system containing at least one copy of a data object. The system can include several clustered servers in communication with the file system. A distributed consensus algorithm is used to select a host server. The selected host server can contain a copy of the data object, such as in local cache, providing access to the local copy to any other server in the cluster. Any change made to an item hosted by the host server can also be updated in the file system. If the host server becomes unable to host the object, a new host can be chosen using the distributed consensus algorithm. The other servers are then notified of the new host by multicast messaging. |
| US07660944B2 |
Random number generation
A controller for controlling the operation of a hard disk drive is capable of generating a random number using the hard disk drive. Initially the hard disk drive is disabled from performing a read-ahead operation. Random addresses on the hard disk drive are generated from the output of the pseudo-random number generator. Read-verify commands is sent to the hard disk drive to perform a read-verify operation of reading and verifying the data stored in the sectors of the hard disk drive at the random addresses without returning the data. The disk access times taken by the hard disk drive to access the sectors are measured. A deskewing process is performed on a plural number of disk access time measurements to generate a random number. |
| US07660943B2 |
Data storage drive for automated data storage library
A method, system, and a device have a data storage drive for an automated data storage library in which a data storage drive may have in one embodiment, both a host-drive interface port and a host-library interface port. In one aspect, drive commands from a host system are conducted primarily through the host-drive interface port and a host-drive interface path to a drive controller of the data storage drive. In addition, library commands from the host system to a library controller may be conducted primarily through the host-library interface port and a host-library interface path to a library communication port of the data storage drive. In one embodiment, the drive commands from a host system are conducted primarily through the host-drive interface port and the host-drive interface path to a drive controller of the data storage drive. In addition, the library commands from a host system are conducted primarily through the host-library interface port and the host-library interface path to the library communication port of the data storage drive. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07660942B2 |
Daisy chainable self timed memory chip
A memory chip suitable for use in a daisy chain of memory chips. Timing of an array on the memory chip is dynamically determined by circuitry on the memory chip that tracks an access timing of the array. The memory chip is configured to receive an address/command word, determine if the address/command word is directed to the memory chip. If so, the array on the memory chip is accessed according to the address command word. If the address/command word is not directed to the memory chip, the memory chip re-drives the address/command word from an output of the memory chip. |
| US07660941B2 |
Two-level RAM lookup table for block and page allocation and wear-leveling in limited-write flash-memories
A restrictive multi-level-cell (MLC) flash memory prohibits regressive page-writes. When a regressive page-write is requested, an empty block having a low wear-level count is found, and data from the regressive page-write and data from pages stored in the old block are written to the empty block in page order. The old block is erased and recycled. A two-level look-up table is stored in volatile random-access memory (RAM). A logical page address from a host is divided by a modulo divider to generate a quotient and a remainder. The quotient is a logical block address that indexes a first-level look-up table to find a mapping entry with a physical block address that selects a row in a second-level look-up table. The remainder locates a column in the row in the second-level look-up table. If any page-valid bits above the column pointed to by the remainder are set, the write is regressive. |
| US07660937B2 |
Emulating a USB host controller
In at least some embodiments, a method comprises emulating a Universal Serial Bus (USB) host controller at a computer system. The method further comprises using the emulated USB host controller to interface a remote management console with the computer system. |
| US07660935B2 |
Network bridge
A network bridge with a configuration and control unit. The unit is connected to some or all of the functional components of the network bridge via interfaces. The unit may poll and evaluate data within the functional components, including operating data and/or parameters. The unit may manipulate the data and/or parameters within the functional components, based on the evaluation of that data. |
| US07660933B2 |
Memory and I/O bridge
The present invention is directed to an improved memory and I/O bridge that provides an improved interface for communicating data between the data bus of the system processor and the memory controller. The memory and I/O bus bridge according to the present invention provides increased performance in the system. The memory and I/O bridge can include a deep memory access request FIFO to queue up memory access requests when the memory controller is busy. The memory and I/O bridge can include a memory write data buffer for holding and merging memory write operations to the same page of memory. The memory and I/O bridge can include a memory read data buffer for holding and queuing data and instructions read from memory, waiting to be forward to the data bus. The memory data read buffer can operate in one or more software selectable prefetch modes, which can cause one or more pages to be read in response to a single memory read instruction. The memory read data buffer can satisfy memory read request for data or instructions already held in the memory read buffer without reading the data or instructions from memory. The memory read data buffer can also provide for data coherency with respect the memory write data buffer and the external memory. The memory and I/O bridge can also include performance counters for tracking information about the performance of the memory and I/O bridge in order to tune the software operation and determine the optimum prefetch mode for a given application. |
| US07660927B2 |
Apparatus and method to control access to stored information
A method is disclosed to control access to stored information. The method supplies a control unit in communication with a computing device and in communication with stored information. If the computing device requests access to that stored information, the method determines if access to the stored information is available. When access to the stored information becomes available, then the method reserves a communication pathway interconnecting the control unit and the requesting computing device, thereby disallowing the sending of non-MPLF unsolicited status via that reserved communication pathway, and provides a message to the computing device, using that reserved communication pathway, granting access to the stored information. |
| US07660926B2 |
Apparatus and method for a core for implementing a communications port
There is described an apparatus and method for implementing a communications port. The apparatus comprises a core, which is operable to divide the port into a plurality of sub-ports by dividing a data transfer capacity of the port among the plurality of sub-ports using time division multiplexing. Each sub-port is allocated a corresponding data transfer capacity. |
| US07660923B2 |
Embedded system design through simplified add-on card configuration
Methods for configuring an embedded system are described. One method includes connecting a plurality of add-on cards to a circuit board having a programmable processor. The programmable processor is configured to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards. At least one add-on card connects to a circuit board utilizing two or more connectors. The method also includes determining an identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards, where the identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards is used to generate a configuration image. Further included is configuring the programmable processor to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards by obtaining the configuration image. In some examples, the programmable processor is an FPGA. |
| US07660919B2 |
System and method for dynamically assigning I/O priority
A system for controlling I/O transfers includes a host system or initiator including an adapter driver layer; and a storage controller. The storage controller includes a priority store and an operation queue. The adapter driver is selectively responsive to a datapath command from an initiator application for setting a default I/O priority for a specified logical unit, for storing the default I/O priority for the logical unit to a priority store of the storage controller, and selectively responsive to a data transfer command from an initiator application for storing the data transfer command to the storage controller. The storage controller is responsive to the datapath command for storing the I/O priority default value for the logical unit to the priority store; and responsive to the data transfer command with respect to the logical unit for queuing the data transfer command for execution based on the I/O priority default value. |
| US07660915B2 |
Input/output device with configuration, fault isolation and redundant fault assist functionality
A process control system is provided having a plurality of I/O devices in communication using a bus. A primary redundant I/O device and a secondary redundant I/O device are coupled to the bus, where the secondary redundant I/O device is programmed to detect a primary redundant I/O device fault. The secondary redundant I/O device, upon detecting the primary redundant I/O device fault, publishes a primary redundant I/O device fault message on the bus. The controller may deactivate the primary redundant I/O device and activate the secondary redundant I/O device responsive to the primary redundant I/O device fault message. |
| US07660914B2 |
Auxiliary display system architecture
Described is an architecture by which application programs can provide data to auxiliary display devices of essentially any type for display to a user. A defined application layer (e.g., accessed via interfaces) allows programs to provide data to a service that controls the output of data to an auxiliary display device, and returns navigational data to the application upon appropriate user interaction with the device via actuators. Enumeration allows applications to discover the capabilities of a device, while arbitration determines which application has input-output rights to the device. The architecture further provides a protocol layer including pluggable protocol proxies that allow various types of displays to serve as an auxiliary display. This platform-like model allows program developers the ability provide programs that leverage auxiliary displays when available, and provides display manufacturers the ability to provide displays with extensible capabilities. |
| US07660911B2 |
Block-based data striping to flash memory
In various embodiments, options for data striping to FLASH memory are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an SATA to ATA bridge, an ATA to USB bridge coupled to the SATA to ATA bridge, and a USB interface coupled to the ATA to USB bridge. The apparatus also includes a first FLASH memory controller coupled to the USB interface. The apparatus further includes a first FLASH memory module coupled to the first FLASH memory controller. The apparatus also includes a second FLASH memory controller coupled to the USB interface and a second FLASH memory module coupled to the second FLASH memory controller. A method for block striping data to or from a plurality of read or write channels. |
| US07660908B2 |
Implementing virtual packet storage via packet work area
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing virtual packet storage via packet work area (PWA) in a network processor system. A mapping area including a packet work area and a corresponding set of packet segment registers (PSRs) are provided. A PSR is loaded with a Packet ID (PID) and a packet translation unit maps the packet data into the corresponding PWA. The PWA address defining an offset into the packet is translated into a physical address. The packet translation unit redirects loads and stores of the PWA into the correct data buffer or buffers in system memory. Packets include one or more data buffers that are chained together, using a buffer descriptor providing the packet physical address. The buffer descriptor points to a data buffer for the packet and to a next buffer descriptor. |
| US07660906B1 |
Data delivery system and method
A data delivery system and method of the present invention according to one embodiment includes establishing connections between computers regardless of NAT, transporting data between computers in a reliable fashion, creating a secure stream of packets from stored or streaming data on a server, organizing a plurality of computers to cooperatively transport secure packet streams, transporting and correcting secure packet streams in a cooperative environment, and rendering the original stored or streaming data from a secure packet stream thereby reducing demand on the server. |
| US07660904B2 |
Providing keys to share data within an instant messaging session
Sharing data within an instant messaging session is described. A user participating in an instant messaging session may request a data access key. The key, which provides access to data associated with the user, may then be transmitted via the instant messaging session to one or more other participants in the instant messaging session. The other instant messaging session participants can then use the key to access, via the instant messaging session, the data associated with the user. Users may be granted various levels of access to another user's data. |
| US07660901B1 |
Method and apparatus for defining a user specific configuration environment
A method for identifying an expected configuration environment defined by configuration parameters typically employed by a user, and seamlessly applying the configuration environment to subsequent network transaction requests of the user, regardless of the network access point from which the transaction request emanates, provides remote network access according to the expectations of the user. Each user has an independent configuration environment stored in a memory accessible by a data communications device. The data communications device identifies a connection as emanating from a particular user, and applies the corresponding configuration environment from the memory to network transaction requests from the user. In this manner, the user perceives the same treatment by the network when connecting in the home office as well as via a remote connection such as from a hotel, airport, or cybercafe. Accordingly, attempts to access the network from a remote network access point will not impede the user because the expectations of the user about the network will be unchanged from the home office network access point. |
| US07660899B2 |
Web site cobrowsing
Cobrowsing web sites by two or more users is disclosed. For a cobrowsing session between a first client of a first user and a second client of a second user, the cobrowsing session is first initiated. The first user browses a web site on the first client. The first client sends to the second client a synchronization message. The synchronization message indicates one or more commands reflecting the browsing performed by the first user. The second client receives the synchronization message, and cobrowses the web site in accordance with the message and its included commands. Cobrowsing continues until the cobrowsing session is terminated. The commands of the synchronization message allow for fine granularity of cobrowsing. |
| US07660896B1 |
Method of load balancing edge-enabled applications in a content delivery network (CDN)
A method and system of load balancing application server resources operating in a distributed set of servers is described. In a representative embodiment, the set of servers comprise a region of a content delivery network. Each server is the set typically includes a server manager process, and an application server on which edge-enabled applications or application components are executed. As service requests are directed to servers in the region, the application servers manage the requests in a load-balanced manner, and without any requirement that a particular application server be spawned on-demand. |
| US07660892B2 |
Network analysis system and method
A system for analyzing a packet-based network includes a wireless network analysis processing device that is configured to receive correlated packet records representative of the order in which corresponding packets are transmitted in a wireless network. The correlated packet records include media access control (MAC) layer data and network layer data for each corresponding packet. The MAC layer data and network layer data are processed to generate network topology data representative of the network topology, generate packet flow data representative of the flow of packets between devices at the MAC layer and across the network at the network layer, and measurement data relating to the packet flow data. |
| US07660887B2 |
Systems and methods for providing dynamic quality of service for a distributed system
Methods and systems consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention provide a dynamic service delivery system based on a capability to provide services through a distributed system using qualitative and quantitative Quality of Service (QoS) attributes. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for providing a service that includes collecting capability information reflecting a current operating condition of a compute resource and determining a platform capability and a measurable capability value for a depletion-oriented characteristic of the compute resource based on the collected capability information. Based on at least one of the platform capability and the measurable capability value; a capability value for the compute resource is determined and this value is provided to a provision manager that determines whether the compute resource is worthy of being an available resource in the distributed system based on the capability value. Additionally, the provision manager may determine which of a plurality of services provided by compute resources is more capable of handling a service request based on service capability values corresponding to platform capabilities and/or the depletion-oriented characteristics of each of the compute resources. |
| US07660884B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for generating a resource utilization description for a parallel data processing system
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for generating a resource utilization description for a parallel data processing system. The method comprises developing a system model using the data flow graph for a target data processing job. The system model is then tuned based on a sample data set. The tuned system model is utilized to calculate the resource utilization description for the target data processing job. The resource utilization description may include disk space usage, scratch space usage, and processor utilization for each partition in the system. The method may further include determining a more efficient data flow graph to achieve the same results of the target data processing job. |
| US07660881B2 |
Telecommunication system architecture for extended open service access to multiple heterogeneous networks
A telecommunication system providing extended open service access to multiple heterogeneous networks has one unique common framework for the networks and a common service capability feature (SCF) for the networks to provide a common network interface. |
| US07660878B2 |
Image display device executing instructions in a multicast message to configure itself to connect to a network
In an image display device configured to be connected to a network, a method of communicating over the network with a remote device on the network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a message sent to a multicast address on the network by the remote device, wherein the message includes an instruction to the image display device to perform a function; and performing the function instructed by the message. |
| US07660877B2 |
Systems and methods in which a provider is selected to service content requested by a client device
Methods and systems for servicing content for delivery to a client device are described. An item of content is identified during a session with the client device. A type of service to be performed on the item of content is identified. A provider is selected from a plurality of providers capable of performing the service. The session is transferred to the selected provider, which performs the service on the item of content. |
| US07660870B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing discoverability and usability of data network capability of a mobile device
In a technique for enhancing discoverability and increasing usage of a web browser in a mobile device on a wireless network, a server system coupled to the wireless network receives a signal representing initiation of a voice call from the mobile device. In response, the server system performs a lookup to determine whether a website is associated with the telephone number being called. If a website is associated with the telephone number being called and the mobile device has the capability to access and display the website, the server system sends an Alert to the mobile device, causing the mobile device to notify its user about the website. The user may then input a selection to either access the website instead of completing the call or to proceed with the voice call. |
| US07660869B1 |
Network real estate analysis
A method can be used to analyze the “real-estate” performance of content items within a network site. The method can comprise determining the click distance to reach each content item and determining the performance of each content item. The method can also comprise calculating a predicted value for performance based on statistical relationship between location and performance observed in a population of content items. The method can comprise comparing the predicted and actual performance. If a content item has an actual performance greater than its predicted performance, then it may be promoted to a better location in the site and the converse for poorer performing content. Such an analysis may be performed using a graph or tabular data. |
| US07660868B1 |
Apparatus and method for interacting with internet content via one or more applications that do not include native web browsing navigation control features
The invention includes a method of presenting distributable computer readable media to a user in response to a user request. The method comprises the steps of identifying a definition of a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). A NIM frame is defined for the NIM using the definition. Content is then retrieved for the NIM. Then, the content is placed in a NIM viewer defined by the frame. The invention also includes a method of altering a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). The method includes the step of receiving a message at a NIM. The message specifies a configurable feature of the NIM. The NIM is altered in accordance with the configurable feature of the message. |
| US07660863B2 |
Confidence communication method between two units
A method for communication between a first unit and a second unit via a telecommunications network, wherein the first unit comprises a first family of applications and a second family of applications having communication capacities on the network extending beyond communication capacities of the applications of the first family, the method including: obtaining, by a confidence component belonging to the second family of applications a statement of a question to be posed to a user of the first unit in the context of an execution of an application of the first family; presenting the question by the confidence component via a user interface and capturing a response from the user by the confidence component; and for at least one type of response from the user, transmitting from the confidence component to the second unit, via the network, at least one message identifying the question presented and indicating the response captured, said message being transmitted under conditions inaccessible to the applications of the first family. |
| US07660862B2 |
Apparatus and method of tracking access status of store-and-forward messages
A method of selecting a recipient of a message on the basis of data identifying access to previously transmitted messages, wherein each said message includes content data for display within a display area of a receiving terminal and control data including data indicative of a user selectable portion within the display area. The method includes receiving content data having one of a plurality of different types for use in creating said message, accessing tracking data corresponding to a previously transmitted message containing content data of a given type, the tracking data being indicative of selection of said user selectable portion upon display thereof at said receiving terminal, and selecting a recipient of the message on the basis of the received content data and the tracking data. |
| US07660860B2 |
Method for discovery reply packet transmission in communication network
A method for determining a transmission time of collected context information at a sensor node in a communication system that includes a client, at least one sensor node collecting context information, and an access point (AP) forwarding the context information received from the sensor node to the client. The communication system operates in a session layer of protocol layers of open systems interconnection (OSI). The sensor node calculates a transmission period in which the collected context information is transmitted, and randomly determines a transmission time at which the context information is transmitted within the calculated transmission period. Since the collected context information is transmitted at the transmission time randomly determined by the sensor node, the load on the AP can be balanced. |
| US07660857B2 |
Systems and methods for automatically updating electronic mail access lists
A system and method for accepting a recipient identifier, wherein the recipient identifier can be used to identify an electronic mail (email) recipient; generating a petition based on the recipient identifier and at least one petition rule, wherein the at least one petition rule includes at least one of: 1) a sender identification method; and 2) a recipient; and wherein the petition can be used by a email provider to allow a recipient to receive email from a sender. |
| US07660856B2 |
Method and system for web-based event notification
A method and system for using web services to notify a subscriber that an event has occurred at a voice mail switch and to retrieve the event is described. A notification server receives an event and an associated identifier from the voice mail switch. The identifier is correlated to a subscriber and an alert indicating that the event occurred is generated. The alert is sent to a destination selected by the subscriber. The alert includes an event reference that links the subscriber to the event through a network via a URL. The subscriber retrieves the event through a web portal view associated with the URL. |
| US07660855B2 |
Using a prediction algorithm on the addressee field in electronic mail systems
A computerized method for predicting/completing the addressee field in an electronic mail system, in which user-related history information, including the user's sent and/or received mail, is analyzed, using text mining and/or data mining techniques, for associating the most probable addressee for a given e-mail letter. |
| US07660850B2 |
Supporting a serial and a parallel invitation protocol
A method and system for establishing a multiparty session with a mesh configuration by sending out invitations to endpoints in parallel is provided. To initiate a session, an initiating endpoint sends invitations in parallel to the endpoints that are to be in the session. When the initiating endpoint receives an acceptance, it then sends to the accepting endpoint an indication of the other endpoints that are currently in the session. When an accepting endpoint receives the indication of the endpoints in the session, the accepting endpoint sends an invitation to establish a dialog to each of the indicated endpoints. When an endpoint that is in the session receives such an invitation, it can automatically accept the invitation because it is already participating in the session. |
| US07660842B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a carry-save division operation
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that performs a carry-save division operation that divides a numerator, N, by a denominator, D, to produce an approximation of the quotient, Q=N/D. The system approximates Q by iteratively selecting an operation to perform based on higher order bits of a remainder, r, and then performing the operation, wherein the operation can include, subtracting D from r and adding a coefficient c to a quotient calculated thus far q, or adding D to r and subtracting c from q. These subtraction and addition operations maintain r and q in carry-save form, which eliminates the need for carry propagation and thereby speeds up the division operation. Furthermore, the selection logic is simpler than previous SRT division implementations, which provides another important speed up. |
| US07660840B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for executing SIMD instruction for flexible FFT butterfly
An FFT butterfly instruction based on single instruction multiple data (“SIMD”) technique is executed to reduce the number of cycles for software to perform FFT butterfly operations. The FFT butterfly instruction can implement one or more instances of the FFT butterfly operation (e.g., non-SIMD, 2-way SIMD, 4-way SIMD, etc.), at once, each instance operating over a set of complex values. A control register or variant opcode controls the behavior of the FFT butterfly operation. The contents of the control register or the variant opcode can be altered to configure the butterfly behavior to suit specific circumstances. The FFT butterfly instruction can be used in the software on a processor in a chip-set implementing the central-office modem end of a DSL link. The FFT butterfly instruction can also be used in other contexts where an FFT function is performed (and/or where an FFT butterfly operation is used) including systems that do not implement DSL or DMT. |
| US07660839B1 |
Digital filter having improved overload recovery characteristics
A digital filter having improved overload characteristics provides improved performance in audio equalizers and other systems. In contrast to a standard digital filter, clipping is enforced at the output of the filter and an integrator is used to implement the first filter stage, which is then followed by another stage that may be a unit delay or an integrator. Scalers and combiners are provided to scale an input signal representation and the output signal representation and combine them to provide the particular coefficient inputs to the integrator and the second stage forming a direct form filter. The resulting filter implements the same transfer function as a corresponding direct form filter, with an improved recovery from internal overload conditions. Higher-order filters can be formed by cascading the second-order filters formed by multiple integrator/second stage pairs. |
