| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07740323B2 |
Hydraulic drive device for vertical pivoting movement of load carrying platform
In a hydraulic drive device for vertical pivoting movement of a load carrying platform, a first directional control valve has only three switchover positions, including a neutral position relating to operation of stopping and holding a load carrying platform, a switching position relating to operation of lifting the load carrying platform, and a switch over position relating to operation of forced lowering of the load carrying platform. A second directional control valve has only three switchover positions, including a neutral position, a switching position, and a switchover position relating to operation of allowing the load carrying platform to fall by its own weight. The device includes a first on-off valve, a second on-off valve, and a third on-off valve that are proportional control solenoid valves for switching an appropriate one of the first and second directional control valves. |
| US07740319B2 |
Headrests for vehicle seats
A headrest for a vehicle seat has a base member attached to a seatback of the vehicle seat, a body frame attached to the base member so as to be capable of tilting, a locking device for locking the body frame with the base member so as not to be capable of tilting, and an unlocking device for unlocking the locking device. The unlocking device includes a swinging body attached to the base member so as to be capable of swinging and a moving body attached to the body frame so as to be capable of moving with respect thereto. The moving body moves with respect to the body frame by being pushed by the swinging body to unlock the locking device. The swinging body has a connecting portion to which one end of a cable is connected and an arcuate-shaped outer peripheral surface on which the cable is disposed. And the cable is retracted into a tubular portion provided on the base member from an entrance of the tubular portion when the cable is pulled to unlock the locking device. The entrance of the tubular portion is located substantially on a tangent line of the arc of the outer peripheral surface. |
| US07740307B2 |
Motor vehicle component and methods for its manufacture
A unitary cowl top ventilator component has a body of rigid, polymeric material which defines a structural member of the component. A first body of polymeric material is fusion bonded to a first portion of the structural member to provide a windshield seal, and a second body of polymeric material is fusion bonded to a second portion of the structural member to provide a hood seal. In some instances the hood seal is a bulb-type seal, and in other instances it is a blade seal. |
| US07740302B2 |
Motor vehicle having a movable roof assembly
A motor vehicle has a movable roof with a cover and whose front end can be secured indirectly or directly to the windshield frame. The roof, in its open position, can be stowed in the rear vehicle region. The roof has a rear region in the closed position with at least one rigid cross member and can be turned upside down and disposed on top of a part of the movable roof region adjoining it to the front in the direction of travel (F). |
| US07740301B2 |
Fuel lid for a vehicle
There is provided a fuel lid including a case that is fixed to a body open of a vehicle body for fueling and is connected with a fuel pipe; and a lid that is turnably attached to the case so as to open or close a case open formed on the case for fueling. The lid includes a lid base having a hinge by which the lid base is axially supported on the case; and a cover that covers an outer face of the lid base, and an engagement means including an engaging unit and an engaged unit is provided between the lid base and the cover, in which the lid base is provided with one of the engaging unit and the engaged unit and the cover is provided with the other unit, and through the engagement means, the lid base engages with the cover by a relative displacement therebetween. |
| US07740298B1 |
Human transporting system
A human transporting system for efficiently removing an injured person out of water. The human transporting system generally includes a handle, a pair of straps attached to the handle, a pair of sliding loops attached to the straps forming looped portions for receiving the wrists of an injured human, and a pair of biasing members attached between the handle and the sliding loops. The looped portions receive the wrists of the injured human and the user pulls the injured human from the water by pulling upon the handle which tightens the looped portions upon the wrists. Once the injured human is pulled out of the water, the handle is lowered thereby allowing the biasing members to loosen the looped portions about the wrists. |
| US07740285B2 |
Threaded joint for steel pipes
A threaded joint for steel pipes comprised of a pin (1) and a box (2) each having a threaded portion (1a, 2b) and an unthreaded contact portion (1b, 2a) exhibits adequate leakage resistance and galling resistance when used for makeup of oil country tubular goods with application of a green dope or even without any dope. The threaded joint has a first plating layer of Sn—Bi—Cu alloy plating formed on the contact surface of at least one of the pin (1) or the box (2). The first plating layer may have a second plating layer selected from Sn plating, Cu plating, and Ni plating on its lower side and at least one layer of a lubricating coating, and particularly a solid lubricating coating on its upper side. |
| US07740279B2 |
Shoulder restraint attachment device
A shoulder restraint attachment device for a motor vehicle (comprising a bolt, a mandrel, a cup and a nut) can be employed to deform a portion of the motor vehicle's roof in such a manner that a shoulder strap, such as those employed in three point restraint systems, can be securely and aesthetically mounted to the motor vehicle roof. |
| US07740278B2 |
Steering gearbox mounting structure
A steering gearbox mounting structure having an intermediate bracket mounts a steering gearbox for steering wheels of a vehicle on a subframe of the vehicle. The intermediate bracket has a breakable portion which breaks when a force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the breakable portion to provide an impact absorbing stroke of an engine of the vehicle. The breakable portion may have a thin portion such as a plate or a recess portion and is more breakable in the traveling direction than the width direction. First and second intermediate brackets may be used which include first and second kinds of breakable portions that are breakable in different modes, respectively. |
| US07740271B2 |
Air belt apparatus for motor vehicle
An airbelt apparatus including a belt guide that is capable of moving so that an expansion portion of the airbelt may expand upward alongside an occupant's head. The belt guide also limits an expanding shape of the expansion portion. |
| US07740267B2 |
Nesting stabilizer
A nesting stabilizing device for limiting the rotation of accessories connecting to a hitch receiver with an outward end defining an opening. The outward end of the hitch receiver has a protruding ring about an outward surface. The nesting stabilizer has a base with a body portion receivable in the hitch receiver and also has a flanged collar for engaging the protruding ring on the hitch receiver in an interference fit, the flanged collar further being coupled with an accessory. In addition, the nesting stabilizer includes a fastener operatively connected with the base for urging the flanged collar against the outward end to cause the flanged collar to engage the protruding ring on the outward end. The nesting stabilizer connects the accessory to the hitch receiver upon engagement of the flanged collar with the protruding ring on the hitch receiver. |
| US07740265B2 |
Semi tractor dolly assembly
A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle or other means for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the tractor dolly assembly is provided with self steering wheels which allow the disabled vehicle to be towed in a reverse tow direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured so that in a reverse tow direction, the semi tractor can be towed by any truck with a pintle hook, which are fairly common on semi tractors and other over the road vehicles or other means for connection to a tow bar. The pintle hook would be connected to a draw or tow bar, which, in turn, would be connected to the tractor dolly assembly on accordance with the present invention. In accordance with another important feature of the invention, since the tractor dolly assembly is configured to be secured to the frame of a disabled vehicle, use of the tractor dolly assembly is independent of the configuration of the tractor or other vehicle or whether the disabled vehicle has a fifth wheel assembly. |
| US07740263B2 |
Front wheel supporting structure
A front wheel supporting structure for a motorcycle (1) includes a pair of front forks (10, 20) provided on the right and left sides of a front wheel (2) for supporting the front wheel (2) to a frame (5) of the motorcycle (1). The front forks (10, 20) includes a first front fork (20) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel (2) depending on an amplitude of the vibration, and a second front fork (10) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel not depending on the amplitude of the vibration. By thus combining the front forks (10, 20) having different damping force characteristics, the front wheel supporting structure can absorb vibrations of various velocities and amplitudes. |
| US07740261B2 |
Tailgate access step
A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. |
| US07740260B2 |
Vehicle step with hinged pedestal mount
A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals and attitude links to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position. |
| US07740257B2 |
Vehicle suspension with linked air bags
An air suspension system for a multi-axle vehicle has an air bag system including at least one air bag operatively associated with the vehicle wheels on selected wheel and axle sets to control relative movement between each of the selected wheels and a supporting frame structure of the vehicle. The system has an air-flow control arrangement to control the flow of air into each air bag to thereby control the relative movement of the wheels and vehicle frame structure. A pressurizing arrangement is provided to maintain a selected, predetermined pressure in the air bag system when the vehicle is at rest to thereby maintain a desired vehicle height. The pressurizing arrangement includes a valve to admit pressurized air to or exhaust air from the air bag system to maintain the predetermined vehicle height. The valve is actuated by a link associated with a rocker member connected to spaced axles of the vehicle. |
| US07740252B2 |
Payload-carrying motor vehicle with tag axle having force relievable suspension
A payload-carrying motor vehicle comprises a steer axle, at least one drive axle and a tag axle. All of the axles have wheels with tires and brakes and a tag axle suspension system is adapted to suspend the tag axle in an active condition wherein the tag axle is pivotal about a first axis parallel to the other axles and also about a second axis located equidistant from the tag axle wheels and laying in a plane at right angles to the first axis and wherein the tag axle trails the drive axle and is forced to urge the tag axle tires against a road surface to aid in supporting the vehicle. A tag axle operating system is adapted to establish the tag axle in the active condition and relieve the force on the tag axle when the tag axle pivots about the second axis and reaches a predetermined tilt angle in maintaining contact of the tag axle tires with a road surface. |
| US07740249B1 |
Holder for replaceable tools
A holder for replaceable tools, including a body with an axial opening extending along an axis and for releasably receiving the tools and having two radial openings with balls therein extending into the axial opening. Two ramps are movable on the body and they engage the balls for forcing the balls onto the tool being held in the body and thereby radially and axially stabilize the tool in the body. Two separate springs engage the ramps for movement of the ramps separate from each other. |
| US07740245B2 |
Method of presenting and playing game where winning hand triggers enhanced award opportunity in subsequent game
In a method of presenting or playing a wagering game, if a winning outcome is received, a first award is awarded and one or more awards associated with one or more winnings outcomes for the game are then enhanced for potential award in a subsequent game or games. In one embodiment, a base paytable or award structure is modified or enhanced, such as by adjusting awards or associating multipliers or bonus values, to create an enhanced paytable or award structure. The enhanced paytable or award structure may remain in effect for one subsequent game, a set number of games or a time, or until the same or another winning outcome is received in a subsequent game. The game which is presented may vary, such as being a wagering game of video poker, video slots or even a table game. |
| US07740243B1 |
Lottery poker game
The present invention is directed to a poker lottery game, including a poker lottery ticket, which leverages commonly known gaming rules and introduces multiple levels of game play. The ticket may be generated by a terminal located at, but separate from, a point of sale location. The ticket includes one or more lottery numbers along with card values corresponding to the lottery numbers. The ticket may be generated with one or more levels of play disabled or with one or more of the lottery numbers/card values concealed. The disabled levels may be enabled, the one or more of the lottery numbers/card values may be revealed, or the play value of one or more levels may be increased by registering the ticket, as part of a loyalty rewards program or web loyalty program, by purchase, by disabling one or more enabled game play levels or by combining multiple poker lottery tickets. |
| US07740238B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention including a saddle-stitcher configured to fold and discharge a sheet supplied from an image forming apparatus, and an assisting mechanism arranged in a sheet carrier path extending from the image forming apparatus to the saddle-stitcher and configured to form a folding line on the sheet in a first direction orthogonal to a direction of the carrying of the sheet in order to assist folding of the sheet. The assisting mechanism has a disc-shaped roller blade rotatably attached to a moving body that is movable in the first direction. |
| US07740236B2 |
Cartridge and rod end isolator
An elastomer-containing rod end isolator. The isolator includes a handle for connection to a load and inner and outer members. The outer member is a pocket and the inner member is spherical or nearly so. The pocket and the inner member are concentric and the inner member has two continuous exterior legs extending in a circular path. An elastomer fills most of the space between members. |
| US07740234B2 |
Method and apparatus for a low-profile suspension system
A method and apparatus for a low-profile suspension system, which provides coarse and fine suspension control to an object supported by the low-profile suspension system. Coarse suspension is provided to adaptively control a position of the object through pneumatic support devices. Pneumatic pressure is adaptively increased in the pneumatic support devices to support an increasing weight of the object, while pneumatic pressure is adaptively decreased in the pneumatic support devices to support a decreasing weight of the object. Fine suspension control is provided through rotational actuation of a shock absorbing device through a right-angle gear drive. By rotationally actuating the shock absorbing device, a range of stroke of the shock absorbing device along a vertical direction is minimized. Position equalization control is further provided to maintain a position of the object along an axis that is orthogonal to the coarse and fine suspension axis. |
| US07740233B1 |
Fence assembly and related methods
Fence apparatus and related methods for making a fence panel and for connecting the panel to other panels and post elements to form a modular type fence are disclosed. These include a generally planar section of fencing material formed from spaced-apart wires, and the related brackets and posts of the system providing simplified installation, removal, handling, and storage of the fence components. |
| US07740231B2 |
Easy knee stair stretcher
An apparatus for installing carpeting, such apparatus comprises a substantially flat member having a plurality of teeth disposed on an underside thereof for biting into carpeting to be stretched. A handle member attached to such flat member on one end and to an elongated transmission means on another end. There is a connecting means that is engageable on one end to the handle and on the other end with the power transmission means for causing said power transmission means to force such apparatus to stretch such carpeting. The apparatus has an attachment means engageable with the transmission means on one end and with carpeting, wood or concrete on a second end for assisting in stretching such carpet when the apparatus is in use. |
| US07740228B2 |
Valve assembly including a torsion spring coupling a valve shaft and actuator shaft
A valve assembly comprises a flow control valve including a valve shaft, an electrical actuator comprising an actuator output shaft, and a torsion spring coupling the valve shaft and the actuator output shaft. |
| US07740227B2 |
Joint
A joint for bringing into communication a first fluid passageway and a second fluid passageway of a nut member includes a push rod and a main body. The main body forms a push rod storage space, a communication path, a seal structure forming part and a male thread part. The push rod storage space houses the push rod so that one part of the push rod protrudes along a push rod longitudinal direction. The seal structure forming part is capable of forming a seal structure by contacting a first tapered part of the nut member. The male thread part is capable of screwing together with a female thread part of the nut member such that the seal structure forming part contacts the first tapered part. The part of the portion of the push rod contacts one part of the nut member. |
| US07740226B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator and operating arrangement for operation of a valve arrangement
An electromagnetic actuator is disclosed. The actuator has a coil arrangement which can be excited electrically, and has an armature. The armature is mounted such that it can move axially in the coil arrangement, is composed of soft magnetic material, and is moved in the axial direction when the coil arrangement is excited. A guide sleeve is fixed in the coil arrangement and guides the armature in the axial direction. The guide sleeve is produced from a soft magnetic material. |
| US07740220B2 |
Two-part pole bracket
There is disclosed a two-part bracket for holding a pole. The two-part pole bracket has a first part, for holding the pole, and a second part, including a cylindrical hollow sleeve, for attaching to a support surface. The first part has an elongate body with a tubular upper section and a tubular lower section. The cylindrical hollow sleeve of the second part is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the tubular lower section of the first part. A disengageable rotational interlocking means located between the first part and the second part prevents a rotation therebetween when the first and the second parts are rotationally interlocked. The bracket may be used to hold a light pole, flag pole, umbrella pole, or the like at an angle relative to vertical. |
| US07740219B2 |
Easel for supporting a flip chart or other display device with collapsible foldable legs
A collapsible easel with foldable legs adapted to support a display device comprising a combination display panel and folded legs. In one embodiment, a three-leg assembly is pivotally connected to the display panel. The portions of each leg are connected by a linearly flexible strap. The linearly flexible strap allows the upper and lower portion of each leg to be pulled in opposite directions relative to each upper and lower portion of each leg, enabling one portion of each leg to be folded over the other portion. In another embodiment of the easel, a channel is connected to each of at least three legs and the channels allow the legs to be individually nested in contact with the rear side of the display panel. Each front leg is connected to the rear leg by a hinge assembly that comprises two struts pivotally connected near a center of the hinge assembly. |
| US07740218B2 |
Stability support TV anti-tip device
A support device for a flat appliance is disclosed. The support device includes a mounting plate having at least one hole defined therein. The mounting plate is adapted for attachment to a side of the flat appliance with a fastener extending through the at least one hole and into at least one corresponding receiving hole in the flat appliance. The device further includes a mounting bracket that is adapted for attachment to a stand structure. The device also includes a brace disposed between the mounting plate and the mounting bracket. The at least one hole in the mounting plate is adapted for accommodating the receiving hole of a variety of different flat appliances. |
| US07740217B2 |
Holder for a beverage container
A holder for two beverage containers is provided for installation in a motor vehicle. The holder has a pull-out element having insertion openings for the beverage containers. The pull-out element is guided not only displaceably but also is mounted pivotally, so that, as desired, one insertion opening instead of both insertion openings is accessible and available for use. |
| US07740216B1 |
Suspension system for a bird feeder
A support system for a bird feeder. The support system allows vertical and circumferential adjustment of the bird feeder, and prevents dislodgement of the bird feeder from the support system. |
| US07740213B2 |
Liquid crystal panel stand and tilt device
In the liquid crystal panel stand, the rotating shaft (13) pierces the fixed member (12), and a fixing portion is provided for fixing the rotating shaft to block its rotation around the axial center. The holding member (14) having a protrusion (14b) protruding from one side surface is formed into a thin configuration for applying the urging force in the direction where the protrusion (14b) protrudes so as to be fixed to the fixed member (12) to apply the pressing force in the direction where the protrusion (14b) protrudes with the force in substantially parallel with the rotating shaft (13). The movable member (11) includes a plurality of holding holes (15, 16) as openings through which the protrusion (14b) of the holding member (14) fixed to the fixed member (12) is inserted to be engaged therewith when the movable member (11) is rotated along the rotating shaft (13). |
| US07740211B2 |
Conduit attachment apparatus
A conduit attachment apparatus is secured to an open end of a conduit for holding cables or wires. In one embodiment the conduit attachment apparatus comprises a spillway and a securement collar. The spillway is adapted to provide bend radius control to cables or wires extending out of the conduit. The securement collar is adapted to secure and remove the spillway from the conduit. In another embodiment, the securement collar can be installed without the use of tools and can rotate up to approximately 180° about the spillway. |
| US07740210B2 |
Break-away bundling device
A bundling device includes a flexible, frangible strap having a plurality of engagement teeth. Each of the teeth has a notch. A strap engagement portion is connected to the strap. The engagement portion includes flexible wings positioned in opposed relationship and a strap receiving aperture therebetween to receive the flexible strap in a first direction, the flexible wings prevent removal of the strap in an opposite second direction. A raised engagement surface extends from each of the flexible wings, opposed ones of the raised engagement surfaces operable to frictionally contact one of the teeth. The strap is loaded to break at one of the notches, and a portion of the strap is retained between the flexible wings by contact with the raised engagement surfaces. |
| US07740208B2 |
Movable point crossing frog for a rail track
A crossing frog includes: a cradle assembly which includes a movable point fitting component which has two projection elements which are mutually spaced-apart, a movable point which is mounted in the cradle assembly and fitted in the fitting component, spacer components which are interposed between the projection elements and the movable point, and accommodation for removably fixing the movable point in the fitting component. The spacer components are fixed to the projection elements in a removable manner by the accommodation for removable fixing so that it is possible to remove the point in a vertical direction relative to the cradle assembly. |
| US07740206B2 |
Translating active Gurney flap to alleviate aircraft wake vortex hazard
A wake vortex alleviator is provided. The wake vortex alleviator produces rapid variations in the position of vortices emanating from aerodynamic surfaces by using an active flap that moves span-wise back and forth along the outboard section of the surface. Rapidly moving the flap back and forth in a slot at an appropriate frequency will cause the vortex to oscillate, resulting in interaction between other vortices and subsequent destruction much earlier than it would occur naturally. The slot is positioned near the aerodynamic surface trailing edge and generally transverse to a chord line of the aerodynamic surface. The flap can be moved using a variety of actuators to position, translate and stow the flap. The oscillation frequency and position are guided by information feedback according variations in lift in the aerodynamic surface, such as wind gusts. The flaps can control yaw, roll and pitch of the aerodynamic surface. |
| US07740205B1 |
Auxiliary wing and flap assembly for an aircraft
An auxiliary wing and flap assembly for an aircraft which is to be extendable from a retracted position to a deployed position. Relative to the chord of the wing, the split flap is located directly adjacent the trailing edge of the wing with the auxiliary wing assembly being located at approximately the mid length of the chord of the wing. A split flap assembly extends approximately one-half the length of the aircraft wing with the auxiliary wing assembly extending the total length of the aircraft wing. The split flap is extendable to assume approximately a sixty degree angle relative to the bottom surface of the aircraft wing while the auxiliary wing assembly is extendible to assume a maximum of ninety degree angle relative to the bottom surface of the aircraft wing. The chord length of the split flap is equal to approximately 0.15 of the chord length of the aircraft wing while the auxiliary wing assembly has an airfoil-shaped member that has a chord length of approximately 0.25 the chord length of the aircraft wing. |
| US07740202B2 |
Wing structure for aircraft
In a wing structure for an aircraft, a rib extends in a chord direction for connecting spars to each other with upper and lower stringer through holes through which stringers of skins pass being formed in upper and lower edges of the rib. A bead is formed on the rib so as to extend between the upper and lower stringer through holes. Upper and lower ends of the bead are formed into arcuate shapes so as to surround the upper and lower stringer through holes, respectively. Thus, it is possible to enhance the buckling strength of the rib against a shear load acting on the wing of the aircraft. |
| US07740195B1 |
Sprinkler assembly
A wheeled lawn sprinkler assembly for easily moving a lawn sprinkler around a large or small size yard which assembly contains a shut off valve, a collapsible wheel assembly and a collapsible support assembly. |
| US07740181B2 |
Method and device for regulating the temperature of mixed water
A method and a device are provided whereby a container can be continuously filled with mixed water from separate cold and hot water pipes K, W within a short time and the temperature T of the mixed water is kept as constant as possible at a predetermined value Ts during the supply process.According to the method according to the invention, the regulating process always takes place only in one direction from higher to lower temperature values. The method is implemented by a regulator 1 to 6 with separate intake pipes K and W for cold and hot water and a mechanical control element 6 which is only moved in one direction.The essential advantage of the method according to the invention is that it can be implemented very cheaply, especially a synchronous motor without reversal of the direction of rotation can be used as a drive for the control member 6. Possible perturbations in the hot water system can by intercepted to a sufficient extent by compensation which is easy to implement. |
| US07740174B2 |
Manual noncontact IC card reader
A technology that is applicable generally to manual noncontact card readers regardless of whether they are of insertion or swipe type, and realizes stable communication even with antennas of small size is provided. A pair of loop antennas is located in opposition to either side of a transport path, in proximity to a card insertion slot of the transport path. A magnetic circuit which connects the loop antennas together is located so as to not lie exposed in the transport path, so that, of the magnetic fluxes produced in two directions with respect to the noncontact card from the loop antennas, one of these will be diverted through the magnetic circuit without interlinking to the card. |
| US07740169B2 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine (10) includes a cash dispenser (54). Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article (98) which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data. A portable article of computer readable and writable media (314) is also operative to cause the computer to gather data concerning the banking machine and record it on the media through a drive (312). The data gathered is then analyzed by a separate analysis computer (324). |
| US07740168B2 |
Method and system for generating a dynamic verification value
A method is disclosed. The method includes generating a verification value in response to a transaction involving a portable consumer device, where the verification value is generated using a first dynamic data element and a second dynamic data element. The verification value is sent to a service provider associated with the portable consumer device so that the service provider can verify the transaction. |
| US07740167B2 |
Method of recording transaction relating to packaged product
A method of recording a transaction relating to an item, said item comprising a product contained in a package, said package having an interface surface containing information relating to the item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface, the method including the steps of: marking the interface surface using an optically imaging pen having a marking nib; sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the pen; generating indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data, said indicating data comprising data regarding the identity of the item and positions of the pen relative to the interface surface; and transmitting the indicating data to a computer system. |
| US07740166B2 |
Push switch
A push switch includes a lower case having a recess therein, an inner and outer fixed contacts exposing from a bottom of the recess, a movable contact accommodated in the recess, an upper case attached to the lower case, an elastic operation body for sealing the recess of the lower case, and a push button provided on the elastic operation body. The movable contact has a dome shape having a concave surface facing the inner fixed contact by a distance, a convex surface opposite to the concave surface, and an outer peripheral end placed on the outer fixed contact. The upper case has a through-hole located above the recess of the lower case. The has a lower surface contacting the convex surface of the movable contact, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, and an outer edge held between the upper case and the lower case while being compressed. The push button is inserted into the through-hole of the upper case movably. This push switch prevents dust from entering in the switch and operates reliably. |
| US07740164B2 |
Inside-taper corner post tray and the associated container blank
The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes a rollover panel assemblies formed by spaced apart fold lines that forms bearing surfaces for vertically stacked containers. The container includes a inside taper that functions to prevent telescoping of vertically stacked container, and to hold the various corner panels in their proper location. The blank is configured to form a container that includes corners having multiple thicknesses for strength and stability. The container is self locking, easy us manufacture yet high strength. |
| US07740162B2 |
Welding method
Two aluminium alloy work-pieces are welded together. Firstly, a portion (2) of each work-piece (1) is prepared, the preparation including the performance of a surface treatment, such as friction stir welding, that results in a region (A) extending from the exterior surface into the work-piece having a grain structure that is finer than the grain structure of the work-piece outside (region C) that region. Then the work-pieces are welded together by means of a fusion welding process, such as electron beam welding, that joins the respective prepared portions (2) of the two work-pieces (1). The preparation of the work-pieces is so performed that said region (A) extends into the work-piece to a depth that exceeds the depth of material (region D) that is caused to melt during the fusion welding process. |
| US07740161B2 |
Engine wall structure and a method of producing an engine wall structure
An engine wall structure includes an inner wall to which hot gas is admitted during engine operation, an outer wall, which is colder than the inner wall during engine operation, and at least two webs that connect the inner wall with the outer wall and delimit a cooling duct between the walls. The webs are mainly formed by a first material and the inner wall is mainly formed by a second material of other composition and other heat conductivity than the first material. |
| US07740156B2 |
Folding assembly
A folding assembly structured to arrange any one of a plurality of different articles into a folded orientation and including an orienting device having a main segment and at least one outwardly extending side segment, wherein the main segment and side segment are initially disposed in engaging relation to different portions of the article being folded. An attachment assembly in the form of a flexible material connector pivotally attaches the side segments in spaced relation to the main segment and outwardly spaced relation therefrom in a manner that can achieve a gap of varying width so as to accommodate the folding of articles of various thicknesses, in that it allows for the automatic spaced positioning of the side segment at different spaced distances above the main segment as the different portions of the article are being oriented when the side segment is in a folded position. A support maintains the orienting device at a convenient height above a supporting surface to facilitate the arranging of the articles into the preferred folded position. |
| US07740155B1 |
Self closing cap for dispensing fluids
A self closing cap for dispensing fluids that is composed of a cap (10) with a rotating-lid (40) on top. The cap (10) having a cylindrical shape with holes (16) and channels (12) (14) on top to direct the fluids and an opening on the bottom to be mounted on a container (FIG. 1). Also the cap has a rotating lid (40) on top that works as a diaphragm (44), opening and closing according with the pressure of the fluid behind it and not allowing any substances to enter inside the cap (10). The rotating-lid (40) also has a plurality of pads (48) able to block and open the holes (16) on the cap (10) to permit the fluid to exit as the user desires (FIG. 8A). |
| US07740152B2 |
Pump system with calibration curve
A pumping system for pumping one out of a number of fluids with varying viscosities. The pumping system may include a positive displacement pump and a control for operating the positive displacement pump. The control may include viscosity compensation data. The viscosity compensation data relates to at least one of the fluids such that the control instructs the positive displacement pump to operate based on the viscosity of the fluid. |
| US07740151B2 |
Pumping dispenser for viscous liquids