| US07660838B2 |
System and method for performing decimal to binary conversion
A method for converting from decimal to binary including receiving a binary coded decimal (BCD) number made up of one or more sets of three digits. A running sum and a running carry are set to zero. A process is performed for each set of three digits in the BCD number in order from the set of three digits containing the three most significant digits of the BCD number to the digits containing the three least significant digits of the BCD number. The process includes: creating six partial products based on the set of three digits, the running sum and the running carry; combining the six partial products into two partial products; and storing the two partial products in the running sum and the running carry. The running sum and the running carry from each set of three digits are combined into a final binary result. |
| US07660837B2 |
Method for automatically managing disk fragmentation
In the current invention, an apparatus, method, and computer program product for allocating a contiguous area of memory from a repository are provided. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a repository pointer to a contiguous set of data blocks in the repository and a system pointer operable to point to the contiguous set of data blocks are allocated. The value of the repository pointer is subsequently assigned to the system pointer. |
| US07660836B2 |
Controlling incremental backups using opaque object attributes
Provided are techniques for determining whether content of an object has changed. Under control of a backup system, opaque object attributes and a data identifier are received, wherein the data identifier is generated based on one or more relevant object attributes of the opaque object attributes that indicate whether at least one of the content of the object and one or more of the relevant object attributes has changed. The received data identifier is compared with a previously stored data identifier. In response to determining that the received data identifier and the previously stored data identifier do not match, it is determined that the content of the object has changed. |
| US07660834B2 |
Maintaining an aggregate including active files in a storage pool
Provided are a method, system, and program for maintaining an aggregate including active files in a storage pool. One active-only storage pool is included in a plurality of storage pools. Each storage pool includes files and the active-only storage pool is intended to include only active files and not inactive versions of files. The active-only storage pool includes at least a first aggregate including a plurality of files. One file is deactivated in the first aggregate in the active only storage pool to produce an inactive version of the file, wherein the first aggregate includes the inactive version of the file. A determination is made of inactive versions of files in the first aggregate. A second aggregate is generated in the active only storage pool including the active files from the first aggregate and not including the determined inactive versions of files from the first aggregate. The second aggregate replaces the first aggregate in the active-only storage pool. |
| US07660832B2 |
System recovery method and computer system using the same
A recovery method that uses log takes a long time to recover, and another recovery method that uses backup has the difficulties that if a computer abnormally stops its conversion process due to a failure, the result of the conversion performed up to the time of that abnormal stop couldn't be reflected on the later process for recovery. In a computer system, a system recovery management unit produces backup as the initial status of volume and snapshot taken when the system is operating, by use of a backup restore processing unit of a storage apparatus, and manages the situations of the process by use of a recovery point list/table. When a trouble occurs, it determines a point of recovery from the recovery point list/table, and makes the volume be recovered from the produced backup and the overwriting of meta data in order to keep the data consistency. |
| US07660831B2 |
Synchronization methods and systems
Widget synchronization architectures, methods, systems, and computer readable media are described. One exemplary embodiment includes a first software component which is configured to cause retrieval and storage of data for a first data class for one or more widgets from a first store of the data on a device, such as a first data processing system, and is configured to synchronize data for the first data class in the first store with data of the first data class in a second store on at least one of a host or another device, such as a second data processing system. The first software component is separate from a widget application software which provides a user interface to allow a user to use the data. The first software component synchronizes the structured data through a second software component which interfaces with the host and the device. |
| US07660830B2 |
System for integrating diverse database and maintaining their consistency
An arrangement maintains consistency among satellite databases and an integrated database that is the union of the satellite databases with a controller that fetches update requests from a queue and applies each fetched request to all of the databases, in sequence, ending with the integrated database. In applying a modification request to a target database, a filter is used that comprises two components. The first component processes the modification request submitted by the queue to a modification request that is appropriate for the schema of the target database and that is based on the data that is already present in the target database. When appropriate, the first component also creates an update request that is sent to the queue, to achieve transitive closure. The second component communicates with the target database, using the API and protocols of the target database. |
| US07660828B2 |
Systems and methods for generating markup-language based expressions from multi-modal and unimodal inputs
When using finite-state devices to perform various functions, it is beneficial to use finite state devices representing regular grammars with terminals having markup-language-based semantics. By using markup-language-based symbols in the finite state devices, it is possible to generate valid markup-language expressions by concatenating the symbols representing the result of the performed function. The markup-language expression can be used by other applications and/or devices. Finite-state devices are used to convert strings of words and gestures into valid markup-language, for example, XML, expressions that can be used, for example, to provide an application program interface to underlying system applications. |
| US07660825B2 |
Audio/visual content providing system and audio/visual content providing method
An audio/visual (AV) content providing system is disclosed. The AV content providing system provides AV contents to audiences who exist in a closed space. The AV content providing system has an audio information obtainment section, an AV content database, an attribute index, a selection section. The audience information obtainment section obtains information that represents audiences who exist in the closed space and information that represents the relationships of the audiences. The AV content database contains one or a plurality of AV contents. The attribute index is correlated with an AV content contained in the AV content database and that describes attributes of the AV content. The selection section collates the information that represents the audiences and the information that represents the relationships of the audiences, and the attribute index and selects an AV content that is provided to the audiences from the AV content database according to the collated result. |
| US07660824B2 |
System and method for performing batch configuration changes
In embodiments, the present invention provides mechanisms and methods for making a plurality of configuration changes to a set of servers comprised of an administration server and one or more managed servers. These mechanisms and methods can enable a number of changes to be made to the configuration at once, i.e., in a batch. The ability of an administrator to make a number of changes to the configuration, validate the changes and then persist the changes to the servers is termed a “transaction based” change process. In such transaction based processing, embodiments process changes in batches, which enables embodiments to avoid failures in configuration changes that result in the machines being in a non-recoverable or unknown configuration state. |
| US07660821B2 |
Data storage system
Object-oriented data storage. A system and method is disclosed for enhanced data storage. A system for object-oriented data storage may comprise an intelligent object editor capable of accessing data content and a destination storage device coupled to the intelligent object editor. The intelligent object editor can link associated information to data content to create a storage object. The storage object can then be stored to the destination storage device. |
| US07660817B2 |
System and method for representing content in a file system
A system and method for representing content state in a file system is provided. A file system includes a unique database object that is representative of the object content. The unique database object serves as a link container and includes a plurality of links to additional unique database objects that are properties of the representation of content. The link container database object also maintains additional fields that define additional properties for the representation of content. |
| US07660811B2 |
System that facilitates database querying
A system that facilitates analyzing content of a multi-dimensional structure comprises a calculation component that receives statements in a declarative language relating to one or more of an assignment and calculation and executes such statements against a multi-dimensional structure. A pass generation component creates a pass in order to maintain content of the multi-dimensional structure as it existed prior to execution of the statement, the pass is accessible upon reference to such pass. |
| US07660810B2 |
Method and system for publication and revision or hierarchically organized sets of static intranet and internet web pages
A method, system and computer program product for revising and publishing electronic documents. Two sets of electronic documents are generated and maintained on first and second computers. One set is stored on a first computer, for example, as static web pages at a company site. Another set is stored on a second computer at a non-local site such as, for example, an Internet server where the electronic documents are accessible to clients. Any modifications in the set of electronic documents at the local or company site are logged in a log file, and the set of electronic documents at the non-local site is modified accordingly so as to produce what appears to the client as a “dynamic” set of web pages. The revision and publication occurs through generation on the first computer of at least one category list document containing an item identifier, an item category, and descriptive data with hyperlinks to underlying detailed description electronic document files. The category list documents group items together which belong in a given category. The category list and the underlying detailed description electronic document files are saved in a format for accessing from a general viewer program such as, for example, a web browser. The detailed description data may also stored as text based records in, for example, a file of text records or a database of text records at the local site. |
| US07660803B2 |
Policy-based management method and system for printing of extensible markup language (XML) documents
There are provided a policy-based extensible markup language (XML) document print management method and system, using a policy object defining a print layout and an access authority to output data, on the basis of the information of a user requesting to print the XML document. The policy-based XML document print management method includes (a) requesting a policy object defining a printing layout and an access authority to output data to a policy management server, on the basis of information of a user requesting to print the XML document, in a policy agent; (b) receiving the policy object from the policy management server, interpreting the policy object, and obtaining policy information, in the policy agent; and (c) printing the XML document using the policy information, in the policy agent. Therefore, it is possible to determine a printing layout of an XML document and print the XML document, according to policy information. Also, by determining whether a user requesting to print the XML document has an access authority to the XML document on the basis of the policy information, it is possible to allow the printing job only to the user having the access authority. |
| US07660798B1 |
System and method for providing document security, access control and automatic identification of recipients
A system and method attempts to access a portable electronic document using different methods depending on whether the user attempting access is in front of, or behind, a firewall. |
| US07660795B2 |
Method and system for implementing and managing an enterprise identity management for distributed security in a computer system
A method and system for facilitating the management of user identities includes an ownership component, a registration component, and a servicing component. When a user first desires to access a system using the present invention, the registration component verifies the user's ownership of the underlying account by asking a variety of questions. Thereafter, when a user desires to service his account, the user may be re-queried to determine if he is attempting to access the correct information. An authentication and access component provides the functionality to access a system of the present invention. An audit component can be configured to periodically monitor the various accounts to ensure a continued linking between users and accounts. |
| US07660794B2 |
Method and program product for reducing database walk frequency while repetitively accessing a firewall connection and rule database
A database operable in a multithreaded environment has a database update code. Each thread accessing the database obtains lock prior to walking the database. Any thread that alters database structure, such as by adding or deleting a record of the database, writes the database update code. Before releasing lock, the thread copies the database update code and a current record pointer into memory locations private to the thread. When a thread requires a second access to a record of the database, it obtains lock. The thread then compares its copy of the update code to the database update code, if they are different the thread must re-walk the database to locate the record since database structure has changed since the thread first accessed the database. If the thread's copy of the update code matches the database update code, database structure has not changed since a prior access of the thread to the database; in this case the record may be accessed through the thread's copy of the record pointer with no walk required. In a particular embodiment, the database is accessed through a hash table and contains firewall connection and filter rule information. |
| US07660793B2 |
Method and system for high performance integration, processing and searching of structured and unstructured data using coprocessors
Disclosed herein is a method and system for integrating an enterprise's structured and unstructured data to provide users and enterprise applications with efficient and intelligent access to that data. Queries can be directed toward both an enterprise's structured and unstructured data using standardized database query formats such as SQL commands. A coprocessor can be used to hardware-accelerate data processing tasks (such as full-text searching) on unstructured data as necessary to handle a query. Furthermore, traditional relational database techniques can be used to access structured data stored by a relational database to determine which portions of the enterprise's unstructured data should be delivered to the coprocessor for hardware-accelerated data processing. |
| US07660788B1 |
Mapping part numbers and other identifiers
The invention provides a technique to prevent confusion between part numbers used by different suppliers and manufacturers. The invention includes a database that (1) creates an association between part numbers that are directed to comparable parts, (2) generates a universal number for comparable parts, and (3) creates an association between the part numbers and the universal part. This set of associations is used to generate documents that include part numbers that the recipient of the document is familiar with. Limitations are placed on what authorities may provide information about a set of associations. Generally, only the supplier of a part or the supplier of a comparable part may create associations between their parts. This limitation helps maintain the integrity of information in the database. This database is coupled to a shared service network such as a hub for design collaboration or supply chain control. |
| US07660787B2 |
Customized, personalized, integrated client-side search indexing of the web
A client-side search indexing program works transparently and in conjunction with a server based search index. The combined search indexes provide a more accurate and up-to-date image of the Web, customized to the interests of each individual user. The client-side indexer customizes indexing of particular Web pages to the preferences and usage patterns of the user. The user initially installs and configures the client-side indexer on the client. The requested indexes are automatically refreshed and integrated with the main server-side indexes during a search. When the user performs a search, the client-side indexes may be combined with the main server-side index. The combined indexes provide accurate search results for the particular user. |
| US07660786B2 |
Data independent relevance evaluation utilizing cognitive concept relationship
A measurable means to evaluate a given relevancy verification process to a human decision process is provided. For example, a cognitive concept relationship (CCR) system can be utilized to provide a relevancy verification evaluation that is independent of the relevancy quality of the test data employed to train the relevancy verification algorithm under test. This provides a means to evaluate relevancy verification of, for example, keyword/item pairs for any number of business applications with different relevance standards and/or changes in relevance standards over time, without the need to manually re-label the test data and/or re-measure the algorithmic relevancy. |
| US07660785B1 |
Techniques for managing interactions between applications and a data store
Methods, systems, and data stores are provided for managing interactions between applications and a data store. Threaded applications do not directly read from or write to the data store. An extract utility performs an initial query against the data store on behalf of multiple instances of the applications. The query results service the applications from an application queue. The applications produce application data from processing the query results. The application data is streamed to a load queue and streamed out of the load queue for purposes of creating a temporary table. The temporary table is then merged into an application table of the data store, once all instances of the applications finish processing. |
| US07660783B2 |
System and method of ad-hoc analysis of data
It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a computer implemented method of performing ad-hoc analysis including the steps of: generating a text index of the textual information items, generating a metadata lookup structure based, at least in part, on the text index, searching the text index using a search query, compiling results of the text index search into aggregate information related to characteristics of the search results from the metadata items associated with the textual information items in the search results from the metadata lookup structure, and reporting the aggregate information. |
| US07660781B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for searching and navigating a document database
A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for searching and navigating a document database is provided. Document categories are assigned unique numeric category identifiers. Each document in a database is assigned to one of the document categories. Metadata is associated with each electronic document that includes the numeric category identifier corresponding to the category assigned to the document. The database may be searched or browsed based on category by utilizing the metadata. URLs may also be embedded in a Web page that includes a list of document identifiers and an index. The list of document identifiers is a list containing the identities of an arbitrary number of search results. The index identifies one of the documents in the list of document identifiers to be retrieved. When such a URL is selected, a Web server computer utilizes the list of document identifiers and the index to identify the document to be returned. |
| US07660775B2 |
Method and apparatus for classifying data using R-functions
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that constructs a classifier that distinguishes between different classes of data points. During operation, the system first receives a data set, which includes class-one data points and class-two data points. For each class-one data point in the data set, the system uses a separating primitive to produce a set of point-to-point separating boundaries, wherein each point-to-point separating boundary separates the class-one data point from a different class-two data point. Next, the system combines separating boundaries in the set of separating boundaries to produce a point-to-class separating boundary that separates the class-one data point from all of the class-two data points in the data set. Finally, the system combines the point-to-class separating boundaries for each of the class-one data points to produce a class-to-class separating boundary for the classifier that separates all of the class-one data points from all of the class-two data points in the data set. |
| US07660773B1 |
System and method for the use of an adaptive mutation operator in genetic algorithms
An adaptive mutation operator for a genetic algorithm that programmatically mutates individuals in a constrained optimization for a modeled system is discussed. The mutation operator takes into account linear and bound constraints in generating new mutated individuals. The mutation operator generates random mutation direction vectors and random initial step sizes. A mutated individual is generated and moved along a randomly chosen mutation direction vector a distance equal to the initial step size. The generated mutated individual is compared to the linear and bound constraints. In the event the generated mutated individual is located in an infeasible region, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention automatically adjusts the step size to a smaller value and generates another mutated individual along the chosen mutation direction vector. The process iterates until the generated individual is within the feasible region. The number of available valid mutation directions increases as the step size decreases. |
| US07660772B2 |
Authentication in a telecommunications network
The invention relates to an authentication method intended for a telecommunications network, especially for an IP network. From a terminal (TE1) in the network a first message (RR) containing an authenticator and a data unit is transmitted to the network, the data unit containing information relating to the manner in which the authenticator is formed. For carrying out authentication in the network, the data unit contained in the first message is used for determining a check value, which is compared with the said authenticator. To make it unnecessary for the terminal to perform any complicated and heavy exchange of messages when attaching to the network and for still obtaining the desired security characteristics for use, such an identification unit is used in the terminal which receives as input a challenge from which a response and a key can be determined essentially in the same manner as in the subscriber identity module of a known mobile communications system, a set of authentication blocks is generated into the network, of which each contains a challenge, a response, and a key, whereby the generation is performed in the same manner as in the said mobile communication system, at least some of the challenges contained by the authentication blocks are transmitted to the terminal, one of the challenges is chosen for use at the terminal, and, based on it, a response and key for use are determined with the aid of the terminal's identification unit, in the said first message (RR) the network is notified with the aid of the said data unit of which key corresponding to which challenge was chosen, and the authenticator of the first message and the said check value are determined with the aid of the chosen key. |
| US07660769B2 |
System and method for digital content player with secure processing vault
A system and method for digital content player with secure processing vault is presented. A system uses an attached processing unit and a local storage area as a hardware-based secure processing vault. The secure processing vault calculates a title key based upon stored device keys, and decrypts encrypted/encoded digital content using the calculated title key. The decryption process results in encoded digital content, which remains within the secure processing vault until the secure processing vault decodes the encoded digital content. The decoded digital content is then passed to a main processing unit or a graphics card for further processing. In one embodiment, a secure processing vault may process multiple threads in parallel. In another embodiment, multiple secure processing vaults may be used to process a single, highly computational thread. |
| US07660768B2 |
Time-of-transaction foreign currency conversion
Providing a time-of-transaction currency conversion from a merchant's local currency to a cardholder's credit card currency uses a conversion rate developed by reference to the particular merchant, acquirer, card association and issuer. After a merchant has generated an authorization request in the merchant's currency for a transaction by a cardholder in a different currency, the transaction amount in the authorization is converted from the merchant's currency to the currency of the cardholder's issuing currency, and optionally modified to include additional fees. The converted authorization request is then transmitted to the appropriate card association and then to the issuing bank for authorization, with a response returned to the merchant. The cardholder sees and approves the transaction in the cardholder's currency, and in an amount identical to the amount for which he will be billed. |
| US07660764B2 |
Service charge adjustment platform
A method of providing a representative or customer with an opportunity to electronically process a request to adjust, refund or waive a service charge on various products and services, comprising the steps of a) receiving requests via various channels such as phone, facsimile, in person, on-line, etc.; b) maintaining an electronic site on a computer network which representative or customer may connect; c) presenting at least one electronic screen over the network to a representative or customer who has connected to the electronic site, including a first input field operable to receive a first command from the representative or customer indicative of a type of adjustment; d) electronically delivering the first command to an automated interface which converts a format of the first command to another format; and presenting a decision to the representative or customer in response to the first command. |
| US07660756B2 |
Client terminal device, storage medium product, bank server apparatus, information transmitting method, information transmitting program, and information transmitting/receiving program
The invention provides an Internet banking system which can present services more familiar to daily life of individual users, and a bank server apparatus, etc. which can limit available banking services depending on user attributes. From the viewpoint of security, the invention reduces risks of information leak from a client terminal device to third persons and unauthorized accesses from third persons. Banking software for connection to the bank server apparatus is installed in the client terminal device. The banking software can display a screen transfer, etc. in the off-line condition. The banking software prepares transaction instruction data from information entered by the user on the displayed screen and temporarily holds it in the client terminal device. When the client terminal device is connected to the bank server apparatus, the held data is uploaded to the bank server apparatus. In the client terminal device, application software can be utilized in linkage with the banking software so as to display the contents of an electronic bankbook. As examples of the application software, household account-book software, petty cashbook software, etc. can be provided to users. |
| US07660754B1 |
Technician communications system with automated claims processing
A system for automatically processing claims is disclosed. The system includes an application that runs on a computer. Technicians use the application to complete claims information. Claims information includes information related to damage to a company asset. The system can determine the nature and possible location of a malfunction and redirect technician resources appropriately. In another aspect, the system can receive information from multiple technicians and can determine if a single incident caused multiple technicians to be deployed and can produce a single bill that includes the costs associated with dispatching multiple technicians. |
| US07660753B2 |
Inventory control system, inventory control method, fee collection method utilized in inventory control system, inventory control program, and storage medium
In a safety stock control system, safety stock is changed in response to updating of a setting value so as to be continuously maintained as a proper value. The safety stock control system is comprised of a demand prediction means, an actual value calculating means, a predicted remainder calculating means, a parameter calculating means, and a safety stock calculating means for calculating safety stock based upon a parameter calculated by the parameter calculating means. In response to updating of the setting value, data of an area, which is different from such a data read when a plan is made, is temporarily read from a data storage means to the respective means, and then, various sorts of calculating process operations are carried out either one time or plural times. |
| US07660752B2 |
Systems and methods for contingency-based options and futures for contingent travel accommodations based upon a playoff game
A system for allowing a remote user to purchase and trade, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and/or accommodations for a “contingent event,” i.e., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and/or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell and trade options for the purchase of tickets to such contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify. |
| US07660751B2 |
Systems and methods for contingency-based options and futures for playoff tickets based on qualifying teams
A system for allowing a remote user to purchase and trade, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and/or accommodations for a “contingent event,” i.e., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and/or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell and trade options for the purchase of tickets to such contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify. |
| US07660744B2 |
Method and system for integrating transaction mechanisms over multiple internet sites
A method is provided for effecting transactions across multiple vendors in an integrated environment, wherein the user may purchase each of a plurality of items the user finds independent of the vendors. The user's selections are received from the user and mapped to a selected set of vendors. When the user is finished, she invokes a check-out application to fill in one or many order entry forms for each of the relevant vendors whose goods the user selected during the course of shopping. The check-out application uses common information, such as name, address and credit card number, previously provided by the user in order to fill in the order entry forms for each vendor without requiring the user to fill in these forms. Finally, the check-out application tracks confirmation numbers in a common information store. |
| US07660742B2 |
Method of and system for processing purchase orders
A method of and system for processing a purchase order. The method of processing a purchase order includes receiving data regarding the purchase order in a computerized system, wherein the purchase order has been rejected based on the application of at least one rule. The method also includes providing options to facilitate acceptance of the purchase order. The system for processing a purchase order includes means for receiving data regarding the purchase order, wherein the purchase order has been rejected based on the application of at least one rule. The system further includes means for providing options to facilitate acceptance of the purchase order. |
| US07660739B2 |
Electronic inventory movement and control device
Disclosed is a method and apparatus to electronically tabulate items marked with a bar code. The system may optionally operate to manage, control and tabulate inventory, produce vendor-correct purchase orders, manage multiple locations, multiple buildings, multiple clients and multiple stores to facilitate efficiency for a wholesaler or retailer or alternatively for a distributor, broker or sales agent. The system may alternatively be used to manage inventory for a manufacturing environment or for tracking evidence or items in a chain of custody environment useful for governmental and scientific functions. |
| US07660738B1 |
Collecting competitive pricing information via a merchant web site for use in setting prices on the merchant web site
A facility for collecting pricing information is described. The facility serves a web page to a client computing system. The served web page contains a first control operable to order a selected item from a selected vendor. The web page further contains a second control operable to submit a price charged for the selected item by a vendor other than the selected vendor. At a later time, the facility receives from the client computing system information that indicates that the second control has been operated to submit a price charged for the selected item by a vendor other than the selected vendor. |
| US07660737B1 |
Economic filtering system for delivery of permission based, targeted, incentivized advertising
A method to control advertising messages directed at a user is provided. Such control might include setting a filter to control advertisements directed at a user. Advertisements are sent to a user based on the filter settings. The user may accept the advertisements. If the user accepts the advertisements, the user is provided with a reward. In addition, a method using a quiz to determine if a user is human or an automated respondent is provided. The user is presented with a quiz. The user is advised of the acceptable manner for responding to the quiz. The user's response to the quiz is received. A determination based on the user's response as to whether the user is a human or an automated respondent is made. |
| US07660736B2 |
Computer-implemented product valuation tool
A method of valuing products based on demand probabilities. Products are designed by identifying product components, and combining the components in various combinations to provide standard and non-standard products. Components are valued using an algorithm that considers demand probability as well as known prices of standard products. The component values are added to determine product values and may be used to make pricing and order fulfillment decisions. |
| US07660731B2 |
Method and apparatus for technology resource management
Apparatus and methods to manage demand, service level agreements, hardware and software assets, projects, labor, knowledge and provisioning resources in hosted applications. An asset manager coupled to host servers and a network, manages the host servers and software to determine the demand for new assets and allocate available assets to meet the demand; determine assets not in compliance with existing software licenses; determine and compare actual service level metrics with the target service level metrics; and determine availability of a patch or upgrade for selected software and instances of the selected software among the assets. The asset manager may be coupled to other managers, e.g., contract, product, work and/or accounting managers, to monitor service level metrics and/or costs. |
| US07660729B2 |
System and method for selecting and reserving airline seats
The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving airline seats. The system or method receives first data representing payment information over the network from a general purpose computer. The system or method also transmits second data to an application running on the general purpose computer, the second data including information descriptive of available individual seats on one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the general purpose computer that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats on the one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate an additional display of information about selection of seats in response to a user interaction with the graphical user interface, the interaction being triggered when placing a mouse over a portion of the graphical user interface. In addition, the system or method receives from the general purpose computer third data representing one or more seats selected by one or more mouse clicks. |
| US07660727B2 |
System and method for selecting and reserving rooms at a venue
The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving rooms at a venue. The system or method transmits information relating to a plurality of available individual rooms at a venue to an application running on a general purpose computer on the wide area network for display to the end user. The system or method also provides a graphical user interface that includes an interactive map showing information relating to the available rooms at the venue. Through the interactive map the end user can select one or more available rooms. The interactive map may provide additional information on the one or more of available individual rooms when triggered by, for example, a mouse placed over one of the available individual rooms. |
| US07660726B2 |
System and method for requesting, receiving, tracking and verifying or receiving proof of insurance coverage and transferring risk to uninsured or underinsured parties
Disclosed is a system and method for an Indemnitee to verify insurance coverage of an Indemnitor, including the steps of at least two parties entering into a contractual relationship that obligates the Indemnitor to indemnify the Indemnitee by maintaining contractually required insurance and to provide proof of the insurance, entering the contractual insurance requirements and related pertinent information into a database, requesting on behalf of the Indemnitee proof of insurance from the Indemnitor, a service provider or the Indemnitee receiving the Indemnitor's insurance coverage information, comparing the Indemnitor's insurance coverage information with the contractual insurance requirements, determining if the Indemnitor is in contractual compliance, and issuing insurance to protect the interests of the Indemnitee in the event the Indemnitor is not in contractual compliance. |
| US07660722B2 |
Terminal apparatus, server, content data storage method, and program for executing the method
The users are allowed to easily retrieve contents data such as recipe data. A personal computer (103) receives recipe data from a server (101) via a communication network (102), and stores the received recipe data in a memory card (104). The personal computer updates recipe hierarchical information (142) in the memory card (104), i.e., information which indicates classified levels of recipe data based on retrieval keys, with reference to overall hierarchical information (133), i.e., information which indicates the hierarchical relation of retrieval keys in the whole recipes, so that the newly stored recipe data is included in the recipe hierarchical information. |
| US07660720B2 |
Lossless audio coding/decoding method and apparatus
A lossless audio coding and/or decoding method and apparatus are provided. The coding method includes: mapping the audio signal in the frequency domain having an integer value into a bit-plane signal with respect to the frequency; obtaining a most significant bit and a Golomb parameter for each bit-plane; selecting a binary sample on a bit-plane to be coded in the order from the most significant bit to the least significant bit and from a lower frequency component to a higher frequency component; calculating the context of the selected binary sample by using significances of already coded bit-planes for each of a plurality of frequency lines existing in the vicinity of a frequency line to which the selected binary sample belongs; selecting a probability model by using the obtained Golomb parameter and the calculated contexts; and lossless-coding the binary sample by using the selected probability model. According to the method and apparatus, a compression ratio better than that of the bit-plane Golomb code (BPGC) is provided through context-based coding method having optimal performance. |
| US07660718B2 |
Pitch detection of speech signals
Pitch detection of speech signals finds numerous applications in karaoke, voice recognition and scoring applications. While most of the existing techniques rely on time domain methods, the invention utilizes frequency domain methods. There is provided a method and system for determining the pitch of speech from a speech signal. The method includes the steps of: producing or obtaining the speech signal; distinguishing the speech signal into voiced, unvoiced or silence sections using speech signal energy levels; applying a Fourier Transform to the speech signal and obtaining speech signal parameters; determining peaks of the Fourier transformed speech signal; tracking the speech signal parameters of the determined peaks to select partials; and determining the pitch from the selected partials using a two-way mismatch error calculation. |
| US07660716B1 |
System and method for automatic verification of the understandability of speech
The present invention relates to a system and method for automatically verifying that a message received from a user is intelligible. In an exemplary embodiment, a message is received from the user. A speech level of the user's message may be measured and compared to a pre-determined speech level threshold to determine whether the measured speech level is below the pre-determined speech level threshold. A signal-to-noise ratio of the user's message may be measured and compared to a pre-determined signal-to-noise ratio threshold to determine whether the measured signal-to-noise ratio of the message is below the pre-determined signal-to-noise ratio threshold. An estimate of intelligibility for the user's message may be calculated and compared to an intelligibility threshold to determine whether the calculated estimate of intelligibility is below the intelligibility threshold. If any of the measured speech level, measured signal-to-noise ratio and calculated estimate of intelligibility of the user's message are determined to be below their respective thresholds, the user may be prompted to repeat at least a portion of the message. |
| US07660714B2 |
Noise suppression device
A noise suppression device comprises subband SN ratio calculation means which receives a noise likeness signal, an input signal spectrum and a subband-based estimated noise spectrum, calculates the subband-based input signal average spectrum, calculates a subband-based mixture ratio of the subband-based estimated noise spectrum to the subband-based input signal average spectrum on the basis of the noise likeness signal, and calculates the subband-based SN ratio on the basis of the subband-based estimated noise spectrum, the subband-based input signal average spectrum and the mixture ratio. |
| US07660711B2 |
Automated event monitoring system for online reservoir simulation
A computer-based system analyzes reservoir simulation results with a rule-based event monitor to trigger appropriate warnings in the event any of a number of applicable reservoir operation conditions is detected as likely to occur. The conditions may be automatically analyzed on multi-dimensional data during successive time steps to detect events indicated as needing attention or analysis and thus to alert reservoir engineers about operating conditions in the reservoir so that the engineers may make appropriate operational or simulation changes. The conditions may also be automatically analyzed in a batch processing mode of a set or subset of available time steps to detect and generate a log of events encountered that are indicated as needing attention or analysis. |
| US07660710B2 |
Driveline angle analyzer
A Driveline Angle Analyzer (DAA) for determining a torsional acceleration and inertias of a vehicle driveline by entering measurements of a vehicle driveline configuration into a graphical user interface program. The user selects the driveline configuration of interest from a plurality of driveline configurations. Then, the user enters information, such as driveline measurements relating to the selected driveline configuration. To aide in gathering the correct information, the user can print out a worksheet for the selected driveline configuration. After the user inputs the information for the selected driveline configuration, the user can select a corrective mode that allows the user to improve the selected driveline configuration. For example, the user can change the angle of a component with the surrounding components by changing their angles and/or length while enabling the components to stay connected to each other, thus maintaining the vehicle's driveline geometry. |
| US07660707B2 |
Dynamic model detecting apparatus
A model detection apparatus comprises a number of estimate parameter memories for storing mutually different distribution estimate parameters representing occurrences of input data. A number of distribution estimators are respectively associated with the parameter memories for producing distribution estimate parameters from data stored in the associated parameter memories and from a series of input data, and updating the associated parameter memories with the produced parameters. A model series memory stores candidate models corresponding in number to the parameter memories. A model series estimator produces candidate models using the series of input data, the stored distribution estimate parameters and the stored candidate models, and updates the model series memory with the produced candidate models. An optimal model series calculator calculates an optimal series of models from the candidate models stored in the model series memory. |
| US07660705B1 |
Bayesian approach for learning regression decision graph models and regression models for time series analysis
Methods and systems are disclosed for learning a regression decision graph model using a Bayesian model selection approach. In a disclosed aspect, the model structure and/or model parameters can be learned using a greedy search algorithm applied to grow the model so long as the model improves. This approach enables construction of a decision graph having a model structure that includes a plurality of leaves, at least one of which includes a non-trivial linear regression. The resulting model thus can be employed for forecasting, such as for time series data, which can include single or multi-step forecasting. |
| US07660701B2 |
System and method for detecting an abnormal situation associated with a process gain of a control loop
In a method for monitoring a control loop in a process plant, process gain data associated with a control loop may be collected. The collected process gain data may be used to determine an expected process gain behavior. For example, expected values of a process variable for given values of a load variable may be determined. As another example, expected changes in a process variable for given changes in a load variable may be determined. Then, during operation of the control loop, the process gain may be monitored. If the monitored process gain substantially deviates from the expected behavior, this may indicate an abnormal situation associated with the control loop. |
| US07660698B1 |
Phytometric intelligence sensors
Methods and apparatus for determining when plants require watering, and methods of attending to the watering of plants including signaling the grower that the plants are in need of hydration are provided. The novel methods include real-time measurement of plant metabolics and phytometric physiology changes of intrinsic physical or behavioral traits within the plant such as determining physiological flux measurement of enzyme flux due to environmental changes such as the wind and drought stress, soil and plant mineral deficiencies, or the interaction with a bio-control for organic disease control including, cell movement, signal transduction, internal chemical processes and external environmental processes including when plants require watering, and methods of attending to the watering of plants including signaling the grower that the plants are in need of hydration. |
| US07660697B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating size tolerance, and computer-readable recording medium in which program for calculating size tolerance is stored
The present invention aims at surely and efficiently calculating size tolerances of a plurality of parts constituting a structure with the configuration that includes a tentative size tolerance setting section setting tentative size tolerances of the plurality of parts based on design data of the structure and part information of the plurality of parts; a primary analyzing section calculating a quality of the structure and sensitivities of the plurality of parts based on the tentative size tolerances set by the tentative size tolerance setting section; a judging section judging whether or not the quality satisfies a desired quality which the structure demands; and a secondary analyzing section calculating, if the judging section judges that the quality does not satisfy the desired quality, the size tolerances of the plurality of parts using the sensitivities such that the structure satisfies the desired quality. |
| US07660694B2 |
Arrangement for determining an initial internal battery temperature
A method and arrangement is provided for estimating an initial value for an internal battery temperature of a vehicle using a four zone process that determines which of a predetermined set of time zones correlates with a measured period of time for an engine of the vehicle being in an engine-off condition. Once the time zone is determined, an initial estimated value of the internal temperature of the battery is determined as a function of a set of parameters correlated with the determined time zone. The set of time zones include a holding time zone, a model based estimation time zone which is greater in time than the holding time zone, a first self-adjustment zone which is greater in time than the model based estimation time zone, and a second self-adjustment time zone which is greater in time than the first self-adjustment time zone. |
| US07660693B2 |
Activation energy measurement method
A method for computing activation energy of diffusion for a material in a liquid is provided. At least two identical samples of the material are submerged in the liquid at different temperatures. The time required for each sample to reach a goal weight percentage is measured. A reaction acceleration factor is computed for the two samples from the resulting times and temperatures. Activation energy of diffusion is computed from the reaction acceleration factor and the temperatures. Additional samples can be used to give an error estimate. |
| US07660686B1 |
Ion implant metrology system with fault detection and identification
Samples subject to ion implantation are measured using a modulated optical reflectance system and the results of the measurements are compared to specification ranges for acceptable samples and a plurality of parametric ranges. Each parametric range is associated with a different known type of implantation fault. Measurement results outside of the specification range may be characterized by fault type by comparing the measurement results to a plurality of parametric ranges. In this way, a fault type may be quickly identified and the corresponding source of the fault may be corrected. |
| US07660683B2 |
Waveform detection, in particular for the representation of the root mean square of a waveform
The instantaneous value of an intermediate waveform I is the instantaneous value of a unipolar waveform U multiplied through amplification by an upscaling factor UF of 1.5. A plateau value P is subtracted from the intermediate value I, and the result of this subtraction is multiplied by a multiplication factor MF of 0.6. The result of the multiplication is added to the plateau value P, which sum becomes an auxiliary waveform A. During the ‘fall-below’ periods F, the value of a combined waveform C is arranged to follow whichever is the highest of the auxiliary value A and the plateau value P. Outside the fall-below periods, the value of the combined waveform C follows whichever is the highest of the unipolar value U and the plateau value P. This combined waveform C has, for a given plateau level P, a narrower fall-below window. Phase-chopping thus has an effect on the power of the output signal over a greater range of the cycle than can be provided by the corresponding prior art arrangement. |
| US07660680B1 |
Systems and methods for totalizing parallel feeds
Systems and methods are provided for automatically totalizing materials from multiple feed locations in parallel while mitigating device requirements to monitor such locations. In one aspect, an industrial automation system to process materials is provided. The system includes a totalizer component to determine an aggregated amount of materials supplied from at least two feed locations. A logic component periodically monitors at least one of the feed locations to determine the amount of each material. |
| US07660678B2 |
On-site method of providing analysis of potency and purity of pharmaceutical compounds
A computer facilitated method of requesting a spectral analysis of a sample having an unknown concentration or purity, performing an energy absorption analysis of the sample to obtain spectral data regarding the analysis and comparing the spectral data to a stored spectral data regarding the analyses of the samples having a predetermined concentration and purity to determine the concentration or purity of the sample having an unknown concentration or purity. The spectral analysis is performed on site where the sample is prepared or administered using a portable analytical apparatus and provides a real time report of the concentration or purity of the sample. The apparatus requires only a small sample size. |
| US07660675B2 |
Method and system for analysis of array-based, comparative-hybridization data
Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for analysis of comparative genomic hybridization (“CGH”) data, including CGH data obtained from microarray experiments. |
| US07660666B2 |
Geographic database with detailed local data
A method is disclosed for representing locations in a geographic database in a manner that facilitates navigation and routing. A core map database includes data that represents public roads in a geographic region. Each of a plurality of location map databases includes data that represent facilities, such as businesses, stores, offices, or other places, that are physically located away from the public network and access to which requires travel on paths away from the public road network. Each of the facilities represented in the location map databases is assigned a location reference code that is associated with data from which a path connecting the facility and the public road network can be determined. |
| US07660661B2 |
Fuel injection control device
A fuel injection control device is disclosed that includes a fuel injection valve for performing a fuel injection event at an assumed fuel quantity. The device also includes a rotation detecting device for detecting a change in rotation amount of the output shaft. The device further includes a slip rate detection device for detecting a slip rate between the output shaft and the driven shaft. Also included is an actual fuel injection amount estimating device for estimating an actual fuel injection quantity during the fuel injection event based on the detected change in rotation and the detected slip rate. The device also includes a learning device for learning a deviation based on the difference between the estimated actual fuel injection quantity and the assumed fuel injection quantity. A related method is also disclosed. |
| US07660658B2 |
Apparatus and methods for speed management and control
Apparatus, methods and computer readable media for speed management and control, including logic executable to determine a present geographic position of a wireless device, logic executable to determine a speed limit corresponding to the present geographic position, and logic executable to selectively generate an alert based upon the speed limit. |
| US07660654B2 |
System for dynamically determining vehicle rear/trunk loading for use in a vehicle control system
A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) generating a longitudinal acceleration signal, and a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal. A safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller. From the sensors, the controller (26) determines an added mass and a position of the added mass, a pitch gradient and/or a pitch acceleration coefficient that takes into account the added mass and position. The controller controls a vehicle system in response to the added mass and the position of the added mass, the pitch gradient and/or pitch acceleration coefficient variables. |
| US07660653B2 |
Car navigation system
A car navigation system includes: a vehicle-information acquiring means 14 for acquiring the vehicle information held by a vehicle 2; a setting-information generating means 15, 16 for generating setting information to be set in a processing program 19 based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle-information acquiring means; a setting-information notification means 17 for notifying the setting information generated by the setting-information generating means 15, 16 to the processing program 19; and a setting-information switching means 18, included in the processing program 19, for switching the internal setting state of the processing program 19 according to the setting information given by the setting-information notification means, wherein the processing program 19 performs a navigation function in the setting state switched by the setting-information switching means 18. |
| US07660651B2 |
Core area territory planning for optimizing driver familiarity and route flexibility
Route planning methods for use by a package delivery service provider are disclosed that satisfy a stochastic daily demand while taking advantage of drivers' route familiarity over time. A model for estimating the value of driver familiarity is disclosed along with both an empirical and a mathematical model for estimating the value of route consistency, along with a Core Area Route Design which involves the concepts of combinatorial optimization, meta-heuristic algorithms, tabu search heuristics, network formulation modeling, and multi-stage graph modeling. In one embodiment, a service territory is divided into unassigned cells associated with a grid segment involving prior driver delivery stops, and a driver from a pool of unassigned drivers is assigned to a route based on examining each driver's grid segment visiting frequency limit with respect to a minimum limit so as to optimize driver selection based on of each driver's familiarity with the route. |
| US07660650B2 |
Self-propelled working robot having horizontally movable work assembly retracting in different speed based on contact sensor input on the assembly
The present invention relates to a self-propelled working robot, including a first distance sensor 4a and a second distance sensor 4b (4c) for measuring the distance to an obstacle W in front of the robot. The robot includes first determination means for comparing a first measured distance Dc to the obstacle obtained by the first distance sensor 4a with a predetermined first threshold value to determine the proximity to the obstacle W, second determination means for comparing a second measured distance Dr (DL) to the obstacle W obtained by the second distance sensor 4b (4c) with a predetermined second threshold value to determine the proximity to the obstacle, and changing means for changing the first or second threshold value based on information regarding an inclination angle of the obstacle W obtained from the first and second measured distances. |
| US07660649B1 |
Resource management using calculated sensitivities
The present invention is directed to a system and method which includes a new optimization algorithm that not only optimizes the given system but provides sensitivity factors that provide the effect of changes in the system and how the changes are going to affect the overall performance of the system. |
| US07660647B2 |
Processing method for vending machine with substitutable magazines
A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures. |
| US07660644B2 |
Atomic layer deposition apparatus
A method and apparatus for atomic layer deposition (ALD) is described. The apparatus comprises a deposition chamber and a wafer support. The deposition chamber is divided into two or more deposition regions that are integrally connected one to another. The wafer support is movable between the two or more interconnected deposition regions within the deposition chamber. |
| US07660641B2 |
System, graphical user interface (GUI), method and program product for configuring an assembly line
Under the present invention, a GUI is provided that allows an assembly line to be both graphically and dynamically configured. In general, the GUI allows a designer or the like to “graphically” configure: a hierarchy of categories representing the assembly line; the process points along the assembly line; the different events that can be triggered at the process points; the actions that are taken in response to the events; the processes (sequences of actions) for the events; and the input parameters for the events and the actions. In a typical embodiment, the GUI is maintained on a system that is separate from the central computer controlling the assembly line. This not only allows the assembly line to be configured remotely, but also without ceasing operation of the line. |
| US07660639B2 |