A hand operated air pump apparatus comprising an internal bellows in communication with an outer bellows wherein variable force on air pump forces compressed air through a discharge valve into a annulus between a bottle and a flexible bladder wherein said pump is attached upon a container or bottle like vessel wherein pumping action forces from bottle highly viscous substances, that may contain solid or abrasive particles, through a discharge spout without internal substance being contaminated by air or other environmental factors thus allowing for an improved method of removing all contents within a container with greater ease. |
| US07740149B2 |
Container sidewall strengthening apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods relate to containers having a sidewall portion with at least one generally vertical corrugation therein. The containers can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, cross-sections, and materials. The corrugation improves the container sidewall strength and resistance to buckling under compressive loads such as stacking of multiple containers. |
| US07740148B2 |
Container bottom
The invention includes a novel profile for a container bottom. The bottom structure includes a domed central panel attached at its outside edge to a downwardly projecting substantially cylindrical inner leg portion. The inner leg portion is attached to a generally semi-circular nose portion. The outside of the nose portion is attached to an upwardly and outwardly inclined outer leg portion. The outer leg portion is attached to an outwardly inclined peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is attached to the lower end of the generally cylindrical sidewall portion. The improvement primarily involves the larger stand diameter, and altered dome circle radius and dome depth, which produces a container bottom profile yielding more consistent results in drop tests to determine resistance to bulging and reversals (single can and consumer package flat and angled drop tests) than prior art can bottoms. |
| US07740147B1 |
Ball and socket closing lid
A cover assembly for a beverage container includes a ball and socket assembly having a ball member and a corresponding socket member. The socket member includes extendable arms that engage the ball member. The ball and socket assembly permits the cover to be polyaxially rotated with respect to the beverage container. The cover is rotatable from a closed position, where the cover is seated against the beverage container, to a variety of open positions, where the cover can be rotated out of view from a user drinking from the beverage container. The ball and socket assembly, in addition, may be configured to maintain the cover in a variety of open positions relative to the beverage container without auxiliary support or assistance. |
| US07740146B2 |
Container
A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. A first wall has a support pivotable between a support position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. An adjacent wall has a stop formed thereon which forces the support into the support position when the first wall is moved to the upright position. |
| US07740145B2 |
Bottle cap
A bottle cap is disclosed, which displays an opened state and cannot contain contents again once it is opened. The bottle cap includes a cap having a screw formed on its inner surface to be engaged with a screw formed on an outer surface of a nozzle of a bottle, a reverse moving means connected to the cap and ascending in a direction opposite to a descending direction of the cap as the cap is rotated downwardly, a rod shaped nut having a screw engaged with the reverse moving means and moving up and down in a screw direction without rotation, and a display installed in the lower portion of the nut, displaying an opened state of the cap by hanging a part of the cap in the nozzle as the cap is moved downwardly by being pushed by the nut if the cap is opened. |
| US07740144B2 |
Under shelf mount
The present invention generally relates to a display system for a display shelf having a top surface and a bottom surface. The display system includes an engagement member and a display member. The engagement member is located substantially beneath the display shelf and includes a resilient portion for releasably securing the display system to the display shelf. The display member is connected to and protrudes away from the engagement member. |
| US07740142B2 |
Battery construction for mounting a shelved rack
A frame device for supporting objects such as batteries during seismic stress, comprising a pair of end frame members mounted in upstanding spaced apart relation by a plurality of vertically spaced elongated channel support members secured at opposite terminal ends to the vertical columns of the end frame members, shelves for supporting batteries spanning the channel support members and defining a plurality of compartments for the batteries, each end frame member being formed of a single sheet material shaped to define vertical columns and a web extending between the end columns, a pair of anchors, means for securing the end frames to the anchors, and means defining a plurality of openings in the web of each end frame generally aligned with the compartments formed by the shelves to provide horizontal ventilation of batteries mounted in the compartments. |
| US07740141B2 |
Method of making a granular media water filter
Granules comprise binder-agglomerated active particles for liquid treatment or filtration. Each granule has a center core of a material that itself has binding properties without the addition of other binders or sprays or adhesives, or, alternatively, each granule comprises a matrix of active materials stuck together with the binder. The binder structure preferably ranges from a non-uniform matrix of binder formed by heat-deformed binder particles, to a clump of binder particles generally retaining the original shape or the binder particles, to non-continuous connectors of binder between active particles. The invented two-part media has high surface area per volume of media, which, because the outer surface and inner void surfaces of the particles are preferably substantially covered with active particles, translates to high activity for the preferred treatment process. Therefore, while a mixture of active particles may be used and a mixture of binders may be use, each media granule preferably consists only of a matrix, clump, or plurality of connectors of binder coated with active particles, with preferably no support for the active component other than the binder material. |
| US07740140B2 |
Method and apparatus for sorting tablets at a rotary press for making tablets
A method for sorting tablets at a rotary press for making tablets, comprising the following steps: the individual tablets are monitored with regard to at least one property of their condition during the pressing process, and a bad-signal is generated, if a tablet does not fulfill the property, and tablets which do not generate a bad-signal being good-tablets; the good-tablets are directed from a die plate of the rotary press into a good-channel; after a bad-signal has been generated, a bad-tablet is directed into a bad-channel by means of an air blast; by means of a further air stream, which is directed into the bad-channel, the bad-tablet is accelerated into the bad-channel whereby a returning to the die plate is avoided. |
| US07740139B2 |
Carrier capable of hanging from a back of a container
A carrier is formed of foldable sheet material, the carrier being usable with a container. The container has a top, a bottom and sides, the top having a handle, and at least one of the sides having a mouth for emptying contents from the container. The carrier includes a bottom, side panels adjoined and connected to the bottom, and a handle panel formed with at least one of the side panels. The handle panel includes a first aperture for fitting over the handle on the top of the container such that at least a portion of one of the side panels of the carrier rests against a side of the container directly opposite to the mouth. |
| US07740136B2 |
Packaging container with clamping base
A packaging container with a clamping base and an attachable protective cap serves for a unilateral, clamping or holding of a tool, an instrument, or another longitudinal object, where the clamping base comprises a clamping holder with a plurality of springy clamping jaws fastened on one side which define a nearly centric, central clamping reception, in which clamping reception the tool is inserted and held clampingly.In order to achieve that the insertion force to be applied is low when the packaging container is equipped, however, a high clamping force is given with the protective cap attached. The protective cap abuts against the outside circumference of the clamping jaws when it is attached to the clamping base and prestresses said clamping jaws in direction of the clamping reception. |
| US07740135B2 |
Article of manufacture for carrying and storing golf clubs and related accessories required to play golf
An article of manufacture for transporting, using and storing golf clubs and related accessories required to play golf, with: a) a base that provides fifteen individual compartments lined with material to protect club heads; connected to b) a three-tiered top with rubberized slots for individual club shaft containment; with c) individual flexible material bags attached to each top tier providing storage; with d) the ability to be attached to a standard two person motorized golf cart; with e) attachable wheels and an attachable handle that converts the carrier to a pull cart; with f) front and back rings available to attach a shoulder strap for carrying. This new concept of having the golf clubs outside the storage compartments provides increased storage, while providing orderly club storage and protection for each club head and shaft. |
| US07740133B2 |
Marker caddy device including a laser pointer device
A caddy is disclosed for holding at least one marker therein. The caddy comprises a body that has at least one elongated channel therein. Each channel is adapted to receive one of the markers slidably therein. Each channel terminates at a distal end in a fitted cap portion for hermetically receiving a marking end of one of the markers. Preferably the body is comprised of a plastic top shell and a plastic bottom shell each fixed together at a seam along peripheral edges thereof. The body further includes side edges having an ergonomic grip and a substantially flat bottom side for fixing thereto a removable eraser pad. A battery-operated laser pointer device may be further included within the body. An actuator activates the laser pointer device to produce a laser beam that projects through a laser beam aperture of the body. |
| US07740129B2 |
Apparatus for conveying sheet-type flat items
An apparatus for conveying sheet-type flat items to a sheet-collecting location includes at least one lower belt conveyor and one upper belt conveyor arranged above the lower belt conveyor. A first operating mechanism is arranged to move the upper belt conveyor relative to the lower belt conveyor between (1) a lower position in which the upper belt conveyor is in an operating position adjacent to the lower belt conveyor and comes in contact with the flat items positioned on the lower belt conveyor and (2) a raised upper position in which the upper belt conveyor has a segment positioned at such a distance to the lower belt conveyor as to be out of contact with the flat items positioned on the lower belt conveyor. |
| US07740126B2 |
Bulk material handling system
A bulk material handling accessory such as a conveyor belt cleaner for use in connection with a bulk material handling system. The bulk material handling accessory includes a main frame, a scraping member including an arm and a scraper blade pivotally attached to the main frame, and a damper mechanism coupled at one end to the main frame and at another end to the scraping member. A mounting mechanism is attached to the main frame for providing linear and rotational movement of the main frame and the associated scraping member and damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes a damper having a piston and a housing having a fluid chamber. The viscosity of the fluid within the fluid chamber is selectively changeable to change the damping characteristics of the damper mechanism to accommodate changes in operating conditions. |
| US07740125B2 |
Component feeding with continuous motion escapement
The invention relates to methods and systems for transferring a stream of a components (28, 84, 100, 100′), either as individual components (28, 84, 100′) or as a continuous strip (100) or band from which individual components are cut, from a component feeder (62a) to a component receiver (92, 108), e.g., in a processing machine, with controlled, e.g., continuous, motion escapement of the individual components (28, 84, 100, 100′) from the feeder (62a). |
| US07740124B2 |
Grasping device
A grasping device can be provided on a conveyor which conveys works produced by a production facility or a work subjected to in-mold forming from a work-grasping position to a work-releasing position. The example of a grasping device can include a base at the side of the conveyors and a grasping part which is extended from the base and provided with a plurality of grasping heads. The example of a grasping part can include a group of branches having a plurality of diverged and extended branches, specific branches most apart from the base each being small in weight (being light) at utmost end side. |
| US07740121B2 |
Coin changer with improved funnel design
A coin changer having a funnel portion, a coin changer body, and an acceptor removably mounted to the coin changer body. The funnel portion has a front funnel portion, two side funnel portions and a rear funnel portion. The rear funnel portion is attached to the coin changer body and the front funnel portion is attached to the acceptor. |
| US07740116B2 |
Device for slowing the movement of a door, drawer or similar movable member, having releasable locking means
A device (15) for slowing the movement of a door (2) urged by unidirectional thrust means (4), including a casing (17) fixable to a structure (S) and defining a chamber (18) filled with a viscous fluid, and a rotor (31). The rotor (31) includes a disc portion (32) and a shaft portion (33) protruding through the lid (21) of the casing (17) in such a way as it can be associated with the door (2). The base surface (23a) of the chamber (18) has a recess (51) operable to house a pivotable arm (52). The arm (52) has a pin portion (54) protruding into the chamber (18). The lower surface (62) of the disc portion (32) of the rotor (31) has a groove (70) for engaging the pin portion (54) of the arm (52). At one end (73), the groove (70) has a cam (76) dividing it into a return path (75) and a forward path (74) for the pin portion (54) so as to define a locking position for the rotor (31) in cooperation with the thrust means (4). |
| US07740115B2 |
Bicycle sensor unit
A bicycle sensor unit is provided that comprises a bicycle brake part and a sensor fixedly attached to the bicycle brake part to detect rotational behavior of a bicycle wheel. The bicycle brake part is one of a bicycle brake attachment member configured to be non-movably coupled to a bicycle frame and a bicycle brake arm configured to support a bicycle brake pad for movement against a rim of the bicycle wheel. Preferably, the sensor unit is part of a bicycle brake device that comprises both the bicycle brake attachment member and the bicycle brake arm, a bicycle brake pad and the sensor. |
| US07740114B2 |
Braking shell for shopping cart security device
A braking member for rotatable mounting on a wheel axle of a hand-driven wheeled vehicle such as a shopping cart has a first part having an opening for mounting on a wheel axle, and a second part releasably secured to the first part and having a braking surface adapted to engage the ground when the braking member is in an operative position. When the braking member becomes worn, the entire member does not have to be removed from the wheel or caster, but instead the second part is released from the first part while the first part remains on the wheel. The second part can only be released using a special tool which is provided to store personnel. |
| US07740113B2 |
Belt end connection for an elevator installation
A belt end connection for fastening a support belt end in an elevator installation and a method for protecting and checking a belt end connection in an elevator installation includes a twisting prevention device that prevents twisting of the belt end connection about the longitudinal axis thereof. A wedge retains the support belt end in a wedge pocket and is secured by a loss prevention device against slipping out of the wedge pocket. The twisting prevention device and/or the loss prevention enable efficient protection of the support belt and/or of the belt end connection against damage and make possible efficient checking and control of the belt end connection. |
| US07740111B2 |
Elevator group supervisory control system with route preparation section
An elevator group control system for controlling multiple elevators cars each of which serves a plurality of floors includes a route preparation section which, at a time of assigning a hall call to one of the elevator cars, calculates a future trajectory for each of the elevator cars. The future trajectory for each elevator is for a case in which the hall call is assigned to the elevator car. A selecting unit which determines a selected one of the elevator cars to which the hall call is to be assigned using the calculated future trajectories. |
| US07740110B2 |
Elevator brake and brake control circuit
A control circuit for controlling an electromechanical elevator brake is disclosed. The control circuit includes at least one brake coil (L1), a direct-voltage source (BR1), a semiconductor switch arrangement, a current measuring unit, at least two semiconductor switches, and a control unit (CO1) for controlling operation of the circuit. The current measuring unit (Lm1) produces current data that is passed to the control unit (CO1). The at least two semiconductor switches (SW1, SW2) are controlled by the control unit (CO1) such that operation is alternated between the two so that the working condition of each switch can be checked in its turn on the basis of feedback data obtained from the current measuring unit. |
| US07740109B2 |
Method for wireless control of vehicle lifting device
A method is provided for controlling a vehicle lifting device, having at least two, preferably moveable, lifting columns (1-4), which are controlled wirelessly. When a switch is activated for raising or lowering the lifting device, a corresponding signal is transmitted wirelessly to the lifting columns (1-4) and additional signals, which are representative of the individual lifting movements, are transmitted to a control device (5). In the case of unacceptably high movement differences between individual lifting columns, the normal operation is stopped. Here, it is essential that for monitoring the wireless signal transmission, the control device (5) exchanges control signals with the lifting columns (1-4) continuously, and the reception of these control signals is monitored at least in one direction. |
| US07740105B2 |
Outer tube of exhaust system part
A sheet metal is rolled double to form a cylinder having an inner plate 2 and an outer plate 3, and form an overlapped portion 4, with their circumferential end portions 2a and 3a crossed in the circumferential direction. Between the inner plate 2 and the outer plate 3, a plurality of line grooves 5 are formed to extend outward of an outer tube 1, with their tip end portions facing with each other to be apart from each other by a predetermined distance from a peripheral edge of one of the inner plate and outer plate, and these line grooves 5 are arranged in parallel with each other along a longitudinal direction of the outer plate 3. And, at least one portion of the overlapped portion positioned between the neighboring line grooves is joined by welding W. |
| US07740104B1 |
Multiple resonator attenuating earplug
A non-vented shell earplug for insertion into the ear canal has multiple chambers configured as coupled acoustic resonators. Each chamber is provided with an acoustic element having inertia and resistance coupling the chamber to its neighbor to form multiple resonant chambers. The dimensions of the individual acoustic elements set the frequency response of the earplug, and determine the attenuation characteristics of the resonators. Unlike the single chamber resonator of the prior art, the multiple-resonator earplug provides attenuation in both low and high frequency segments of the noise spectrum.Additionally, the present invention teaches placing loudspeaker and/or sound sensing transducer for sound communication purposes and active noise control within the earplug, with their sound field patterns directed into a chamber for coupling to the ear canal. The use of multiple resonators enhances the high frequency communications response of the earplug. |
| US07740103B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
When a current input to a step-up voltage device of an electric power steering apparatus is equal to or higher than a first threshold current and an input voltage applied to the step-up voltage device is lower than a first threshold voltage, the step-up voltage device of the electric power steering apparatus discontinuously switches an output voltage to a voltage lower than a rated step-up voltage. When the input voltage becomes lower than a second threshold voltage which is lower than the first threshold voltage, the step-up voltage device sets the output voltage to a voltage equal to the input voltage. |
| US07740101B2 |
Driving operation device
A driving operation device includes an input portion, an output portion and a form modifying portion that transmits an amount of operation of the input portion to the output portion. The form modifying portion can modify an orientation of the input portion depending on a position of the output portion. This can maintain the input portion vertical or horizontal, for example. The form modifying portion also can modify a ratio of an amount of operation of the input portion to an amount of change in the output result based upon the position of the output portion. |
| US07740091B2 |
Drive wheel steering system for lawnmower
A drive wheel steering system for a lawnmower has a handle bar assembly that is pivotal about a vertical axis to provide directional control of the mower and rotatable about a horizontal axis to provide speed control of the mower. A control bar is operable to set a desired forward speed of the mower via engagement of a cam and the linkage assembly providing directional and speed control for the mower. |
| US07740089B2 |
Drilling tool with a cutting element that is configured as a plate or head
The invention relates to a drilling tool, especially for percussion drilling, which comprises a cutting element (3) that is configured as a plate (3) or head and that has at least one cutting edge (11) defined by a cutting face (6) and a free face (10). The cutting edge (11) is associated with a first free face section (10a) which is limited in a cutting plane at a right angle to the cutting edge (11) and parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the drilling tool (1) by a convex bulge (13) or a convex polygon outline. The vertical height of a rib (14) defined by the first free face section (10a) and an associated first cutting face section (6a) ranges from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. |
| US07740085B2 |
Vibratory apparatus for a rotary-vibratory drill
A vibratory apparatus comprises an eccentric mass disposed within a housing. A shaft and bushing are received by the eccentric mass and couple the eccentric mass to a crankshaft. An internal conduit extends longitudinally within the shaft. Input and output conduits each communicate with the internal conduit to allow a lubricant to flow through the shaft. A bore extends radially through the bushing. Lubricant flowing through the shaft may further flow through the bore and form a lubricating layer between the bushing and the eccentric mass. |
| US07740082B2 |
Machine for removing ferrous debris
The machine for removing ferrous debris removes such debris from firing ranges where the removal of hard objects is desired to prevent ricochets during firing exercises, particularly on aircraft gunnery ranges. The machine includes a chassis towed behind a remotely controlled or automated vehicle, with a mechanism support frame pivotally mounted on the chassis. A series of magnetic operating arms is provided across the mechanism frame, with a chain drive conveyor cycling the operating arms as the machine is operated. The operating arms automatically release any gathered ferrous debris into a hopper as the arms reach the hopper during their cycle. A mechanism is provided to accommodate angular deflection of the operating arms relative to the hopper due to sloped terrain, and a further automated mechanism is provided to tilt and empty the hopper as required. No human operator is required in the immediate area of the machine. |
| US07740081B2 |
Hazard detection and suppression apparatus
A hazard detection and suppression apparatus and a single-action discharge valve for discharging a vessel's contents. The valve has a valve body with a passage therethrough through which the contents are discharged, a frangible seal held within the valve body and sealing the passage while the seal is intact, and a solenoid including an armature moveable from a first to a second position. A thermopile or a thermopile matrix senses near-infrared energy to detect a fire hazard and actuate the valve. Amplifiers for the thermopile's signal are monitored for failure. A thermostat or a manual pushbutton can also actuate the valve, and an operator's panel monitors failure conditions. Other hazard detectors may be used including a petroleum detector, a chemical sensor, a moisture detector, a radiation detector, a gas detector, and a moving body detector. |
| US07740079B2 |
Fracturing plug convertible to a bridge plug
A tool that is easily convertible from a frac plug to a bridge plug is disclosed. The tool comprises a mandrel with a mule shoe connected to the lower end thereof. A closing ball is disposed in a cavity defined by the mule shoe. The mandrel is threaded to receive a plug at or near the upper end thereof to convert the frac plug to a bridge plug. |
| US07740077B2 |
Downhole oilfield tubulars
The installation and use of abrasion and corrosion resistant polyolefin and polyolefin blend liners in the production or injection string of a well is shown. The lining is employed for the principal purpose of reducing wear or corrosion on the tubing string or wear on the associated production equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polymer liner is characterized by polypropylene material, which is abrasion resistant and which has a coefficient of friction that is lower that the coefficient of friction of metal tubing. Also, disclosed herein are tubular goods and tubular good liners which decrease or eliminate friction and mechanical wear and decrease or eliminate chemical corrosion to the walls of the tubular good. The liners may include a diffusion barrier, an adhesive, and a friction and wear resistant layer. |
| US07740076B2 |
Protective sleeve for threaded connections for expandable liner hanger
A tubular sleeve is coupled to and overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members. |
| US07740074B2 |
Tree mounted well flow interface device
A subsea production tree has an external annular profile formed on an upper portion of the tree. A vertical passage extending from a lower end of the tree to an upper end of the tree for communicating with a string of tubing extending into the well. A lateral passage in the tree extending from the vertical passage. A flow path in fluid communication with the lateral passage extends laterally from the tree, the flow path having an upward facing receptacle. An adapter lands on the upper portion of the tree and connects to the profile, the adapter having a passage that registers with the vertical passage of the tree while the adapter lands on the tree. A flow interface device mounts to and lands with the adapter, the flow interface device having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, one of the conduits being connected to the passage in the adapter, the other of the conduits stabbing into sealing engagement with the receptacle as the adapter lands on the tree. |
| US07740073B2 |
Wellhead seal unit
A wellhead seal unit for sealing a subsea oil and/or gas well at the wellhead. The unit comprises a sleeve, sealingly engaged to the workstring and to which, blow out preventer rams can engage. The unit allows the workstring to be rotated and reciprocated within the wellbore without releasing the seal. Methods of cleaning the sealed well and performing an inflow test are described. |
| US07740071B2 |
Clay control additive for wellbore fluids
A clay stabilizer which is capable of inhibiting swelling in a wide variety of clay types and is also capable of restoring permeability in formations which have previously been damaged by clay swelling. Amine salts of differing molecular weights configurations and ionic strength are combined to provide transport into micropores, mesopores and macropores in the formation and to effect cationic change therein. A poly quaternary amine having a high to very high charge density is added along with lower molecular weight amine salts to substantially permanently exchange cations with the clay in the formation. |
| US07740070B2 |
Wellbore servicing compositions comprising a density segregation inhibiting composite and methods of making and using same
A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a density segregation inhibitor composite into the wellbore, wherein the density segregation inhibitor composite comprises a high density additive and a low density additive; and wherein the high density additive comprises barium sulfate, iron oxide, manganese oxide, or combinations thereof. A method of inhibiting segregation of particles in a wellbore servicing fluid comprising preparing a composite material comprising a high density additive and a low density additive, wherein the low density additive comprises an elastomer which can increase in volume by greater than about 300% based on its original volume when contacted with a fluid. |
| US07740061B2 |
Externally activated seal system for wellhead
A method and apparatus for installing casing hangers in a wellbore utilizing an externally activated gripping system to temporarily bind wearbushings secured to casing and tubing hangers in order to lock-down such hangers during various wellbore drilling activities, thereby minimizing the size of landing shoulders and eliminating additional lock down equipment and simplifying running procedures. |
| US07740058B2 |
Plate heat exchanger
The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger, composed of trough-shaped heat exchanger plates which are stacked one in the other and whose edges bear against one another. The plates can have flow ducts, located between the heat exchanger plates for a cooling fluid and for another fluid. The flow ducts are fitted with inserts in the form of turbulator plates. The heat exchanger can include at least four inlet and outlet openings in the corners of the heat exchanger plates which form two vertical ducts for the cooling fluid and two vertical ducts for the other fluid in the stack. The inserts in the flow ducts for the cooling fluid are embodied in one part or a plurality of parts. The flow ducts for the cooling fluid are equipped, in the regions around the openings, with plate-like inserts which have guide ducts with a width, and are provided with the turbulator plate in a central region between the plate-like inserts. The openings can be arranged right in the corners in such a way that only a narrow strip remains, which is occupied by a guide duct which is formed in the plate-like inserts and which has a significantly smaller width than the width of the other guide ducts. |
| US07740055B2 |
Fan holder
A fan holder is used for securing a fan to a heat sink. The fan holder includes a cover mounting the fan thereon, and a base mounting the cover thereon. The cover includes a plurality of separate claws and at least one jut. The base includes a through hole receiving the claws of the cover therein, thereby rotatably mounting the cover onto the base, and at least one slot. The at least one slot has a first pit and a second pit at two ends thereof respectively. The at least one jut is slidable along the slot between the first pit and the second pit to have the cover rotatable between a first location and a second location. |
| US07740050B2 |
Mold for manufacturing heat dissipation apparatus
A mold (200) for manufacturing a heat dissipation apparatus (10) includes a movable mold (20) and a fixed mold (30) covering the movable mold. The heat dissipation apparatus includes a plurality of fins (12). One of the movable mold and the fixed mold includes an insert group (50). The insert group includes a plurality of separated inserts (51) stacked together. A plurality of compartments (513) are formed between adjacent inserts of the insert group for forming the fins of the heat dissipation apparatus when molten metal is injected into the mold. |
| US07740048B2 |
Screen frame and assembly
A multi-sided frame assembly for screening has a fastening strip with male and female pads. The male pad has a first face from which spaced stems project in an ordered arrangement. The female pad has a second face formed with at least one receptacle extending into a thickness of the female pad. Each stem is located and sized for insertion into the receptacle. A woven, knit or knotted material of open texture having holes, preferable evenly spaced, such as those of a screen, is secured between the pads of the multi-sided frame by passing the stems through the mesh and into the receptacle. A cover can be removably engaged and selectively fastened to the assembled fastening strip. The cover envelops the pads, including fasteners, if any, used to fasten the male and female pads together or used to attach the multi-sided frame assembly to a supporting structure to hold the assembled frame in place. |
| US07740047B2 |
Roller blind mounting system and parts therefor
A roller blind mounting system including at least one roller, at least one telescopic end plug and at least two brackets. The telescopic end plug is engageable within an end-opening of one of said rollers. The end plug includes a hollow body and a telescopically movable member or plunger co-axially positionable with respect to the hollow body such that a first axial extending length portion of the plunger projects from the hollow body and a second axial extending length portion is held within the hollow body. The plunger is telescopically movable between a first end position in which the first portion of the plunger projects from the cylindrical body and a second end position in which at least part of the first portion is inserted into the cylindrical body. |
| US07740045B2 |
Spring motor and drag brake for drive for coverings for architectural openings
A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings. |
| US07740039B2 |
Cord cutting mechanism and method for a tire cord applicator head
A cutting mechanism and method for a tooling head is provided, the tooling head including a housing; a cord line feeding passageway extending through the housing to an applicator end, and an applicator assembly at the applicator end for application of the cord line to an annular surface. The cutting mechanism provides a reciprocally moving plunger body housed within the tooling head; a reciprocating cutting member moving between a first position cutting the cord line and a second position in a non-cutting relationship with the cord line; a cutting member being coupled to the plunger body to translate reciprocal movement of the plunger body to reciprocal movement of the cutting member between the first and second positions. A stream of air may be directed into the cord line passageway proximate the cutting member to assist in threading a severed free end of the cord through the passageway to the applicator assembly. |
| US07740035B2 |
Tire and wheel noise reducing device and system
A system for dissipating sound shock waves within a vehicle tire includes a wheel upon which a tire is mounted to create an internal air chamber defined by the wheel and the tire. A flow-resistant barrier is coupled to the wheel or the tire and defines an air cavity within the internal air chamber. The barrier comprises a material that provides an acoustical resistance to sound shock waves passing therethrough. The air cavity defined by the barrier has a volume such that air within the cavity offers relatively small impedance to the passage of shock waves through the barrier and into the air cavity. The barrier also can produce frictional heat when displaced by a shock wave, thereby converting energy of the shock wave to heat to reduce noise associated therewith. |
| US07740031B2 |
System for blending and compressing gases