Control system for control subject having combustion unit and control system for plant having boiler
A control system includes a basic control command operating unit, a fuel data storage unit, a running results database for storing past running results values of a control subject, a data creating unit configured to calculate a distance between data of the past running results values and the data sets and determining data set in which a distance between data becomes minimum, a modeling unit configured to model a relationship between operation parameters of a combustion apparatus and components in combustion gas of the combustion apparatus by using the data set determined by the data creating unit and a correcting unit for calculating combustion apparatus operation parameters with which components having a better condition than that of the components in a current gas are provided by using a model of the modeling unit and correcting operation command values of the basic control command operating unit by calculated operation parameters. |
| US07660637B2 |
Electrode system for electric point stimulation therapy and a manipulation tool therefor
An electrode system (1) for an electric punctual stimulation therapy, which system comprises at least one stimulation electrode (4) with a disk-like base (5) and has an annular platelet (9) to be arranged on the skin surface (2) before the latter is pierced by the electric needle (7), which annular disk (9) is glued to the skin surface (2) and is connected to the base (5) via an adhesive connection, and a handling tool (21) for applying such an electrode system. The handling tool (21) comprises an electrically conductive, axially displaceable pin (25) which is connected to a resistance measurement device (40) and which is also designed to put the annular platelet (9) thereon and apply it. Preferably, the electrode can also be fitted to the tool (21). |
| US07660636B2 |
Electrical stimulation device and method for the treatment of dysphagia
An electrical stimulation device and method for the treatment of dysphagia is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical stimulation device includes one or more channels of electrodes each of which includes a first electrode positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a target region of a patient and a second electrode positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a posterior neck region or a posterior thoracic region of the patient. A series of electrical pulses are then applied to the patient through the one or more channels of electrodes in accordance with a procedure for treating dysphagia. The series of electrical pulses may comprise: a plurality of cycles of a biphasic sequential pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a biphasic overlapping pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a triphasic sequential pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a triphasic overlapping pulse train pattern; a functional pulse train pattern; a low-frequency pulse train pattern; or a frequency-sequenced pulse burst train pattern. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are disclosed. |
| US07660635B1 |
Medical electrical lead
An implantable lead which has an increased resistance to fracture and has the capability of continued function after fracture of a conductor. The lead is provided with a coiled conductor which may be monofilar or multifilar and which extends along the length of the lead, running from an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead to an electrode at or near the distal end of the lead. In addition, the lead is provided with a stranded conductor which is electrically coupled to the coiled conductor at point along the lead body located proximal to the point of expected breakage of the coiled conductor and at a point along the lead body located distal to the point of expected breakage. The proximal and distal ends of the stranded conductor in some embodiments are also mechanically coupled to the coiled conductor. |
| US07660633B2 |
Transformable speech processor module for a hearing prosthesis
A speech processor module is disclosed. The speech processor module is configured to be implemented in more than one mode of operation of a hearing prosthesis including as a component of a stand-alone speech processing unit, and as a component of a body-worn speech processing unit, wherein said body-worn speech processing unit comprises a case that protects the speech processor module from environmental conditions which can damage said speech processor module implemented in said stand-alone operating mode. |
| US07660631B2 |
Methods and systems for electrical and/or drug stimulation as a therapy for erectile dysfunction
Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to tissue affecting the penis to treat erectile dysfunction (for instance, following prostate surgery) uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulating drug(s) are delivered via one or more pumps and infusion outlets. |
| US07660629B2 |
Device and method for preventing the acceleration of cardiac arrhythmias
An exemplary method includes detecting ventricular fibrillation, delivering a low voltage cardiac stimulus, determining whether the low voltage cardiac stimulus terminated the ventricular fibrillation, and delivering a higher voltage cardiac stimulus if the low voltage cardiac stimulus did not terminate the ventricular fibrillation. In one example, the delivering the low voltage cardiac stimulus occurs within approximately 10 event intervals from the detected onset of ventricular fibrillation; otherwise, delivery of an appropriate higher voltage cardiac stimulus occurs. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US07660628B2 |
System to provide myocardial and neural stimulation
Various aspects provide an implantable device. In various embodiments, the device comprises at least one port, where each port is adapted to connect a lead with an electrode to the device. The device further includes a stimulation platform, including a sensing circuit connected to the at least one port to sense an intrinsic cardiac signal and a stimulation circuit connected to the at least one port via a stimulation channel to deliver a stimulation signal through the stimulation channel to the electrode. The stimulation circuit is adapted to deliver stimulation signals through the stimulation channel for both neural stimulation therapy and CRM therapy. The sensing and stimulation circuits are adapted to perform CRM functions. The device further includes a controller connected to the sensing circuit and the stimulation circuit to control the neural stimulation therapy and the CRM therapy. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. |
| US07660627B2 |
Electrotransport delivery device having improved safety and reduced abuse potential
An electrotransport device for delivering one or more therapeutic agents through the skin includes electrodes for contacting the skin, at least one electrode containing the agent, a power source for generating electrical current (IL) for delivering the agent, a current generating and controlling means and a disabling means for permanently and irreversibly disabling the current. The disabling means may include a timer means, a counter means, or a body parameter sensor and limit comparator to effect permanent disabling. The disabling means may be a permanent transition to a disabled logic state, a permanent discharge of a power supply source, or a permanent diversion of electrotransport current from the electrodes, or a combination of the above. The permanent disabling means may include a circuit connection means having a frangible conducting member which permanently fractures and causes an irreversible open circuit in the connection to the electrodes upon removing a disposable/single use electrode assembly from a reusable portion of an electrotransport device. |
| US07660625B2 |
Catheter with compactly terminated electronic component
A cable assembly includes an elongated catheter defining a lumen. A cable within the lumen has at least first and second electrically independent conductors. A first electrical component is connected to the catheter and has a first lead and second lead. The first lead is connected to the first conductor at a first connection, and the second lead connected to the second conductor at a second connection. The first and second connections are spaced apart along the length of the catheter, and the component is positioned at an intermediate location between the first and second connections. The component may be a coil, with leads extending in opposite directions, and only one of the conductors may pass through the coil. The assembly may include multiple components spaced apart along the length of the catheter. |
| US07660623B2 |
Six degree of freedom alignment display for medical procedures
A display and navigation system for use in guiding a medical device to a target in a patient includes a tracking sensor, a tracking device and display. The tracking sensor is associated with the medical device and is used to track the medical device. The tracking device tracks the medical device with the tracking sensor. The display includes indicia illustrating at least five degree of freedom information and indicia of the medical device in relation to the five degree of freedom information. |
| US07660622B2 |
Method and system for positioning a tracking sensor for optimal accuracy
The present invention provides a method for positioning an electromagnetic tracking sensor. The method includes attaching a sensor to an anatomy, obtaining an image of the anatomy, indicating a size of each of a plurality of volumes on the image, where the volumes include a smaller and larger volume, and making a determination of whether a region of interest is encompassed by one or more of the volumes. The present invention also provides a system for positioning an electromagnetic tracking sensor. The system includes a sensor attached to a patient anatomy, an imaging modality obtaining an image of the anatomy, an image processor indicating a size of each of a plurality of volumes on the image, where the plurality of volumes includes a smaller and larger volume, and an operator making a determination of whether a region of interest is encompassed by one or more of the volumes. |
| US07660610B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for timed ring suppression
Systems and methods for timed ring suppression are disclosed. After a communications device receives an incoming call and the ringer is activated to produce an initial audible alert, the ringer of the communications device may be silenced for subsequent audible alerts until the calling party hangs up or until the call is further processed. |
| US07660605B2 |
Method and system for the configuration of a mobile station baseband circuit for an acoustic accessory
A method and system for the configuration of a mobile station baseband circuit for an acoustic accessory having an identifier, the method comprising the steps of: determining whether the mobile device recognizes the identifier of the acoustic device; and configuring the baseband circuit with a DSP filter response and CODEC acoustic gain parameters for the acoustic device if the mobile device recognizes the identifier of the acoustic device. The system comprising: an identifier for each of the plurality of acoustic devices; a local memory in the mobile station storing a frequency (filter) response and gain parameters for at least one of the plurality of acoustic devices and for mapping them to the identifier; and a digital signal processor to re-shape an acoustic frequency response and adjust an audio gain of a baseband circuit for the mobile station based on the stored frequency response and gain parameters. |
| US07660604B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a controller for switching a current screen theme of a GUI screen of an application program to a prospective screen theme, the GUI screen including two or more GUI tools of a same type, and a storage for storing a plurality of screen theme definition data sets, wherein the controller loads one of the plural screen theme definition data sets stored in the storage, which screen theme defines the prospective screen theme, into a memory region reserved for the application program, and draws the two or more GUI tools of a same type included in the GUI screen using the loaded screen theme definition data set, which is stored in the memory region for the application program. As a result, the entire GUI screen of an application is displayed on a common screen theme and a screen theme can be switched rapidly, using a reduced memory capacity. |
| US07660603B2 |
Card type electronic device system and card type electronic device
A card type electronic device system has an adapter including a self-identification function compliant with a preselected recognition procedure for identifying the adapter. A card type electronic device is provided for selective connection to one of a first card slot of a host device without the adapter and to a second card slot of the host device via the adapter that has a maximum supply current standard value greater than that of the first card slot. The card type electronic device includes a recognition function via which the adapter is recognized in accordance with the preselected recognition procedure. A control function of the card type electronic device selects predetermined operation conditions which match the maximum supply current standard value of the first card slot when the recognition function recognizes that the card type electronic device is connected to the first card slot, and selects predetermined operation conditions which match the maximum supply current standard value of the second card slot when the recognition function recognizes that the card type electronic device is connected to the second card slot. |
| US07660601B2 |
Webpad and method for using the same
A webpad and method for using the same are provided. The webpad includes an adapter module attached to a personal digital assistant. The adapter module includes a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving data via a wireless communication protocol. |
| US07660599B2 |
Base station and transmission power control method
A base station of the present invention performs transmission power control quickly with maintaining communication quality in mobile communications systems, by setting up priority about transmission power control and performing transmission power control sequentially from a channel with a high priority. A channel priority setting unit outputs priority information indicating priority for transmission power control about a plurality of channel information. A power calculation unit outputs total power information of all channels about the plurality of channel information. A power adjustment unit performs power adjustment to the channel information selected on the basis of the priority information when the total power information has larger value than maximum transmission power information. |
| US07660597B2 |
Internet telephone system, call connection controller, terminal association method used therein and its program
A PBX, when notified information of an originating manipulation such as dialing of a receiver's number from a keyboard connected with a PC, judges whether an origination request is from the PC or a first terminal. In a case of the request being from the PC, the PBX performs number analysis processing of the PC which is the originator. The PBX judges whether there is information about a terminal associating with the terminal requesting the origination, and when there is information for the terminal, performs to connect with the associating terminal, and processes the origination request to thereby connect with the counterpart terminal. When there is no information about the terminal, the PBX processes the origination request as usual to thereby connect with the counterpart terminal. |
| US07660595B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating mobile Ip data connectivity on transitions between wireless networks
Methods and apparatus are presented to facilitate the transfer of a PPP session of a mobile communication device that is handed between multiple communication networks with different air interfaces. |
| US07660593B2 |
Method for combining media records in a cellular network terminal device and a cellular network terminal device
The invention relates to a method for combining separate media records saved in a cellular network terminal device by means of the numerical keys of the cellular network terminal device. The invention also relates to an application program implementing the method and a cellular network terminal device in which the application program is utilized. |
| US07660590B2 |
Terminal-based server for location tracking
A mobile terminal device that facilitates location services (LCS) in a cellular network. The system, as embodied in a mobile terminal device, comprises a mobile communications component that communicates wireless signals, and a location services component embodied in the mobile communication component to provide positioning information. A location request is received by the mobile terminal device and processed using the LCS server to activate trigger events. A location-tracking report is autonomously generated for each event and transmitted to the requesting client via MLP or the wireless network signaling protocol. |
| US07660588B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving radio location accuracy with measurements
A method and apparatus to utilize a set of measurements (either partial or compete) to improve the accuracy of an initial position estimate for a wireless terminal. The initial position estimate for the terminal is first obtained (e.g., based on a cell-ID or an enhanced cell-ID solution). Measurements are obtained for the terminal. The initial position estimate is then updated with the measurements to obtain a revised position estimate for the terminal. The updating may be performed by (1) deriving a measurement vector based on the initial position estimate and the measurements, (2) forming an observation matrix for the measurements, (3) determining a matrix of weights, (4) deriving a correction vector based on the measurement vector, the observation matrix, and the weight matrix, and (5) updating the initial position estimate with the correction vector. |
| US07660583B2 |
Advanced handover in phased-shifted and time-sliced networks
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for a wireless terminal to receive channel bursts in a wireless system while the wireless terminal is performing a handover from one base station to another base station. The wireless terminal determines that a handover may be necessary if a handover criterion is satisfied based upon a measurement of the signal quality associated with the current serving base station. If so, the wireless terminal performs measurements for the candidate cells, which are maintained in a candidate list. The wireless terminal will select one of the candidate cells (corresponding to the new serving base station) if the associated signal quality is sufficiently better than the current serving base station. After determining that a handover is necessary and before completing the handover to the new serving base station, the wireless terminal receives a last channel burst from the current serving base station. |
| US07660581B2 |
Managing sponsored content based on usage history
Improved search capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications devices such as cell phones, as well as improved techniques for delivering sponsored content in a mobile communication environment. |
| US07660580B2 |
Inbound roamer call control system
A system for implementing call control services for an inbound roamer is provided. The system includes a control node to implement the call control services in response to an initiation request. The system further includes a service node to send a terminating customized applications for mobile network enhanced logic subscription information (T-CSI) for a called number in response to a routing request for the called number. The T-CSI contains an address pointing to the control node. The system further includes a switching center to send the routing request for the called number. The called number is present in a call received from the inbound roamer. |
| US07660572B2 |
Community networking using networked audio devices
A computing system for gathering media status information and other information about contacts in a user's contact list includes a server, a user device, and one or more contacts (or contact devices). The user device communicates with the server and requests media status information regarding the contacts. Media status information may include information about the media content currently (or most recently) accessed by the contacts. The server receives the request from the user device, collects the information and sends it to the user device. The server may else send connection information to the user device. The user device receives the information and displays it to the user. The user device may include a message service such that messages can be sent to and received from the contacts. Also, the user may request particular media content accessed by the contacts. |
| US07660567B1 |
Digital received signal strength indicator (RSSI) circuit and method for detecting the strength of a received signal
An improved Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) circuit and method is provided herein for quickly and accurately detecting the strength of a received signal. The circuit described herein provides a more accurate RSSI signal, while consuming less power and die area, by utilizing digital rather than analog summing. |
| US07660566B2 |
System for creating a programmable tuning voltage
A system for generating a tuning voltage including a processor, a tank circuit, and a feedback loop. The processor creates a tuning voltage that is provided to the tank circuit. A feedback loop optimizes tuning performance by adjusting the tuning voltage based on radio signal strength. |
| US07660565B2 |
Wireless signal strength notification system and method
A dual or multi-mode wireless communication device has a first microprocessor for a first type of wireless signal, such as an IEEE 802.11 (“WiFi”) signal, and a second microprocessor for a second type of wireless signal, such as a cellular network signal. The received signal strength of the first type of wireless signal is monitored by the first microprocessor when the communication device is operating in a first wireless mode, and a notification message is sent from the first microprocessor to the second microprocessor whenever the received signal strength is determined to have changed from one level to another level. The second microprocessor then updates a received signal strength indicator (“RSSI”) icon on the screen of the wireless device to indicate the new received signal strength level. |
| US07660563B2 |
Apparatus and method for calibrating mixer offset
A circuit including a subcircuit having differential signals, and a feedback circuit coupled to the subcircuit. The feedback circuit is configured to measure an offset between the differential signals, to generate a calibration signal in response to the measurement, and to reduce the offset in response to the calibration signal. |
| US07660561B2 |
Method and system for implementing smart antennas and diversity techniques
Method and apparatus for transfer of signals from multiple antennas down to baseband over a common radio frequency (RF) chain. Antenna selection having greater flexibility and applicability to both uplink and downlink is obtained by giving priority to the antenna receiving a better/best quality signal. Measurements are taken by at least a channel estimator during each time slot to determine the weighting to be given to the antenna with the better/best quality signal. Techniques and apparatus are provided to take measurements over a range of intervals from time slots to single symbols, for example, to select the best signal. The techniques described herein may be used individually, and in some cases are combined to receive additional benefits in efficiency. For example, one or more of recent and/or current channel estimation, history, optimization may be employed, in addition to channel estimation, to determine signal quality. |
| US07660559B2 |
Automatic antenna selection for mesh backhaul network nodes
Methods and devices related to wireless networking. A wireless device has multiple directional antennas and multiple backhaul radio modules which provide point to point wireless links with other wireless devices. Each radio module can use any one of the available directional antennas to link to one other routing device. Antennas are automatically selected for each wireless device by merely setting one device in a “hunt” mode and setting another device in a “listen” mode. Devices in a hunt mode cycle through the available antennas by sequentially transmitting transmit messages to devices in the listen mode using each of the available antennas in turn. Devices in the listen mode also cycle through their available antennas by sequentially “listening” for transmit messages. A listen mode device, receives transmit messages on each of its available antennas, and, after gathering the relevant data, determines which of its antennas is best suited for communicating with the hunt mode device. The listen mode device antenna which is best suited is then used to transmit a response message to the hunt mode device. This listen mode device antenna is thus configured for communicating with the hunt mode device. Similarly, when the hunt mode device receives the response message, it designates its antenna which transmitted the transmit message as being configured for communications with the listen mode device. |
| US07660557B2 |
Dynamic selection and scheduling of radio frequency communications
A manager for playing of broadcast specific information is disclosed. The manager for playing of broadcast specific information includes a managing node that is at least partially resident at a radio broadcast point, wherein the managing node includes a plurality of inputs for receipt of the broadcast specific information from at least two sources, wherein the hub records the broadcast specific information entering at least two of the plurality of inputs for eventual broadcast from the radio broadcast point, and at least one broadcast non-specific information input associated with the managing node, wherein at least one of a format, play time, and play type of the broadcast specific information are varied in accordance with the broadcast non-specific information, and wherein the varied broadcast specific information is broadcast from the radio broadcast point. |
| US07660554B2 |
Heat fixing device
In an induction heat fixing device of the invention, a metal conductive layer of a heat roller is supported by a foamed rubber (sponge). A sheet paper is curled in a direction of separating from the heat roller by a nip shape between the heat roller and a press roller. The press roller is formed to be longer than the heat roller to such a degree that even if the heat roller laterally shifts, an edge of the press roller does not come in contact with the heat roller. |
| US07660541B2 |
Image formation apparatus utilizing density of waste toner to detect amount thereof
An image formation apparatus has a waste toner accommodation unit including a toner transporting rotation member covered with a fixed pipe. As the member rotates, waste toner in the pipe is transported downstream. The toner transporting rotation member has an upstream portion with a recessed portion having a small diameter. As the toner transporting rotation member rotates, a detection plate located external to the waste toner accommodation unit repetitively moves and thus repetitively passes across a photo sensor. When the waste toner has reached the level of the pipe the waste toner is compressed in the pipe downstream and thus increases in density. This increases a load torque of the toner transporting rotation member and hence ruptures the recessed portion, and thus stops rotation. The photo sensor detects that the detection plate no longer passes across it, and thus detects a state full of toner. |
| US07660540B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a development portion holder mounted with a plurality of development portions having a memory storing plural types of information on the corresponding development portion and that selectively portions one of the development portions in a predetermined development positions by holding and moving the mounted development portions; a controller that controls the development portion holder to switch the development portions to be positioned at the predetermined development position and that performs an image forming process using the development portions positioned at the development position; and an access unit that accesses the memory of the development portion positioned at an access position, which is a position at which one of the other development portions mounted in the development portion holder is placed so as write the information therein, when one of the development portions mounted in the development portion holder is positioned at the development position. |
| US07660539B2 |
Printer consumable ordering direct from printer
A system for enabling ordering of printer supplies directly via a printer. The system provides an option for a user to request value bundled information before placing a printer supply order. By providing the option of requesting value bundled information, a customer can obtain information about printer supply promotions directly via the printer without the need for an information handling system to be coupled to the printer. Additionally, the system provides an encouragement to a customer to purchase a plurality of printer suppliers by providing the customer with incentives for the purchase. |
| US07660537B2 |
Simultaneous electrical pre-compensation of self-phase modulation and chromatic dispersion
The present invention includes a fast algorithm to compute the pre-equalized waveform for simultaneous compensation of the self-phase modulation and chromatic dispersion experienced by a high-speed optical signal, e.g., at 10 Gb/s, and shows that it is used for an automatic self-adapting pre-equalization when the knowledge on transmission link details is inaccurate or incomplete. |
| US07660536B2 |
Optical modulating circuit and optical modulating method
An optical modulating circuit realizing a PPM is constituted by circuit parts having a frequency band equal to a data rate to provide a technique which increase the data rate. A first light source generates a first single wavelength signal serving as a continuous light having a first wavelength λ1 as a wavelength of a carrier wave. A second light source generates a second single wavelength signal serving as a continuous light having a second wavelength λ2 different from λ1 as a wavelength of a carrier wave. For the first single wavelength signal and the second single wavelength signal, according to a transmission electric signal having information 0 or 1, an optical switch outputs a first single wavelength signal as an input optical signal when the information is 0. On the other hand, when the information is 1, the optical switch outputs the second single wavelength signal as an input optical signal. An optical modulator generates an optical pulse signal obtained by arranging optical pulses having λ1 or λ2 as a wavelength of a carrier wave at predetermined time intervals from the input optical signal. A delaying unit delays the optical pulse having the wavelength λ1 and the optical pulse having the wavelength λ2 by different delay time Δt to obtain a PPM signal. |
| US07660521B2 |
Image pickup terminal
An image pickup terminal includes an image pickup section, a data storage section which stores shutter sound setup data that sets a shutter sound generating when the image pickup section performs an imaging, a shutter sound generating section which generates a shutter sound based on the shutter sound setup data stored in the data storage section, a shutter sound appropriateness checking section which determines whether a shutter sound based on the shutter sound setup data stored in the data storage section is appropriate or not, and a control section which inhibits data setting of a shutter sound determined as being inappropriate by the shutter sound appropriateness checking section. |
| US07660519B2 |
Autofocus apparatus
An autofocus apparatus includes an imaging device that captures a subject image through a photographic lens; an AF area determining device that determines a range of image signals to be used for autofocus adjustment based upon image signals provided by the imaging device; a focus adjustment device that adjusts a focal point position achieved through the photographic lens by driving a focus lens so as to maximize contrast achieved with the image signals in the determined range; and a control device that controls the focus adjustment device, if the range of the image signals determined by the AF area determining device has been altered, so as to adjust the focal point position by using image signals in the altered range. |
| US07660515B2 |
Broadcast program recording apparatus using electronic program guide
A broadcast program recording apparatus is provided in which ease of operation is improved for selecting a broadcast program to be entered by making it possible to enter a broadcast program to be recorded, by using EPG data, even when a broadcast program which is being currently broadcast is being recorded. The broadcast program recording apparatus includes a tuner section for receiving a broadcast program containing broadcast program information, an EPG decoder for decoding the broadcast program information received by the tuner section, a controller having recording management information which is created by extracting a broadcast program to be recorded from the decoded EPG data, and a recording section for recording the broadcast program on the basis of the recording management information. The controller compares the current time with a broadcast program start time contained in the EPG data, and enters a new broadcast program into the recording management information when the current broadcast program is to be changed or immediately after it is changed. |
| US07660510B2 |
Device for creating content from multiple video and/or audio materials and method therefor
An EPL maker (10) is composed mainly of editing terminals (15), (16) and (17) each reading and decoding each of highly compressed sub materials to produce a material data and make an EPL while displaying, on a monitor, a video based on the material data. The EPL includes identification information for identification of a material used in editing and a format declare state for defining a format of at least a certain material. The EPLs made by the editing terminals (15), (16) and (17) are stored into an EPL storage unit (18). The EPLs stored in the EPL storage unit (18) are read by an edit controller (20). The edit controller (20) makes an edit control signal based on the EPLs, and supplies the signal to a content maker (30). Thus, an editing can be executed with having not to pool the materials once on hand and with labors and costs. |
| US07660507B2 |
Latch and handle arrangement for a telecommunications panel
A latch and handle arrangement for a panel that provides a number of functions. The arrangement including a lever arm that functions as both a handle and a latch release in some panel and frame embodiments. The lever arm also functioning as a fastener cover in other panel and frame embodiments. |
| US07660506B2 |
Optical waveguide structures
An optical waveguide structure has a slab type photonic crystal and an optical waveguide provided in the photonic crystal. The photonic crystal has a slab of a dielectric film and a plurality of lattice columns each having dielectric pillars. The dielectric pillars included in the lattice columns at least in n'th order (n represents 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) in distance with respect to said optical waveguide, respectively, has a planar shape of an equilateral polygon or exact circle. At least one of the dielectric pillars included in the lattice columns at least in n'th order (n represents 2, 3, 4 and 5) with respect to the optical waveguide has a size rn different from a fundamental size ro. |
| US07660503B2 |
Flexible optical waveguide and optical module
The present invention relates to a flexible optical waveguide including a core portion and a cladding layer which has an increment of insertion loss of 0.1 dB or less upon subjecting the waveguide to a 360° bending test at a radius of curvature of 2 mm, as well as an optical module using the flexible optical waveguide. There are provided a flexible optical waveguide having high flexing property, heat resistance and transparency, as well as an optical module using the flexible optical waveguide. |
| US07660502B1 |
Optical interconnect and connector devices
Methods and systems for optical interconnection. |
| US07660501B2 |
Distribution cable assembly having overmolded mid-span access location
A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body. |
| US07660496B2 |
Structural joint strain monitoring apparatus and system
Structural joint strain monitoring apparatus 92 comprises jacket means 52 in the form of first and second jacket elements 62, each having a primary jacket part 62a and substantially perpendicular secondary jacket part 62b which together define a compartment for receiving a joint, between two pipes 54, 56, to be monitored. The jacket means 52 additionally comprises two primary web elements 76, 78 provided between the primary and secondary jacket parts 62a, 62b. Three fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors 96, 98, 100 and an FBG temperature sensor 102 are provided within an optical fiber 104, bonded to the primary web elements 76, 78 and each end of the second jacket element 62 respectively, for measuring strain or temperature at their respective locations. The FBG sensors 96, 98, 100, 102 are optically coupled, via optical fiber 104, to optical fiber sensor interrogation apparatus 94, operable to interrogate each FBG sensor. |
| US07660493B2 |
Optical modulator
An optical modulator is provided. The optical modulator includes a thin plate made of an electrooptic material and having a thickness of 20 μm or less, an optical waveguide formed on a top or bottom surface of the thin plate, and a modulation electrode formed on the top surface of the thin plate to modulate light passing through the optical waveguide, wherein, in a shape of the thin plate, a width of the thin plate at an optical input portion or optical output portion of the optical waveguide is two time or less the thickness of the thin plate. |
| US07660491B2 |
High-dynamic-range analog fiber-optic link using phase modulation and tunable optical filter
A cw-laser source transmits low-noise, narrow-linewidth optical power via an optical fiber to a bias-free electro-optic phase modulator at a remote site, where an antenna or an RF sensor is located. The RF electrical signal modulates the phase modulator at the remote site, converting an electrical signal into an optical signal. The phase-modulated optical signal is fed back via the optical fiber to an optical filter whose filter transfer characteristics can be tuned and reconfigured to cancel the intermodulation distortion terms, particularly the dominant 3rd order intermodulation, as well as the 2nd order. The filtered optical signal is converted to the RF signal at the photodetector. The optical filter is used to effectively “linearize” the signal at the receiver end, rather than at the modulator end. |
| US07660488B2 |
Systems and methods for viewing medical images
For certain medical images, it is important and/or required that a user view all of a medical image at full resolution so that minute, but important, indicia in the medical image are not missed. A computing systems monitor the portions of the medical image that are displayed on the display device, notates those portions that have been displayed at full resolution (or other user-defined display parameters), and provides the user with information indicating portions that have not been viewed at full resolution and/or provides information indicating for which images of a multiple image examination full pixel display has been accomplished. The process reduces the possibility of missing an abnormality in a medical image due to the viewer not viewing a portion of the image at full resolution or using other user-defined display parameters. |
| US07660481B2 |
Image enhancement using anisotropic noise filtering
A method including receiving data corresponding to an original three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed image, smoothing homogenous areas and enhancing edges of the original reconstructed image using edge enhancing diffusion (EED) to create edge-enhanced image data, and calculating a structural importance map. The structural importance map includes a measure of structural importance for each voxel of data in the original reconstructed image. Voxel intensities to be used to create a filtered image are determined according to at least one rule applied to the measure of structural importance. |
| US07660480B1 |
Practical fast mesh-free analysis
A two-level transformation scheme to enable a practical fast mesh-free method is disclosed. The first level transformation transforms the original chosen mesh-free shape function to a first transformed mesh-free shape function that preserves Kronecker delta properties. The first transformed mesh-free function allows the essential boundary conditions to be imposed directly. The second-level transformation scheme employs a low pass filter function served as a regularization process that filters out the higher-order terms in the monomial mesh-free approximation obtained from the first-level transformation scheme with desired consistency and completeness conditions. This integration scheme requires only a low-order integration rule comparing to the high order integration rule used in the traditional mesh-free methods. The present invention simplifies the boundary condition treatments and avoids the usage of high-order integration rule and therefore is more practical than the traditional mesh-free methods. |
| US07660475B2 |
Method and apparatus for coding positions of coefficients
A method and apparatus for coding positions of data such as coefficients are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises coding data in a vector of data based on indications of whether the data is zero or non-zero identified using a tree data structure and producing a bit stream based on coded data. |
| US07660472B2 |
System and method for managing stereoscopic viewing
Methods and systems that help control when and how stereoscopic content should be viewed, based on both geometry of the viewing system and the geometry used to generate the content are shown. One example embodiment utilizes the specifications of the system used to capture the image data to determine the geometry of the image content, and encodes this content geometry along with the stored image data. This content geometry data is then analyzed by display systems to determine appropriate geometries for a viewing system. Data arranged according to one embodiment is a series of digitally stored video frames representing a stereoscopic prospective view of an image or scene. This prospective view was rendered using a specific content geometry, and this geometry is digitally encoded and stored with, or embedded in, the digital image data. |
| US07660471B2 |
Method for correcting interpolated pixel values
The invention is related to video compression systems, and in particular to compression/decompression in digital video systems. The present invention discloses a method for compensating the rounding and truncation error when calculating ½ and ¼ position pixels for motion vector prediction. According to the invention, the rounding/truncation offset is attenuated by properly shifting up or down the result of the calculation of the ½ position pixel values. A method alternating occurrences of converting up and converting down interpolated pixel values to nearest integers in the cases where the pixel values are decimals with fractions of 0.5. In a preferred embodiment, each motion vector is assigned either a first or a second notation, so that converting up or down in a predicted block depends on the assignment of the motion vector corresponding to the prediction block. The present invention is particularly useful in the coding standard H.264/AVC. |
| US07660466B2 |
Natural language recognition using distributed processing
A method and system for computer-based recognition of natural language data. The method is implemented on a distributed computer network and includes obtaining natural language data, such as digital ink handwriting, using an input device (415), receiving the natural language data on a server via a network, processing the natural language data using a recognizer (440) residing on the server (430) to produce intermediate format data (445), transmitting the intermediate format data (445) to an application (450), and decoding the intermediate format data 445 into computer-readable format data using the application (450) and context information associated with the application (450). |
| US07660463B2 |
Foreground extraction using iterated graph cuts
Techniques are disclosed to provide more efficient and improved extraction of a portion of a scene without requiring excessive user interaction. More particularly, the extraction may be achieved by using iterated graph cuts. In an implementation, a method includes segmenting an image into a foreground portion and a background portion (e.g., where an object or desired portion to be extracted is present in the foreground portion). The method determines the properties corresponding to the foreground and background portions of the image. Distributions may be utilized to model the foreground and background properties. The properties may be color in one implementation and the distributions may be a Gaussian Mixture Model in another implementation. The foreground and background properties are updated based on the portions. And, the foreground and background portions are updated based on the updated foreground and background properties. |
| US07660462B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing image data
A method for the automatic detection of fields or frames in film or video content having similar or substantially the same luminance or color component values, for example to detect black frames. Image sample values are assigned to a sample value range having a signed weight associated therewith, and a contribution to a discriminator function is determined for each sample range depending on the signed weight and the number of input samples in the sample value range. The discriminator function output is then compared with a threshold. |
| US07660460B2 |
Gamut selection in multi-engine systems
In preparation for rendering respective portions of a document via a respective plurality of engines, objects within the document are identified and characterized. A determination is made as to whether gamut variations between the engines might result in objectionable variations in the appearance of rendered versions of identified objects having similar characteristics. For those objects within the document for which the determination is made that variations might be objectionable, a target gamut is selected to be an intersection gamut of the engines to be used to render the document. For those objects within the document for which the determination is made that variations would be unobjectionable, the target gamut is selected to be that of selected individual engines. A system for selecting target gamuts for objects within a document can include an object identifier, a characteristic identifier and a gamut selector. |
| US07660459B2 |
Method and system for predicting customer behavior based on data network geography
A method and system for predicting customer behavior based on the geography of a data network are provided. Furthermore, a method and system for evaluating the training of a predictive algorithm to determine if the algorithm does not adequately take into consideration the influences of data network geography are also provided. The method and system generate frequency distributions of a customer database data set, training data set and testing data set and compare the frequency distributions of data network geographical characteristics to determine if there are discrepancies. If the discrepancies are above a predetermined tolerance, one or more of the data sets may not be representative of the customer database taking into account data network geographical influences on customer behavior. Thus, recommendations for improving the training data set and/or testing data set are then provided such that the data set is more representative of the data network geographical influences. Once trained, the predictive algorithm may be utilized to predict customer behavior taking into account the influences of data network geography. |
| US07660458B1 |
Three-dimensional model construction using unstructured pattern
Systems and methods using an unstructured pattern for three-dimensional model construction, such as may be used for processing images of documents are disclosed. The method generally includes projecting an unstructured infrared pattern onto a target object, capturing a pair of stereoscopic images of the pattern projected onto the target object, such as with infrared cameras, performing signal processing on the pair of stereoscopic images to cross-correlate portions of the stereoscopic images in order to identify corresponding portions in the stereoscopic images, and constructing a three-dimensional model of the target object. The three-dimensional model can be utilized to rectify, e.g., de-warp, an image of the target object, e.g., a page or both facing pages of a bound document. |
| US07660457B2 |
Method for inspecting luggage
A method for determining a change in position of an item of luggage, examined by a first examination system, in order to thereafter examine only a suspect region of the item of luggage in a secondary examination system. |
| US07660456B2 |
Mask fabrication supporting method, mask blank providing method, and mask blank dealing system
A mask blank is provided by forming a plurality of films, including at least a thin film to be a transfer pattern, on a board. At the time of patterning a resist film of the mask blank according to pattern data, film information to check with a pattern is obtained for each of a plurality of the films. |
| US07660451B2 |
System, method and apparatus for small pulmonary nodule computer aided diagnosis from computed tomography scans
The present invention is directed to diagnostic imaging of small pulmonary nodules. There are two main stages in the evaluation of pulmonary nodules from Computed Tomography (CT) scans: detection, in which the locations of possible nodules are identified, and characterization, in which a nodule is represented by measured features that may be used to evaluate the probability that the nodule is cancer. Currently, the most useful prediction feature is growth rate, which requires the comparison of size estimates from two CT scans recorded at different times. The present invention includes methods for detection and feature extraction for size characterization. The invention focuses the analysis of small pulmonary nodules that are less than 1 centimeter in size, but is also suitable for larger nodules as well. |
| US07660443B2 |
Artificial eye distinguishing method and device, artificial eye distinguishing program, iris recognition method, false printed matter distinguishing method, and image distinguishing method
Image data of an image including an eye is input (S1), and band limitation is performed (S2). Then, a predetermined feature such as moment is extracted from the band-limited image data (S3), and recognition as to whether the eye projected in the image is a counterfeit eye or a living eye is performed based on the extracted feature (S4). |
| US07660439B1 |
Method and system for flow detection and motion analysis
A surveillance system receives video data of a monitored scene and identifies flows of motion in the scene. Specifically, a video camera communicates with a video recognition system, which identifies a flow motion region of a monitored scene and determines characteristics of the identified flow motion region. |
| US07660438B2 |
Method and apparatus for object tracking prior to imminent collision detection
A method and apparatus for performing collision detection is described. An object is detected within a first operational range of an object tracker. A classification of the object is determined using the object tracker. The object tracker tracks the object. The object is detected within a second operational range of a collision detector. A safety measure is activated based on the classification using the collision detector. |
| US07660436B2 |
Stereo-vision based imminent collision detection
A stereo vision based collision avoidance systems having stereo cameras that produce imagery that is processed to produce a depth map of a scene. A potential threat is detected in the depth map. The size, position, and velocity of the detected potential threat are then estimated, and a trajectory analysis of the detected potential threat is determined using the estimated position and the estimated velocity. A collision prediction based on the trajectory analysis is determined, and then a determination is made as to whether a collision is imminent based on the collision prediction and on the estimated size of the potential threat. |
| US07660435B2 |
Damage analysis-supporting system
A technique for analyzing damage to a motor vehicle, capable of accurately specifying damage on each component by a simple operation. A damage analysis-supporting system for supporting analysis of damage on a motor vehicle has an image generating-portion (301) and a damage-analyzing portion (303). The image-generating portion (301) imports individual drawing data corresponding to components constituting the vehicle into layers and generates an image of a vehicle body seen from a particular direction by superposing the layers. The damage-analyzing portion (303) receives input by a user to the image, where the input designates the area of damage. At the same time, the damage-analyzing portion (303) specifies a damaged portion of each component on a layer-by-layer basis, where each layer has drawing data that belong to the area of damage designated by the user. |
| US07660433B2 |
Method and a system for automatic measurement and tracking of logs, industrial wood and boards
A method for tracking and measuring volume, shape and surfaces of objects, such as logs, simultaneously. In series of load and unload operations along a procurement line, series of images are captured by e.g., CCD stereo cameras with sufficient spatial resolution capabilities. Simultaneously, the location of objects (logs) are registered by a GPS system aiding the tracking of the objects. The load and unload operations are typically performed by machineries such as harvesters, forwarders or trucks all equipped with a crane. On such machines digital cameras are mounted on jib arms and a computer system is attached. A GPS system is mounted on the machines too and the computer system is attached here as well. Thus the real time processing of stereo images can be accomplished and the volume, shape and surface of the 3D objects are computed simultaneously with their location in space. The resulting data are sent to a central database that keeps track of objects and their locations. These data are then again available for the following step in the procurement line as “a priory” information, facilitating the computation of the size, shape, surface and location of logs (objects) at the current load/unload operation. A chain of information provided by this invention will profoundly increase efficiency of any production chain subjectable to the presented method. |
| US07660431B2 |
Image recognition facilitation using remotely sourced content
Upon determining (201) a need for image recognition facilitation content, a corresponding process (200) first determines (202 and 203) whether adequate local resources are available. When true, those local resources are used (204) to facilitate the desired image recognition. When false, however, one or more remote resources are accessed (205) and supplemental image recognition facilitation content is received (206) and locally used (207) to effect the desired image recognition process. Local memory management can optionally comprise, if desired, deletion (208) of some (or all) locally stored image recognition facilitation content and/or storage (209) of the remotely sourced image recognition facilitation content. |
| US07660430B2 |
Method and apparatus for determination of water pervious surfaces
A system and method for determining the pervious and impervious area within parcels associated with a municipality for purposes of generating bills for storm water runoff to parcel owners. Aerial imagery, collected from an aircraft and/or satellite, of the relevant municipality, or portion thereof, is collected, processed, and analyzed to determine the amount of water impervious area associated with each relevant parcel within the municipality. This information for each parcel may then be used to determine an appropriate amount of money to be charged to the owner of each respective parcel. The amount of impervious area per parcel is calculated based on parcel boundary information specific to the municipality that may contain spatial domain errors. |
| US07660427B2 |
Deformable soft molding compositions
A curable composition and method for producing a tear resistant, yet soft and deformable in-the-ear product yielding the user greater comfort and durability. The curable composition incorporated into a hearing aid apparatus provides a deformable, yet tear resistant housing, which may be mated to a soft tip component. The hearing aid housing provides better comfort, durability and acoustic performance for a variety of ear canal shapes. The curable composition that provides these properties includes at least one urethane acrylate oligomer, at least one reactive diluent and a cure system. The composition when cured desirably produces a tear strength of at least about 75 pli and a hardness of about Shore A 60 to about 75. |
| US07660425B1 |
Acoustic echo cancellation
A multiple channel steered spatialized signal is generated from a signal input modified according to respective spatialization gain functions to generate a plurality of audio channels. An echo cancellation signal is applied to a return path using a combined spatialization and echo path estimate. The estimate is derived from the gain functions applied to the respective channels. When the gain functions applied in the respective channels are changed, for instance to represent a different apparent position of the sound source, a new estimate of the echo paths is generated, based on a previous estimate of the echo path and on the new gain functions. |
| US07660424B2 |
Audio channel spatial translation
Using an M:N variable matrix, M audio input signals, each associated with a direction, are translated to N audio output signals, each associated with a direction, wherein N is larger than M, M is two or more and N is a positive integer equal to three or more. The variable matrix is controlled in response to measures of: (1) the relative levels of the input signals, and (2) the cross-correlation of the input signals so that a soundfield generated by the output signals has a compact sound image in the nominal ongoing primary direction of the input signals when the input signals are highly correlated, the image spreading from compact to broad as the correlation decreases and progressively splitting into multiple compact sound images, each in a direction associated with an input signal, as the correlation continues to decrease to highly uncorrelated. |
| US07660414B2 |
Encryption/decryption method and authentication method using multiple-affine key system
In the encryption/decryption method, a random number sequence {ri} is generated on the basis of a given multiple-affine key system K and encryption is performed by an exclusive OR of the random number sequence {ri} with a plain text. Further, the multiple-affine key system K is automatically sequentially rewritten into a series of new multiple-affine key systems each time when the number of use times of the multiple-affine key system reaches a predetermined number and encryption of plain texts thereafter is continued while generating random numbers using the series of the rewritten multiple-affine key systems. Likewise, in decryption as well, since decryption is performed using a multiple-affine key system automatically rewritten each time when the number of use times reaches a predetermined number, a third party cannot reproduce the multiple-affine key system and therefore cannot decipher a cipher text. |
| US07660411B2 |
Portable telephone
A portable telephone in which two bodies thereof are placed in superposed relation, and one body slides relative to the other body to change how far they superpose, thus expanding and contracting the overall length of the telephone in the sliding direction. The one body can pull out relative to the other body with an area left where a part of the one body is superposed on the other body in the extended state. Engaging members, i.e. engaging pawls and sliders, that serve as a rotation preventing mechanism for preventing the two bodies from relative rotating are intensively provided in the superposed area within the extended state. |
| US07660407B2 |
Systems and methods for scheduling contact center agents
Systems and methods for scheduling contact center agents are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: receiving information corresponding to work schedules and skills of agents of a remote contact center that shares contacts with a local contact center; correlating the skills with skills that are to be used for scheduling agents of the local contact center; and generating work schedules for the agents of the local contact center based, at least in part, on a correlation between the skills of the agents of the remote contact center and the local contact center, and an evaluation of the work schedules of the agents of the remote contact center. |
| US07660402B1 |
System and method for managing telecommunication trunk groups
The present invention provides a system and method for managing telecommunication trunk groups. Configuration, operational, and other information may be maintained regarding trunk groups in a telecommunication network. Various calculations and searches may be performed using the information maintained regarding the trunk groups of telecommunication network and provided to a user to allow a user to identify the performance of various trunk groups. The present invention may further allow a user to propose changes to the configuration or routing associated with one or more trunk groups and provide a user with predicted outcomes should such changes be made. |
| US07660399B2 |
Voice processing system
A voice processing complex has a plurality of host machines, each host machine supporting one or more voice applications, at least one host in the complex including telephony hardware for providing access to a plurality of telephone lines. Such a host provides telephony functions to the complex. This is achieved by maintaining a mapping of voice applications to telephone lines, and creating a call object in response to an incoming call on one of the lines. It is then determined which voice application to associate with the incoming call on the basis of this mapping, and an identifier to the call object is then passed to the determined voice application. Thereafter the call object is responsive to requests from this voice application for providing telephony functions for the call. This includes receiving a media object from the voice processing application which represents desired output over a telephone line. This media object is then processed into a plurality of output components in accordance with one or more presentation criteria, and these components are then output over the telephone line. |