A gas blending and compressing system includes a blender having a blending chamber configured to blend two or more separate gases into a blended gas, a compressor configured to compress the blended gas to a selected pressure, and a control system configured to sense operational parameters of the blender and the compressor, to sense one or more properties of the blended gas and to control the operation of the blender and the compressor to maintain the quality of the blended gas. A method for blending and compressing two or more gases includes the steps of: blending the separate gases into a blended gas using the blender; compressing the blended gas using the compressor; and matching a constant flow through the compressor to a selected minimum flow dependent on nominal operating parameters of the compressor. Alternate embodiment systems and methods blend separate gases at high pressure without using a compressor. Various principles are applied at high pressure including choked flow and partial pressure blending. |
| US07740029B2 |
Papermaking clothing
A papermaking fabric includes a system of warp yarns interwoven with a system of weft yarns. The system of weft yarns includes groups of weft yarns, each of the groups being formed by a plurality of adjacent weft yarns weaving in the group side-by-side the same weave path with the warp yarns. A method of manufacturing such a papermaking fabric is also provided. |
| US07740028B1 |
Composite plug system and process for high pressure pipeline leaks
A composite plug system and a process to repair a hole in a tubular pipe. The process includes the steps of inserting a fastener through an opening in an oblong inner plate having an elongated diameter and a shorter diameter. The oblong plate is inserted into the pipe hole wherein the elongated diameter is greater than a diameter of the pipe hole and wherein the shorter diameter is less than the pipe hole diameter so that the oblong plate is within the tubular pipe beneath the hole. An initially liquid adhesive filler is applied over the oblong inner plate over the pipe hole. An outer plate having a central opening and a diameter larger than the pipe hole diameter is affixed over the pipe hole so that the central opening receives the fastener. The outer plate is secured to the oblong inner plate and the tubular pipe with the fastener until the adhesive filler solidifies. After the filler solidifies, the oblong plate and the outer plate are structurally bonded to the pipe wall through adhesion. |
| US07740024B2 |
System and method for flow monitoring and control
One embodiment of the present invention can include a flow control device a flow control device that comprises an inlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, a pressure sensor, which may or may not be the only pressure sensor of the fluid control device, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller can be configured to generate a valve control signal based on a measured pressure at a single pressure sensor. |
| US07740017B2 |
Method for treating an asthma attack
A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed. |
| US07740012B2 |
Working tool and machine for sawing and cutting
Working tool and machine for sawing or cutting, comprising an annular blade (2) intended to be rotated about an axis of rotation, encircling the axis of rotation, the annular blade comprising an annular blank (3; 3′) and means (15), e.g. diamond segments (15), forming the working part of the tool and provided in connection to an outer edge (31) of the blank (3; 3′), the blade and blank also having an inner edge (19), an inner edge portion (18) comprising driving surfaces for rotation of the tool about the axis of rotation, and a web portion (23) between the outer edge (31) of the blank and the inner edge (portion) (18), the web portion having a first side (24) and a second side (27). At least two substantially circular guide grooves (21,22; 21′, 22′) are provided in the web portion on its first side, the guide grooves including an inner groove (21; 21′), which is the guide groove that is nearest the inner edge, and an outer groove (22; 22′) which is the guide groove that is nearest the outer edge, the guide grooves being concentric with respect to the axis of rotation, and each guide groove having an inner wall (34, 35; 34′, 35′) on its inner side which faces the inner edge (19) of the blade. |
| US07740010B2 |
System and method of stoichiometric combustion for hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines
A system includes a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine, a fuel system configured to provide a flow of hydrogen fuel to the engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system configured to provide a flow of recirculated gas to the engine which includes exhaust gases. The system also includes an engine controller configured to control the fuel system and the EGR system, such that the engine receives a mixture which includes the hydrogen fuel, the ambient air and the recirculated gas in a stoichiometric fuel/air ratio that meets the torque demand on the engine.A method includes the steps of providing a flow of gaseous hydrogen fuel, a flow of ambient air, and a flow of recirculated exhaust gas to the engine. The method also includes the steps of mixing the flow of recirculated exhaust gas and the flow of ambient air, determining a flow of hydrogen fuel necessary to create a stoichiometric fuel/air ratio, and then regulating the hydrogen fuel flow to control the torque of the engine, minimize throttling work and provide a mixture comprised of the hydrogen fuel, the ambient air and the exhaust gas in a stoichiometric fuel/air ratio. |
| US07740008B2 |
Multiple height fluid mixer and method of use
A mixer assembly (204, 603) for mixing intake air from an intake system (124) with exhaust gas from an exhaust gas recirculation system (134) to yield a mixture stream includes an intake air conduit (202, 700) having an inlet (206, 706) fluidly connected to the intake system. The mixer assembly (204, 603) also includes a mixer (200, 600) having an inlet (208, 702) fluidly connected to the exhaust gas recirculation system (134). The mixer (200, 600) is at least partially disposed in the intake air conduit (202, 700) and includes an outer pipe (203, 604) and a dividing portion (217, 602) disposed within the outer pipe. The dividing portion (217, 602) divides a first passage (216, 612) from at least one second passage (218, 608), the first passage having an outlet (216′, 612′) that is at a first height, and the second passage having an outlet (218′, 608′) that is at a second height. |
| US07740007B2 |
Alternative left/right bank EGR loop operation to improve fouling resistance during low mass flow engine mode
A system for a vehicle, comprising of a diesel engine having an intake system and an exhaust system, a first EGR loop coupled between said intake system and said exhaust system and having a first valve and a first cooler located therein, a second EGR loop coupled between said intake system and said exhaust system and having a second valve and a second cooler located therein, and a control system operating the first and second valves in a first condition where both valves provide EGR flow to the engine, and at least temporarily increasing flow in the first EGR loop and decreasing flow in the second EGR loop when EGR flow is decreased to a condition where buildup in one of said coolers is increased. |
| US07740005B2 |
Diesel fuel injector removal tool
An improved tool for removal of fuel injectors from the cylinder head of a diesel engine includes a male threaded pulling shaft having a milled top, with a female threaded connector at the bottom for releasable connection to the male threads at the top of a typical fuel injector. A sleeve fits over the threaded pulling shaft so that the base of the sleeve rests against the cylinder head, and the top of the pulling shaft extends through the top of the sleeve. A drive nut engages the threads of the pulling shaft and can be threaded down the pulling shaft until the drive nut contacts the top of the sleeve, preferably adjacent an interposed washer. An open end wrench is then used to turn the drive nut against the sleeve, thereby lifting the threaded pulling shaft relative to the sleeve and removing the injector from the cylinder head. The injector can then be unscrewed from the female threaded connector. |
| US07740004B2 |
Fuel management system for variable ethanol octane enhancement of gasoline engines
Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine. |
| US07740002B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector has a spray nozzle with a plurality of spray discharge orifices, each of which has an elongated cross-section having a major axis orientable to a center electrode of a spark plug in the combustion chamber. |
| US07739993B2 |
Internal combustion engine
A piston of an internal combustion engine includes a cavity for gases passing a piston ring and a first flow path leading from the cavity to a piston ring region and a second flow path extending from the cavity to an outlet opening for removing gases to an inlet opening in a cylinder wall in at least one piston position. |
| US07739991B2 |
Adjustable valve drive device of engine
A rocker cam is comprised of a first split body and a second split body, which are joined with a joint split face that contains an axial line of a cam shaft. The first split body has a first pin support portion that supports one end portion of the connection pin, and the second split body has a second pin support portion that is located so as to face the first pin support portion and supports the other end portion of the connection pin. The connection pin is supported at the first and second pin support portions at its both end portions. Accordingly, a separation force that acts on the first and second split bodies of the rocker cam during its repeated rocking movement can be reduced without improperly increasing its rigidity. |
| US07739990B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting engine valve clearance
A rocker arm is mounted to an eccentric shaft. The shaft has a pair of ends which are mounted to corresponding supports. The shaft has a rocker arm seat portion which is eccentric to the end portions, whereby when the position of the shaft is changed by rotating it, the position of the rocker arm changes. The shaft ends are mounted to riser blocks which are connected to a support structure. The shaft ends may be clamped in a fixed position relative to the riser blocks, or unclamped to permit the shaft to be rotated. When rotated, the position of the rocker arm may be changed up or down relative to the support structure and a valve stem which the rocker arm is intended to engage, thereby adjusting valve clearance. |
| US07739989B2 |
Valve-operating mechanism for internal combustion engine
A valve-operating mechanism for an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves and valve control members for controlling the intake and exhaust valves. The intake and exhaust valves are configured as dual valves having an outer valve and an inner valve. The valve control members, at least during scavenging, simultaneously close the outer valves of the intake and exhaust valves, producing a non-overlapping state, and simultaneously open the inner valves of the intake and exhaust valves, producing an overlapping state. |
| US07739987B2 |
Variable valve gear for an internal combustion engine
The variable valve gear for an internal combustion engine includes a cam lobe that is rotatably supported by a cam drive shaft, and a variable valve mechanism that includes a drive arm fixed adjacent to one end of the cam lobe in the cam drive shaft, an eccentric shaft member that is swivelably supported at a position opposite to the cam lobe with respect to the drive arm in the cam drive shaft, has an outer circumferential surface eccentric to an axis of the cam drive shaft, and is adjustable in eccentricity, and an intermediate rotary member that is rotatably supported through a bearing member around the eccentric shaft member, and is connected to the drive arm, wherein the drive arm includes an end face that overlaps with an end face of the bearing member, when projecting along the axis of the cam drive shaft, and the end face of the drive arm is protruding further than the end face of the cam lobe toward the bearing member. |
| US07739986B2 |
Device for controlling the lift of a gas exchange valve in an internal combustion engine
A device and a method are provided for regulating the lift characteristic of a charge cycle valve of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a controllable drive unit having an actuator element for actuating the charge cycle valve, two energy storage means acting on the charge cycle valve in opposite drive directions and a regulating means for controlling the drive unit. The regulating unit controls the drive unit according to a stored setpoint path, on the basis of which the charge cycle valve is transferred from a first end position into a second end position and vice versa. The setpoint path is designed so that it maps the ideal transient characteristic of the energy storage-drive element-energy storage system of the device without taking any additional ambient influences into account. |
| US07739980B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing steel tube and method for manufacturing the same
An apparatus and method for manufacturing a steel tube are provided. The apparatus includes: a tube-forming device for forming a steel plate into a steel tube; a heat treatment device connected in-line to the tube-forming device to heat the steel tube to a high temperature; a pre-treatment device for annealing the steel tube and providing a reduction atmosphere; and a plating device including a pot for storing a SeAHLume alloy composed of aluminum and zinc in a molten state, a level block selectively inserted into the molten alloy to adjust a level of the molten alloy, and a plating part into which the molten alloy flows in response to insertion of the level block and through which the steel tube passes substantially vertically. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a steel tube having a plated surface to improve its corrosion-resistance. |
| US07739978B2 |
Rotatable shaft position indicator
In some embodiments, a rotary shaft position indicating and display apparatus for use with a device having a rotatable shaft may include one or more of the following features: (a) a housing having a base with a cover secured to said base and defining a hollow sealed chamber, (b) an actuator shaft journaled for rotation in said base and extending through said base into said sealed chamber, (c) at least one electromechanical actuating element mounted on said actuator shaft, (d) a frusto-conical member having graphics information representative of said actuator shaft position viewable through a window area, (e) said cover having a frusto-conical base, (f) female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base, and (g) male threads on the base housing to accept the female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base. |
| US07739976B2 |
Kayak hull/deck flares
This invention is a kayak having port and starboard flares to widen the hull above the shear/water line. The flares extend outboard from the sidewalls of the kayak hull, increasing in width toward the cockpit. The flares have substantially reduced width adjacent the cockpit to define a recess that allows unobstructed paddling. The flares increase the stability of the kayak in rough water conditions without increasing the drag on the hull. |
| US07739966B2 |
Device and method for the combustion of granular, solid fuel
This invention relates to a device (3) for the combustion of granular, solid fuel, for example pellets and the like, comprising; a combustion chamber (16), an air inlet (24) for feeding air to the combustion chamber (16) via at least one air chamber (38,39,40) and at least one air-duct (41,42) for attaining an air flow through the combustion chamber (16), a feeding and dosing arrangement (10, 11, 12) for feeding of the fuel into the combustion chamber (16), an ignition device (28) for ignition of the fuel, a control unit (32) for operation of the combustion device (3) and parts co-operating therewith, an outlet (26) for hot combustion gases from the combustion chamber (16), a movably arranged ash feeder (29) with a drive unit (30), controlled by the control unit (32) for automatic feeding of ashes, unburned fuel, and slag products (31), out of the combustion chamber (16), wherein the ash feeder (29) comprises a movable front part (51) having a perforated bottom which constitutes the above mentioned inner bottom (45), movable between at least an operative position (58), shutting the lower end of the fire place (44), and an ash evacuating position (59), wherein a first temperature sensor (S2) positioned in vicinity of said combustion chamber (16), which first sensor is connected to said control unit (32) arranged to allow activation of said drive unit (30) only if the sensed temperature (T) is below a critical value (Tcr). |
| US07739962B2 |
Optical tables
An optical table comprising an upper skin tapped with holes for mounting equipment, a lower skin with a plurality of through holes which is coaxial with the tapped holes on the upper skin in a one to one arrangement, a honeycomb core, a connecting side wall, and a number of tubes. The tubes are positioned between the interior of the upper and lower skins so as to connect the holes on both skins so that contaminants and residue will be unable to enter into the interior of the honeycomb core, and so that the optical table can be rapidly and thoroughly cleaned. |
| US07739960B2 |
Running gear
A running gear, for example, a single-rail lower-flange running gear for hoisting equipment, includes several wheels running on a rail, at least two of which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel of the running gear and adapted to be driven by an electric motor. The driven wheels are joined to at least two shafts, which are oriented coaxially to the axis of rotation of said at least two driven wheels. |
| US07739958B2 |
Multi-track multi-vehicle interactive roller coaster
A multi-track multi-vehicle coaster simulates a popular theme of a competition, struggle or conflict taken from history or fiction. The vehicles interact with each other and with the ride scenery in many different ways and vehicle velocity is altered at different points in the ride using multiple motors and brakes. An interactive queue is provided and allows people in the queue to interact with people on the ride. Energy recycling and computer ride control are also disclosed. |
| US07739956B2 |
Internal pressure relieving device for anti-armour ammunition
An internal pressure relieving device for anti-armour ammunition. The device is mainly adapted for use with barrel-loaded ammunition, that is a naked round including a cartridge case, which normally would be located in its packaging. A plurality of slot formed openings have been cut out through a wall of the cartridge case and the openings have been sealed by inserts of polymeric plastic introduced with a tight fit into each opening. Hence, by the characteristics of the plastic material, the inserts can be configured to open up at a predetermined level of temperature. Alternatively, the inserts open up at a predetermined level of pressure in the cartridge case. |
| US07739951B2 |
Method and printing machine for producing a printed product with a number of inserts
A printed product, with a number of inserts, is printed on a printing machine. The pages of the inserts are printed by the printing machine as product pages on the web. The web is then folded in a folder that is a part of the printing machine to thereby form at least one of the inserts of the printed product. The printed product is laid out at an exit of the folder and the web is folded in such a manner that a final format of each insert completely shows one of these printed pages. Before the printed product is laid out at the exit of the folder, inserts which belong to the same printed product are collected in the folder by placing these inserts one atop the other. |
| US07739943B2 |
Vehicular hydraulic system with pressure dump and relief valve arrangement
A vehicular hydraulic system having a pump, first application, pressure-dump valve and second application arranged in series. The pressure-dump valve diverts a portion of the primary fluid flow past the second application when the pressure exceeds a threshold value. A valve member in the pressure-dump valve defines a pressure-reducing orifice that communicates fluid across the valve member. A check valve prevents flow through the pressure-reducing orifice when the pressure in the valve is below the threshold value. When the pressure exceeds the threshold value, fluid flows through check valve and the pressure reducing orifice resulting in the movement of the valve member and exposure of a bypass port thereby diverting a portion of the primary fluid flow past the second application. The check valve may be selectively variable to provide for the adjustment of the threshold value. A priority valve may also be provided upstream of the first application. |
| US07739942B2 |
Vehicular hydraulic system with pressure dump valve
A vehicular hydraulic system with a pump and first and second hydraulic applications arranged in series. The fluid upstream of the first application may be elevated to a first threshold pressure value. A pressure-dump valve is disposed downstream of the first application and fluid entering the valve flows through an inlet port, primary flow channel and outlet port of the valve to the second hydraulic application. The valve includes a valve member that axially slides within an elongate valve chamber, partitioning the primary flow channel from a low pressure volume. The valve also includes a low pressure port and a bypass port that diverts fluid past the second application. The valve member is biased into a position wherein fluid is diverted through the bypass port when the pressure in the primary flow channel exceeds a second threshold value. The first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value. |
| US07739941B2 |
Hydraulic drive system and method of operating a hydraulic drive system
A hydraulic drive system comprises a hydraulic actuator comprising a piston reciprocable between two cylinder heads for actuating a machine. A flow switching device reverses the direction of hydraulic fluid flow to and from chambers on opposite sides of the piston. The piston stops at the end of each piston stroke when a shuttle valve associated with the piston opens to allow hydraulic fluid to flow between the chambers cancelling the differential pressure that acts on the piston to cause reciprocal movement. A controller is programmed to determine when the piston reaches the end of each stroke based upon at least one of hydraulic pump speed, hydraulic fluid pressure, or elapsed time, with each of these measured during each stroke. The controller then sends an electronic signal to command the flow switching device to reverse the direction of hydraulic fluid flow. |
| US07739939B2 |
Direct drive retrofit for rifles
A direct drive retrofit system for use with an M-16 or AR-15 rifle for conversion from an impingement system comprising: a gas block, the gas block having a barrel bore and a gas plug bore; a gas plug, the gas plug being inserted into the gas plug bore from the muzzle end; a bolt carrier key, the bolt carrier key being configured to mount directly to a bolt carrier; a rod, the rod being manufactured from a single continuous material stock; and a biasing means; wherein, the rod can be uninstalled without removal of a hand guard or the gas block by extracting the gas plug from the gas plug bore from the muzzle end, the actuating means releasing the rod, the rod being freely extracted thereafter by a user in a single piece. |
| US07739938B2 |
Gas generator launcher for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
The launching of an unmanned projectile includes pre-packaging a barrel with a projectile, a pusher cup, and a gas generator. The gas generator generates gas to propel the projectile out of the barrel. A pressure chamber increases a pressure of the gas in the barrel. The pressure chamber comprises a front body portion connected to the gas generator; an aft body portion connected to the front body portion and the gas generator; and a vent sleeve positioned around the front body portion and adapted to provide an aperture through which the gas exits the barrel in order to control a level of gas pressure in the barrel. A triggering of the gas generator causes the pusher cup to push the projectile out of the barrel at a predetermined launch velocity in order to attain a predetermined self-propelled flight trajectory, wherein the triggering causes the pusher cup to exit the barrel. |
| US07739934B2 |
Detection system for power tool
Power tool includes a movable blade and a detection system for detecting contact between the blade and an object. Detection system includes an excitation plate capacitively coupling the drive signal to the movable blade. A circuit generates an in phase component signal and a quadrature component signal from a blade current signal indicative of the instantaneous current drawn by the movable blade and calculates an energy of the blade current signal considering the in-phase and the quadrature components. The circuit compares the energy of the blade current signal to an adaptive trigger threshold to detect contact between the blade and the object based on whether the energy of the blade current signal is greater than the adaptive trigger threshold. |
| US07739932B2 |
Tool-holding device
A tool-holding device for an insert tool (14) equipped with an at least essentially disk-shaped hub (42), in particular for a hand-guided angle grinder (32) or a hand-guided circular saw, having a drive device (12) that includes a leaf spring unit (58) and is able to clamp the insert tool (14) in the axial direction (64).The leaf spring unit (58) has at least one freely extending spring piece (110) that extends at least partially in the circumference direction (50, 52). |
| US07739928B2 |
Connecting rod for piston engine
A connecting rod for a piston engine, in particular a twin crankshaft piston engine, with a first connecting rod head (2) that comprises a first connecting rod eye (20) for mounting a connecting rod (1) to a piston (52) of the piston engine. A second connecting rod head (3) has a second connecting rod eye (30) for mounting the connecting rod (1) to the crankpin (58; 59) of a crankshaft (60; 61) of the piston engine, along with a connecting rod shank (4) that links the first connecting rod head (2) and the second connecting rod head (3). The connecting rod shank (4) has a narrow first connecting rod shank section (40) adjacent to the first connecting rod head (4) and the connecting rod shank (4) includes a wider second connecting rod shank section (45) adjacent to the second connecting rod head (3). The first connecting rod shank section (40) and the second connecting rod shank section (45) merge with one another in a step-like manner and the narrow first connecting rod shank section (40) is narrower in the region in which it merges with the first connecting rod head (2) than the exterior diameter (D) of the first connecting rod head (2). |
| US07739925B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling admission to individual rides at an amusement park
Methods for controlling admission to amusement park rides include electronically measuring each child's height (and optionally weight) and comparing the measured data to a database which specifies minimum requirements for each ride in the amusement park. Upon completing the comparison, several optional steps are provided including encoding a data carrier with the child's measured data and/or a list of rides which are appropriate for the child. The data carrier may be a “swipe card” or other machine readable device which must be presented at the entrance to each ride. The entrance to each ride is provided with an electronic entry control gate which is operated by the data carrier. Optionally, a list of appropriate rides is printed for the child and/or the child's parents. Apparatus for performing the methods are also disclosed. |
| US07739923B2 |
Torque measuring method and apparatus for motor-operated valve
A torque measuring method and apparatus for a motor-operated valve including a valve driving mechanism operable to open and close the valve, a worm displacable by driving of the motor to operate the valve driving mechanism, and a spring cartridge having a plurality of belleville springs and disposed coaxially with the worm for compression by the worm. The method comprises obtaining basic data representing a relationship between the amounts of compression of the belleville springs and the torques exerted, measuring a displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge and acquiring, from the thus obtained displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge, a real amount of compression of the belleville springs in which an influence of a play of the spring cartridge has been removed, and substituting the real amount of compression for the amount of compression of the basic data to acquire a real torque corresponding to the real amount of compression. |
| US07739922B2 |
Triaxial force sensor and triaxial force detection method
The detection unit Ud is configured by arranging two strain sensitive elements X1 and X2 respectively at each side of the X-axial direction relative to the center of the strain causing plate 2, and arranging two strain sensitive elements Y1 and Y2 respectively at each side of the Y-axial direction relative to the center of the strain causing plate 2. The signal processing part Um is provided with the X-axial bridge circuit 4 for detecting a force in the X-axial direction by the strain sensitive elements X1 and X2 arranged at the both sides in the X-axial direction, the Y-axial bridge circuit 5 for detecting a force in the Y-axial direction by the strain sensitive elements Y1 and Y2 arranged at both sides in the Y-axial direction, and the Z-axial bridge circuit 6 for detecting a force in the Z-axial direction by a bridge circuit including the X-axial bridge circuit 4 and the Y-axial bridge circuit 5. |
| US07739915B2 |
Reinforced elastomeric diaphragm
A diaphragm is provided that includes a plurality of zonal portions that define reinforced and non-reinforced areas of the diaphragm. A first zonal portion extends from a marginal edge portion toward a central portion and is formed of a fabric material. A second zonal portion extends from the first zonal portion toward the central portion and is formed of an elastomer. A third zonal portion defines the central portion and is formed of a fabric material. The combination of reinforced and non-reinforced portions provides for a decrease in the radial tension (spring rate) of the diaphragm and helps prevent undesired changes to the flow control valve flow setpoint. |
| US07739914B1 |
System and method for preloading a valve tester control assembly
A system and method of preloading a valve tester control assembly circuit includes a valve testing control apparatus comprising a fluid supply, a motor, and a fluid control assembly controlling working fluid flow from the fluid supply to the motor. The fluid control assembly comprises an operation valve fluidly connected to the fluid supply, an adjustable pressure-responsive valve fluidly connected to the operation valve, and a preload valve fluidly connected between the pressure-responsive valve and the motor. The method includes closing the preload valve so that fluid does not pass through the motor, opening the operation valve so that the fluid supply is in fluid communication with the pressure-responsive valve, operating the fluid supply to supply fluid to the pressure-responsive valve, and adjusting the pressure-responsive valve so that a pressure-sensing gauge in fluid communication with the pressure-responsive valve senses a desired maximum pressure for the fluid during testing of a valve. |
| US07739913B2 |
Joining method for curved surfaces, and ultrasonic probe and manufacturing method thereof
A head of an ultrasonic probe is formed by joining a flexible sheet holding a plurality of ultrasonic transducers to a curved surface of a support. Concave-convex shapes (concave-convex surfaces) are provided on the curved surface of the support and a joining surface of the flexible sheet. The concave-convex surfaces correspond to each other, and are engaged with each other to determine relative positions of the flexible sheet and the support when they are joined. Each of grooves on the concave-convex surface is positioned between adjacent ultrasonic transducers. |
| US07739908B2 |
Flow sensor element and its self-cleaning
A flow sensor element and a method for self-cleaning of the flow sensor element are provided, in which a temperature-measuring element and a heating element are arranged on a carrier element, and these elements can form a multiple-part ceramic component. The temperature-measuring element has a platinum thin-film resistor on a ceramic substrate for the temperature measurement and is heated with an additional platinum thin-film resistor. A measurement device, in particular an anemometric measurement device of a flow sensor, contains film resistors mounted in at least one opening of a cover or a hollow body. Two of the film resistors have resistance values differing by one to three orders of magnitude. The anemometric measurement device has a temperature sensor and a heat output sensor set in a carrier element. The temperature sensor has a temperature-measuring resistor and a heat conductor, as platinum thin-film or thick-film resistors, on a ceramic substrate. |
| US07739903B2 |
Weak refuel detection system and method for virtual flex fuel sensor system
The present disclosure, in one implementation, is directed to a method of estimating composition of fuel in the fuel tank of a vehicle. A refuel event is detected. A determination is made whether a volume of fuel added to the fuel tank satisfies a first threshold. A fuel composition estimation is suspended if the refuel event satisfies the first threshold. A total volume of fuel is accumulated based on a plurality of refuel events satisfying the first threshold. A new fuel composition is estimated based on the accumulated total volume of fuel satisfying a second threshold. |
| US07739899B1 |
Leak detection using structure-borne noise
A method for detection and location of air leaks in a pressure vessel, such as a spacecraft, includes sensing structure-borne ultrasound waveforms associated with turbulence caused by a leak from a plurality of sensors and cross correlating the waveforms to determine existence and location of the leak. Different configurations of sensors and corresponding methods can be used. An apparatus for performing the methods is also provided. |
| US07739898B2 |
System and method for operating an exhaust gas sensor system
An exhaust gas sensor system includes an inner chamber disposed around a sensor element. The inner chamber has either a cylindrical shape or a frusto-conical shape. The system further includes an outer chamber disposed substantially around the inner chamber to redirect a flow of an exhaust gas stream having an original direction by allowing the exhaust gas stream to strike a surface of the inner chamber to change the original direction of the flow to a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the original direction, then to substantially reverse the substantially perpendicular direction of the flow to create a substantially reversed flow within the inner chamber. Alternately the exhaust sensor system includes a sintered metal filter that prevents exhaust gas particles from fouling a sensor element. The system further includes an electric source coupled to the sintered metal filter to heat the sintered metal filter to a temperature sufficient to remove the exhaust gas particles from the sintered metal filter. |
| US07739891B2 |
Fabric laundering apparatus adapted for using a select rinse fluid
A non-aqueous laundering machine for laundering fabric with a non-aqueous wash liquor and a select rinse fluid. The non-aqueous laundering machine includes a container for a fabric load and means for the controlled application of a non-aqueous wash liquor to the fabric load, the removal of part of the non-aqueous wash liquor from the fabric load, and application of a select rinse fluid to the fabric load as well as means for applying mechanical energy to the fabric load. |
| US07739890B2 |
Washing and/or drying machine having a damper connecting structure including a reinforcing portion
A drum type washing machine capable of preventing/reducing damage to a damper fixing unit provided on a bottom plate for securing a damper at a fixed position by a reinforced rigidity of the damper fixing unit. The drum type washing machine includes a water tub installed in a body, at least one damper to support the water tub, and a damper fixing unit provided on the bottom plate of the body to secure the damper at a fixed position. The damper fixing unit is formed via cutting of the bottom plate and has a reinforced rigidity by a reinforcing portion formed around each cut portion of the bottom plate. |
| US07739887B2 |
Knitted band for zipper
A woven band for a zipper is provided. The woven band is made by a double needle bar raschel knitting machine and has a predetermined length in a warp direction. The woven band includes a convex portion formed on one side thereof for joining to a zipper and a band portion connected to the convex portion. As the convex portion has large thickness and high strength, the joint strength of the convex portion and the zipper is increased. |