| US07660394B1 |
Close-out test system
The invention is a method and system conducting a completion test on a communications line. The system includes a testing device coupled to a remote device by a network. Line-test results are received from the testing device and made available to various client devices via the same or another network. Test data is automatically archived for analysis. |
| US07660393B2 |
Gas tight radiation window, and a method for its manufacturing
A gas tight radiation window membrane comprises a layered diffusion barrier with a reactive metal layer (201) covered on both sides by cover layers (202, 203). An originally continuous carrier layer (101) can be made a mesh that has openings coincident with openings of a reinforcement grid (105), while the gas tight diffusion barrier (107, 507) spans as a continuous film over said openings in said mesh. |
| US07660390B2 |
X-ray diagnostics method and device
An x-ray diagnostics method is specified, in particular for use in angiography and cardiology, by means of which a particularly good image quality can be achieved in an easily manageable manner for the patient (P) and the medical personnel, at the same time as a comparatively low radiation exposure. Furthermore, a specific x-ray device (1) for implementing the method comprising an x-ray emitter (2), an x-ray detector (3) and a control unit (10) is specified to control the x-ray emitter (2). In this way the control unit (10) is allocated an operating element (15), by means of which a control parameter (S) characterizing the image quality, the detector input dose or the contrast noise ratio can be continuously varied, as a function of which a number of recording parameters (U,I,t,F) are set by means of the control device (10). |
| US07660388B2 |
Integrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening station
The present invention is directed towards apparatuses and methods for securing a location. Particularly, the present invention is directed towards methods, apparatuses, and integrated systems for the screening of individual passengers and their corresponding carry-on baggage carts with improved throughput, efficiency, and quality. In addition, the current invention is directed towards a carry-on baggage cart specifically designed for the disclosed integrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening system of the present invention. |
| US07660387B2 |
Radiation imaging system
The present invention discloses an radiation imaging system, comprising: an accelerator for generating rays which penetrate through the objects to be inspected and an synchronous signal; a detector with a plurality of detecting modules, adapted for detecting rays; a signal processor for generating a selection signal according to the synchronous signal, so as to select a detecting module for detecting the rays; a data converter for converting the signal detected by said detecting module into digital data, and then buffering the digital data in said signal processor; and a communication controller connected to an image processor, adapted for transmitting the digital data buffered in said signal processor to said image processor. The system according to the present invention allows high-speed and stable data acquisition and data conversion and accurate and reliable data transmission, when the data amount is significant. |
| US07660385B2 |
Time of flight aspects for X-Ray fluorescence visualizer, imager, or information provider
One aspect can relate to determining a total time of flight that indicates an at least one applied duration and an at least one induced duration, wherein the at least one applied duration describes the time for an at least some pulse-type input energy to be applied from a transmission location to an at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual, and wherein the at least one induced duration describes the time for an at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon, to travel from the at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual to a location where the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon is received at least partially by a detecting the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon. The aspect can relate to determining a location information of the at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual based at least partially on the total time of flight. |
| US07660384B2 |
Contrast-enhanced cone beam X-ray imaging, evaluation, monitoring and treatment delivery
A method of imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using X-ray cone beam computed tomography or cone beam digital tomography comprises the step of introducing an effective amount of a contrast agent to the uncompressed region of interest. A system for imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or cone beam digital tomography (CBDT) comprises an X-ray source transmitting an X-ray to the uncompressed region of interest, an image acquisition system acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional projection images data for a CBCT or CBDT data set with at least one of the projection images acquired in 35 milliseconds or less, and a processor generating a three-dimensional computed tomography image data set resolving voxels with dimensions of 0.4 mm or less in at least two orthogonal directions. |
| US07660378B2 |
Phase estimation method in a digital and phase locked loop communication system
A method for estimating the phase in a digital communication system, comprising the steps of: receiving and storing a block of observations Yk; executing at least one phase locked loop (PLL) on a predetermined sequence of observations extracted from said block. Each PLL provides an intermediate value, combining both intermediate values makes it possible to provide a sharpened phase estimate. The method allows realization of an improved phase estimator based on the simplicity of phase locked loops. |
| US07660376B2 |
Clock recovering circuit utilizing a delay locked loop for generating an output clock locked to an analog input signal and related method thereof
A clock recovering circuit for generating an output clock locked to an analog input signal includes: a phase detection unit for receiving the analog input signal and the feedback clock for generating a phase error signal according to the analog input signal and the feedback clock; a loop filter coupled to the phase detector for filtering the phase error signal and generating a control signal; a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) coupled to the loop filter for generating a first clock and an index signal according to the control signal; a delay locked loop (DLL) coupled to the NCO for receiving the first clock and generating a plurality of second clocks; and a multiplexer coupled to the NCO and the DLL for selecting one of the second clocks as the output clock according to the index signal. |
| US07660375B2 |
Receiving device
By including plural receiving branches which are independently controllable for use in diversity reception or plural-channel simultaneous reception, a receiving device can be operated both as a diversity receiving device and as a plural-channel simultaneous receiving device. |
| US07660374B2 |
Method and apparatus for excision of narrowband interference signals in navigation or communication bands
A narrowband interference excision and nulling system for Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), spread spectrum navigation and communication bands, and an antijam electronic apparatus that operates using RF conversion and digital signal processing. A band containing the signal of interest as well as interference is converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) for RF filtering using single conversion, and this signal is digitized using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). A representation of the signal is produced at a lower frequency using digitization and filtering, and a continuous data representation of the band is processed using multiple-point samples to define the input to a complex FFT. The FFT produces contiguous frequency bins that are examined to identify narrowband and broadband interference. An excision algorithm determines the optimum pattern of bins to be removed, after which the residual bins are reconstructed using an IFFT, followed by digital-to-analog conversion and RF conversion to the output band. Narrowband interference excision can be integrated with two-port broadband suppression in cascade using a masked variable resolution FFT spectral energy detection receiver. |
| US07660367B2 |
Base station using a multicarrier communication band divided into a plurality of blocks
It is possible to use a frequency of a preferable propagation condition while reducing the other cell interference by hopping. A scheduler section (102) performs scheduling for deciding a user to whom data is transmitted, by using the CQI from each communication terminal device, selects a user signal to be transmitted in the next frame, and decides a sub-carrier block by which the transmission is performed. An MCS judgment section (103) selects a modulation method and a coding method from the CQI of the user signal selected. A sub-carrier block selection section (110) selects a sub-carrier block specified by the scheduler section (102) for each user signal. For each of the sub-carrier blocks, the hopping pattern is selected by FH-sequence selection sections (111-1 to 111-n). A sub-carrier mapping section (112) maps the user signal and the control data to the sub-carrier according to the hopping pattern selected. |
| US07660366B2 |
Message synchronization over a stochastic network
Methods and apparatus to communicate between a local component and a remote component, where the local component is connected to the remote component using a non-deterministic communication link. A local clock is synchronized with a remote clock to within a maximum offset. A rate message from the remote component is received at the local component, where the rate message includes a first time stamp. A data rate is adjusted using the rate message when the time of the local clock substantially matches a time determined using the first time stamp. A data message is sent to the remote component using the adjusted data rate, where the data message includes a second time stamp for use in processing data in the data message. In some implementations, the time determined using the first time stamp is also determined using information about a communication link delay and/or a clock offset. |
| US07660361B2 |
Signal component demultiplexing apparatus, filter apparatus, receiving apparatus, communication apparatus, and communication method
A communication apparatus, a signal component demultiplexing apparatus, and a filter apparatus to reduce a load of FFT processing in a receiver in multi-carrier communication. The receiving apparatus provides a signal component demultiplexing apparatus before an FFT circuit and extracts only the required symbol series. The signal component demultiplexing apparatus has hierarchically arranged branching circuits each including a symbol delay circuit, a phase offset adjustment circuit, an adder circuit, and a subtractor circuit, one symbol string being output from the adder circuit and another symbol string being output from the subtractor circuit. |
| US07660352B2 |
Apparatus and method of parallel processing an MPEG-4 data stream
An apparatus and method of decoding coded video bitstreams is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first processor and a second processor configured to operate in parallel. The main processor receives the coded video bitstream, parses it, and calls the second processor to decode the coded video bitstream to retrieve macroblock data. If an error occurs during decoding, the second processor signals the first processor, which can instruct the second processor to perform an error recovery routine. The first processor the performs dequantization and inverse DCT to recover digital pixel data from the macroblocks so that an image formed from the digital pixel data can be later displayed on a monitor. |
| US07660351B2 |
Video deblocking
Video deblocking can be implemented in video content processing and delivery environments when displaying decompressed/decoded video information. Discontinuities are identified and smoothed to reduce blockiness, for example at macroblock boundaries in conjunction with Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG)-based schemes. In exemplary implementation(s), a client device detects discontinuities at or near block boundaries, determines which discontinuities are artificial, and smooths at least those discontinuities that are determined to be artificial. These actions may be accomplished using (i) one or more Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG) operations as applied to both an image and a quantization matrix and (ii) windowed comparisons between values and a threshold resulting from the LoG operations. Alternatively, these actions may be accomplished using a spatio-temporally varying filter. Additionally, in an MPEG context, intra image units may be deblocked using the former approach while non-intra image units may be deblocked using the latter approach. |
| US07660345B2 |
Transceiver apparatus and method having ethernet-over-power and power-over-ethernet capability
A transceiver device for coupling between a power line and a network interface unit includes a power line modem for transmitting and receiving data between the power line and the network interface unit and a power circuit coupled to the power line modem that is adapted to deliver a DC power signal to the network interface unit. The power circuit includes a discovery circuit adapted to determine the type of network interface unit that is attached. A load path control circuit switches the DC power signal between a PHY interface and a connector interface of the power line modem based on the determined type. |
| US07660343B1 |
Method for optimizing the transmission of data via lines
For different line parameters of lines at least one transmission procedure with a transmission rate representing the maximum throughput rate is determined and stored. In a current data transmission via a line, its line parameters are measured and the transmission procedure is selected with the transmission rate at which the greatest agreement is determined between the measured and stored line parameters, i.e., a maximum data throughput rate. |
| US07660342B2 |
Digital receiver device based on an input comparator
A digital processing device is at the input of a radio frequency receiver chain, suited to a transmission system using a direct sequence spectrum spread, comprising analog-to-digital conversion means (ADC) performing an undersampling of a signal received, resulting in an overlapping of the wanted signal by the transmission channel noise, demodulation means connected to the output of the ADC, a low pass filter connected at the output of the demodulation means and a filter matched to the spreading code used, wherein the ADC includes a comparator capable of comparing the amplitude of the undersampled signal to a reference in order to carry out a quantizing of the 1-bit signal, said comparator bringing about the creation of a quantizing noise, and including an additional filtering unit arranged between the low pass filter and the matched filter, implementing a multi-noise, stochastic matched filtering operation. |
| US07660341B2 |
Receiver device suited to a transmission system using a direct sequence spread spectrum
A receiver device for a modulated signal, suited in particular to a transmission system using a binary carrier phase modulation by means of a binary message on which a direct sequence spread spectrum operation has been carried out, this device comprising a first analog radio frequency part, transforming the signal received into a low-frequency, demodulated signal, said demodulated signal being applied to a second digital part of said device comprising an analog-to-digital converter and a filter matched to the spreading code used in order to delete the spreading applied to the original message, said device being characterized in that it includes an additional filtering unit, arranged between the analog-to-digital converter and the matched filter, said filtering unit implementing a stochastic matched filtering operation in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the input of said matched filter. |
| US07660339B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating and correcting frequency offset in MB-OFDM UWB system using time frequency hopping
Provided are an apparatus and method for estimating and correcting a frequency offset in a multiband-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Ultra-Wideband system using a time frequency hopping. The method includes the steps of: calculating a tangent input having a first value (X) and a second value (Y) by using PS symbols transferred over same frequency band with respect to one of a plurality of frequency bands used for frequency hopping; calculating tan(X/Y) using the first value (X) and the second value (Y), and calculating an index corresponding to the value of tan(X/Y) from a look-up table created by reflecting a relative frequency offset with respect to a center frequency; calculating indexes representing frequency offsets estimated with respect to remaining frequency bands used for frequency hopping from the look-up table by using the calculated index; extracting an index of a numerical controlled oscillator according to correction positions with respect to a plurality of frequency bands by using the calculated indexes; and correcting the frequency offsets estimated using the extracted indexes according to time frequency patterns by using a numerical controlled oscillator table. |
| US07660336B2 |
Method and device for determining an activation threshold
A method is provided for determining a laser threshold of a laser diode, which is operated by a drive circuit as a function of a first signal in a first feedback and a second signal in a second feedback, the first feedback being supplied via an optical coupling of an optical output signal of the laser diode. The method is characterized in that the second feedback is supplied by an electrical signal picked up between the drive circuit and the laser diode, the electrical signal is compared with an adjustable activation threshold, only a portion of the electrical signal that exceeds the adjustable activation threshold is transmitted to the drive circuit in such a way that the second feedback is active only when such a portion occurs, the adjustable activation threshold is changed in such a way that the activity state of the second feedback changes, and the laser threshold of the laser diode is determined as a function of the value of the adjustable activation threshold during a change in the activity state of the second feedback. Furthermore, a drive circuit is presented which carries out the method. |
| US07660333B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for jitter in a communications network
Jitter in a clock signal can cause communications faults in communications networks, such as in networks in which downstream nodes use recovered clock signals as timing for upstream communications. An embodiment of the present invention detects and compensates for jitter in a network by recovering a reference clock associated with communications signals between nodes, such as an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in a Passive Optical Network (PON). A local clock is synchronized with the reference clock. Jitter induced faults may be detected and compensated for by increasing the synchronization rate, then decreasing the synchronization rate until jitter induced faults begin to occur. A loss or change in a rate of communications errors occurring as a function of the synchronization rate may be monitored and reported to a system operator. Compensating for jitter by adjusting the synchronization rate provides for robust communications between network nodes. |
| US07660332B2 |
Supporting synchronization status messages on building integrated timing supply synchronization supply unit remote shelves
Systems and methods are described for supporting synchronization status messages (SSM) on building integrated timing system synchronization supply unit (BITS-SSU) remote shelves. A method includes providing a composite clock reference to a remote synchronization supply unit from a master synchronization supply unit; providing a synchronization status message to the remote synchronization supply unit; relaying the composite clock reference from the remote synchronization supply unit; and relaying the synchronization status message from the remote synchronization supply unit. An apparatus includes: a master synchronization supply unit; and a remote synchronization supply unit coupled to the master synchronization supply unit, the remote synchronization supply unit including a composite clock reference input to receive a composite clock reference from the master synchronization supply unit, a composite clock output to relay the composite clock reference, a synchronization status message input to receive a synchronization status message, and a synchronization status message output to relay the synchronization status message. |
| US07660327B2 |
Temporary priority promotion for network communications in which access to a shared medium depends on a priority level
A method of operating in a network in which a plurality of stations communicate over a shared medium (e.g., using a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) service). The stations contend for access to the shared medium using a contention procedure that relies on a priority level, wherein transmissions with a lower priority level have a reduced chance of gaining access to the shared medium during a contention process. Selected stations are given the capability of temporarily promoting the priority level of transmissions they are attempting to make. The priority level is increased during an interval to reduce the chance that other stations gain access to the shared medium during that interval, and the priority level is restored to its normal level following the interval. |
| US07660324B2 |
Virtual network construction method, system, and relaying apparatus
In a virtual network construction method, a virtual network construction system, and a relaying apparatus within a public data communication network, control packets each having set a multicast address are multicast, and upon reception of the control packets by the relaying apparatuses belonging to the multicast address group, virtual links to the transmitting sources of the control packets are established and reply packets are returned through the virtual links, whereby the virtual links are established between all of the relaying apparatuses belonging to the multicast address group to establish the virtual network. |
| US07660320B2 |
Communication network, a method of routing data packets in such communication network and a method of locating and securing data of a desired resource in such communication network
A communication network comprising a plurality of network nodes is provided, wherein the network nodes are logically arranged to form a plurality of concentric rings, all rings except the outermost ring being with high probability fully constructed; the number of nodes on each fully constructed ring being dD, wherein d denotes the base of an integer having D digits, D≧1, and wherein D also denotes the ring number, D starting with the value 1 for the innermost ring; each node being identified by an identification number unique in the network, said identification number having D digits, D≧1, and D denoting the ring number on which the node is located, and the value of each digit being between 0 and d−1; and each node of a given fully constructed ring is allowed to route data packets to one node in the next inner ring, to d nodes in the next outer ring, if the next outer ring is fully constructed, and to at least d nodes on the same ring. The invention further regards a method of locating and securing data of a desired resource in such communication network and a method of locating and securing data of a desired resource in such communication network. |
| US07660316B2 |
Methods and apparatus for device access fairness in fibre channel arbitrated loop systems
Methods and apparatus for switching Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop Systems is provided between a plurality of Fibre Channel Loop devices. In one aspect of the invention, the system switches based at least in part on arbitrated loop primitives. An exemplary interconnect system may include a first port and a second port, both including port logic to monitor certain arbitrated loop primitives, a connectivity apparatus, a route determination apparatus including a routing table consisting of ALPA addresses and their associated ports, the route determination apparatus coupled to each port and the connectivity apparatus, where the connectivity apparatus creates paths between the ports based on arbitrated loop primitives. In one embodiment, the connectivity apparatus is a crossbar switch. Examples of the arbitrated loop primitives that cause the switch to create paths between ports includes one or more of the following: ARB, OPN and CLS. In yet other aspects, the system ensures device access fairness through one or more techniques, including a rotating priority system, a counter to count the number of OPNs, especially sequential OPNs, and/or priority based on port type. Device zoning may be implemented. In one implementation, the system includes trunking such that frames may be transferred on multiple ports. |
| US07660313B2 |
Sub-rate transmission method for user data services in transmission devices of a metropolitan area network
The present invention discloses a sub-rate transmission method for user data services in transmission devices of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The method comprises the steps of: pre-configuring each transmission device to form forwarding table items representing corresponding relationship between self-defined tags and transmission lines; after receiving a user data frame, an original transmission device nesting a self-defined tag into the user data frame according to the forwarding table items to form a self-defined data frame, then transmitting the self-defined data frame; and after receiving the self-defined data frame, a terminal transmission device determining an output port for transferring the data frame by searching the forwarding table items with the nested self-defined tag, then deleting the nested self-defined tag and sending the original user data frame to the output port. The present invention, by nesting a self-defined tag, can greatly increase the number of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) accommodated by a MAN as well as simplify the configuration of tags for user data to bring more convenience to users. |
| US07660312B2 |
Method and apparatus for reshaping cell-based traffic
A communication network (100) has a plurality of cell-based routers (104), a plurality of frame-based routers (108), and a bidirectional cell and frame based switch (110) coupled to the cell-based routers, and frame-based routers. Each of the cell-based routers is programmed to reshape (204) traffic bandwidth to avoid packet losses at the frame-based routers, and route (206) cell-based traffic to the bidirectional cell and frame based switch according to the updated bandwidth. |
| US07660311B2 |
Method and system for enabling connection of a call
Methods and a system for connecting a call across a network of network elements as a path for the call is being set up are provided. The call comprises a parameter for which a value must be assigned for each segment of the path between adjacent network elements. At least one network element supports multiple values for the parameter. A network element on the communication path receives an indicator that indicates that network elements along the path of the call are required to use a predetermined value for the parameter. A connection is established to an adjacent network element on the path using the predetermined value for the parameter, prior to setting up a next segment of the path. |
| US07660310B1 |
Index processing
In an embodiment of the invention, a technique for indexing data is disclosed. The technique comprises receiving packets; counting the received packets; determining whether there is a pattern associated with the received packets; and using a first algorithm if it is determined that there is a pattern. |
| US07660309B2 |
Storage function method and apparatus in a passive optical network
A method and an apparatus for implementing a storage function in a passive optical network (PON) system. On the basis of a LINK ID held by the data, data requiring storage, e.g. data making exclusive use of a wide bandwidth such as audiovisual data and large-volume data packages, are determined among all the data sent to an optical network unit. These data requiring storage are stored in a storage device installed in the optical network unit. In case the user requests data stored in the storage device, the stored data are transferred directly to the user, without any need to request and send these data for the second time via an IPTV server and the core network. It is possible to avoid duplicate transfers of data, and in particular to avoid duplicate transfers of data making exclusive use of a comparatively wide bandwidth such as audiovisual data and large-volume data packages, to improve the utilization factor of the downlink bandwidth, and to reduce flow congestion and data delays. |
| US07660303B2 |
Point-to-multipoint functionality in a bridged network
A method for communication includes coupling a group of switches in a Layer-2 bridged network. The interfaces of the switches are configured so that at least one interface of at least one of the switches is configured as a first interface type, and a plurality of other interfaces are configured as a second interface type. Upon receiving frames through the interfaces of the first and second types for transmission over the network, the received frames are labeled with corresponding first and second type indications. The frames are forwarded through the Layer-2 bridged network using the switches responsively to the type indications. Frames labeled with the second type indication are permitted to be transmitted through the interfaces of the first type and prevented from being transmitted through the interfaces of the second type. |
| US07660297B2 |
Voice over IP forwarding
A system for forwarding packed-based media in a network, the system comprising: a) at least one forwarder, configured to extract at least one packet of media from at least one media source accessible to the forwarder, and to forward the extracted packet of media to at least one capture device, and b) a forwarding manager, communicating with the forwarder, using a predefined protocol, the communicating comprising receiving media accessibility information relating to the forwarder and the at least one media source accessible to the forwarder and receiving a request identifying a media source, and configured to list at least one of the forwarders, wherein the listed forwarders are usable for forwarding the at least one packet of media from the identified media source according to the media accessibility information. |
| US07660293B2 |
Network, private branch exchange, and multi protocol communication terminal control method for use in the exchange
There is disclosed a private branch exchange in which an SIP terminal is capable of receiving great variety of services provided by the private branch exchange without upgrading version of software of the SIP terminal itself. A standard SIP protocol control module 16, an expanded SIP protocol a control module 17, and an expanded SIP protocol b control module 18 are disposed for SIP system protocol corresponding terminals, convert signals (requests) from the SIP system protocol corresponding terminals into signals of a protocol inside an IP-PBX 1 to transmit the signals to a PBX basic connection process providing module 12, and convert a signal (responses to the request, or a request to the SIP system protocol corresponding terminal) from the PBX basic connection process providing module 12 into a signal of an SIP system protocol to transmit the signal to the SIP system protocol corresponding terminal. |
| US07660292B2 |
System and method for isolating network clients
A network device includes at least one first network port, at least one second network port, a MUX unit and a switching unit. The MUX unit is connected to the at least one first network port. The MUX unit includes a trunk circuit and an output. The trunk circuit is configured to aggregate data packets received at the at least one first port into a trunk group and to output trunked data packets to the output. The switching unit is connected to the output of the MUX unit and to the at least one second network port. The switching unit is configured to switch the trunked data packets to the at least one second network port. |
| US07660290B2 |
System and method for visualizing traffic and path in network
Systems and methods for visualizing traffic coming in from outside to a network to be managed and being sent out of the network. An information presentation apparatus acquires traffic information regarding a traffic specified in accordance with a user's instruction, where the traffic information has been collected from one or more routers located at a border of the network to be managed. The apparatus also acquires path information regarding a path from a start router, through which the traffic passes into the network, to an end router, through which the traffic passes out of the network, referring to stored internal path information. The apparatus then informs a user of the acquired traffic information in association with the acquired path information. At least one of specification of the traffic and determination of the end router is performed referring to stored external path information. |
| US07660289B2 |
System, apparatus and method of varying channel bandwidth
Briefly, a wireless communication system having two or more wireless communication devices. The wireless communication device includes a transmitter to transmit a signal over a wireless channel and to determine a bandwidth of the wireless channel and a power level of the signal based on a quality value of the wireless channel. A method of varying the bandwidth of the wireless channel is also provided. |
| US07660276B2 |
System and related methods for beamforming in a multi-point communications environment
A system and related methods for beamforming in a multi-point communication environment is presented. According to one aspect of the invention, a method comprising identifying one or more target(s) for which a communication signal is intended, identifying one or more other target(s) which may benefit from receipt of the communication signal, and developing a multi-lobe beampattern to transmit the communication signal to the intended target(s) and the identified one or more other target(s). |
| US07660275B2 |
Local and wide-area transmissions in a wireless broadcast network
To broadcast different types of transmission having different tiers of coverage in a wireless broadcast network, each base station processes data for a wide-area transmission in accordance with a first mode (or coding and modulation scheme) to generate data symbols for the wide-area transmission and processes data for a local transmission in accordance with a second mode to generate data symbols for the local transmission. The first and second modes are selected based on the desired coverage for wide-area and local transmissions, respectively. The base station also generates pilots and overhead information for local and wide-area transmissions. The data, pilots, and overhead information for local and wide-area transmissions are multiplexed onto their transmission spans, which may be different sets of frequency subbands, different time segments, or different groups of subbands in different time segments. More than two different types of transmission may also be multiplexed and broadcast. |
| US07660269B2 |
Apparatus, method, and program for creating network configuration information
An apparatus for creating network configuration information from data including packet transmission time between one or more relay devices and a terminal, the relay devices relaying a signal which runs through a network and is measured by the terminal connected to the network, to another network, information about the relay devices and information about the terminal. The apparatus includes systems for: receiving the data from the terminal; arranging the relay devices in the network configuration information based on information about the relay devices; arranging the terminal in the network configuration information based on information about the terminal; arranging packet transmission time between the terminal and the relay devices in the network configuration information; and identifying a subnetwork from the data. |
| US07660267B2 |
Homing of user nodes to network nodes in a communication system
User nodes are homed to network nodes in an IMS network or other communication system by determining a function hierarchy for functions provided by the network nodes. Starting with a function at an initial level of the function hierarchy, a predetermined criterion such as throughput-weighted distance is applied to assign a given user node to a particular network node providing that function. The homing process then proceeds through one or more additional levels of the function hierarchy to assign the given user node to at least one additional network node providing at least one other function identified in the additional level(s) of the function hierarchy. These operations are repeated for one or more additional user nodes until each of the user nodes is homed to one or more of the network nodes providing all of its required functions. |
| US07660265B2 |
Network packet inspection and forwarding
A network, method, and a method of providing a service for packet inspection and forwarding using multi-protocol label switching for a virtual private network in a public network. The network includes a first router, the first router being a provider edge multi-protocol label switching capable router, the first router including a firewall service module for inspection of packets, the firewall service module connected to one or more virtual private networks; one or more second routers, each second router of the one or more second routers being provider edge multi-protocol label switching capable routers, each second router connected to a private virtual network of the one or more virtual private networks; and a network connecting the first router to the one or more second routers. |
| US07660264B1 |
Method for traffic schedulign in intelligent network interface circuitry
A method of operating intelligent network interface circuitry facilitates the tunneling of packets between at least one process, executing on a host computer, and a peer via a network, via the network interface circuitry. Packets are received from the process executing on the host computer. Modulation event tokens are managed, including receiving and providing modulation event tokens. Modulation events are processed. It is decided whether to transmit the received packets out to the network in association with modulation event processing, and the received packets are transmitted out to the network based on the deciding step. Based on a result of the modulation events processing step, modulation event tokens are caused to be fed back for receipt by the modulation event tokens managing step. As a result, the packets are tunneled through the network interface circuitry and the transmission of the packets is modulated out to the network. |
| US07660263B1 |
Graphical representations of associations between devices in a wireless communication network indicating available throughput and channel selection
A system and method for graphically representing associations between wireless network devices in a way that visually indicates the maximum amount of throughput between the associated devices, as well as a channel that is currently selected for communications between the associated devices. The thickness of a line between the associated devices may indicate the maximum throughput between the devices, whereas the color of the line may indicate the channel on which the associated devices are currently communicating. Other visual characteristics of lines generated between associated devices may be used to visually represent maximum possible throughput and current channel selection. Associations between the devices in the wireless network may be determined by checking a list of associated stations maintained in each access point. |
| US07660261B2 |
Systems and methods for computing data transmission characteristics of a network path based on single-ended measurements
Systems and methods for computing data transmission characteristics of a network path are disclosed. In some embodiments, the network path has a sending host, at least one intermediate host, and a receiving host, and the data transmission characteristics are computed based on single-ended measurements performed at the sending host. |
| US07660260B2 |
Downstream power back-off for fiber to node applications
There is provided a method of shaping PSD (Power Spectrum Density) of an FTTN (Fiber-To-The-Node) downstream signal from a disturber source to achieve spectral compatibility at an FTTN downstream victim with a downstream PSD from a reference source. The method includes receiving the downstream PSD from the reference source. The method further includes receiving an unshaped downstream PSD from the disturber source. The method further includes shaping the PSD of the FTTN downstream signal to have a substantially equivalent FEXT (Far-End Cross-Talk) into the FTTN downstream victim as the downstream PSD from the reference source. |
| US07660256B2 |
System and method for monitoring label switched path in network
Systems and methods for providing a network monitoring tool for appropriately grasping a setup state of a label switched path (LSP) in a network. A monitoring apparatus comprises a communication unit that communicates with a router among a plurality of routers in the network, and a collection unit that collects LSP path information via the communication unit. The LSP path information includes information maintained by the router. The monitoring apparatus also comprises a storing unit that stores state information based on the collected LSP path information, and a display unit that reads the state information for a selected LSP stored by the storing unit and graphically displays a path of the selected LSP, in accordance with a user's instruction. |
| US07660254B2 |
Optimization of distributed tunnel rerouting in a computer network with coordinated head-end node path computation
In one embodiment, head-end nodes receive a list of tunnels to be rerouted from a particular link of an intermediate node. If a head-end node is unable to reroute a tunnel for which it is the head-end node using conventional distributed routing, each head-end node executes the same algorithm to compute paths for all tunnels in the list (e.g., potentially applying bandwidth scaling). |
| US07660250B2 |
Method and system for regulating traffic in a network device
A token bucket instantiation regulate packets in a traffic flow stream based on a predetermined peak traffic flow rate. The token bucket size is nominally set to zero. An evaluation is made at a device that has received a given packet. The packet is considered conforming and is passed from the device if the token depth of the bucket is zero or greater. The token depth is decreased by the number of byes in the packet that was passed. The token depth is continuously replenished at a predetermined token rate until the predetermined bucket size is attained (the bucket is full). A received packet is deemed nonconforming if the token depth is less than zero; the non-conforming packet is not passed but is processed according to non-conforming criteria. Token bucket instantiations may be implemented in hardware, software or firmware for each traffic flow to regulate traffic to a given user. |
| US07660249B2 |
Packet shaping device, router, band control device and control method
A packet shaping device for the purpose of shaping a packet in which burst has grown in a router to an original packet without the burst growth is disclosed. The packet shaping device monitors an arrival time TA of each packet on which a pass time TP is recorded when the packet passes a prescribed pass point and calculates a delay time TD which is a time difference between the pass time TP and the arrival time TA. Then, the packet shaping device obtains a maximum delay time TDmax among the delay times, and delays and sends all the arrived packets in such that the delay time of all the arrived packets is equivalent to the maximum delay time. |
| US07660247B2 |
Dynamic load-based credit distribution
Methods and systems for dynamically adjusting credits used to distribute available bus bandwidth among multiple virtual channels, based on the workload of each virtual channel, are provided. Accordingly, for some embodiments, virtual channels with higher workloads relative to other virtual channels may receive a higher allocation of bus bandwidth (more credits). |
| US07660244B2 |
Method and apparatus for quality-of-service based admission control using a virtual scheduler
In a wireless network or other communication system, admission of users to the system involves use of a first scheduler, which makes actual scheduling decisions for admitted users, and a second scheduler, which emulates the operation of the first scheduler. The first scheduler is configured to manage access to network resources for users already admitted to the system. The first scheduler is coupled to an admission control module which contains the second scheduler. The second scheduler, also referred to herein as a virtual scheduler, emulates operation of the first scheduler, under an operating scenario involving admission of at least one additional user to the system, in order to generate a performance metric. The performance metric is used to make an admission control decision regarding admission of the at least one additional user to the system. |
| US07660242B2 |
Call admission control system and method for interpreting signaling messages and controlling traffic load in internet protocol differentiated services networks
A call admission control system and method for Internet Protocol (IP) Differentiated Services (DiffServ) network having at least one node for interpreting signaling messages and controlling traffic load in the network. The method consists of an initialization (601) and a real-time phase (602). In initialization phase (601), coefficients of the approximating hyperplanes are computed (61) and stored (62). This phase is repeated when the descriptor of a traffic class changes (63), which usually happens when nodes are configured or reconfigured. A traffic mix is admissible (67), if for each real-time traffic class both the stability (65) and the delay (66) constraints are fulfilled. Stability is tested by evaluating the number of lost packets and comparing it to the tolerated packet loss ratio for each class in that queue. Delay constraint is tested by checking if the traffic mix is below at least one of the approximating hyperplanes in the space of number of sessions for each class. |
| US07660240B2 |
Method of achieving the network link status penetrate
The invention discloses a method for implementing link state passing-through in network, for informing the peer of link fault, including: the service device detecting whether there is a link fault in the network; in case of link fault, the service device transferring link fault information to peer service device with a control frame; in response to the control frame containing link fault information, the peer service device disconnecting the user's link and performing corresponding processes; the user at the faulty peer communicating with peer user through the spare network; when the link recovers to normal, the service device at the recovery peer sending a control frame containing link fault recovery information to peer service device to reestablish communication between the users on the link. The invention is capable of reducing extra overhead under normal network conditions as much as possible. |
| US07660239B2 |
Network data re-routing
Transferring data via a switch fabric comprises: for each unit of data to be transferred, selecting one of a plurality of links from a fabric access node to the switch fabric to transfer the unit of data, and in the event that one or more of the plurality of links become unavailable, such that one or more remaining links remain available for transferring data, transferring a subsequently received unit of data via one of the remaining links. |
| US07660238B2 |
Mesh with protection channel access (MPCA)
A method for a communications network with a protect channel transmitting protect channel data and working channel transmitting working channel data includes transmitting the working channel data via the protect channel upon a disruption in the working channel, and restoring the transmitting of protect channel data, wherein the restoring includes applying a mesh restoration protocol to the communications network to restore the transmittal of the protect channel data. The restoring includes finding one or more alternate channels to transmit the protect channel data, the one or more alternate channels including connected working and protect channels. An apparatus disposed in a communication network having a protect channel and a working channel includes a node controller, a route processor coupled to the node controller, the route processor implementing a mesh restoration protocol, and a circuit coupled to the node controller and the route processor, the circuit including a logic gate for receiving signals identifying disruptions in transmissions in the protect channel and the working channel and a switch responsive to the signals identifying disruptions in transmissions in the protect channel and the working channel, the switch communicating with the route processor to implement mesh restoration of protect channel data. In one embodiment, the circuit is coupled to at least one line card, the line card transmitting the signals identifying disruptions in transmissions in the protect channel and the working channel. The circuit further includes an input/output circuit for receiving instructions identifying criteria for applying mesh restoration to protect channel data. |
| US07660236B2 |
System and method of multi-nodal APS control protocol signaling
A system and method for providing APS (automatic protection switching) redundant pair control protocol signaling for multi-nodal APS (MN-APS) is provided. Periodic liveliness messages are exchanged between each node of a redundant pair. Each liveliness message contains an IHY (I heard you) message which indicates whether or not the sender of the liveliness message received within a duration of a hold time a previously transmitted liveliness message from the recipient. When more than one MN-APS group is configured between two redundant nodes, liveliness messages are bundled together to reduce processing loads. |
| US07660234B2 |
Fault-tolerant medium access control (MAC) address assignment in network elements
A network element includes a backplane, which includes a backplane memory holding first medium access control (MAC) address values. The network element further includes multiple tributary modules coupled to the backplane, which include network interfaces that are configured to communicate over network trunks using MAC addresses that are respectively assigned to the network interfaces. The network element further includes a common function module (CFM), which communicates with the tributary modules and the backplane memory via the backplane, and which includes a CFM memory holding second MAC address values.The CFM is arranged to assign the MAC addresses to the network interfaces by selecting the MAC addresses from among the first MAC address values when the CFM is able to access the backplane memory, and by selecting the MAC addresses from among the second MAC address values when the CFM is unable to access the backplane memory. |
| US07660230B2 |
M-ARY orthogonal coded/balanced UWB transmitted reference systems
A novel transceiver structure is proposed to increase the achievable data rate for ultra wideband transmitted reference (UWB-TR) systems. For every Ns pulse pairs during one symbol transmission, the data pulses are weighted by one of the M-ary orthogonal sequences, thus carrying additional log2 M-bit information. Furthermore, by utilizing a pair of balanced matched filters before the cross correlator, the minimum separation between the reference and data pulses is significantly reduced without causing any inter-pulse interference (IPI), which in turn reduces the minimum required frame length in order to avoid the inter-frame interference (IFI). As a result, the invented TR system can achieve higher data rates than the conventional TR system, while maintaining superior bit-error-rate (BER) performance even with lower transmit power. |
| US07660229B2 |
Pilot design and channel estimation
Embodiments of the invention provide method and apparatus for generating a structure in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM communication system having a transmitter with one or more transmitting antennas. The method includes composing a frame with a time domain and a frequency domain. The frame has a transmission time interval in the time domain and occupies a bandwidth in the frequency domain. The transmission time interval has multiple orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols. A pilot signal is located from a transmitting antenna into two non-consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols of the frame. |
| US07660225B2 |
Objective lens, optical pickup apparatus and optical information recording and/or reproducing apparatus
An objective lens according to the present invention is an objective lens used for an optical pickup apparatus, and the objective lens includes a superimposed structure on a surface of a lens with a power in which a first optical path difference providing structure changing spherical aberration in under-corrected direction when a wavelength of an incident light flux becomes longer, and a second optical path difference providing structure changing spherical aberration in over-corrected direction when a wavelength of an incident light flux becomes longer are superimposed. |
| US07660224B2 |
DC-controlled encoding for optical storage system
A loss of performance of slicer adaptation at high capacities due to the mismatch between the exact bits used in the computation of the RDS for the DC-control on the one hand and the often erroneous threshold decisions that are preliminarily made based on the HF waveform on the other hand, is resolved by performing a new method of DC-control at the encoder: the RDS is modified such that it is not based on the exact channel bits, but on the threshold decisions from a synthetic HF signal waveform that is generated based on a nominal MTF (modulation transfer function) or its IRF (impulse response function) of the channel. In this way, the impact of the erroneous threshold decisions in the receiver are already taken into account at the encoder, and the slicer control is no longer negatively affected thereby. |
| US07660221B2 |
Optical disk differentiating method and electronic device thereof
An optical disk differentiating method applied to an optical disk drive, in which a first level value, a second level value and an optical disk differentiating value generating program are stored and an optical disk is put. The method comprises the steps of: generating a laser beam impinging on the optical disk; generating a first reflex signal when the laser beam is reflected by a surface of the optical disk; generating a second reflex signal when the laser beam is reflected by a reflex layer of the optical disk; calculating a first time frame value when the first reflex signal is greater than or equal to the first level value, and rendering a first beginning time value when the first reflex signal firstly equals the first level value; enabling the optical drive to obtain an optical disk differentiating value according to the first time frame value and the optical disk differentiating value generating program; calculating a second beginning time value as the second reflex signal firstly equals the second level value; calculating a difference between the second beginning time value and the first beginning time value and defining the difference as a response time value; and comparing the response time value with the optical disk differentiating value to determine a type of the optical disk. |
| US07660218B2 |
Optical recording method, evaluation indicator acquiring method, optical recording apparatus, micro CPU device, and computer program
In certain inventive aspects there are provided an optical recording method, an evaluation indicator acquiring method, an optical recording apparatus, and a CPU device, which can save a test time before recording information. An irradiation condition suitable for recording information on a first recording layer is extracted by recording and reproducing test information. The test information is recorded on and reproduced from a second recording layer. The irradiation condition suitable for recording information on the second recording layer is extracted on the basis of the test result for the first recording layer and the test result for the second recording layer. Accordingly, it is possible to save the test time for extracting the irradiation condition of the second recording layer. |
| US07660215B2 |
Method and apparatus for writing data to optical disc
A method and apparatus for writing data to a rewritable ultra-speed disc using an optimum pulse at a write speed of the disc, based on Absolute Time in Pre-groove (ATIP) information. The method includes: reading a disc code from the disc; determining a write speed of the disc from the read disc code; and writing data to the disc. The writing is at the determined write speed and according to a write strategy when the write strategy for the lead-in area is determined to be present, and is according on a default write strategy when the write strategy for the lead-in area is determined not to be present. |
| US07660210B2 |
Disk device
A driver IC 1 has a bias terminal 20a via which a bias voltage fed from a microcomputer 2 to drive and control a loading motor 4 is fed in and a bias terminal 20b via which a bias voltage fed from a DSP 3 to drive and control a focus coil 5, a tracking coil 6, a sled motor 7, and a spindle motor 8 is fed in. |
| US07660208B2 |
Equipment for the optical playback of analog phonographic records
This invention relates to equipment for the optical playback of sound media which includes resources (1) that has engraves grooves, (3, 9) for generating at least one light beam that presents a light spectrum variation according to its incidence angle on an area of the sound media and an image sensor (7) placed so that it recovers the light reflected by said area of the sound media. |
| US07660206B2 |
Ocean bottom seismic station
Methods and apparatus for cable termination and sensor integration at a sensor station within an ocean bottom seismic (OBS) cable array are disclosed. The sensor stations include a housing for various sensor components. Additionally, the sensor stations can accommodate an excess length of any data transmission members which may not be cut at the sensor station while enabling connection of one or more cut data transmission members with the sensor components. The sensor stations further manage any strength elements of the cable array. |
| US07660202B2 |
PP/PS event matching (registration)
A method for generating an average gamma factor for recorded PS data and recorded PP data. The method includes mapping one or more arrival times of the recorded PS data onto one or more expected arrival times of the recorded PP data using an estimated average gamma factor, identifying one or more corresponding pairs of events in the recorded PS data and the recorded PP data using forward modeling, applying geophysical reasoning on the corresponding pairs of events and generating the average gamma factor. |
| US07660201B2 |
Autonomous seismic data acquisition unit
A method, apparatus and system for acquiring land seismic data includes acquiring seismic data with a first autonomous seismic data acquisition unit and a second autonomous seismic data acquisition unit wherein each acquisition unit comprises a plurality of digitally controlled temperature-compensated crystal oscillators. Oscillator-based timing signals are acquired that are associated with the plurality of digitally controlled temperature-compensated crystal oscillators and a time correction is determined to apply to the seismic data acquired with the first autonomous seismic data acquisition unit. The time correction is determined using the oscillator-based timing signals from the first and second autonomous seismic data acquisition units. |
| US07660199B2 |
Microseismic event detection and location by continuous map migration
The present invention provides methods and systems for microseismic hydraulic fracture monitoring in real-time. The methods and systems of the present invention may include continuous map migration of recorded microseismic signals. The methods and systems provide robust automated simultaneous detection and location of microseismic events. |
| US07660198B2 |
Passive seismic event detection
A method of identifying passive seismic events in seismic data that contains at least first seismic data traces acquired at a first seismic receiver and second seismic data traces acquired at a second receiver spatially separated from the first receiver comprises determining an overall measure of similarity for a pair of events in the seismic traces. The overall measure of similarity is indicative of similarity between the events acquired at the first seismic receiver and of similarity between the events acquired at the second seismic receiver. In one method, the overall measure of similarity is an overall cross-correlation coefficient. The overall cross-correlation coefficient is found by determining a first correlation coefficient for the pair of events from the data acquired at the first receiver and determining a second correlation coefficient for the pair of events from the data acquired at the second receiver. The overall correlation coefficient for the pair of events may be obtained from the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient by an averaging process. The overall measure of similarity may be compared with a threshold to determine whether the pair of events form a doublet. The method makes possible real-time or near-real-time identification of doublets. |
| US07660197B2 |
System for measuring stress in downhole tubulars
An apparatus for evaluating a tubular in a borehole of includes at least two electromagnetic acoustic transducers. The transducers are configured to generate and receive first and second acoustic waves in the tubular. A difference in velocity of the two acoustic waves is indicative of a stress field in the tubular. |
| US07660196B2 |
Methods for processing dispersive acoustic waveforms
A method for processing acoustic data comprising applying a dynamic filter band. The method and apparatus may be particularly adapted to processing sonic data to measure formation slowness in a borehole. |
| US07660185B2 |
Chip select controller and non-volatile memory device including the same