| US07739885B2 |
Methods for the production of glass substrate blank
Provided are a method for producing a glass suitable for an information recording medium required to have high qualities, a process for the production of a glass substrate blank from the above glass and a process for the production of a glass substrate from the above blank. The method is for the production of a glass containing an alkali metal element by melting a glass material in a glass melting apparatus and uses, as said melting apparatus, a melting apparatus whose glass-contact portion is made of a material containing zirconium and containing substantially no alkali metal element. In the process for the production of a glass substrate blank, the glass obtained by the above method is press-molded or is subjected to a float process, and in the process for the production of a glass substrate, the above glass substrate blank is lapped and polished. |
| US07739882B2 |
Variable speed control
A variable speed control system is provided for use with a heat pump heating/cooling system having a variable speed compressor. The control system includes a remote transceiver, a second transceiver to communicate with the first transceiver, and an AC power module to communicate with the second transceiver. The AC power module further includes multiple current limiting devices and multiple temperature sensors and varies the output of the variable speed compressor by comparing the readings from the temperature sensors to a pre-determined temperature setting. |
| US07739878B2 |
Method for the cryogenic cooling of powders using an early control strategy
A method is provided for cooling a powder in a tunnel with a vibrating support with at least two independently controllable cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel. It includes the following steps. A thermal mass of powder entering the tunnel is determined. The arrival of the powder at the tunnel inlet is detected. The thermal mass measurement previously obtained is synchronized with the detection of the arrival of the powder at the tunnel inlet, according to a known or predefined response time of the means for controlling the said cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel. The synchronization data is transmitted to a data acquisition and processing unit, which is able to retroact, if necessary, on the basis of this data, on all or part of the parameters governing the operation of the tunnel. The method is especially applicable to the cooling or deep-freezing treatments of food products or chemicals. |
| US07739877B2 |
Method and system for redundant thermoelectric coolers for integrated DWDM transmitter/receiver
A thermoelectric cooler apparatus for a fiber optic system includes a first plate coupled to the fiber optic system and a second plate for coupling to a heat sink. The apparatus includes a first plurality of thermoelectric units and a second plurality of thermoelectric units being sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate for enhancing or retarding a heat transfer between the first plate and the second plate. The first plurality of thermoelectric units is connected to each other electrically in series. The second plurality of thermoelectric units is connected to each other electrically in series but insulated from the first plurality of thermoelectric units. The first plurality of thermoelectric units and the second plurality of thermoelectric units are configured such that a cross-section of the apparatus includes one or more of the second plurality of thermoelectric units being sandwiched by the first plurality of thermoelectric units. |
| US07739871B2 |
Press-driven tool actuation system
A hydraulically-operated press-driven tool actuation system includes a press-driven hydraulic power device and/or a hydraulically-powered tool actuator. In the tool actuator, at least two pistons are carried by a housing, and at least one return device is carried by the housing laterally inboard of the pistons. In the power device, a pump includes a piston disposed in a pump cylinder for pressurizing hydraulic fluid therein. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the pump cylinder, and includes a piston disposed in an accumulator cylinder that houses hydraulic fluid on one side of the piston. A body supports the pump and accumulator thereon and is in fluid communication between the pump and accumulator cylinders. The body includes a pressure relief valve downstream of the pump cylinder and upstream of the accumulator cylinder, and a check valve downstream of the accumulator cylinder and upstream of the pump cylinder. |
| US07739864B2 |
Systems and methods for power generation with carbon dioxide isolation
A power generation system includes first and second turbines. The first turbine including a low-pressure compressor (14) and a high-pressure compressor (16). A combustion chamber (22) combusts compressed oxidant and a fuel stream to generate a hot flue gas (31). The first turbine further includes a high-pressure expander (20) for receiving the flue gas and generating a CO2 rich exhaust gas. A low-pressure expander (22) generates a first final exhaust (52) and electrical energy. A CO2 separation system receives exhaust gas (38) and provides a CO2 lean gas fed to low-pressure expander (22). The second turbine including a compressor section (64) configured to discharge a recycle stream (71) from a high pressure compressor (70) to a second combustion chamber (72) and supply a split stream (84) from a low-pressure compressor (68) to high pressure compressor (16) of the first turbine. |
| US07739862B2 |
Yarn clamping device for underwinding yarns on spindles of a ring spinning or ring twisting machine
The invention relates to a thread clamping device for lower winding threads on spindles of a ring spinning frame or ring twisting frame. A clamping sleeve is provided between a clamping ring and a radially protruding flange on the spindle which can be axially displaced between a clamping position, which is defined by the position on the clamping ring, and an open position. The clamping sleeve is associated with an actuation device for the axial displacement thereof, which co-operates with radially extending means on the clamping sleeve. The clamping sleeves are associated with elements for fixing the position thereof at least in the clamping position. The aim of the invention is to introduce lower windings into the clamping gap and to improve the removal thereof from the clamping gap. As a result, the actuation elements and/or the radially protruding means are maintained on the clamping sleeve in a radially, elastically touching manner in relation to each spindle axis and are provided with rising sloping surfaces which are radially effective in both relative directions of movement. |
| US07739859B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for sterilising and filling components of packaging units particularly bottles and/or caps
An apparatus comprises a rotating conveying system for conveying along a curved path components of packaging units comprising containers and container closures, a filling device for filling with a product the containers on the rotating conveying system, a sterilizing device for sterilizing at least part of the components mounted along the path and comprising an irradiating device arranged to emit radiation. |
| US07739851B2 |
Plastic spacer stock, plastic spacer frame and multi-sheet unit, and method of making same
The present invention provides a spacer frame for making a multi-sheet unit. The frame includes a spacer stock member having a first end and a second end, and a corner key comprising a bendable elongated body having a first end in the first end of the spacer stock member, an opposite second end in the second end of the spacer stock member, and a cut out between the ends, the ends of the corner key bendable relative to one another to decrease the spacing of the cut out. |
| US07739844B2 |
Composite building panel
A composite building panel includes a substantially rigid planar sheet and a substantially rigid first skin. The first skin includes a plurality of anchors embedded in the sheet. The anchors fix the first skin to the sheet. |
| US07739842B1 |
Method for anchor-free masonry wall bracing
A method of employing an adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks, with said wall having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen. |
| US07739834B2 |
Cantilever gate
Cantilever gates (10) in the form of parallelograms include first and second bars (40) and a toe board (140) extending between and pivotally mounted to first and second posts (20, 30) and moveable between closed and open positions. Gas struts (46) assist in moving the gate (10). A lock (60) in the form of a pivotal latch (62) holds the gate (10) in its open position. A slide receptor (80) slideably receives the second post (30) as the gate (10) moves from the open to the closed position and can be removably secured to the support surface mounting plate (82). A pair of cantilever gates (10) can have their respective second posts (30) slideably related. |
| US07739833B2 |
Foamed vitroeous materials for agricultural applications
A foamed glass plant growth support structure, including a foamed glass substrate and a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the substrate. The substrate is characterized by a porosity of at least about 80 percent. The pore size is substantially between about 0.2 and about 5 millimeters and the substrate is sufficiently chemically stable such that water filling the plurality of interconnected pores experiences a pH shift of less than 0.5. |
| US07739832B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying and transporting floral arrangements
A floral arrangement assembly according to the present invention embodiments provides protection and maintenance of a floral arrangement during display, transport and/or shipping. The floral arrangement assembly includes a floral retaining structure, a base to secure the floral retaining structure and a cover. The floral retaining structure includes a floral holding material secured to a platform via a suitable adhesive. A plurality of prongs may further be secured to the platform and utilized to engage the floral holding material. The floral retaining structure may further include a plate secured to the assembly base with the platform secured to the plate via a plurality of ties. Alternatively, the floral retaining structure may be secured directly to the assembly base via the plurality of ties. The floral arrangement assembly may be placed within a water proof bag or other containers, where optional cooling and absorption materials may be placed underneath the assembly. |
| US07739826B1 |
Flapping decoy
A bird decoy with its wings extended. A pocket is attached to the underside of each wing and slits are placed adjacent the forward edges of the wings. A stiffly flexible rod is threaded through the slits and the ends are secured in the pockets. Additional slits are placed on the trailing end of the wings. |
| US07739824B1 |
Quick detach mount with latching assembly
A mounting assembly for attaching an accessory to a dovetail rail interface comprising a mount body, a boss formation extending from a side of the mount body, and a clamping assembly received within the boss formation. The clamping assembly including a camming foot and an actuator arm affixed to the camming foot where rotation of the actuator arm causes rotation of the camming foot. The clamping assembly is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The mounting assembly further includes a spring biased latching assembly configured and arranged to selectively retain said clamping assembly in said engaged position. |
| US07739820B2 |
Book shelf display device
A spring loaded display device is described particularly suited for attachment to the leading edge of a shelf such as a bookshelf, the display unit including a clip mechanism for securely grasping the top and bottom surfaces of a shelf at its edge, the clip mechanism hingedly connected to a display unit which can freely rotate about the hinged connection. The display unit itself, generally of rectangular configuration, is designed to receive a document, and includes a transparent face so that the document contents may be easily viewed. |
| US07739819B2 |
Advertising sign
An advertising sign configured for use in combination with a free standing security system having first and second sides and which is adapted to be arranged in proximity to an ingress/egress opening to a store. The advertising sign has axially aligned open ends and is sized and shaped to slidably fit over a lengthwise portion of the free standing security system. The advertising sign has first and second opposed side edges along with top and bottom edges. The advertising sign further includes first and second surfaces between the edges with an advertisement disposed upon each of the first and second surfaces. After being fitted about the security system, a distance between the top and bottom edges of the advertising sign is less than a distance between the top and bottom edges of the free standing security system but with more than 60% of both sides of the free standing security system being covered by the advertising sign such that the advertisement on both sides of the advertising sign allows the security system to also serve as a point-of-purchase advertising medium viewable from either side of the free standing security system whereby guaranteeing at least two visual advertising impressions are presented by the advertising sign to every person passing the security system. |
| US07739817B2 |
Three dimensional inflatable exhibition product with moving particles inside the exhibition product
An inflatable exhibition product includes a primary inflatable product, an auxiliary characteristic inflatable product received inside and communicating with the hollow body of the primary inflatable product and an air blower assembly mounted at the bottom of the hollow body and having a hollow casing provided therein an upper chamber to receive therein a top blade set and a lower chamber to receive therein a bottom blade set. Rotation of the bottom blade set is able to inflate the auxiliary characteristic inflatable product and the primary inflatable product and rotation of the top blade set is able to suck in the particles from the inlet and project them out to the interior of the hollow body from the outlet. |
| US07739814B2 |
Point and adapter assembly
A wear assembly includes an adapter with a nose, a wear member with a socket to receive the nose, and a lock to secure the wear member to the adapter.The nose and socket include complementary rails and grooves that vertically diverge as they extend from the front of the nose. The lock can have a tapered construction. |
| US07739812B2 |
Cutter head and suction dredger
A cutter head for a cutter suction dredger to be mounted rotatably about a cutter head center axis with respect to a suction device for sucking up material cut loose by the cutter head from the bottom of a body of water, which cutter head includes a base ring, a boss spaced from the base ring in the direction of the center axis, and a plurality of arms which extend from the base ring to the boss and are distributed at regular intervals in the peripheral direction, each arm has a series of teeth located on the radially outermost parts of the arm and directed outwards at an angle with respect to the peripheral direction, the direction of rotation of the cutter head being set such that the teeth perform a cutting movement, with non-return mechanisms, preventing movement of cut material from the center axis to the exterior. |
| US07739809B2 |
Shoe having a replaceable portion and replacement method
Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a sole assembly having a first fixed portion and a second removable portion, wherein the removable portion is removably mounted to allow replacement, at least one projection extending from a peripheral edge area of the second portion and configured to be engaged with at least one portion of the sole assembly, at least one aperture formed in the second portion and at least one securing device which projects at least partially through the at least one aperture to secure the second portion to the sole assembly. |
| US07739807B2 |
Siding gauge device for staple gun
A gauge device for use with a staple gun serves to align the staple gun relative to building siding to dispense a two prong staple from a head of the staple gun into one of a plurality of fastener apertures in siding members of the building siding. The gauge device comprises a pair of flanges arranged to depend from laterally opposed sides of the head of the staple gun at a location such that abutment of one of the flanges below a lock edge channel of a siding member locates one prong of the two prong staple to be in alignment with one of the fastener apertures and locates the other prong of the two prong staple above the top free edge of a nailing flange of the siding member. |
| US07739806B1 |
Three-dimensional combination measuring tool
A combination measuring tool includes a main body having a first portion having a plurality of first graduations and a second portion having a plurality of second graduations, a transverse bar movably and rotatably mounted on the main body and having a semi-circular protrusion having a plurality of angle scales, a protractor secured to the transverse bar and having a plurality of angle scales, a pivot plate pivotally mounted on the protractor, and a ruler movably mounted on the main body and having a plurality of graduations. Thus, the measuring and drawing angle of the combination measuring tool can be adjusted easily and freely, thereby facilitating a user operating the combination measuring tool to draw marking lines. |
| US07739805B2 |
Snap line and method
A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion. |
| US07739801B1 |
Undercut saw
An undercut saw including a housing, a motor within said housing, a drive shaft rotated by said motor, and a blade mount mechanically linked to said shaft such that a circular saw blade mounted on said mount is rotated when the motor rotates the drive shaft. A fixed blade guard circumscribes a portion of the blade and allows selectable height adjustment of the blade. A stabilization bar on the fixed blade guard may be extended to make the device more stable. On the underside of the fixed blade guard a dust channel allows dust to be swept by the rotating blade into a dust port. The dust channel allows positioning of the dust port away from the leading edges of the fixed blade guard. |
| US07739799B2 |
Combination utility and sporting knife
A combination utility and sporting knife includes a longitudinal knife handle, a utility blade carrier disposed within the handle and linearly movable within the handle, a utility blade carried by the blade carrier, a manual movable blade moving member operatively connected with the blade carrier, and a pivotally movable blade pivotally connected to the handle. The utility blade and the pivotally movable blade are extendable from opposite ends of the handle. The utility blade edge and the pivotally movable blade edge both are exposed towards the bottom portion of the handle when the pivotally movable blade and the utility blade are in operative positions thereof so that the bottom and top portions of the handle retain their relative bottom and top orientations for use of either the utility blade or the pivotally moveable blade. |
| US07739796B2 |
Method for monitoring a hollow post about a pipe
Systems use mounting devices arranged to support a hollow post on or position the hollow post around a pipe. One lower mounting device slides along the pipe prior to fastening thereto to allow change or adjustment of a height at which the hollow post is to be supported on a base of the device. Another mounting device can be used with or without a base-defining attachment to facilitate selective use of the device to either support the bottom end of the post on the optional base or instead just engage the post's interior surface at any point along the post for positioning thereof about the pipe. Another mounting device is directly fastenable to the pipe through a wall projecting from the device's body or alternatively cooperable with a second body mountable on the pipe for engagement with this second body in different positions relative to the pipe. |
| US07739794B2 |
Method for repair of rail wheels
A method includes shrink fitting a ring member about a railroad wheel body and metallurically bonding the ring member to the railroad wheel body. A wheel assembly includes an inner portion obtained from a worn railroad wheel, a ring member disposed about the inner portion, and suitable electroplating material disposed on at least one of the faying surfaces. The wheel assembly may be heated under suitable conditions to provide diffusion bonding across interfacing faying surfaces to produce an integral wheel structure. Appropriate quenching, tempering, and finishing processes may be utilized to obtain desired properties. An article formed thereby includes an inner body portion obtained from a worn railroad wheel and a metallurically bonded outer circumferential portion. The outer portion may comprise a composition selected for desired wear characteristics. |
| US07739793B2 |
Method of manufacturing rack guide base body in rack-and-pinion type steering apparatus and rack guide
A method of manufacturing a rack guide base body wherein a cavity (40) is formed which has a pair of semicylindrical convex surfaces (44a and 44b) and a pair of flat surfaces (45) each located between the semicylindrical convex surfaces (44a and 44b), and has a recessed surface (41) located on one axial end portion side inwardly of the semicylindrical convex surfaces (44a and 44b) and the flat surfaces (45) and a cylindrical surface (42) located on the other axial end portion side inwardly of the semicylindrical convex surfaces (44a and 44b) and the flat surfaces (45); a hollow portion (9c) is formed for allowing the cavity (40) to communicate with a hollow portion (10c) at one flat surface (45) and with a hollow portion (8c) at the other flat surface (45); a rack guide base body (50) is die cast by forcing molten metal of aluminum from the hollow portion (10c) into the cavity (40); and runners (56) integrally joined to flat surfaces (55) of the rack guide base body (50) formed by the respective flat surfaces (45) are cut off. |
| US07739792B2 |
Method of forming controlled thickness resilient material lined stator
The present invention relates to a resilient material lined stator and method of forming. A method of forming a resilient material lined stator can include disposing a resilient material tube 400 with a profiled helical inner surface 401 into the bore of a body 420. A cast material 410 can be disposed therebetween. The cast material 410 can bond to the body 420 to form a resilient material lined stator or the body 420 can be removed. The cast material 310 can include a conduit 312 or conductor 314 extending therethrough. The cast material 310 can include a pathway 316 formed therethrough. The resilient material can be an elastomer. |
| US07739787B2 |
Method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive element
In an MR element, each of a pinned layer and a free layer includes a Heusler alloy layer. The Heusler alloy layer has two surfaces that are quadrilateral in shape and face toward opposite directions. The Heusler alloy layer includes one crystal grain that touches four sides of one of the two surfaces. In a method of manufacturing the MR element, a layered film to be the MR element is formed and patterned, and then heat treatment is performed on the layered film patterned, so that crystal grains included in a film to be the Heusler alloy layer in the layered film grow and one crystal grain that touches four sides of one of the surfaces of the film to be the Heusler alloy layer is thereby formed. |
| US07739784B2 |
Method of making an antenna assembly
A method for installing a grounding clip into an antenna tube, comprising providing the antenna tube having a cylindrical tube, an upper end and an inner end opposite the upper end, a circumferentially extending groove in the cylindrical tube located between the upper end and the inner end and a tapered lip at the inner end of the cylindrical tube, providing the grounding clip having a resilient base ring, the base ring having an outer circumference for contact with the antenna tube and a gap in the base ring and at least one resiliently flexible contact pin being affixed to and extending from a first end of the base ring, deforming the grounding clip, inserting the deformed grounding clip over the circumferentially extending groove and releasing the clip to allow the clip to expand, wherein the expanded clip is held between the circumferentially extending groove and the tapered lip. |
| US07739779B2 |
Method for opening a cylindrical pressure vessel
The present invention relates to a press which comprises a pressure vessel having an internal closure. The internal closure comprises a cover, a number of elements for transmitting forces in pressurized operation between the cover and the inner wall of the pressure vessel. Each element has a first contact surface adapted to fit a contact surface of the cover and a second contact surface adapted to fit a contact surface of the inner wall of the pressure vessel. Said elements are movable away from said contact surface of the cover and said contact surface of the inner wall of the pressure vessel in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis of the pressure vessel. The invention also relates to a method for opening a pressure vessel. |
| US07739776B2 |
Modular columbarium system
A modular columbarium system comprised of modular niche units each having a plurality of urn niches defined therein, wherein adjacent modular niche units are secured to one utilizing an interlocking system that provides alignment and stabilization of the units. The columbarium system is a modular design which facilitates the easy relocation of the modular niche units and the redesign of the columbarium system. The interlocking system connects the modules of the columbarium system to one another to enable easy expansion of the system without diminishing its stability. The modular niche units can also be used with existing columbarium systems. Memorial plates of various sizes are provided to cover the niche openings such that couples or family members can be grouped together under one memorial plate. |
| US07739774B2 |
Apparatus on a spinning preparation machine, for example, a draw frame, flat card, combing machine or the like, having at least two driven drafting systems
In the case of an apparatus on a spinning preparation machine, e.g. a draw frame, flat card, combing machine or the like, in particular a double-head draw frame, with at least two driven drafting systems having force-transmitting means for driving drafting rollers of the drafting systems and at least one drive motor, a coupling is present between a drive motor and a drive shaft. To allow the effectiveness and efficiency to be substantially increased in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, the respective drive chains are connected via a respective controllable coupling to the motor and the rotational speed of the motor can be reduced for the engagement and disengagement process. |
| US07739769B2 |
Self-cleaning hair brush
A hair brush with a cleaning element for removing entwined hair from the brush before or after use. The cleaning element of the brush includes a plate(s) with opening through which the bristles protrude. When the plate is expanded, the plate pushes any hairs entwined in the bristles to the tips of the bristles where they are removed. The brush also has a post mechanism, which allows for the adjustment of the cleaning element to various intermediary positions, effectively adjusting the length of the bristles for use of the brush. |
| US07739759B2 |
Play yard and bassinet assembly
Various embodiments are directed to a bassinet assembly that includes an inclinable floor that can be supported above a support surface using one or more zippers. For example, the bassinet assembly includes a floor and side walls that extend upwardly from and surround the floor. The floor includes an inclinable flap, and a row of zipper teeth are disposed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the inclinable flap. A mating row of zipper teeth are disposed on at least a portion of the side walls, and when one or more zippers engage the rows of zipper teeth to join them together, the inclinable flap is secured at an angle greater than 0° relative to the floor. In addition, various embodiments are directed to a bassinet assembly that can be secured within a play yard using one or more zippers. |
| US07739755B2 |
Spit cup
A spit cup includes a cap housing defining an interior area. The spit cup further includes a plurality of disposable liners, at least one disposable liner being removably positioned in the interior area to receive a user's spit. A lid is selectively coupled to the cup housing. The lid includes a stationary portion and a flap that is pivotally coupled to the stationary portion and movable between an open position providing access to the interior area and a closed position preventing access thereto. The lid includes a spring for biasing the flap toward the open position. The lid further includes a catch operatively coupled to the stationary portion and being movable between a first configuration in which the catch interacts with the flap and maintains the flap at the closed position and a second configuration in which the catch allows the flap to move to the open position. |
| US07739754B2 |
Seat pad for cyclist garment and method of manufacture
A seat pad for a cyclist garment, a method of manufacture thereof, and a cyclist garment including the same, are provided. The multi-layer seat pad includes an inner layer for contacting the cyclist, an outer layer for affixing to the garment, and a compressible, resilient middle layer disposed between the outer and inner layers, wherein the outer layer covers less than all of the inner layer. |
| US07739753B2 |
Protective elastic support top and breast shield
An elastic support top 1 is provided having fasteners 4, 5 for attaching to a breast shield 10 for protecting from blows to the breast area. Thus, an improved protective breast shield 10 is provided having an elastic support top 1 attached to the breast shield whereby the support top fits to a body. |
| US07739752B2 |
Headgear
In a gear main body (1), a mouth opening portion (6) through which a mouth portion can be seen is formed in addition to and separately from an eye opening portion (5) through which both eyes can be seen. A part above the eye opening portion (5) covers a forehead portion, a part between the eye opening portion (5) and the mouth opening portion (6) covers cheek portions and a nose portion, and a part below the mouth opening portion (6) covers a lower jaw portion. A surface-side skin material (2) and a back-face-side skin material (3) are split in a vertical direction between the eye opening portion (5) and the mouth opening portion (6) to form a gap (9). At this gap (9), end portions facing each other at the gap (9) are connected by connecting means in such a manner that left and right spaces between the surface-side skin material (2) and the back-face-side skin material (3) communicate with each other. A shock absorbing material (4) is filled also in the communicating space at the gap (9). |
| US07739750B2 |
Garment prepared from fluoropolymer staple yarn
A single layer, lightweight protective garment prepared from a fabric made of woven polytetrafluoroethylene staple fiber yam, the fabric having an outer surface composed fluoropolymer staple fibers. |
| US07743427B2 |
System for dynamically encrypting information for secure internet commerce and providing embedded fulfillment software
A data distribution system is provided which supplies customers with an executable for requested secured data files to provide the customer with fulfillment software, obviating the need for the customer to download fulfillment software prior to requesting secure data. The data distribution system is characterized by server technology which can dynamically encrypt secured data files just prior to a customer request to download the data file. A framework for building a universal data distribution infrastructure is provided which employs Requesters. |
| US07743422B2 |
System and method for validating a computer platform when booting from an external device
A portable device for connecting to a host information processing platform includes: a digital information storage medium storing an operating system image, secure data, applications, and system state of an owner of the portable device, wherein the medium is in read only mode until a set of tests are run on the host platform; and a platform validation program for: running the plurality of tests on the host computer to determine whether the host is safe, depending on the outcome of the tests, presenting the owner with a user-identifiable message, prompting the owner to enter decryption credentials, and receiving the decryption credentials. The portable device could also optionally include subsystems that provide additional functionality to the owner such as media playback, communications, and entertainment. |
| US07743415B2 |
Denial of service attacks characterization
A system architecture for thwarting denial of service attacks on a victim data center is described. The system includes a first plurality of data monitors that monitor network traffic flow through the network. The first plurality of monitors is disposed at a second plurality of points in the network. The system includes a central controller that receives data from the plurality of monitors, over a hardened, redundant network. The central controller analyzes network traffic statistics to identify malicious network traffic. In one embodiment, a gateway device is disposed to pass network packets between the network and the victim site. The gateway includes a computing device executing a process to build a histogram for any attribute or function of an attribute of network packets and a process to determine if the values of the attribute exceed normal, threshold values expected for the attribute to indicate an attack on the site. |
| US07743414B2 |
System and method for executing a permissions recorder analyzer
System and method for accurately determining security policy for an application based on dynamic code analysis of application runtime execution(s). A dynamic recorder, dynamic code analyzer and security policy analyzer can evaluate and determine the security decisions and access to secure resources made during a security event within one or more executions of an application in order to identify an existing security policy that best matches an application's security needs. Security events may be analyzed to determine which security decisions and access to secure resources are necessary and which can be eliminated or replaced with alternative decisions or resources. |
| US07743413B2 |
Client apparatus, server apparatus and authority control method
A client apparatus to which data or a function is provided from a server apparatus, including: a monitoring unit configured to monitor monitoring target software, and detect an abnormal state or unauthorized state of the target software; a server management unit configured to manage an address of the server apparatus that is being accessed by the client apparatus; an abnormality information creation unit configured to create abnormality information from the abnormal state or the unauthorized state, which is detected by the monitoring unit; and an abnormality information notification unit configured to issue the abnormality information to the server apparatus managed by the server management unit. |
| US07743409B2 |
Methods used in a mass storage device with automated credentials loading
A portable mass storage device for use in two factor authentication systems and methods. A secure portable mass storage device protects content from being freely copied with security mechanisms and firmware. The security functionality also protects confidential user credentials and passwords, as well as algorithms and seeds needed for two factor authentication or asymmetric authentication methods. A client application residing in the mass storage device acts as both a password manager and an authentication manager that seamlessly performs the authentication procedures in the background while signing a user into various institutions of his choosing. A very high level of security is integrated into a mass storage device the user has for purposes other than two factor authentication, and the convenience of highly secure password management also comes in a convenient pocket sized package easy for the user to transport. This facilitates the acceptance of two factor authentication, and increases security for a wide variety of online transactions. |
| US07743407B2 |
Using permissions to allocate device resources to an application