A chip select controller for a non-volatile memory device includes a first chip enable signal transfer unit, a second chip enable signal transfer unit, a first chip select pad, a second chip select pad, a third chip select pad and a chip select unit. The first chip enable signal transfer unit buffers first and second chip enable signals according to a control signal. The second chip enable signal transfer unit buffers third and fourth chip enable signals according to the control signal. The first chip select pad is configured to transfer a first chip select signal. The second chip select pad is configured to transfer a second chip select signal. The third chip select pad is configured to transfer the second chip select signal. The chip select unit addresses a specific chip according to the first chip select signal and the second chip select signal. |
| US07660175B2 |
Integrated circuit, method for acquiring data and measurement system
An embodiment of an integrated circuit comprises a plurality of cells. Each cell comprises a first supply node, a second supply node, a series connection with a first transistor, a second transistor and an electrical element. The series connection is coupled between the first and the second supply node. The electrical element includes a first and a second node. A third transistor is coupled between the first node of the electrical element and a first output node of the cell and a fourth transistor is coupled between the second node of the electrical element and the second output node of the cell. A control terminal of the first, the third and the fourth transistor is coupled to a first control node of the cell and a control terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a second control node of the cell. |
| US07660173B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and operating method with hidden write control
A semiconductor memory device and its operating method are disclosed. The semiconductor memory device includes; a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells selected in relation to a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines, an address decoder selecting at least one word line in response to a refresh address and selecting all of the plurality of bit lines in response to a hidden write signal when a CBR refresh operation is requested during a test mode, a hidden write control circuit generating the hidden write signal when the CBR refresh operation is requested during the test mode, a refresh address generating circuit generating the refresh address when the CBR refresh operation is requested during the test mode, and a data input circuit applying data to all of the plurality of bit lines when the CBR refresh operation is requested during the test mode. |
| US07660171B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for driving the same
A semiconductor memory device includes: a first count unit for counting a delayed locked loop (DLL) clock in response to a clock enable signal; a first delay unit for delaying the clock enable signal for a delay time which corresponds to a delay amount of a delay model included in a DLL circuit; a second count unit for counting an external clock in response to the delayed clock enable signal; a comparison unit for comparing an output of the first count unit with an output of the second count unit in order to generate a latency signal; and an output enable signal generation unit for generating an output enable signal by using the latency signal. |
| US07660167B1 |
Memory device and method for fast cross row data access
A memory device can provide burst access to row boundary crossing addresses without introducing inter-burst latency. Address locations for a first row of the burst can be accessed at speed, while a prefetch latch can be accessed in lieu of a next row. |
| US07660165B2 |
Memory device and semiconductor device
A memory device has a pair of conductive layers and an organic compound having a liquid crystal property that is interposed between the pair of conductive layers. Data is recorded in the memory device by applying a first voltage to the pair of conductive layers and heating the organic compound, to cause a phase change of the organic compound from a first phase to a second phase. |
| US07660164B2 |
Method for estimating threshold voltage of semiconductor device
A method is provided, which can improve the efficiency of device design by estimating the variation of threshold voltage according to the pulse widths of applied voltage for a semiconductor device in mass product. |
| US07660161B2 |
Integrated flash memory systems and methods for load compensation
Systems and methods are disclosed including features that compensate for variations in the magnitude of supply voltages used in memory arrays. According to some aspects, compensation circuits may provide a tunable current-limiting load for data columns, where the load can be tuned to dynamically compensate for variations in supply voltage. In certain aspects, a compensation circuit may employ an operational amplifier configured as a voltage follower. The voltage follower compensates for any variations in supply voltage, forcing a constant voltage drop across the load element(s), thus maintaining a constant load. Other circuits may also be included, such as precharge circuits, clamp circuits, buffer circuits, trimming circuit, and sense amplifier circuits with sensed body effect. System-On-Chip integrated system aspects may include a microcontroller, a mixed IP, and a flash memory system having functionality and blocks that interface and interoperate with each other for load compensation. |
| US07660160B2 |
Flash memory device and method of operating the same
A method of performing a read operation in a flash memory device is disclosed. The flash memory has a memory cell array including at least one block, the block having a plurality of pages. The method comprises receiving a read command to read data from a selected page in the block; determining whether or not the block has any page that has not been programmed; performing a dummy data program operation on at least one page that is determined not to have been programmed; and executing the read command to read the data of the selected page after the dummy data program operation is completed. |
| US07660159B2 |
Method and device for programming control information
Methods and devices for programming control information perform a lower-speed programming of a given cell type in a first area of memory array, confirm a result of the lower-speed programming of the given cell type in the first area of memory array, and perform a higher-speed programming of the given cell type in a second area of memory array after confirming the result of the lower-speed programming. An initial programming voltage of the higher-speed programming may be different from that of the lower-speed programming. The first programming may be a lower-speed operation, such as the writing of data, and the second programming may be a higher-speed operation, such as the writing of control information. |
| US07660158B2 |
Programming method to reduce gate coupling interference for non-volatile memory
A non-volatile memory device and programming process is described that compensates for coupling effects on threshold gate voltages of adjacent floating gate or non-conductive floating node memory cells by adjusting the threshold voltage level programmed in view of the data being programmed on a following programming cycle into adjacent memory cells, so that the coupling effect results in the desired target threshold voltages for the cells. In one embodiment of the present invention, memory cell coupling is compensated for by adjusting programming level of one or more memory cells of a first page a memory array to a higher or lower threshold verify target voltage given the data/programming level to be written to directly adjacent memory cells of a second page, so that coupling between the directly adjacent memory cells of the first and second pages brings the memory cells of first page to their final target programming level. |
| US07660157B2 |
NAND flash memory
A NAND flash memory, including a memory cell array, a row decoder, and a sense amplifier. In a read operation, a p-type semiconductor substrate is set at a ground potential, a bit line is charged to a first voltage, a source line, a n-type well and a p-type well are charged to a second voltage, which lies between a ground potential and a first voltage, and in a block not selected by the row decoder, a drain-side select gate line and the source-side select gate line are charged to a third voltage, which is higher than the ground potential and is equal to or lower than the second voltage. |
| US07660151B2 |
Method for programming an integrated circuit, method for programming a plurality of cells, integrated circuit, cell arrangement
Embodiment of the invention provide a method for programming an integrated circuit, methods for programming a plurality of cells, an integrated circuit, and a cell arrangement. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for programming an integrated circuit having a plurality of cells. The method includes grouping the plurality of cells into a first group of cells and a second group of cells depending on the cell state the cells should be programmed with. The first group of cells and the second group of cells each having a plurality of cells. The method further includes concurrently programming the cells of the first group of cells with a first cell state. After having programmed the cells of the first group of cells, the cells of the second group of cells are concurrently programmed with a second cell state, which is different from the first cell state. |
| US07660149B2 |
SRAM cell with separate read and write ports
This invention discloses a dual port static random access memory (SRAM) cell, which comprises at least one inverter coupled between a positive supply voltage (Vcc) and a complementary low supply voltage (Vss) and having an input and an output terminals, at least one PMOS transistor with its gate, source and drain connected to the output terminal, Vcc and input terminal, respectively, a write port connected to the input terminal and having a write-word-line, a write-enable and a write-bit-line, and a read port connected to either the input or output terminal and having a read-word-line and a read-bit-line. |
| US07660146B2 |
Ferroelectric recording medium
Provided are a ferroelectric recording medium and a method of manufacturing the same. The ferroelectric recording medium includes a substrate, a plurality of supporting layers which are formed on the substrate, each of the supporting layers having at least two lateral surfaces; and data recording layers formed on the lateral surfaces of the supporting layers. First and second data recording layers may be respectively disposed on two facing lateral surfaces of each of the supporting layers. The supporting layers may be polygonal pillars having at least three lateral surfaces. A plurality of the supporting layers can be disposed at uniform intervals in a two-dimensional array. |
| US07660144B2 |
High-performance one-transistor memory cell
A memory cell embodiment includes an access transistor having a floating node, and a diode connected between the floating node and a diode reference potential line. The diode includes an anode, a cathode, and an intrinsic region between the anode and the cathode. A charge representative of a memory state of the memory cell is held across the intrinsic region of the diode. |
| US07660135B2 |
Universal AC high power inveter with galvanic isolation for linear and non-linear loads
A universal alternating current (AC) inverter system with galvanic isolation takes an unregulated direct current (DC) input and provides a high-quality AC output that may be used in conjunction with both linear and non-linear loads. The universal AC inverter system includes a DC-DC converter for converting an unregulated DC input to a regulated DC output, and a DC-AC inverter for converting the regulated DC output to a high-quality AC output. The DC-DC converter includes a DC link isolation high frequency transformer that provides galvanic isolation between the unregulated DC input and the AC output. To avoid saturation of the transformer, the controller for the DC-DC converter employs a DC offset correction loop that prevents accumulation of DC content on the primary side of the transformer. The universal AC inverter system includes a 4-phase inverter topology that converts the regulated DC voltage provided by the DC-DC converter to an AC output. An inverter controller employs a number of feedback loops that are used to control switches within the 4-phase inverter topology to provide a high-quality AC output voltage for both linear and non-linear loads, including a fast voltage control loop, a slow voltage control loop, a AC output capacitor current control loop, and a DC content control loop. |
| US07660129B2 |
Printed circuit board, solder connection structure and method between printed circuit board and flexible printed circuit board
There is provided a printed circuit board in which a PCB and an FPC can be readily located, a solder connection structure and method between a printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board. The printed circuit board 1 includes a plurality of pads 2 for mounting a flexible printed circuit board, wherein a solder resist 3 is formed on the surface of the printed circuit board so as to expose the pads 2 and convex portions are formed by insulation print layers 4 around the pads 2. |
| US07660128B2 |
Apparatus for electrical and optical interconnection
A circuit package includes a circuit substrate having a cutout portion defined therein, an interconnect electrically coupled to the circuit substrate and an active circuit component disposed off the circuit substrate within the cutout portion and electrically coupled to the interconnect. An optical circuit includes a lead frame and an optical component electrically coupled to the lead frame. The lead frame includes a first lead portion at a first level having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a second lead portion at a second level lower than the first level and electrically connected to the first lead portion. The lower surface of the first lead portion is arranged to electrically connect to a surface of a circuit substrate. The second lead portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The optical component is disposed on the upper surface of the second lead portion. |
| US07660126B2 |
Flexible printed circuit board
A flexible printed circuit board is robust to a repeated twisting and consists of a minute circuit printed on a flexible insulated material sheet, and has the bent parts of the opposite edges symmetrical in structure. The bent parts are straightened out when twisting occurs. In the flexible printed circuit board, the opposite edges are longer in length than the middle part such that the tensile deformation at the opposite edges at the time of twisting does not occur or is minimized. |
| US07660125B2 |
Heat management in circuit card assemblies
A circuit card assembly (CCA) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having first and second opposing major faces with a first pair of elongated edges extending therebetween. Heat management layers are disposed within the CCA and/or PCB, which extend to said edges, and a thermally conductive bar is engaged in a slot provided in each of the elongated edges. Each conductive bar extends over at least the thickness of the PCB, one face preferably being flush with one of the major faces of the PCB and is thermally connected to the heat management layer(s) by thermal connecting means so as to conduct heat from the or each heat management layer to said bar. |
| US07660124B2 |
Digital micromirror device module
A digital micromirror device (DMD) module includes a circuit board, a DMD element, a soft elastic pad, a heat dissipation pad and a heat sink. The circuit board includes a first surface, a second surface and a through hole, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface. The DMD element is electrically connected to the circuit board. The soft elastic pad is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and surrounds the through hole. The heat dissipation pad passes through the through hole and contacts the DMD element. The soft elastic pad is sandwiched between the circuit board and the heat sink, the heat dissipation pad is sandwiched between the heat sink and the DMD element, and the heat sink contacts the soft elastic pad and the heat dissipation pad, so as to apply a force to the soft elastic pad and the heat dissipation pad. |
| US07660114B2 |
Heat dissipating member, heat dissipating mechanism, and information processing apparatus
A heat dissipating member, a heat dissipating mechanism, and an information processing apparatus capable of improving the cooling efficiency without increasing the size of the apparatus are disclosed. In the information processing apparatus, it becomes possible to effectively transfer heat from a unit such as a memory disposed in an inner space of the apparatus to the outside regardless of the layout position of the unit by using the heat dissipating mechanism fixed to a unit and a heat dissipation surface so that the heat is transferred from the unit to the heat dissipation surface. |
| US07660113B2 |
Thin display
This thin liquid crystal television includes a thinly formed display portion displaying images and a stand member rotatably mounted on the back surface of the display portion and so formed as to support the display portion without bringing the lower surface of the display portion into contact with a receiving surface and to form a grip of the display portion by protruding upward beyond the display portion when rotated with respect to the display portion. |
| US07660111B2 |
Removable cooling duct with interlocking dovetail connections for an air tight thermal seal
A method and incorporated assembly is provided for cooling of an electronic device or component. The assembly comprises a thermal duct having a fixed duct portion and a removable duct portion. The portions each have complementary interlocking components to secure them to one another. Also a first attachment block is provided. The first attachment block has complementary interlocking portions with the fixed and removable duct portions such that the block can be secured at least partially to each of the fixed duct portion and the removable duct portion. A second attachment block is also provided that has a complementary interlocking portion with the removable duct portion. This second attachment block can be secured to one or more electronic devices requiring cooling. |
| US07660108B2 |
Apparatus for positioning electronic component modules within an equipment chassis
An apparatus for positioning an electronics module in an equipment chassis with adequate pathways for the flow of cooling air across the module or across one or more adjacent modules, such as one or more blade server. The system includes an electronics module movably secured within a sub-assembly prior to installing the sub-assembly in a bay of a chassis. Ramps disposed within one or more bays of the chassis engage and position the electronics modules within the range of movement permitted by the sub-assembly when the sub-assembly has been installed in the chassis. Two bays having ramps positioned differently can receive the same sub-assembly or an identical sub-assembly and position the module differently. Therefore, the sub-assemblies are interchangeable while maintaining appropriate air flow pathways. |
| US07660107B2 |
HDD anti-shock and anti-vibration device
A Hard Disk Drive anti-shock and anti-vibration device and a Data Storage Device consisting of a HDD and the HDD anti-shock and anti-vibration device are described. The HDD anti-shock and anti-vibration device includes a packaging paper and foam. The foam is adhered on the packaging paper. When this packaging paper, with the foam adhering onto it, is folded, it can wrap the HDD in the foam. This HDD anti-shock and anti-vibration device can prevent the HDD from damage when the HDD is accidentally dropped or bumped and has excellent anti-shock and anti-vibration effects. |
| US07660102B2 |
Bus bar block
The invention relates to a bus bar block with a first bus bar and a second bus bar, each of which has an insulating enclosure, which is at least partially open on one side across from the base side, with, in each enclosure, at least one terminal bar being arranged on which several terminal lugs are arranged such that they protrude from the enclosure in sections through the at least partially open side, with the two bus bars being arranged on a holding device such that their base areas are facing each other, with the holding device for each terminal bar of one of the two bus bars having an electro-conductive connection element, which is designed such that it can be connected with a first end section using one of the terminal lugs of a terminal bar of the first bus bar and with a second end section using one of the terminal lugs of a terminal bar of the second bus bar and such that it makes a connection to a connection contact. |
| US07660100B2 |
Through-type multilayer capacitor array
A through-type multilayer capacitor array comprises a capacitor body, and two first signal terminal electrodes, two second signal terminal electrodes, two grounding terminal electrodes, a first outer connecting conductor, and a second outer connecting conductor. The capacitor body includes a grounding inner electrode, and first to fourth signal inner electrodes. The grounding inner electrode is arranged to oppose the first or second signal inner electrode with an insulator layer in between and oppose the third or fourth signal inner electrode with an insulator layer in between while being connected to the grounding terminal electrodes. The first signal inner electrode is connected to the first signal terminal electrodes and first outer connecting conductor. The third signal inner electrode is connected to the second signal terminal electrodes and the second outer connecting conductor. The second and fourth signal inner electrodes are respectively connected to the first and second outer connecting conductor. |
| US07660094B2 |
Inverter circuit
In an inverter circuit configured with main circuit switches each having a control terminal and first and second main terminals through which the main current flows, and driving circuits each of which applies the driving voltage to the control terminal of each main circuit switch, and controls the main current in accordance with the voltage between the control terminal and the first main terminal, to switch the main circuit switch, between the main circuit switch and the driving circuit, noise-suppression circuits are provided, each of which is configured so as to detect fluctuations in the voltage between the first and the second main terminals of each main circuit switch, and, in accordance with the amplitude and the frequency of the detected voltage fluctuations, to bring to approximately zero the impedance across the control terminal and the first main terminal of each main circuit switch. |
| US07660093B2 |
Arrester block module assembly and method
An electrical surge arrester includes an arrester block stack with a plurality of cylindrical surge arrester components arranged substantially coaxially to form a cylindrical stack of components having a longitudinal axis. First and second electrical conductive terminals are disposed at each end of the block stack and electrically coupled to the components. A spacer is disposed between each of the terminals and the plurality of cylindrical surge arrester components. A crimp pin is disposed in each of the metal terminals to plastically deform the terminals to compress the block stack. Rubber sheds can be directly molded around the device. |
| US07660090B1 |
Apparatus and method for input voltage transient protection with a low-voltage reset circuit
A circuit for voltage transient protection is provided. The circuit includes a voltage divider, a low-voltage reset circuit, and an input transistor. The input transistor receives an input voltage at the source of the input transistor, and provides a protected input voltage at the drain of the input transistor. The voltage divider provides a threshold voltage from the input voltage. The low-voltage reset circuit receives the threshold voltage. The low-voltage reset circuit causes the gate and source of the input transistor to short together when the low-voltage reset circuit is not in a reset state. |
| US07660088B2 |
System, apparatus and method for compensating the sensitivity of a sequence element in a line current differential relay in a power system
An apparatus and method compensate for the sensitivity of at least one line current differential element of a first current differential relay providing differential protection for a transmission line of a power system during a single-phase pole-open condition. The apparatus includes a first delta filter configured to remove a first pre-fault current from a first fault current of the transmission line to derive a compensated first current phasor. The apparatus also includes a second delta filter configured to remove a second pre-fault current from a second fault current of the transmission line to derive a compensated second current phasor. The compensated first and second current phasors are provided to the at least one line current differential element to compensate the sensitivity of the at least one line current differential element. |
| US07660086B2 |
Programmable electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device
An improved ESD protection device, integrated circuit and method for programmably altering a sensitivity of the ESD protection device is provided herein. More specifically, an active shunt ESD protection device is provided with an improved trigger circuit design. The improved trigger circuit design enables the sensitivity of the ESD protection device to be altered by providing a variety of programmable elements for adjusting an RC time constant of a slew rate detector contained therein. The programmable elements allow the RC time constant to be altered at the wafer or package level, and avoid the significant time and cost typically associated with conventional trial-and-error adjustment procedures. |
| US07660080B1 |
Read/write head with dynamic flying height control by magnetostriction
A read/write head for use in a data storage device to control the low dynamic flying height in order to achieve high data recording storage capacity of magnetic hard drives. The read/write head is designed for use in a data storage device that includes a storage medium having a recording surface. The head comprises a pole tip region and an actuator. In turn, the actuator includes an excitation source for generating a magnetic field, and a magnetostrictive plate for expanding in response to the magnetic field, resulting in a protrusion in a section of the pole tip region along a direction towards the recording surface, so that the head flies above the recording surface at a flying height lower than a nominal flying height. |
| US07660075B1 |
Disk drive including an actuator latch with a pivot ball in a latch post opening and between a VCM top plate and the latch
A disk drive includes a housing including a support post extending from the housing. The support post defines a post axis. The disk drive further includes an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing. The disk drive further includes a VCM top plate physically coupled to the housing and comprising a ferromagnetic metal. The disk drive further includes a VCM magnet magnetically coupled to the VCM top plate. The disk drive further includes an actuator latch contactable with the actuator. The latch includes a post opening. The latch is pivotably mounted about the support post with the support post disposed in the post opening. The disk drive further includes a pivot ball disposed in the post opening and partially protruding from the latch between the VCM top plate and the latch along the post axis. |
| US07660074B1 |
Webbed ground plane structure for integrated lead suspensions
A webbed ground plane includes a plurality of slots and a plurality of struts between the slots. The slots and struts have generally equal lengths and extend below a length of the leads such that eddy current losses in the leads are reduced to near zero. |
| US07660072B2 |
Magnetic head with planar outrigger
A magnetic head includes a substrate having a first tape bearing surface and a second (outrigger) tape bearing surface, preferably with a slot therebetween. A plurality of elements (readers and/or writers) are coupled to the substrate and positioned towards the first tape bearing surface. The first and second tape bearing surfaces lie along planes, the planes being offset from one another spatially and/or angularly. The second tape bearing surface, like typical flat profile heads, induces a small spacing between a tape passing thereover and its tape bearing surface. The second tape bearing surface is positioned below the plane of the first tape bearing surface, thereby creating the proper wrap angle of the tape relative to the first tape bearing surface. |
| US07660070B2 |
Quiet high performance seek procedure for disk drives
a seek procedure for a hard disk drive which provides a significant reduction in acoustic noise as well as high performance fast seek times is described. The seek procedure lowers the peak acceleration for short seeks and imparts a smooth transition from a sine seek to an exponential arrival at the target track. The seek procedure provides an error free feedforward signal derived from a single sine table. The procedure which contains a time domain sinusoid acceleration feedforward combined with a phase-plane trajectory controlled velocity which, near seek completion. The procedure is constructed so that the acceleration begins at zero and, in the fashion of a sine, increases to a maximum, decreases to a minimum and then increases again until a computed switchpoint is reached. The switchpoint is determined in-situ, to provide a smooth and continuous velocity transition from sinusoid to exponential. The velocity trajectory is computed from a look-up table. The procedure is implemented using conventional seek controller servo components and commercially available operation software. |
| US07660068B1 |
Method and system for pre-contact detection and active damping of air bearing vibrations in a hard disk drive
In a method of pre-contact detection and active damping of air bearing vibrations in a hard disk drive, a slider is isolated from ground. The slider is then capacitively coupled with a hard disk of the hard disk drive via a thermal fly-height control (TFC) heating element. An alternating current (AC) signal is applied to the slider via the TFC heating element to control the amplitude of the slider. |
| US07660056B1 |
Lens barrel
An improved lens barrel and related methods are provided. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a lens barrel includes a housing comprising a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter. A first lens element having a diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the first section is enclosed by the first section of the housing. A second lens element is provided having a diameter approximately equal to the second diameter of the second section. |
| US07660055B2 |
Optical element and optical element holder
An optical element including a first groove extending from first end of the outer peripheral face in an optical axis direction towards second end, and a second groove connected to the first groove and extending from second end of the outer peripheral face in the optical axis direction towards first end; and a position-adjusting concave part which is between the first and second grooves and adjusts positions by adjusting member in the optical axis direction, a revolving direction about the optical axis, a width direction of first and second grooves, which is orthogonal to the optical axis, and in a synthesized direction that is a combination of at least two of those directions, wherein the optical element is molded by using only a first molding die for molding a part on the first groove side and a second molding die for molding a part on the second groove side. |