Resources to a device are granted access to an application based on privileges associated with the application. A permission list may be created by a server. The permission list may be created using information from authorities, entities, or parties and information about the device resources. The permission list indicates what device resources the application may access. During application execution when the application requests a resource, a control program executing on the device may be used to check the permission list associated with the application to determine if the application may access the resource. The control program can then grant or deny access based on the privileges defined in the permission list. Digital signatures may be used to detect modifications to the application and/or permission list. In addition, multiple permission lists may be associated with the same application. |
| US07743404B1 |
Method and system for single signon for multiple remote sites of a computer network
A system and method links first and second computers of a network to implement a single signon feature. The user has a first username for accessing the first computer and a second username for accessing the second computer. The first computer generates a link request having a plaintext component including the first username and the second username and an encrypted component formed by encrypting the plaintext component using an encryption process and a secret. The link request is sent to the second computer, which validates the unencrypted information then generates an encryption result by encrypting the unencrypted information using the encryption process and a second secret known to the second computer and associated with the first network computer. The second computer compares the encryption result with the encrypted component of the incoming link request to determine whether the link request is valid. |
| US07743403B2 |
Computer program products and systems for transparent data encryption and decryption
A method and system for transparently encrypting (and decrypting) sensitive data stored in a directory (or other database) is provided. Sensitive data, a password for example, may be required by a client in a distributed data processing environment. When the database entry is created, the sensitive data received from a user, or more generally, a client, may be encrypted, and saved in the directory entry in encrypted form. Encryption of sensitive data may be performed in accordance with a predetermined set of policies. When the sensitive information is needed, it may be selectively delivered in encrypted or unencrypted form based on a policy in the set. Policies may include criteria external to the database, and interfaced to the database via a policy engine. |
| US07743402B2 |
Data broadcast program transport stream (TS) transmission device, related method, computer program and storage medium, distribution device and distribution system
A data broadcast program transport stream (TS) transmission device provided in a broadcast station, and for transmitting a data broadcast program TS based on a data broadcast program TS distributed over a network by another broadcast station. The data broadcast program TS transmission device stores a selection list that shows whether data broadcast program elements of the received data broadcast program are for inclusion in the data broadcast program TS of the broadcast station, and a replacement list that shows the replacement of data broadcast program elements for inclusion with local program elements produced in the broadcast station. A separation judgment unit separates TS packets from the received data broadcast program TS, refers to the selection list, and notifies the replacement execution unit of data broadcast program elements for inclusion. Furthermore, if data broadcast program elements judged for inclusion are shown for replacement in the replacement list, the separation judgment unit sends a replacement instruction to the replacement execution unit. The replacement execution unit reads the local program elements indicated in the replacement instruction from the program element storage unit, generates TS packets, and outputs the generated TS packets together with selected TS packets to a multiplexing device as the data broadcast program TS of the broadcast station. |
| US07743401B2 |
Systems and methods of decoding and processing transactions for an addressable cable television tap
Systems and methods for decoding and processing back-to-back transactions for an addressable cable television tap. The addressable tap includes an input port for receiving an input signal and output ports for providing outgoing signals to receiving equipment and a controller for providing addressable per port (RF) switching. The controller is adapted to communicate with multiple addressable ports. The controller also includes storage for storing the remaining portions of partially processed commands. Further, the addressable tap includes a relay for enabling or disabling signals to the addressable output ports. Processing commands in the addressable tap includes receiving continuous commands having back-to-back transactions, from a headend and forwarding signals to receiving equipment. For a connect request, the addressable tap accepts the connect request as valid when, upon decoding each transaction, two consecutive transactions out of six are the same, and for a disconnect request, accepting the disconnect request as valid when, upon decoding each transaction, four consecutive transactions out of twelve transactions are the same. |
| US07743398B2 |
Video recording conflict management and user interface
The present invention generally relates to conflict management resolution. Typically systems for resolving conflicts between television programs with coinciding broadcast schedules use preferences, a confusing and limited display, or a combination thereof. The present invention, on thee other hand, provides for determining time spans or time slices, that indicate the duration of the conflict, and uses these to determine the available recording options. These can then be displayed in a user friendly interface, that is easy to understand and simple to use. In addition, other example embodiments ensure that the various programs and/or available options are capable of being cycled through, regardless of preference settings. |
| US07743397B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US07743396B2 |
Media streaming enhancements
A system and a method are disclosed for configuring a device for receipt of data corresponding to broadcast media signal. The system and method include selecting a metadata preference for use in a search of metadata associated with the broadcast media signals and selecting a notification preference for a notification format. The selected metadata preference and the selected notification preference are transmitted to a hosting system. The device can then receive, in the selected notification format, data corresponding to a broadcast media signal, the broadcast signal corresponding to the metadata preference. In one embodiment, the broadcast media signal is an analog or digital video signal. The metadata can be in a non-video portion of the broadcast television signal, for example, a vertical blanking interval or header field. |
| US07743394B2 |
Log processing of channel tunes and channel tune times generated from a television processing device
Reporting data related to content processing devices, e.g., television devices, are processed to identify channel tunes and corresponding tune times of the content processing devices. Automatically generated channel tunes based on the corresponding tune times are identified. Content items that are aired during a time period defined by the corresponding tune times can be adjusted. |
| US07743392B2 |
System and method for parallel asynchronous execution of commands
A system for parallel asynchronous command execution is provided. The system includes a first computer system for directing a plurality of calls to at least one other computer system. The first computer system invokes a remote procedure in the other computer system and receives results from the procedure via an event triggered by the other computer system. The system may also include a distributed object architecture for communicating between the first computer system and the other computer system. |
| US07743391B2 |
Flexible architecture component (FAC) for efficient data integration and information interchange using web services
A flexible architecture component for providing data integration and exchange between a plurality of client applications is disclosed. The client applications are coupled to a network and access respective data sources, wherein the data sources of each of the client applications may be stored in different formats and are not directly accessible by the other client applications. Aspects of the present invention include providing an adapter API that provides a first set of methods for the client applications to use to translate data into XML. Each of the client applications is then modified to invoke the methods in the adapter API to convert data in their respective data sources into XML format and to have the XML formatted data imported into a database on a server, thereby standardizing the data from the data sources. In a further embodiment, a second set of methods is included in the adapter API for the same or different client applications to use that export data from the database into the client applications using standard Web services. |
| US07743390B2 |
Driving method of a driverless peripheral device with a cross platform
A driving method of a driverless peripheral device with a cross platform overcomes the inconveniences faced by users of prior art in having to install a driver and/or an application program when a peripheral device is connected with their computer. The present invention utilizes an interface of the homepage stored in a driverless peripheral device for driving the peripheral device with a cross platform. The present invention has the advantages that it doesn't require a driver for any peripheral device, nor an application program. Furthermore, it can execute the necessary operations directly and has cross platform functions. |
| US07743389B2 |
Selecting between pass-through and emulation in a virtual machine environment
According to one or more embodiments a logical virtual device may provide the desired functionality using either a virtual device or a physical device connected to a virtual machine. When the physical device is available, a guest operating system executing on a virtual machine (VM) can be instructed to utilize the physical device. When the VM is migrated between hosts of different underlying hardware, or when the physical device becomes unavailable, e.g., through dynamic reconfiguration or reallocation of physical resources, the guest operating system can be instructed to utilize the virtual device instead. |
| US07743387B2 |
Inheritance context for graphics primitives
An inheritance context is created for a graphics primitive object that is a property of a visual element. The inheritance context can be used to make some element information (e.g., information in resource dictionaries, name dictionaries, and inheritable properties that reside in the element tree containing the visual element) available to the graphics primitive object. |
| US07743386B2 |
Context objects for accessing message content
To improve access to message content in a message exchange system, a context object is defined for the message as an abstraction of the message content. The context object can be assigned to many different message communication interfaces, thereby allowing context objects to be reused across various interfaces. The context object provides access both to a message payload, and parts of a message other than the payload, such as technical data. Accordingly, access to message content for various tasks and applicability to a number of different message interfaces is improved. |
| US07743379B2 |
Variable resource sets
A method, system and computer program product are provided for representing resource sets in a variable format. Variable resource sets are represented in two parts: a system topology domain and a system detail level. Logical entities are allowed to consume variable resource sets to specify the domain and level required in the attachment. Thus, the resource set attachment is made using a domain system detail level, but the actual resources represented are derived dynamically. That is, the elements that were once statically represented by bits in the resource set are now derived dynamically to reflect the system state at the time they are being used. |
| US07743378B1 |
Method and apparatus for multi-dimensional priority determination for job scheduling
A method for scheduling computing jobs in a scheduling event includes calculating a static priority of each computing job ready for scheduling, and then selecting a first computing job having the highest static priority as compared to at least one other computing jobs ready for scheduling, the first computing job being associated with at least one required resource. Further, a subset of computing nodes able to satisfy the at least one required resource are identified, and predictions are made for each node of an earliest predicted completion time that the first computing job can be completed on each of those nodes, taking into account already scheduled jobs. Finally, execution of the first computing job is scheduled on the node having the earliest predicted completion time. |
| US07743375B2 |
Information handling system including dynamically merged physical partitions
An information handling system includes instruction processing nodes in respective physical partitions. A communications bus couples two information processing nodes together. Each node includes hardware resources such as CPUs, memories and I/O adapters. Prior to a command to merge the physical partitions, the communication bus exhibits a disabled state such that the two information processing nodes are effectively disconnected. After receiving a command to merge the physical partitions, the system enables the communication bus to effectively hot-plug the two nodes together. A modified master hypervisor in one node stores data structures detailing the hardware resources of the two nodes. The modified master may assign resources from one node to a logical partition in another node. |
| US07743374B2 |
Network system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and control program for remote driver installation
There is a problem of making it possible to set up a driver with a simple operation when a driver for a peripheral device on the network is not installed. When a driver setup instruction is given, an instruction is sent to the specified PC to perform an operation to set up the driver specified by the user, and the information processing unit performs the operation to set up the driver based on the instruction. For example, when the peripheral device is a printer, the information processing unit determines whether or not the setup operation has been completed normally, and if the driver has been correctly installed, test printing is executed. |
| US07743371B1 |
System and method for dynamically loading object modules
A system and method for dynamically loading object modules is described herein. In one embodiment, the method comprising loading a first set of instructions into a memory unit, wherein the first set of instructions includes an unresolved reference to a second set of instructions, and wherein the loading includes replacing the unresolved reference with an address of a third set of instructions. The method also includes executing instructions of the first set and executing instructions of the third set to determine the address of the second set. The method also includes loading instructions of the second set into the memory unit, after determining the address of the second set. Additionally, the method includes executing instructions of the second set. |
| US07743370B1 |
System and methods for determination of independence of sub-graphs in a graph-based intermediate representation of program instructions
An intermediate representation of sequences of instructions for a stacked based computer is a code graph using a numbering method on the nodes of the graph, along with a set of relations among the nodes, to determine, in a single pass, the independence of each node or sub-graph represented by the node. The numbering is a post-order that directly, by numerical comparison defines the relevant hierarchical relationships among sub-graphs. The sub-graph of a particular node may have one or more alias nodes that refers to target nodes, a target node being a node representing an argument which is the result of a previous program instruction. For a subgraph to be considered independent, any aliases generated by nodes within the subgraph must themselves be contained in it, and conversely, any aliases in the subgraph must have been generated by nodes also within it. |
| US07743367B1 |
Registration method for supporting bytecode modification
A method is described that comprises receiving from a classfile registration information. The registration information comprises a class name and a different method name for each of the class's methods. Each of the methods are modified with at least one additional byte code instruction to cause, for its respective method, a plug-in module's handler method to provide output function treatment for the respective method. Also, a plug-in pattern is referred to in order to determine which of a plurality of plug-in modules are appropriate for each of the class's methods. The plug-in pattern lists for each of the plug-in modules those of the methods that are to be handled with its corresponding output function treatment. |
| US07743365B2 |
Determining and using capabilities of a computer system
Techniques and tools for rating computer products, and communicating the rating between users, manufactures, vendors, and/or testing organizations, are described. A rating for hardware, software, clusters of computers, servers, and other computing products can be determined by comparing the system's attributes, capabilities, and features with rating requirements. A rating level is determined for the computer products based on a set of requirements and analysis of the products (e.g., by a computer running a rating tool). Once the computer product is rated, its “score” can be compared to other computing products to determine compatibility. |
| US07743354B2 |
Optimizing integrated circuit design through use of sequential timing information
A method is provided that includes: determining a minimum clock cycle that can be used to propagate a signal about the critical cycle in a circuit design; wherein the critical cycle is a cycle in the design that has a highest proportionality of delay to number of registers; determining for a circuit element in the circuit design, sequential slack associated with the circuit element; wherein the sequential slack represents a minimum delay from among respective maximum delays that can be added to respective structural cycles of which the circuit element is a constituent, based upon the determined limit upon clock cycle duration; using the sequential slack to ascertain sequential optimization based design flexibility throughout multiple stages of a design flow. |
| US07743348B2 |
Using physical objects to adjust attributes of an interactive display application
Input is provided to an application using a plurality of physical objects disposed adjacent to an interactive display surface. A primary location is determined where a primary physical object, e.g., a finger or thumb of the user, is positioned adjacent to the interactive display surface. An additional location is determined where an additional physical object is positioned adjacent to the interactive display surface. The attribute might be a size of an image or selected portion of the image that will be retained after cropping. A change in position of at least one of the objects is detected, and the attribute is adjusted based on the change in position of one or both objects. A range of selectable options of the application can also be display by touching the interactive display surface with one's fingers or other objects, and one of the options can be selected with another object. |
| US07743347B2 |
Paper-based interface for specifying ranges
Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for specifying ranges using a paper document. Each range is characterized by a start time and an end time. One or more ranges may be specified by a user using the paper document. Portions of recorded information corresponding to the ranges are then determined. One or more actions may be performed on the portions of information determined for the ranges. |
| US07743342B2 |
Moving-image icon generating apparatus
The sizes of icons for moving images (the size of a rectangle on the front side of each icon, the length of each icon in the depth direction thereof, etc.) that specify moving-image files are changed depending upon file information (moving image playback times, image sizes of the frames that make up the moving images, sizes of the moving-image files, etc.) concerning the moving-image files specified by the icons for the moving images. The content of each moving-image file can be ascertained by observing the icon for its moving image. |
| US07743341B2 |
Rendering icons along a multidimensional path having a terminus position
Icons are arranged in foreground background positions in an interface environment to define a multidimensional path extending from a terminus. The icons transition between the foreground position and the background positions along the multidimensional path. |
| US07743340B2 |
Positioning and rendering notification heralds based on user's focus of attention and activity
The present invention relates to a system and method to facilitate providing computer users with efficient access to electronic notifications while minimizing disruption in the context of ongoing tasks. A notification system provides visual information heralds that provide summarizations of notifications to users. An information controller considers the importance or urgency of content and a user's current and/or recent activities in decisions about the rendering and positioning of the information herald on a display screen or screens in order to facilitate user processing of the summarized notifications with minimal disruption to ongoing tasks. |
| US07743339B1 |
Rendering text in a brew device
Methods, systems and program products for hiding the presentation of a first input field that would obscure the presentation of a distinct second input field on a display device. User input directed to the second input field is accepted and provided the first input field instead of to the second input field. The contents of the first input field are copied to the second input field. The presentation of the second input field is updated on the display device to include the copied contents. |
| US07743338B2 |
Image rendering with image artifact along a multidimensional path
Display positions are arranged along a multidimensional path. Images and blurred versions of the images are displayed in one or more of the of the display positions. An opacity value of one or more of the blurred versions of the images is adjusted based the display positions in which the one or more blurred versions of the images are displayed. |
| US07743323B1 |
Method and apparatus to customize layout and presentation
A method and apparatus for generating customized layout and presentation data. |
| US07743321B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing data
A method of processing data associated with processing options, wherein selected processing options select variants within the data and selected variants are activated, and variants associated with unselected options can be selected in a further iteration of the process. |
| US07743319B2 |
System and method providing diffgram format
The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate XML data communications and processing. A diffgram data structure is provided that includes one or more states of a plurality of data records. The state information can be determined by examining one or more data sources for differences from one or more reference data sources. If differences are detected between the data sources, the diffgram can be constructed in an XML compatible format with both previous state indications and current state indications that describes the state differences between the data sources. Error information and/or other administrative information or codes can also be provided to facilitate database management and/or processing. |
| US07743309B2 |
Distributed source coding with context
A process for distributed source coding (DSC) using context is presented. By forming contexts from prior coded bitplanes of both a reference and DSC coded peer, the DSC virtual channel is split into several virtual sub-channels of different characteristics. The selection of the sub-channel becomes side information that is known to the receiver. As a result, the DSC coding bitrate is reduced. |
| US07743308B2 |
Method and system for wire-speed parity generation and data rebuild in RAID systems
A method and system for generating parity symbols and rebuilding data symbols in a RAID system. The method includes receiving a command to generate a desired parity or data symbol using an XOR relationship between some of a plurality of parity and data symbols. A symbol of the plurality of parity and data symbols is input to an XOR accumulator, the symbol being included in the XOR relationship. Additional symbols of the plurality of parity and data symbols are input to the XOR accumulator. Each time that an additional symbol is input and is included in the XOR relationship, an XOR operation is performed between the symbol in the XOR accumulator and the additional symbol, thus obtaining a resulting symbol that replaces the previous symbol in the XOR accumulator. After every symbol included in the XOR relationship has undergone an XOR operation, the symbol in the XOR accumulator is output as the desired parity or data symbol. |
| US07743304B2 |
Test system and method for testing electronic devices using a pipelined testing architecture
A test system for performing tests on devices under test (DUTs) includes a storage device storing test data for performing the tests on the DUTs, a shared processor for generating the test data, storing the test data in the storage device and generating a test control signal including one or more test instructions for executing the tests, and, for each DUT, a dedicated processor configured to receive a test control signal from the shared processor, and in response to the test control signal, transfer the test data for one of the test instructions to the DUT to execute that test instruction and verify the completion of that test instruction. |
| US07743301B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and method of testing same
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes an MISR (Multiple-Input Signature Register) for generating and storing compressed code based upon code from a ROM, and for reading out and outputting the compressed data that has been stored. The MISR has a clock change-over unit for changing over a clock in such a manner that the MISR is caused to operate at a high-speed clock when the compressed data is generated and stored, and at a low-speed clock when the stored compressed data is read out and output. |
| US07743300B1 |
Integrated circuit test using clock signal modification
An integrated circuit includes a test signal generator that receives a clock signal including pulses having leading edges and trailing edges that occur at predetermined intervals and selectively generates a modified clock signal by adjusting timing of at least one of the leading and trailing edges of at least one of the pulses. A signal path includes a circuit and receives one of the clock signal and the modified clock signal from the test signal generator. |
| US07743298B1 |
Methods and apparatus for scan testing of integrated circuits with scan registers
In one embodiment of the invention, a method of scan testing an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes scanning a first test vector and a second test vector sequentially into a plurality of scan registers serially coupled together, each of the plurality of scan registers including a master latch, a scan latch, and a functional latch; and applying the first and the second test vectors sequentially in a delay fault test via the plurality of scan registers to a combinational logic circuit coupled to the plurality of scan registers. |
| US07743297B2 |
Electronic circuit and integrated circuit including scan testing circuit, and power consumption reducing method used for integrated circuit
An integrated circuit with a scan testing circuit which enables reducing power consumption in normal operation mode is provided. A power-supply controller applies a power-supply voltage to internal and external transmission circuits in scan test mode and stops applying the power supply voltage in normal operation mode. Thus, power consumption associated with operations of the internal and external transmission circuits is eliminated, thereby reducing power consumption in normal operation mode. |
| US07743292B2 |
Apparatus and method for memory card testing
The invention provides a memory card testing apparatus for performing automated operations on memory cards. The memory card testing apparatus comprises a host device, a database, a processing unit and an interface. The host device is provided for accessing a memory card. The database maintains a plurality of test script files to be processed. The processing unit is coupled to the database for selecting a test item from one of the plurality of test script files according to a device identification number corresponding to a target device to be tested and a communication protocol associated with the memory card. The interface is connected to the processing unit and the host device for enabling the host device to execute at least one card command on the memory card according to the test item. |
| US07743290B2 |
Status of overall health of nonvolatile memory
A nonvolatile memory system includes nonvolatile memory organized into blocks, one or more of which are designated as spare blocks and one or more of which may be defective at the time of manufacturing of the nonvolatile memory. A controller device is coupled to the nonvolatile memory for measuring the health status of the nonvolatile memory by determining the number of growing defects on an on-going basis. |
| US07743282B2 |
Capturing computer application diagnostics
A diagnostic system in an aspect-oriented data processing environment is provided. The environment comprises a data processing system having an operating system for executing an application, wherein the application comprises an object class. The environment also comprises means for loading the object class at runtime and storage means for storing a diagnostic aspect. An aspect implements concerns (e.g. logging, security) that cross-cut the application. The object class of the application is loaded at runtime and the diagnostic aspect is read from the storage means. The means for loading now combines the object class with the diagnostic aspect, so that for example, diagnostics can be captured and repairs on the application can be carried out. |
| US07743280B2 |
Method and system for analyzing memory leaks occurring in java virtual machine data storage heaps
An invention is disclosed for analyzing memory leaks occurring in Java Virtual Machine (JVM) data storage, consisting of a dynamically modifiable JVM “profiler” and an “object tracker” tool for analyzing the output from the profiler. Specifically, a method and system is disclosed for programming a JVM profiler used to analyze and correct memory leaks in stored data heaps, consisting of a program segment (or “stub”) initialized by the JVM application program interface to determine the parameters to be passed to the main profiler memory leak analysis program logic, which is then initialized by the stub to examine a minimal number of “heap dumps” in order to identify data elements or objects for the existence and/or correction of memory leaks. Updated information on data elements or objects can be requested from the profiler as needed by use of the object movement tracking option to record the details of subsequent changes in data memory storage status once a heap dump has been obtained. |
| US07743278B2 |
Test access control for plural processors of an integrated circuit
The present invention is directed to facilitate debugging in a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a plurality of microprocessors. A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a plurality of processors; a plurality of debug interfaces enabling debugging of the corresponding processors; a plurality of common terminals shared by the plurality of debug interfaces; a selection circuit capable of selectively connecting the plurality of debug interfaces to the common terminals; and a controller capable of controlling selecting operation in the selection circuit in accordance with a predetermined instruction. A first selector capable of selectively connecting the plurality of debug interfaces to a TRST terminal in the terminal group conformed with the JTAG specifications, and a second selector capable of selectively connecting the plurality of debug interfaces to terminals other than the TRST terminal are provided. With the configuration, even in the case where the number of processors increases, the invention can flexibly address the increase. |
| US07743276B2 |
Sufficient free space for redundancy recovery within a distributed data-storage system
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods, and distributed data-storage systems employing the methods, for recovering redundancy within a distributed data-storage system upon failure of one or more mass-storage devices within a component data-storage system of the distributed data-storage system. In certain embodiments, failure of a mass-storage device within a component data-storage system elicits a redundancy-recovery operation in which segments affected by the mass-storage-device failure or failures are moved, by a process referred to as “migration,” to other component data-storage systems of the distributed data-storage system, and are recovered as a by-product of migration. Certain embodiments of the present invention more efficiently address redundancy recovery by moving only as many segments from the component data-storage system as needed to provide sufficient free space within the component data-storage system to recover the remaining segments affected by the mass-storage-device failure or failures within the component data-storage system. |
| US07743273B2 |
Serial communication system and method for transmitting and receiving data in synchronization with a clock signal
In a serial communication system in which data is transmitted from a first unit to a second unit in synchronization with a clock signal, the mode of communication between the first and second units is switched between a first communication mode in which data is transmitted from the second unit to the first unit in synchronization with the clock signal, and a second communication mode in which a signal asynchronous to the clock signal is transmitted from the first unit to the second unit. |
| US07743270B2 |
Assigning clock arrival time for noise reduction
A method, system and computer program product reducing clock noise generated by clock signals in an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. Conventional IC design attempts to ensure coincident clock active edge arrival times for all clocked elements. The coincident active clock edges generate coincident noise currents, which elevates the total noise current. The current invention assigns clock arrival times for clocked elements of an IC based on a desired clock arrival time distribution such that active clock edges are not coincident. As a consequence, the total noise would be spread over a large portion of the clock cycle, thus reducing the noise magnitude substantially. |
| US07743268B2 |
Apparatus, method, and program for communication
A communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes a transmission unit adapted to transmit data via a network, a receiving unit adapted to receive data supplied via the network, an interface unit adapted to supply to-be-transmitted data to the transmission unit and extract particular information from data received by the receiving unit, and a control unit configured to control an operation state of the interface unit. |
| US07743267B2 |
System and method for reducing power consumption in a device
A system and process enable a device to adjust the duration of various power modes based on usage of the device. The process includes operating a device at a fully operational power level, counting a first wait time, modifying a first wait time modifier in response to detection of image generating device use prior to expiration of the first wait time, and reducing power consumption from the fully operational level to a low power level in response to expiration of the first wait time. |
| US07743266B2 |
Method and system for optimizing filter compensation coefficients for a digital power control system
A method and system is provided for optimizing the digital filter compensation coefficients of a digitally controlled switched mode power supply within a distributed power system. A power control system comprises at least one point-of-load (POL) regulator having a power conversion circuit adapted to convey power to a load and a digital controller coupled to the power conversion circuit though a feedback loop. The digital controller is adapted to provide a pulse width modulated control signal to the power switch responsive to a feedback measurement of an output of the power conversion circuit. The digital controller further comprises a digital filter having a transfer function defined by plural filter coefficients. The digital controller periodically stores a successive one of a plurality of samples of the feedback measurement. A serial data bus operatively connects the POL regulator to a system controller. The system controller retrieves each successive stored sample from the digital controller via the serial data bus. After retrieving a pre-determined number of the samples, the system controller calculates optimized filter coefficients for the digital filter and communicates the optimized filter coefficients to the digital controller. The digital controller thereafter uses the optimized filter coefficients in the digital filter. |
| US07743263B2 |
Method and system for routing calls over a packet switched computer network
The present invention describes how a trusted network routing authority, such as a VoIP inter-exchange carrier or clearinghouse can provide routing and secure access control across multiple network domains with a single routing and admission request. This technology can improve network efficiency and quality of service when an Internet Protocol (IP) communication transaction, such as a Voice over IP (VoIP), must be routed across multiple devices or administrative domains. This technology defines the technique of performing multiple route look-ups at the source of the call path to determine all possible routes across intermediate domains to the final destination. The VoIP inter-exchange carrier or clearinghouse then provides routing and access permission tokens for the entire call path to the call source. |
| US07743261B2 |
Unauthorized contents detection system
An executing device conducts playback of contents. The executing device is equipped with a highly efficient processor and reduces the processing load involved in verification by using, for the verification, only a predetermined number of encrypted units selected randomly from multiple encrypted units constituting encrypted contents recorded on a DVD. In addition, the executing device is capable of improving the accuracy of detecting unauthorized contents by randomly selecting a predetermined number of encrypted units every time the verification is performed. |
| US07743260B2 |
Firewall+storage apparatus, method and system
A storage firewall architecture, method and system that works in parallel with existing security technologies and, inter alia, provides application software authentication, user authentication & authorization in the execution of an application, examination, verification, and authentication of all storage access requests, monitoring of protected storage to detect & repair anomalous changes, encryption of protected storage, both data and software, provisioning (deployment) of patches, configuration changes, and software through a secure synchronization link to a configuration and patch management server, and server-based system administration & configuration to prevent malware from penetrating local configuration mechanisms. |
| US07743259B2 |
System and method for digital rights management using a standard rendering engine
A system and method for the secure distribution and consumption of electronic documents using a standard rendering engine. The documents can usage rights associated therewith. A server stores at least one of the documents in computer readable form. A client having a standard application program including a rendering engine capable of rendering unencrypted documents for viewing is operated by a user. The client and the server are coupled by a communications network. A security module controls requested for at least one of the documents on the server from the client and delivers the document and a set of rights associated with the document to the client. |
| US07743256B2 |
Method for verifying authorized access
The present invention is related to a method for verifying authorized access, and is specifically a method for verifying authorized access with an improved means of inputting a password, so as to prevent a spectator observing the inputting process from learning the password, and to facilitate memorizing the password. In said method, a user memorizes as a ‘user-friendly’ password, in relation to a reference background predetermined by the user, at least one locations as assignable districts, their order, and their number, but inputs the password by inputting codes that are shown at locations of the assignable districts consisting the memorized password. These codes are randomly determined and shown to the user, so that the codes as password change each time whenever the user asks to enter the system. |
| US07743247B1 |
Method and apparatus for secure communications
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a trusted service provider (TSP) which assists with the secure exchange of data across the public switched telephone network. Communications are routed via a TSP, which uses cryptographic techniques to conceal the identities (e.g., telephone numbers) of the call initiator and call recipient, thereby preventing traffic analysis attacks. The TSP also performs cryptographic handshakes with the call initiator and call recipient to authenticate callers. The TSP further provides cryptographic keying material which communicants may use to help protect communications and to directly authenticate and identify each other. Although the TSP is trusted to negotiate the connection and is involved in the process, the communicants can perform their own key agreement and authentication for protecting data routed via the TSP. |
| US07743245B2 |
Security protocols on incompatible transports
“Honest” is a nice word. Sadly, some people in this world are not honest. In an increasingly wired world, dishonest people have found myriad opportunities to illicitly acquire one's confidential data, to monitor or interfere with one's networking activities, e.g., to monitor what you are doing, downloading, accessing, etc., to eavesdrop on or hijack telephony control and voice data or other protocols on your network, etc. To address such risks, typically a secured communication protocol, e.g., TLS or SSL, is utilized to protect communication. Unfortunately, TLS, SSL, and many other security environments require the underlying communication protocol to be TCP/IP, while some protocols needing communication protection, such as VoIP, RTP, SNMP, etc. only operate on UDP and not TCP/IP. Thus, a network shim or other embodiments disclosed herein may be used to allow such UDP based application programs and protocols to use security environments requiring a TCP/IP type transport. |
| US07743237B2 |
Register file bit and method for fast context switch
A register file bit includes a primary latch and a secondary latch with a feedback path and a context switch mechanism that allows a fast context switch when execution changes from one thread to the next. A bit value for a second thread of execution is stored in the primary latch, then transferred to the secondary latch. The bit value for a first thread of execution is then written to the primary latch. When a context switch is needed (when the first thread stalls and the second thread needs to begin execution), the register file bit can perform a context switch from the first thread to the second thread in a single clock cycle. The register file bit contains a backup latch inside the register file itself so that minimal extra wire paths are needed to or from the existing register file. |
| US07743231B2 |
Fast sparse list walker
Provided are a method, information processing system, and computer readable medium for identifying active bits in a vector. The method comprises receiving a pointer associated with a vector of bits. The pointer is associated with a current bit within the vector of bits. The vector of bits if grouped into groups of a mathematical power of two, which is any non-negative integer powers of two. One or more current groups are determined which are the groups of the mathematical power of two comprising the current bit. The one or more current groups of the power of two are analyzed. A largest group of the power of two is identified in the one or more current groups comprising all empty bits. The pointer is set to point to a bit following a last bit in the identified largest group of the power of two comprising all empty bits. |
| US07743230B2 |
Memory array programming circuit and a method for using the circuit
A multi-level cell (MLC) memory array may be programmed using a programming circuit having a binary input register to store data to be input into the MLC array and a register to store a programming vector, where each element in the programming vector corresponds to a charge storage region of an MLC in the array. A controller may map pairs of bits from the input register to elements in the programming vector, such that mapping a pair of bits to an element of the programming vector may set the vector element to a “program” value if the pair of bits corresponds to at least one specific program state associated with the programming vector. |
| US07743229B2 |
Image reading apparatus, host apparatus and image reading system
An image reading apparatus includes: a reading unit; a memory interface unit; a permission information obtaining unit; a permission determining unit; and a data recording unit. The reading unit reads an image. An external memory is removably connected to the memory interface unit and stores permission information. The permission information obtaining unit is configured to obtain the permission information from the external memory. The permission determining unit is configured to determine whether the obtained permission information is valid. The data recording unit is configured to record data corresponding to the image on the external memory connected to the memory interface unit if the obtained permission information is valid. |
| US07743228B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for obtaining software processing log
In an information processing apparatus for relaying a calling from a first module to a function inside a second module in software divided into a plurality of modules, the calling is relayed from the first module to the function inside the second module. A log in the second module corresponding to the calling is obtained. The log includes at least a write starting address of binary data and a data size thereof. An area where the binary data is written is determined based on the write starting address and the data size thereof. Whether or not writing into the decided area is permitted is determined. On the basis of the determination result, writing into the decided area of the binary data is controlled. As a result, writing into an invalid area of the log is prevented without modifying the software. |
| US07743226B2 |
Incremental method for backup of email messages
A system and method for mail server backup. In one embodiment, the method may comprise storing one or more messages on a mail server, where each message is associated with an index time. The method may then perform a full backup by storing each message and a backup time associated with the full backup on a backup medium, and perform a partial backup by storing selected messages on the backup medium dependent upon a difference between the index time associated with each message and the backup time. In one embodiment the partial backup may be performed by backing up each message that includes an index time that is dated after the backup time. In a further embodiment, each message on the mail server is contained in a mail folder object, and storing the backup time may comprise modifying a data member of the mail folder object. |
| US07743225B2 |
Ditto blocks
A method for storing a data block in a storage pool, including receiving a write operation for the data block, writing the data block into the storage pool, determining a first indirect block to store in the storage pool, wherein the first indirect block references the data block, writing the first indirect block to a first location in the storage pool, creating a copy of the first indirect block, and writing the copy of first indirect block to a second location in the storage pool. |
| US07743223B2 |
Decoupling of write address from its associated write data in a store to a shared memory in a multiprocessor system
In a computer system having a plurality of processors connected to a shared memory, a system and method of decoupling an address from write data in a store to the shared memory. A write request address is generated for a memory write, wherein the write request address points to a memory location in shared memory. A write request is issued to the shared memory, wherein the write request includes the write request address. The write request address is noted in the shared memory and addresses in subsequent load and store requests are compared in share memory to the write request address. The write data is transferred to the shared memory and matched, within the shared memory, to the write request address. The write data is then stored into the shared memory as a function of the write request address. |
| US07743220B2 |
External memory controller node
A computing machine and system to provide multiple independent simultaneous memory requests is disclosed. The computing machine includes a memory. A plurality of heterogeneous computational nodes embodied in an integrated circuit are configured to make requests for memory accesses to the memory. A memory controller allows multiple independent simultaneous requests for memory accesses by the heterogeneous computational nodes to the memory. |
| US07743216B2 |
Predicting accesses to non-requested data
Method and apparatus for caching and retaining non-requested speculative data from a storage array in an effort to accommodate future requests for such data. A cache manager stores requested readback data from the storage array to a cache memory, and selectively transfers speculative non-requested readback data to the cache memory in relation to a time parameter and a locality parameter associated with a data structure of which the requested readback data forms a part. The locality parameter preferably comprises a stream count as an incremented count of consecutive read requests for a contiguous data range of the storage array, and the time parameter preferably indicates a time range over which said read requests have been issued. The speculative readback data are transferred when both said parameters fall within a selected threshold range. The data structure preferably comprises a RAID stripe on a selected storage device of the array. |
| US07743215B2 |
Cache-memory control apparatus, cache-memory control method and computer product
A cache-memory control apparatus controls a level-1 (L1) cache and a level-2 (L2) cache having a cache line divided into a plurality of sub-lines for storing data from the L1 cache. The cache-memory control apparatus includes a control-flag adding unit, an L1 cache control unit, and an L2 cache control unit. The control-flag adding unit provides an SP flag to each of the sub-lines. The L1-cache control unit acquires an access virtual address, and, when there is no data at the access virtual address, outputs an L2 cache-access address to the L2-cache control unit. The L2-cache control unit switches the SP flag based on a virtual page number in an L1 index and a physical page number in an L2 index. Based on the SP flag, corresponding one of the sub-lines is written back to the L1 cache. |
| US07743212B2 |
Storage system and capacity allocation method therefor
A storage system connected to a terminal, the computer system includes: a plurality of drive devices that respectively drive a plurality of physical disks each having a physical storage area; a RAID configuration unit that configures a plurality of RAID groups by grouping two or more of the plurality of physical disks; a logical disk creation unit that creates, for the terminal through the RAID group, a logical disk having a logical storage area associated with the physical storage area; a memory for storing a RAID group control table showing, for each the RAID group, (i) a free capacity that is the amount of physical storage area remaining in the RAID group to be able to be associated with the logical disk and (ii) a power status of the RAID group; a receiver that receives a request for creating a new logical disk; and an area allocation unit that allocates to the new logical disk the physical storage area remaining in the RAID group selected by giving priority to a RAID group in a powered state over a RAID group in a non-powered state with reference to the RAID group control table. |
| US07743209B2 |
Storage system for virtualizing control memory
There is provided a storage system capable of handling a large amount of control data at low cost in high performance. The storage system includes a cache memory for temporarily storing data read/written between a host computer and a disk array, a CPU for making a control related to data transfer, and a local memory for storing control data utilized by the CPU. The disk array has a first user data storing area for storing user data and a control data storing area for storing all control data. A control unit has a virtualization unit for allocating a memory space of the control data storing area to a virtual address accessible from the CPU, reading the control data specified by the virtual address to a physical address of the local memory, and transferring the control data to the CPU. |
| US07743208B2 |
Storage apparatus and area allocation method
A file memory stores data corresponding to identifiers of an allocated area in an identifier space. A first memory stores a basis position of the allocated area in the identifier space. A second memory stores a weight of the storage apparatus as a performance degree. A first decision unit decides a space width to divisionally allocate the identifier space with another storage apparatus by using the weight and a weight of another storage apparatus. Another storage apparatus allocates a neighboring area of the allocated area in the identifier space. A second decision unit decides the allocated area of an area between the basis position and a basis position of the neighboring area in the identifier space by using the space width. |
| US07743207B2 |
Hard disk drive data object
A system for transferring data from a disk drive to an external source. The disk drive includes a circuit with embedded firmware that associates internal and output definitions with the data. The definitions and data are provided to the external source which parses the definitions and the data. The parsing engine can output the data in pre-defined format. The embedded firmware associates the same definitions for all data. Thus an external programmer does not have to know, or monitor, the file format and output format of the disk drive to write an external software application. |
| US07743205B2 |
Apparatus and method for virtualizing data storage media, such as for use in a data storage library providing resource virtualization
A system and method for use in an automated data storage cartridge library defines cartridges for use with an external host computer (“open” cartridges), and cartridges for use only internal to the library (“closed” cartridges). Cartridges may be “virtualized” by storing data from them on disk or closed cartridges, and then “realized” by writing data to physical cartridges. Virtual cartridges may be logically exported from one library to another. When new cartridges are introduced to the library, they may be designated with one of multiple designations or uses. |
| US07743203B2 |
Managing flash memory based upon usage history
A memory management component can track the amount of time between erase cycles for a particular memory region, and can manage memory region such that the regions are given sufficient time to rest and recover, or are given at least as much rest time as is practical, before being subject to an erase cycle. A reclamation management component can reclaim memory region that have invalid data stored therein, and can reclaim regions on a just-in-time basis when practical, and can determine which regions to reclaim based on various factors, such as the amount of time since a region was last erased, and the number of programming errors associated with a region. The memory management component can thereby optimize the useful life, minimize or reduce loss of margin in memory regions, and minimize or reduce programming errors of memory regions, of non-volatile (e.g., flash) memory. |
| US07743202B2 |
Command controller, prefetch buffer and methods for accessing a serial flash in an embedded system
The invention relates to a command controller and a prefetch buffer, and in particular, to a command controller and a prefetch buffer for accessing a serial flash in an embedded system. An embedded system comprises a serial flash, a processor, a plurality of access devices, and a prefetch buffer. The processor and the plurality of access devices send various commands to read data from or write data to the serial flash. The prefetch buffer temporarily stores a predetermined amount of data before data being read from or written to the serial flash. |
| US07743199B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining trace information of multiple processors on an SoC using a segmented trace ring bus to enable a flexible trace output configuration
An integrated bus architecture for transmitting trace information from a plurality of processors included on an integrated chip having one or more peripheral I/O channels comprises a segmented bus having a plurality of segments arranged in a ring topology and configured to transmit trace information in a circular pathway from upstream segments to downstream segments, and one or more trace output circuits each connected to a respective segment and each including a switch configured to be dynamically toggled between enabled and disabled states. The plurality of segments includes a respective segment for each processor having a coupling unit connected to a trace port of the processor. The coupling unit is configured to receive trace information from the trace port, to receive trace information from the adjacent upstream segment, and to transmit items of trace information to the adjacent downstream segment. Each trace output circuit is configured to transmit trace information to a respective peripheral I/O channel when in the enabled state. Each trace output circuit is configured to transmit trace information to the adjacent downstream segment when in the disabled state. |
| US07743196B2 |
Interface with multiple packet preemption based on start indicators of different types
Preemption techniques are disclosed which permit multiple high-priority packets to preempt a single low-priority packet. In one aspect, a first device is configured for communication with a second device via an interface bus. The first device comprises interface circuitry configured to receive from the second device a start indicator of a first type and a start indicator of a second type, and to allow at least one data segment associated with the start indicator of the second type to preempt at least one data segment associated with the start indicator of the first type. The start indicator of the second type may have a longer pulse width than that of the start indicator of the first type, such as a double-length pulse width. The first and second devices may comprise physical layer and link layer devices of a communication system. |
| US07743194B2 |
Driver transparent message signaled interrupts
Machine-readable media, methods, and apparatus are described to issue message signaled interrupts. In some disclosed embodiments, a device generates message signaled interrupts in a manner that enables a device driver written with level-sensitive semantics to properly service the device despite the edge-triggered characteristics message signaled interrupts. |
| US07743188B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing a contacts database and telephone services
Embodiments described herein provide a method and technique for operating a computing device. An interface is displayed for enabling the computing device to control a voicemail system. The interface includes one or more display objects, wherein each display object is selectable by a user to enter a command input assigned to that display object. A selection is detected of any one of the one or more display objects, and the command input assigned to the display object is identified. A signal tone is generated corresponding to the command input. The signal input may be transmitted across a network to the voicemail system to communicate a command to the voicemail system. |
| US07743187B2 |
Audio system, and USB/UART common communication system for the same
An audio system sets a signal line path between the medium of an audio device and an external device and uploads a digital audio file from the external device to the audio device according to a user's manipulation of the audio. In addition, a communication system selectively uses USB and UART communications by commonly using a single USB connector and connects a connector of an external device and an audio/USB/UART common connector through a single cable, so that audio/USB or audio/UART signals are selectively outputted through a common audio signal line. Accordingly, the audio system can interface with various kinds of external devices without external modification or additional installation of a dedicated interface in the audio device with a USB connector. In addition, the USB/UART common communication system can commonly use the USB connector without regard to USB and UART connection signals and can selectively output the audio/USB or audio/UART signals through the single cable in the audio device. |
| US07743180B2 |
Method, system, and program for managing path groups to an input/output (I/O) device
Provided are a method, system, and program for managing path groups to an Input/Output (I/O) device. Indication is made of a connection path on which a processing system initially communicated an establish request to establish a connection with an I/O device, wherein attention that the processing system may own a lock for the I/O device is transmitted down the indicated connection path. A request is received from the processing system to add a path to a path group with respect to the I/O device, wherein the added path is capable of comprising the connection path the processing system used to establish the connection with the I/O device. The received path is added to the path group. |
| US07743179B2 |
Data transmission methods
Data transmission systems and methods. The data transmission system comprises a bus, a slave, a master, and a master interface. The master transmits a request comprising transfer information comprising a start address and a length. The master interface receives the request from the master. The master interface determines a burst type of a first burst according to the transfer information, and transmits the first burst with the burst type to the slave via the bus, where the first burst is aligned to at least one address boundary of the slave. The master interface receives data corresponding to the first burst from the slave, and transmits the data to the master. |
| US07743175B1 |
Methods of initializing routing structures in integrated circuits
Methods of initializing an integrated circuit (IC) in which the routing structures have data lines and handshake circuitry are provided. A node of each of the data lines is driven to a predetermined value, and the handshake circuit is disabled by disabling an acknowledge path within the handshake circuitry, e.g., by forcing all acknowledge signals in the acknowledge path to signal an acknowledgement of received data. The disablement causes the predetermined value to propagate throughout the data lines. The handshake circuitry is then enabled by enabling the acknowledge path, which releases the data lines to assume values determined by operation of the IC. When the IC is a programmable IC, configuration values may be programmed into the IC after disabling the acknowledge path and before enabling the handshake circuitry. When the handshake circuitry is enabled, the data lines assume initial values determined by the programmed configuration values. |
| US07743171B1 |
Formatting and initialization of device mirrors using initialization indicators
Described is a technique for initialization of a device in a data storage system. A status indicating completion of the initialization is returned after setting initialization indicators associated with tracks of the device. The indicators indicate that the tracks of the device are to be initialized. As subsequent I/O operations for the device are processed, the tracks associated with the subsequent I/O operations are initialized prior to performing the I/O operation if the initialization indicators associated with the tracks are set. A background initialization task scans the initialization indicators and initializes tracks in accordance with the initialization indicators. Once a track has been initialized, its associated initialization indicator is cleared. |
| US07743170B2 |
Active tap for directing distribution of data over data transmission network
The present invention for data distribution relates to a network wherein a distributor, which may be an Ethernet switch, is used in combination with active taps and programmable logic controllers to increase data transfer speeds and the volumes of transmission using active branching elements, i.e., active taps, that are interconnected via a bus line. |
| US07743168B2 |
PLL/DLL dual loop data synchronization
A dual loop (PLL/DLL) data synchronization system and method for plesiochronous systems is provided. A dual loop data serializer includes a phase lock loop (PLL) and a delayed lock loop (DLL) configured with a phase shifter in the feedback path of the PLL. The dual loop serializer locks to the input of the DLL instead of the local reference. Thus, the DLL adjusts the frequency from the PLL so that it matches the desired data rate. Each loop may be optimized for jitter tolerance with the net effect generating a synthesized clean clock (due to narrow bandwidth filtering) and VCO noise suppression (due to wide bandwidth filtering). A dual loop retimer includes a dual loop serializer (PLL/DLL) and a clock recovery DLL. The retimer resets the jitter budget to meet transmission requirements for an infinite number of repeater stages. |
| US07743162B2 |
Image forming apparatus, with connection request mediation, having web service functions
The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can transmit and receive data without any process part of an application corresponding to various communication protocols and easily add a communication protocol and an application. An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes connection request mediation means for, in response to a connection notice from a plurality of communication protocol daemons to transmit and receive data in accordance with respective different communication protocols, mediating connection instead of the communication protocol daemons by informing the application that a connection request is provided to the communication protocol daemons and a shared memory being used for delivery of received data and transmitted data between the application and the plurality of communication protocol daemons and being shared by the communication protocol daemon. |
| US07743161B2 |
Digital content buffer for adaptive streaming
Network transmission of live digital content from sources to receiving devices is enabled with real-time encoding, customization, and transmission of the live content according to user preferences, receiving device characteristics, network conditions and the like. Content, such as advertising customized to user profile and user location, may be conveniently inserted into the live content. Source-to-screen delay from sources to receiving devices is reduced and channel switching is supported. |
| US07743159B2 |
Reusable application framework for translating between a client and an external entity
A reusable application framework for translating between a client and an external entity negotiates a first communication protocol with the client, receives an input request from the client, and parses the input request to extract client type and use case identifications. An application object module is configured for transferring the input request. A data mapper module is configured to extract input data from input requests having the client type identification, and maps the input data to an input bean. A use case handler module specific to at least one predefined task associated with the external entity receives the input bean. A broker module is configured to communicate with the external entity using a second communication protocol and inserts the input bean into a data stream of the second communication protocol for transfer to the external entity. |
| US07743157B2 |
System and method for switching between stateful and stateless communication modes
Methods and systems for specifying the state of an application interface during configuration of the business system are provided. A state controller can manage communication between application interfaces and interface proxies. Each interface proxy replicates the services exposed by an application interface associated with backend applications in a business system. The state controller allows each application to operate in a stateful mode, a stateless mode, or a combined mode. The mode for an application can be specified during configuration/installation of the business system, removing the need to specify communication modes for applications during design and development of the applications and business system. The use of an interface proxy allows user interface (frontend) application to be developed and/or configured individually, and without regard to the communication mode used by the backend applications. |
| US07743155B2 |
Active-active operation for a cluster of SSL virtual private network (VPN) devices with load distribution
A method of load distribution for a cluster of two or more nodes. The method comprises receiving an initial request packet on a network device having a virtual IP address; forwarding the request packet from the network device to a cluster of at least two nodes, wherein each of the at least two nodes has an internal dispatcher module and an unique and non-conflicting virtual IP address; establishing one of the at least two nodes as a priority dispatcher or dispatcher endpoint, wherein if any one node fails, the virtual IP address of the one node which is no longer active falls back to another node within the cluster based on cluster priorities; dispatching the request packet to one of the nodes associated with the cluster; and forwarding the request from one of the nodes to a switching device. |
| US07743152B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a terminal in a data session
To detect the presence of at least one other terminal in a data session (e.g., an RTP session), terminal a generates a request to solicit a response from each terminal, forms an APP packet in RTCP for the request, encapsulates the APP packet in at least one IP packet, and sends the IP packet(s) to the other terminal(s). Terminal a then monitors for a response from each terminal to which the request is sent. Terminal a declares a terminal to be present in the data session if a response is received from that terminal. Terminal a may send one or more additional requests to each terminal from which a response is not received. Terminal a declares a terminal to be absent from the data session if a predetermined number of (e.g., two) requests have been sent to that terminal and a response is not received from the terminal. |
| US07743143B2 |
Diagnosability enhancements for multi-level secure operating environments
A method and system for capturing and reporting debug information regarding data transport failures in a multi-level secure operating environment. A process available only to a trusted system administrator is activated causing probe activation. The data transport command is repeated. The process probes the locations where the data packets move across environment boundaries of the secure network. When the data stops being transported, the process captures the relevant information on the type of failure, its cause, the address where it occurred and the possible consequence. The captured information can then be displayed to an appropriately credentialed administrator through a password-protected command for debug. The probes are then deactivated. |
| US07743142B2 |
Verifying resource functionality before use by a grid job submitted to a grid environment
A method, system, and program for verifying resource functionality before use by a grid job submitted to a grid environment are provided. When a new resource is allocated to a particular execution environment within a grid environment managed by a grid management system, then a grid verification service automatically selects and runs at least one functionality test on the new resource as controlled by the grid management system. Responsive to a result of the functionality test, the grid verification system verifies whether the result meets an expected result before enabling routing of the grid job to the new resource, such that the functionality of the new resource is automatically verified before access to the new resource is allowed to maintain quality of service in processing grid jobs. |
| US07743141B2 |
Refined quality feedback in streaming services
A method for quality feedback in a streaming service is shown, wherein at least one media stream is streamed to a client for playback, the method comprising determining a quality feedback value according to at least one quality metric from a pre-defined set of quality metrics, wherein the pre-defined set of quality metrics contains a quality metric related to at least one of the playback of the at least one media stream and a corruption of one out of at least two types of frames contained in the at least one media stream, and reporting the quality feedback value to a server. A system, a client, a server, a computer program, a computer program product and a protocol for quality feedback are also shown. |
| US07743139B1 |
Method of provisioning a packet network for handling incoming traffic demands
Systems in the current art provide capacity planning for packet networks. These systems require input data that characterizes traffic demands. The demands may be expressed as matrixes that record the number of bytes and packets exchanged between access routers or service nodes for each type-of-service. This invention defines a system and method to calculate these traffic matrixes. Access routers in a service node export flow records to a Record Collector. The flow records are processed to create ingress and egress records that are stored on the Record Collector. This data is uploaded to a Capacity Planning Server at which the traffic matrixes are generated. The egress access router(s) for a flow are determined by searching for matching ingress and egress records. Matching records have identical source and destination addresses. This algorithm requires no knowledge of the complex topology and routing protocols that are used within packet networks. Sampled or non-sampled flow records may be used. The concepts in this invention may also be used to calculate traffic matrixes for virtual private networks (VPNs). |
| US07743138B2 |
Method and apparatus for external event notification management over in-band and out-of-band networks in storage system controllers
Methods and systems for managing user access to a storage system storage controller are provided. In particular, user login requirements and permissions are administered, and individual user and external user interface pairs are tracked, through a user table and a session table established as part of the storage system controller. The external user interfaces may be interconnected to the storage system controller through different networks and/or protocols. Notification of events to external interfaces is performed as part of a task running on the storage system controller. In particular, an event notification manager determines whether notification of an event should be provided in connection with active sessions, with the result that the storage system controller only sends notification of events that have not previously been reported to a user and external interface pair. |
| US07743136B1 |
Frequency-table-based storage for network performance data
A network services system (100) uses frequency tables (300) to store real-time network performance data such as delay, jitter, loss, loss burstiness, and mean opinion score (MOS) for a real-time communications protocol such as the Real Time Protocol (RTP). |
| US07743134B2 |
Thwarting source address spoofing-based denial of service attacks
A system architecture for thwarting denial of service attacks on a victim data center is described. The system includes a first plurality of monitors that monitor network traffic flow through the network. The first plurality of monitors is disposed at a second plurality of points in the network. The system includes a central controller that receives data from the plurality of monitors, over a hardened, redundant network. The central controller analyzes network traffic statistics to identify malicious network traffic. In some embodiments of the system, a gateway device is disposed to pass network packets between the network and the victim site. The gateway is disposed to protect the victim site, and is coupled to the control center by the redundant hardened network. |
| US07743132B2 |
Secure content delivery system
A secure streaming content delivery system provides a plurality of content servers connected to a network that host customer content that can be cached and/or stored, e.g., images, video, text, and/or software. The content servers respond to requests for customer content from users. The invention load balances user requests for cached customer content to the appropriate content server. A user makes a request to a customer's server/authorization server for delivery of the customer's content. The authorization server checks if the user is authorized to view the requested content. If the user is authorized, then the authorization server generates a hash value using the authorization server's secret key, the current time, a time-to-live value, and any other information that the customer has configured, and embeds it into the URL which is passed to the user. A content server receives a URL request from the user for customer content cached on the content server. The request is verified by the content server creating its own hash value using the customer server's secret key, the current time, a time-to-live value, and any other related information configured for the customer. If the hash value from the URL matches the content server's generated hash value, then the user's request is valid and within the expiration time period and the content server delivers the requested content to the user. |
| US07743130B2 |
Exposing logic flows of web services and permitting logic flow modifications
The invention discloses a method for specifying Web service behavior that includes a step of exposing an internal logic flow of a Web service to clients. The internal logic flow can include at least one activity, which is defined by a set of machine-readable instructions. A special invocation command for the Web service can be received from a client. The special invocation command can specify a modification for the activity. An instance of the Web service can be invoked for the client, where the Web service instance implements the modification instead of the activity. |
| US07743128B2 |
Method and system for visualizing network performance characteristics
Techniques for visualizing and monitoring the quality of service for a computer network. Herein, a method and system monitor network transactions and behaviors for the computing network, which computing network includes one or more client subnets accessing one or more servers, The monitoring may be independent of client site monitors. Statistical data is gathered for relating to at least the network, the server, and the applications for generating a plurality of measurements. The measurements assess at least one quality of service indicator associated with the performance of the computer network. The method and system graphically display the plurality of measurements of the quality of service indicator according to the date and time of gathering the statistical data and further display graphically the degree by which each of the measurements of the quality of service indicator varies from a predetermined threshold quality of service level for the computing network. Also, dynamic quality of service indicators are monitored against average quality of service indicators. |
| US07743124B2 |
System using vital product data and map for selecting a BIOS and an OS for a server prior to an application of power
A method for selecting a basic input output system (BIOS) and an operating system (OS) for a server managed by a controller in communication with a plurality of servers is provided. The server is detected. A map describing a relationship between the server and the plurality of servers is consulted. The map at least partially defines a policy for the server. Vital product data (VPD) of the server is used in conjunction with the map and the policy to select at least one of the BIOS and the OS for the server prior to an application of power to the server. |
| US07743122B1 |
Method of reliably communicating via computer network
A method of reliably communicating via a computer network by identifying hub nodes in the network, identifying leaf nodes in the network, communicating from hub nodes to corresponding leaf nodes, reporting from leaf nodes to corresponding hub nodes, communicating between hub nodes, re-designating a leaf node as a hub node if the leaf node identifies a region of the network not known by a hub node, re-designating a hub node as a leaf node if the hub node becomes redundant, re-designating a leaf node as a hub node if the leaf node loses connectivity to its hub node, and returning to the third step for additional processing. |
| US07743121B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting up and managing operational environment in P2P wireless networks
In a cognitive radio, a method of establishing an operational policy for use in a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) group, wherein the policy can be described by layers of policy parameters with progressively higher layers having a progressively increasing number of parameters, involves determining that a policy change is to be made from a current policy; requesting policy information from at least one P2P group member; receiving a policy description from the at least one P2P group member; and implementing a change in the lowest layer policy parameter to establish a new operational policy. |
| US07743115B2 |
Software content downloading methods in radio communication networks
Radio communication network software downloading methods wherein terminal unique information pertaining to the downloading transaction is communicated on corresponding dedicated communication channels, for example, download initiation (300), capability exchange (320), digital signature (332) and activation and billing (360) communications, among others. Software content, or data, is transmitted (334) from the network to the plurality of terminals on a shared communication channel. In some applications, the software content includes multiple files multiplexed on the shared communication channel, wherein the content may be adjusted dynamically to optimize spectral efficiency. |
| US07743107B2 |
System and method for using remote module on VIOS to manage backups to remote backup servers
A system, method, and program product is provided that receives a backup request at a virtual input/output server (VIOS) from a client of the VIOS. The backup request corresponds to a virtual nonvolatile storage that is used by the client. The VIOS retrieves data from the nonvolatile storage device where the virtual nonvolatile storage is stored. The VIOS transmits the retrieved data to a backup server via a computer network, such as the Internet. In one embodiment, a backup software application runs on the VIOS client and a backup proxy software application runs on the VIOS. |
| US07743104B2 |
Message delivery to multiple forests with no unified directory
The present invention provides for a messaging system that automatically identifies a forest that corresponds to a particular recipient of a message, without using a common or unified directory that maps forests with recipients. In a network with multiple forests, each forest having multiple recipients, when a message is received at a message server with a destination address that does not uniquely identify a particular forest, the present invention provides for using a standard messaging protocol for querying each forest. The forests respond with status codes that indicate whether or not a recipient associated with the destination address corresponds to the forest being queried. If a status code indicates that the recipient corresponds to the particular forest, information may be stored and used to quarry that particular forest first, before querying other forests within the network. |
| US07743103B2 |
System for handling electronic mail in a multiple user environment
The invention concerns an electronic mail management (EMM) system for handling electronic mail in a multiple user environment, in which the user's incoming electronic mail is sent and received, said system includes a mail distribution network including a server through which. electronic mail items of the users are exchanged, said system comprising: detecting means for monitoring the flow of in- and outbound electronic mails for a specified set of users, and intercepting the in- and outbound emails; journalizing means for creating a notification record of a set of e-mail information data (metadata) for each intercepted electronic mail; an e-mail manager database (EMM DB) for storing at least said notification record and each electronic mail; and means for establishing a journal of e-mails by defining a search request query and submitting said search request to a search engine for selecting a userdefined series of information data from the notification records in the EMM database. |
| US07743099B2 |
Associating multiple visibility profiles with a user of real-time communication system
Visibility profiles associated with a substantially real time messaging environment are disclosed. Additionally, techniques for managing visibility profiles are disclosed, which include automatically associating a first profile with a first situation, automatically associating a second profile with a second situation, and where the first and second profiles are associated with visibility. Visibility profiles may be used to manage the appearance of a user to other users/friends for communication using applications such as instant messaging, electronic mail, web-based mail programs, or other types of data communication exchange applications. |
| US07743098B2 |
Meeting invitation processing in a calendaring system
Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, an apparatus and a computer program product for meeting invitation processing in a calendaring system. In one embodiment, the computer implemented method comprises receiving a meeting invitation request from a user, wherein the meeting invitation includes a set of attributes and analyzing the set of attributes of the meeting invitation request. The computer implemented method further comprises selecting a process from a set of predefined processes comprising a pending meeting indicator process, a multiple meeting display process, an availability probability process, and a prioritized list process to create a selected process, and selectively modifying the selected process to create a modified process. The computer implemented method then invoking the modified process to process the meeting invitation request, and notifying the user. |
| US07743091B2 |
Context management system for a network including a heterogenous set of terminals
A context management system offering a user (160) the most appropriate context for processing information comprises a heterogeneous set (120) of terminals interconnected by a local information transmission network (110) and including a master terminal (108), a server computer (102) comprising processing means (130) for determining the most appropriate context for information processing by said heterogeneous set (120) of terminals, and an external information transmission network (104) connecting the server (102) at least to the master terminal (108). The server (102) further comprises a converter module (140) for sending the master terminal (108) an application (142) enabling the user (160) to download said most appropriate context to the master terminal (108). |
| US07743088B2 |
Synchronization identifier generating method and apparatus for synchronizing digital contents
Provided are a synchronization identifier generating method for synchronizing digital contents and an apparatus for the same. The synchronization identifier generating method includes setting a sampling level that indicates a frequency of sampling digital contents; sampling the digital contents on the basis of the set sampling level; generating a first message digest on the basis of data sampled during the sampling the digital contents; and generating a synchronization identifier including the set sampling level and the first message digest. |
| US07743082B2 |
Web server document library
Document libraries that facilitate content contribution to and management of a website. In general, a document library comprises a database, a special “document library” file system folder and the documents in that folder (or within subfolders of that folder). The database maintains properties of documents in the document library file system folder, and is used to dynamically update views of the document library file system folder and views of properties of the documents. Each document folder is a folder in which content of a specified type may be read and saved. |
| US07743079B1 |
Managing data across a semantic data view and a presentation data view
Managing data across a semantic data view and a presentation data view may be provided. A semantic model may be represented in a semantic data view and a presentation model may be represented in a presentation data view. The presentation model may correspond to a graphical representation of the semantic model. In addition, a command may be received directed toward the semantic data view or the presentation data view. The semantic model and the presentation model may be operated upon according to the received command. Furthermore, the semantic model represented in the semantic data view and the presentation model represented in the presentation data view may be updated in response to operating on the semantic model and the presentation model according to the received command. The semantic model and the presentation model may be simultaneously maintained in a volatile memory in a computer. |
| US07743077B2 |
Method and system for generating database records
A method and system for generating database records is provided. A user interface element is generated for a dynamic key, the user interface element having a name field and a value input field. A generic data object is provided, the generic data object having an attribute pair and the attribute pair having a dynamic name attribute and a dynamic value attribute. The name field is bound to the dynamic name attribute and the value input field is bound to the dynamic value attribute. An instance of the attribute pair for the dynamic key is generated. A first entry from the name field is passed to the dynamic name attribute and a second entry from the value input field is passed to the dynamic value attribute. The instance of the attribute pair is saved as a record. |
| US07743071B2 |
Efficient data handling representations
Embodiments are provided to use metadata to provide readable and/or writeable regions of a multi-dimensional space. In an embodiment, metadata can be used to define readable and/or writeable regions of a multi-dimensional data store. The various embodiments also use relational and/or multi-dimensional representations to resolve and validate readable and/or writeable regions of a multi-dimensional space. Metadata can also be used to designate a number of writeable and/or readable regions of a relational and/or multi-dimensional representation. |
| US07743069B2 |
Database system providing SQL extensions for automated encryption and decryption of column data
A database system providing SQL extensions for automated encryption and decryption of column data is described. In one embodiment, for example, in a database system, a method is described for providing automated encryption support for column data, the method comprises steps of: defining Structured Query Language (SQL) extensions for creating and managing column encryption keys, and for creating and managing database tables with encrypted column data; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a particular column encryption key; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a database table having particular column data encrypted with the particular column encryption key; and in response to a subsequent database operation that requires the particular column data that has been encrypted, automatically decrypting the particular column data for use by the database operation. |
| US07743068B2 |
Computerized method, system and program product for generating a data mining model
A computerized method, system and program product for generating a data mining model. A user can provide objectives for the model and sample data to train, validate, and test the model. A rules system can automatically select a set of algorithms based on the objectives and/or sample data. A plurality of datasets can also be created from the sample data. Using the datasets, the set of algorithms can be optimized for the particular data on which it is intended to be used. The data mining model can then be generated from the optimized set of algorithms. |
| US07743061B2 |
Document search method with interactively employed distance graphics display
Method for carrying out the text content search of a document database utilizing multi-node nets. The nodes of these nets are associated with interactions and are loaded with initially selected criteria, whereupon a potential or distance function calculation is carried out with respect to each document of the database and those criteria containing nodes. The created nets are displayed with document symbols geometrically located with respect to the nodes and interaction lines in correspondence with the computed potentials to provide for an interactive visual evaluation of the search by the user. Such evaluations then may be employed to refine node contained criteria toward useful rule-based nodes. |
| US07743060B2 |
Architecture for an indexer
Disclosed is a technique for indexing data. For each token in a set of documents, a sort key is generated that includes a document identifier that indicates whether a section of a document associated with the sort key is an anchor text section or a context section, wherein the anchor text section and the context text section have a same document identifier; it is determined whether a data field associated with the token is a fixed width; when the data field is a fixed width, the token is designated as one for which fixed width sort is to be performed; and, when the data field is a variable length, the token is designated as one for which a variable width sort is to be performed. The fixed width sort and the variable width sort are performed. For each document, the sort keys are used to bring together the anchor text section and the context section of that document. |
| US07743056B2 |
Identifying a result responsive to a current location of a client device
A method for identifying a result responsive to a current location of a client device includes receiving, form a client device and at a host, a search query that includes a point of interest and a current location of the client device. The method also includes automatically updating the search query as the current location of the client device changes and instructing the host to identify a potential location associated with the point of interest and located within a user-defined proximity from the current location of the client device. |
| US07743053B2 |
Hybrid database query caching
In one embodiment, a computer system comprises one or more processors, and a memory module communicatively connected to the one or more processors. The memory module comprises logic instructions stored on a computer readable medium which, when executed on the one or more processors configure the one or more processors to receive, in a hybrid caching module, database query, determine whether at least a portion of an existing execution plan stored in a memory module coupled to the hybrid caching module can be reused to implement the database query, reuse at least a portion of an existing execution plan stored in the memory module coupled to the hybrid caching module when possible, and generate a new execution plan when the memory module lacks an existing execution plan adaptable for use with the database query. |
| US07743052B2 |
Method and apparatus for projecting the effect of maintaining an auxiliary database structure for use in executing database queries
A database management system maintains a record of queries which can be executed against the database. For a given auxiliary database structure, an advisory function automatically reviews the query record and identifies those queries which might execute with greater efficiency using the auxiliary database structure, presenting analytical information to the user. Preferably, the auxiliary database structure is an index, and the information is used for determining whether to include the index in the database definition. Preferably, a query optimizer records potentially useful indexes when considering multiple alternative database optimizations, and this information is later retrieved to identify queries which would benefit from an index. |
| US07743049B2 |
Content data retrieval apparatus
The present invention provides a content data retrieval apparatus capable of appropriately narrowing down the range of search targets even in the case where a distribution of attribute values of a group of contents regarded as search targets is uneven.The content data retrieval apparatus of the present invention includes: an impression value database which stores attribute values; a conversion table in which an impression value is associated with a search word range that is a range of the attribute values associated with a search word; a range modification unit which modifies a relative relationship between a distribution range of attribute values and a search word range by modifying the search word range read out from the conversion table; a receiving unit which receives an input of a search word; and a retrieval unit which retrieves content data corresponding to the search word received by the receiving unit, by searching the attribute values included in the search word range associated with the search word. |
| US07743047B2 |
Accounting for behavioral variability in web search
The concept of variability pertains to whether users exhibit consistent search interaction patterns, for example, in terms of interaction flow or information targeted. Methods are provided for analyzing variability, and then adapting search-related functionality (e.g., processes and/or interfaces) to account for variability characteristics, for example, to account for predictable search interaction behavior. |
| US07743046B2 |
Cybernetic search with knowledge maps
A precision information collating device is disclosed. The device comprises means for inputting keywords and key phrases and defining level of traverse for establishing interlinks and interdependencies between keywords and key phrases entered and using previously stored interlinks and interdependencies to form a map. The device facilitates searching for keywords and key phrases and filtering out unwanted results, indexing, rating and posting of the result obtained and means for browsing the result. |
| US07743043B2 |
Address matching system and method
An address matching system that maintains a central database of valid addresses has been designed. According to the invention, address matching requests are received by the system from a plurality of remote users located at respective machines (“clients”). Those requests are processed at the central system, and the results are returned to the client that made the request. In addition, novel techniques are implemented for improving the likelihood of obtaining one or more matches from a request. |
| US07743041B2 |
Data oriented navigation within software applications
Various embodiments as described and illustrated herein provide data oriented navigation within software applications. Some such embodiments include navigations within objects that make the navigations available to other objects. Objects in such embodiments include a representation of a software application data model to determine an object that is responsible for maintaining data. Thus, when an object receives a navigation request based on an item of data, the object receiving the request determines which object is responsible for maintaining the item of data and routes the navigation request to the appropriate object. That object then provides a list of available navigations that are displayed for selection within a user interface. |
| US07743039B2 |
File operations with multiple level file locking techniques
File systems which provide several different and improved locking capabilities. An application on a client workstation communicates through a client driver to a server which interfaces with a metadata database, which contains locking information about the files. Applications perform as normal. The client driver provides lock and unlock requests to the server when a write lock or a read with intent to write lock is required. If only a read lock is considered appropriate, the client driver does not provide a lock request. The server transparently performs read operations and read locking using the metadata database without specific requests from the client driver. When a read with intent to write or write lock is required, the lock ownership is placed with a given expiration time. When the time expires the lock is not automatically released but remains with the particular requesting client driver until another client driver requests it. |
| US07743029B2 |
Log configuration and online deployment services
Methods and apparatuses for configuring logging of a deployment of an enterprise component are described herein. In one embodiment, in response to a request for deploying an enterprise component, a logging configuration process extracts logging configuration information from a logging configuration file associated with the enterprise component and configures the logging for the respective enterprise component being deployed. The logging configuration file is designed exclusively for configuring logging of the enterprise component. Thereafter, the deployment information of the enterprise component is logged based on the extracted logging configuration information when the enterprise component is deployed. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US07743027B2 |
Interaction information processing apparatus and interaction information processing method
To provide an interaction information processing apparatus capable of easily performing addition and deletion of a scenario, and of suitably executing processing contents, even when a plurality of events are simultaneously input. The interaction information processing apparatus includes: a net status table 10 which stores a net status of each net; a processing item table 12 which stores groups of {a processing item, an input net of the processing item, and an output net of the processing item}; processing item execution modules 4-i each of which is provided in correspondence with each processing item, executes processing contents of the processing item, and updates a net status of the output net according to the execution result; selection execution means 13 which successively selects all the processing items in the processing item table 12, and executes the processing item execution module 4-i corresponding to the selected processing item; and status change determination means 14 which, when one of the net statuses in the net status table 12 is changed, makes the selection execution means 13 execute the each processing item execution module 4-i. |
| US07743025B2 |
Network-extensible reconfigurable media appliance
Extensible reconfigurable media appliance for security and entertainment captures images digitally for storage. Digital effects and filters are applied to incoming video stream on-the-fly or to video data stored in memory. Digital effects and filters are dynamically stored, modified, updated or deleted, providing extensible reconfigurable effects studio. Digital media appliance communicates wirelessly with other media appliances, computers, security systems, video storage, email, chat, cellular services or PDAs to provide seamless integration of captured video stream. |
| US07743022B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing data shared among peer computing devices
Disclosed is a data synchronization service for use in a peer-to-peer computing environment. Selected data objects are copied onto selected computing devices. A service running on each device monitors data objects for changes. When a change is detected, the service sends a change notification to the other devices so that they can update their copies of the data object. A user can access a data object from any device, knowing that he will retrieve the latest version of the data object. Instead of incurring the costs of storing a large file on every device, a user “ghosts” the file on some devices. A ghosting device stores only metadata about the file rather than the entire file. The user accesses the file through the ghost: access requests are sent to a device that holds the actual contents, and those contents are presented to the user as if they were stored locally. |
| US07743017B2 |
Sales management system and method thereof
An SFA server stores a customer database. The customer database stores: a customer name and/or staff name of corresponding customer; a business transaction of the customer; detail information representing business activities for achieving the business transaction, a completion scheduled date, and an actual completion date; information for determining whether each maturity stage has been attained; a check flag representing whether a maturity item has been attained, and a strategic scenario showing some plans for the business transaction toward the customer. Each of sales-staff terminal inputs the above data, stores the input data, and displays the detail information of the business activities in chronological order of the scheduled dates in the form of a list. The displayed data can be viewed from a manager terminal as well. An SCM server estimates the demand for products, based on the check flag stored in the customer database. |
| US07743016B2 |
Method and apparatus for data processing and encoding and decoding method, and apparatus therefor
An apparatus for processing a signal and method thereof are disclosed. Data coding and entropy coding are performed with interconnection, and grouping is used to enhance coding efficiency. The present invention includes the steps of obtaining index information and entropy-decoding the index information and identifying a content corresponding to the entropy-decoded index information and selecting entropy table. |
| US07743014B1 |
Forming a compilation
One of several methods comprises selecting one or more parameters based, at least in part, on a ranking of a relative desirability of said one or more specified parameters and selecting a subset of a set of electronic content for use in at least a portion of an electroniccompilation, wherein said subset may be selected based, at least in part, on said one or more parameters. |
| US07743013B2 |
Data partitioning via bucketing bloom filters
Multiple Bloom filters are generated to partition data between first and second disjoint data sets of elements. Each element in the first data set is assigned to a bucket of a first set of buckets, and each element in the second data set is assigned to a bucket of a second set of buckets. A Bloom filter is generated for each bucket of the first set of buckets. The Bloom filter generated for a bucket indicates that each element assigned to that bucket is part of the first data set, and that each element assigned to a corresponding bucket of the second set of buckets is not part of the first data set. Additionally, a Bloom filter corresponding to a subsequently received element can be determined and used to identify whether that subsequently received element is part of the first data set or the second data set. |
| US07743010B2 |
Method and device for encoding a score of semantic and spatial similarity between concepts of an ontology stored in hierarchically numbered trellis form
A method of calculating and encoding a score of semantic and spatial similarity between concepts of an ontology stored in hierarchically numbered trellis form, in which the score (NSSij) is calculated and encoded (1) for each concept (Ci) with respect to a central concept (Cj), taken two-by-two, by convergence relative to their common semantic characteristics respectively by separation according to their distance. The method is applicable to the consultation of ontologies representative of knowledge in the technical or non-technical domain. |
| US07743005B2 |
Diagnosis of abnormal operation modes of a machine utilizing self organizing map
A method and apparatus that detects a multiplicity of normal data sets, each of which includes values of n parameters, for each of the operation modes of an object having a plurality of operation modes. Self-organizing maps are provided for each operation mode using the normal data sets. Abnormal data sets representing virtual abnormal states are created by modifying the values of the n parameters of each of the multiple normal data sets so that as many abnormal data sets as the number of deviation vectors are created for each of the multiple normal data sets. Abnormal operation mode proportion vectors are then created by selecting a self-organizing map from the above noted self-organizing maps which has the highest similarity degree to each of the abnormal data sets. |
| US07743004B2 |
Pulse signal circuit, parallel processing circuit, and pattern recognition system
A pulse signal processing circuit, a parallel processing circuit, and a pattern recognition system including a plurality of arithmetic elements for outputting pulse signals and at least one modulation circuit, synaptic connection element(s), or synaptic connection means for modulating the pulse signals, the modulated pulse signals then being separately or exclusively output to corresponding signal lines. |
| US07743001B1 |
Method and system for dynamic pricing of web services utilization
A method and system for dynamic pricing of web services utilization. According to one embodiment, a method may include dynamically predicting utilization of a web services computing resource that is expected to occur during a given interval of time, and dependent upon the dynamically predicted utilization, setting a price associated with utilization of the web services computing resource occurring during the given interval of time. The method may further include providing the price to a customer. |
| US07743000B2 |
Printer
A printer which provides detailed information on usage of consumables such as paper, ink, toner, etc., aiding in planning print tasks and ordering supplies. The printer also provides information on printer setting usage and print costs. |
| US07742999B2 |
Help center and print center applications
Various disclosed help center features provide help to a user without a staffed help center, provide help to a user before the user recognizes the need, or create targeted commerce opportunities for a provider of goods or services. One help center feature provides a user with help that is specifically related to a component in the user's computer system and that is supplied to the help center feature by the component manufacturer. Another help center feature detects a condition that degrades performance, and hence user satisfaction, and alerts the user. Another help center feature detects an attempt by a computer system to inform the user of degraded performance and offers the user a solution. Another help center feature provides a user with a commerce opportunity specifically related to a component in the user's computer system and/or to the user's geographic location. |
| US07742996B1 |
Computer program, system and method for on-line issuing and verifying a representation of economic value interchangeable for money having identification data and password protection over a computer network
An electronic economic value representation distribution system. The potential user may specify the economic value representation. A password is required to lock in the representation and is stored in the issuer server. Information identifying the representation is linked to the password stored in the database. User can create the said representation by downloading from the issuer computer that may be printed on the user's printer connected to his personal computer. On presentation of the said economic value representation at verifier's terminal connected to issuer server, identifying data is transmitted to issuer server for verification. Upon successfully verifying said identifying information, user is requested to present the password locking the representation. Upon successful authentication of presented and successful reconciling with originating account, verifier is to provide user with services or amount valued by the economic representation. |
| US07742994B1 |
Providing payments automatically in accordance with predefined instructions
Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between computing systems, such as by using an authorization system to automatically authorize financial payments between parties in accordance with previously specified private authorization instructions of at least one of the parties. In some situations, some or all of the payments are associated with commerce-related or other transactions, such as transactions initiated by a consumer via the Web to acquire items from a retailer. The authorization instructions may include predefined instruction sets that regulate conditions under which a potential payment can be authorized, with the instruction sets each associated in some situations with a reference. After one or more parties each supply one or more such references or otherwise indicate one or more such instruction sets for use with a potential payment, the authorization system can determine whether to authorize the payment based on whether the instruction sets are compatible or otherwise satisfied. |
| US07742993B2 |
SCART-card (secure consumer advantaged retail trading)
The present invention is an apparatus for the money transactions required in the selling of merchandise or media content on the Internet and uses at least one in-person contact with the buyer. A predefined transaction originating at a real place of business authorizes access to web content or merchandise from a place off the web. Purchasers (end-users) must physically go to a retail location to choose the Internet media or merchandise shopping cart they wish to acquire where age can be verified if necessary and payment can be made with or without a credit card. Content security using a non-audible or invisible code signal sequence(s) can provide traceability as well as absolute anonymity for the purchaser. This apparatus can be used to conduct transactions off the web so that business can be done on the web. |
| US07742991B2 |
Method & system for managing and preparing documentation for real estate transactions
A method and system for preparing and managing real estate transfers and financing, including a system for preparation, production and storage of relevant documentation and the data contained therein; a system for coordinating, reconciling and transferring funds; and a system of analyzing and tracking the progress of numerous real estate transactions. The invention uses a database to minimize the redundancy involved in the preparation of all documentation needed for real estate closings. Information input into the database is used to generate the documentation necessary to complete real estate transfers, including all forms required by relevant financial institutions and government agencies. Such documentation includes handwritten signatures, which are digitally scanned and incorporated into the documents. Also, ancillary documentation can be scanned into the system and combined with other customer data and documentation. Thus a “closing package” can be compiled which contains electronic versions of virtually any document needed for closing a real estate transaction. Further included are scheduling features for coordinating one or many real estate transactions and management reporting for keeping track of a plurality of real estate transaction. |
| US07742988B2 |
Computerized method and system for adjusting liability estimation factors in an accident liability assessment program
Methods and systems are provided for determining inconsistencies between two or more sets of characteristics relating to an accident. In an embodiment, sets of characteristics relating to an accident may be used to determine liability in the accident. The at least one of the sets of characteristics may be determined from witness statements. The at least one set of characteristics determined from witness statements may be compare to other sets of characteristics determined from witness statements or to other sets of characteristics determined in other ways. The comparison may determine if there are inconsistencies in the sets of characteristics. |
| US07742987B2 |
Using currency to purchase from sellers that do not recognize the currency
Processing transactions involving participants that do not support the same currency generally involves incrementing and decrementing currencies associated with the participants. This allows the participants to participate in transactions where they would not ordinarily be able to do so. A request is received from a first participant to process a transaction using a first currency that is not recognized by a second participant in the transaction. In response to receiving the request from the first participant, an amount of the first currency associated with the first participant is decremented. Also in response to receiving the request from the first participant, an amount of second currency associated with the first participant is incremented. The second participant recognizes the second currency. The transaction is processed using the amount of second currency associated with the first participant. |
| US07742983B2 |
Account settlement method in online shopping
An agent device is connected to a user device for browsing a merchant site, for selling products online and being served up on the Internet, the merchant site, and a server device of a credit-card company. In the case where an instruction of purchasing a product browsed by the user device is output, the instruction is sent to the agent device. The agent device extracts a credit card number of a credit card held by a user having purchased the product, and inquires of the server device of the credit card company whether the product is to be purchased with the credit card. As an inquiry result, in the case where the product can be purchased online with the credit card, the agent device sends an instruction that the user purchases the product online with the credit card. |
| US07742979B2 |
System and method for automated commodities transactions including an automatic hedging function
An integrated virtual market is provided that facilitates communication between the producers of a given commodity and the parties wishing to purchase such commodities. This system provides real-time updated information about local pricing being offered by those purchasers. In addition, those producers can post offers that can automatically be accepted by purchasers and have contracts automatically generated. An important consideration from a purchaser's prospective is minimizing the risk associated with making such transactions. Due to this, futures contracts are often obtained. The virtual market system of the present inventions automatically requests and obtains futures contracts to hedge the contracts being generated. |
| US07742978B2 |
Multi-transaction system and method
A multi-transaction system comprises a transaction module configured to access a set of transaction systems to obtain transaction information to enable procurement of an item. The set of transaction systems includes an automated trading system configured to enable a user to receive the item in a trade for at least one other item associated with the user, and further includes at least one of an auction system configured to enable the user to electronically bid on the item and an online sales system configured to enable the user to purchase the item. A method is provided for performing corresponding functions. |
| US07742974B2 |
Flexible system and method for electronic trading
System, method, and program products offer flexibility to the rather rigid way of trading in an electronic trading system. Orders for a tradeable object may typically get matched according to set terms and/or conditions at an electronic exchange. A trader may log onto the electronic exchange to trade the tradeable object, and may choose to display and trade the tradeable object according to a different set of terms and/or conditions. As such, the market data sent to the trader from the exchange is converted to a format according to the trader's selection, so that it may be presented to the trader in this format. Transaction messages sent to the exchange from the trader are converted to the format readable by the matching process, so that it can process the messages. Other features and advantages are described herein. |
| US07742972B2 |
Enhanced parimutuel wagering
Methods and systems for engaging in enhanced parimutuel wagering and gaming. In one embodiment, different types of bets can be offered and processed in the same betting pool on an underlying event, such as a horse or dog race, a sporting event or a lottery, and the premiums and payouts of these different types of bets can be determined in the same betting pool, by configuring an equivalent combination of fundamental bets for each type of bet, and performing a demand-based valuation of each of the fundamental bets in the equivalent combination. In another embodiment, bettors can place bets in the betting pool with limit odds on the selected outcome of the underlying event. The bets with limit odds are not filled in whole or in part, unless the final odds on the selected outcome of the underlying event are equal to or greater than the limit odds. |
| US07742970B2 |
Restricted party screening
Regulating trade activities comprises receiving information identifying a potential trading party, normalizing at least a portion of the received identifying information to generate a normalized identifier for the potential trading party, comparing the normalized identifier with one or more other normalized identifiers corresponding to parties with whom trade should be restricted, and selectively restricting trading with the potential trading party. |
| US07742968B2 |
Automated decision support system for designing auctions
A computer-implemented automated decision support system for designing an auction for a given item includes a structure extractor that estimates unknown elements of market structure of the auction based on auction characteristics data extracted from historical auctions for similar items and a bidding model matching the extracted auction characteristics data. The decision support system also includes a bidding behavior predictor that predicts bidding behaviors of bidders in the auction based on the estimated unknown elements of market structure and characteristics of the auction. In addition, the system includes an optimizer that employs an evaluation criterion to generate an evaluation of the auction based on (1) the estimated unknown elements of market structure and (2) the predicted bidding behavior of bidders. A method of providing an automated auction analysis is also described. |
| US07742964B2 |
Methods and systems for issuing a convertible financial instrument
A convertible financial instrument for raising capital by an issuing business in compliance with Sharia principles includes a sukuk portion and a conversion portion. The sukuk portion represents a non equity ownership interest in the business. The sukuk portion includes a coupon return paid from at least one of profits and capital gains of the business. The sukuk portion is redeemable at a maturity date at a face value of the sukuk portion. The conversion portion is exercisable upon reaching a conversion date. The conversion portion is exercisable to convert the sukuk portion based on a predetermined formula into a converted financial instrument representing an equity ownership interest in the business. The predetermined formula does not include a conventional premium formula that is based on a time value of money and an interest rate since such a conventional premium formula does not comply with Sharia principles. |
| US07742962B1 |
System and method for coalescing market data at a client device
A client device coalesces data received from an exchange, and provides a client application such as a graphical user interface with the opportunity to process fewer, but up-to-date, data updates from an exchange when a large volume of prices becomes available. Accordingly, the trader can be assured of receiving updated information that are fed to the client applications at a rate that is cohesive with that client device's processing speed. |
| US07742959B2 |
Filtering of high frequency time series data
The present invention is a method and apparatus for filtering high frequency time series data using a variety of techniques implemented on a computer. The techniques are directed to detecting and eliminating data errors such as the decimal error, monotonic series of quotes, long series of repeated quotes, scaling changes, and domain errors. Further, by means of comparison with nearby quotes in the time series, the techniques are also able to evaluate the credibility of the quotes. |
| US07742958B1 |
System and method for preparing a tax return using electronically distributed tax return data
The present invention is a system and method for preparing a tax return using electronically distributed tax return data. Electronically distributed tax return data (such as W-2 data or 1099 data) that is stored at a third party's computer system for a taxpayer is accessed to prepare the tax return. The location of the electronically distributed tax return data is provided to a tax preparer that accesses the electronic data and prepares the tax return. The taxpayer provides authorization for the tax preparer to access the electronically distributed tax return data stored at the third party system. After the current tax year, the tax preparer checks the availability of the electronically distributed tax return data. When the electronically distributed tax return data is determined to be available, the tax preparer accesses it and prepares the tax return. |
| US07742954B1 |
Method and system for an enhanced portal for services suppliers
A system and method for providing an enhanced, automated qualifying process that can do an automated or partially automated evaluation of new supplier and provide different levels of certification as a result. In another embodiment, the system and method can supply a collaboration toolkit for the supplier to interact in an automated way with the service supplier and its customers. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the support functions in the portal may be used to simplify or automate interactions, in particular with small, independent contractors that do not have a large in-house Information Technology department. |
| US07742951B2 |
Method of demonstrating a household appliance
A method of enabling adaptable demonstrations of a household appliance comprising providing consumer-specific updates to a demonstration software at a location remote from an appliance and downloading the consumer-specific updates to the appliance over an information network in response to a determined characteristic of the consumer or enabling a video conference over multimedia interface during the demonstration. |
| US07742950B2 |
System and method for providing for out-of-home advertising utilizing a satellite network
A system and method for distributing content for a broadcaster on a communications network. The system may include a database operable to maintain the content for the broadcaster, the broadcaster being a subscriber for use of at least one visual appliance. A user interface may be in communication with the database and be operable (i) to provide a self-servicing scheduler for the broadcaster to form a playlist of the content and (ii) to distribute the playlist and associated scheduled content across the communications network. A server may be operable to receive the playlist and scheduled content associated therewith via the communications network. A visual appliance may be in communication with the server and be operable to receive and display the scheduled content. |
| US07742944B2 |
Method for selecting relevant campaign messages for transmission to recipients
The present invention is directed to automating the sending of campaign messages in computing environments. Campaign scores are determined for messaging campaigns and eligible recipients are assigned to campaigns with a higher score. More specifically, eligible recipients are assigned to a particular messaging campaign if the campaign is the “best” campaign for each eligible recipient based on the campaign score. Additionally, a portion of the eligible recipients are reserved as a control group for each campaign. After campaign messages have been sent out to assigned recipients, the behavior of the recipients who received campaign messages and the behavior of the control group members are differentiated to update the campaign's score. Continually updating campaign scores makes it possible to continually update which campaign is best for a particular recipient. |
| US07742943B2 |
Method and system for issuing, aggregating and redeeming merchant loyalty points with an acquiring bank
A loyalty reward point system that utilizes the pre-existing infrastructure of network such as a credit card network. A user makes a purchase at a merchant using a token such as a credit card. As part of the purchase transaction, the user is awarded reward points from the merchant based on the purchase, which are stored in an account associated with the merchant and the user by the acquiring bank. The reward account is maintained on the acquiring bank server on behalf of the merchant and the user, and the number of reward points in the user's account for that merchant is increased accordingly. The user may redeem the reward points earned from the transaction with the merchant at a later time, or may redeem the points with another merchant in the same marketing cluster, or may aggregate those reward points with those of other merchants into a reward point exchange account, and then redeem the aggregated reward points for goods or services from any approved merchant on the network, depending on the configuration of the system. |
| US07742941B2 |
Toll road toll paying method and apparatus using a portable terminal, and a storage medium thereof
A particular application is invoked in a cellular phone (an arbitrary one of a plurality of cellular phones if they exist) of a person who is riding in an automobile prior to the passage of a gate at an entry/exit of a toll road. The cellular phone in which the application is invoked transmits a particular signal (a signal including the information expressing the intention to use the turnpike) different from a normal cellular phone signal when passing through a gate. Data of the particular signal is transferred to a server via the gate. Information about the user, information about the gate at the entry/exit, etc. are recorded, and a turnpike (toll road) toll is charged based on these information. The turnpike toll can be split and paid by a plurality of persons. A user and a split toll payer must be persons who are pre-registered to the server. |
| US07742940B1 |
Method and system for predicting revenue based on historical pattern indentification and modeling
A method and system is used to predict a behavioral value for a forecast period based on historical pattern identification and modeling. A set of training periods is compiled, and for each of the training periods, a generalized percentage function of the behavioral values is defined and computed. The training periods and their corresponding generalized percentage functions are further normalized and generalized, respectively, so that all training periods have the same length as the forecast period. A prediction time series is computed from the generalized percentage functions. The prediction time series is used to forecast a set of values in the forecast period based on a current behavior value. In one example, the behavior values are revenue and calculated over monthly training and forecast periods. |
| US07742936B2 |
Computerized method and system of assessing liability for an accident using impact groups
Methods and systems are provided for estimating liability in an accident. In one embodiment, liability estimation in a vehicle accident may be based on a plurality of characteristics that describe the accident. These characteristics may include: the configuration of the roadway, the type of accident, right of way, and impact points of each vehicle. In an embodiment, impact points may be grouped into impact groups. A base liability may be assigned to each impact group. The characteristics from an actual accident may be compared to those in a past or theoretical accident. Liability may be estimated from a preassigned liability associated with a nearest matching past or theoretical accident. The liability estimate may include a base liability and one or more adjustments due to various factors. |
| US07742933B1 |
Method and system for maintaining HIPAA patient privacy requirements during auditing of electronic patient medical records
A method and system for permitting a government agency or a medical research Institution to retain an independent Audit Agency to periodically audit a clinical trial testing the effect of experimental drugs on patients, being conducted by the Institution, to insure the audit conducted is in compliance with the privacy requirements of HIPAA. Prior to the audit, the Institution assembles individual electronic patient records relative to the clinical trial into an XML file in a discrete database, wherein each patient record has all personal information deleted, and such record is identified by a unique number or code assigned by the Institution. In turn, remote from the Institution, the Audit Agency transforms an appropriate search and indexing engine by adding to it libraries of text names, and synonyms, and constructs application programs containing the associated Protocol requirements and rules. The Audit Agency sends the transformed Search Engine to the Institution via the Internet or on CD's. The Institution runs the Search Engine against their database to produce a Compliance Report detailing all discrepancies found relative the Protocol course of medical treatment for each patient in the clinical trial, and sends the report to the Audit Agency. The Audit Agency processes the report to provide an Audit Report to Institution requesting comments, and if necessary, a corrective action plan. |
| US07742932B2 |
Hyper-fractionation of transmission history for medical diagnostic software
The difficulties in incorporating transmission history into medical diagnostic software are non-obvious. These are addressed here with systems and methods for hyper-fractionation of transmission history in a way that allows the full power of this information to be used in medical diagnostic software. |
| US07742928B2 |
System for resolving distressed shipments
A cooperative system and an associated method are provided for resolving a distressed shipment during transport by a carrier, where the distressed shipment includes one or more parcels rendered temporarily undeliverable by an exception event while in transit from a shipper to a consignee. The inventive method involves the shipper in the task of contacting the consignee for the additional information necessary to resolve the shipment. The system creates a cooperative of participating shippers and carriers, working together to complete a shipment and thereby avoid the delay and expense associated with a premature or unnecessary return. |
| US07742924B2 |
System and method for updating information for various dialog modalities in a dialog scenario according to a semantic context
The present invention provides a dialog system, a dialog execution method and a computer program which are capable of easily updating input information and output information of a dialog scenario and easily changing a plurality of modalities by using a general-purpose dialog scenario. In a dialog system that receives information from outside, controls the pursuit of dialog along the stored dialog scenario and outputs information along the dialog scenario to the outside, a dialog scenario written by using information for identifying the meaning of words/phrases used in the input information and the output information is stored, one or a plurality of words/phrases are stored in association with information for identifying the meaning of words/phrases, input information is analyzed, a corresponding word/phrase is extracted based on the derived information for identifying the meaning of words/phrases, and output information along a dialog scenario stored, based on the extracted word/phrase is outputted. |
| US07742923B2 |
Graphic user interface schemes for supporting speech recognition input systems
A numbering scheme is disclosed for implementation in the context of an application display. A user is able to select an item on the display by speaking a number corresponding to a desired control item. In some cases, the screen can include so many numbers that the user loses context and is unable to identify which number they want to select. For this reason, in one embodiment, a temporal switching mechanism is implemented wherein periodic switches (e.g., second-long intervals) occur between showing numbered items and showing a non-numbered screen. In one embodiment, an optional secondary confirmation step is implemented wherein the user sees only the item they just selected and has the chance to (a) learn the programmatic name of the item they selected and/or (b) either confirm and proceed with their selection, or cancel. In one embodiment, the optional secondary confirmation step is omitted if the user speaks a number followed by a predetermined command word. |
| US07742921B1 |
System and method for correcting errors when generating a TTS voice
Disclosed herein are various innovations associated with a toolkit used for generating a TTS voice for use in a spoken dialog system. The inventions in each case may be in the form of the system, a computer-readable medium or a method for generating the TTS voice. An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of enabling human workers to find errors when developing a text-to-speech (TTS) voice. The method comprises presenting a graphical user interface wherein after a first pass of automatic speech recognition (ASR) of a speech corpus is complete, the interface presents to a worker a graphical representation of an alignment of the ASR results, associated words and phonemes and the audio, receiving a graphical input from the worker associated with a selection of a word or phoneme and presenting the audio associated with the selected word or phoneme. |
| US07742918B1 |
Active learning for spoken language understanding
Disclosed is a system and method of training a spoken language understanding module. Such a module may be utilized in a spoken dialog system. The method of training a spoken language understanding module comprises training acoustic and language models using a small set of transcribed data St, recognizing utterances in a set Su that are candidates for transcription using the acoustic and language models, computing confidence scores of the utterances, selecting k utterances that have the smallest confidence scores from Su and transcribing them into a new set Si, redefining St as the union of St and Si, redefining Su as Su minus Si, and returning to the step of training acoustic and language models if word accuracy has not converged. |
| US07742917B2 |
Method and apparatus for speech encoding by evaluating a noise level based on pitch information
A high quality speech is reproduced with a small data amount in speech coding and decoding for performing compression coding and decoding of a speech signal to a digital signal. In speech coding method according to a code-excited linear prediction (CELP) speech coding, a noise level of a speech in a concerning coding period is evaluated by using a code or coding result of at least one of spectrum information, power information, and pitch information, and various excitation codebooks are used based on an evaluation result. |
| US07742913B2 |
Removing time delays in signal paths
The disclosed embodiments include systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable mediums for compensating one or more signals and/or one or more parameters for time delays in one or more signal processing paths. |
| US07742911B2 |
Apparatus and method for spoken language understanding by using semantic role labeling
An apparatus and a method are provided for using semantic role labeling for spoken language understanding. A received utterance semantically parsed by semantic role labeling. A predicate or at least one argument is extracted from the semantically parsed utterance. An intent is estimated based on the predicate or the at least one argument. In another aspect, a method is provided for training a spoken language dialog system that uses semantic role labeling. An expert is provided with a group of predicate/argument pairs. Ones of the predicate/argument pairs are selected as intents. Ones of the arguments are selected as named entities. Mappings from the arguments to frame slots are designed. |
| US07742909B2 |
Reconstruction of data from simulation models
Systems and media for reconstructing data from simulation models are disclosed. Embodiments may include a media containing instructions for accessing an alias from an alias file. The media may include instructions for searching for a net name and, if the net name is not found, searching an alias index file for an alias index entry associated with the net name, the alias index entry having a net name and an associated position. The instructions may also include, if the net name entry is found, instructions for accessing from an alias file an alias associated with the net name. A further embodiment may include instructions for receiving a net name and a position of an alias in the alias file, creating an alias index entry for the alias having a net name and the position of the alias, and storing the created alias index entry in the alias index file. |
| US07742908B2 |
Method for simulating an electrical circuit by synthesis of a physical model, device for simulating an electrical circuit, in particular a musical instrument obtained with that method
Method for simulation of an electrical circuit by synthesis of a physical model, using digital wave structures including the following steps: within the framework of digital wave structure, consider a serial and parallel adapter block with at least three ports of which one adapted; represent said electrical circuit connecting the elements together by means of a plurality of said adapter blocks; connect each adapter block to the adapted port of the previous adapter block; consider the plurality of said adapter blocks as nodes of a binary tree and said elements of said electrical circuit as leaves of said binary tree; apply an element of the aforesaid electrical circuit to the adapted port of the root node; consider, for each port, an incident wave and a reflected wave; starting from the lower leaves of the tree and moving towards the root, calculate each reflected wave; assess the reflected wave of the element connected to the adapted port of the root; starting from the root and moving towards the lower leaves of the tree, calculate each incident wave; update the status of any dynamic elements present in the leaves. |
| US07742904B2 |
Method and system for gas turbine engine simulation using adaptive Kalman filter
A method for simulating a gas turbine including the steps of: sensing values of a plurality of first operating parameters of an actual gas turbine; applying the sensed values of the first operating parameters to a model of the gas turbine, wherein the model generates a plurality of predicted second operating parameters; determining difference values between the predicted second operating parameters and corresponding sensed second operating parameters of the actual gas turbine; modifying the difference values based on tuning factors generated by a Kalman filter gain matrix during operation of the gas turbine, and using the adjusted difference values to adjust the model of the gas turbine. The method may further comprise generating the tuning factors by applying to the model the sensed values of the plurality of first operating parameters and perturbated values of the adjusted different values to determine optimal tuning factors. |
| US07742901B2 |
Method and system for virtual object generation
An object model of a first type such as an avatar is analyzed, and an object model of a second type, such as a clothing model, is generated. The object model of the first type is analyzed by comparing it to a set of pre-defined object models of the same type and deriving a set of weight values which when used as coefficients in a summation of the predefined object models result in an approximation to the input object model. The derived set of weight values can then be used to sum together a set of predefined object models of a second type to give a new predefined object model of a second type which corresponds to the input object model of the first type. Preferably, the input object model is a user avatar, and the output object model is a virtual item of clothing. The user avatar may then be displayed to a user ‘wearing’ the generated item of clothing. |
| US07742900B1 |
Compression and compressed inversion of interaction data
A compression technique compresses interaction data. A fast method processes the compressed data without the need to first decompress the data. In one embodiment, the compression technique is used to compress data in an interaction matrix. The interaction matrix (such as a moment method impedance matrix) contains interaction data between sources (e.g., basis functions or expansion functions) and testers (e.g., testing functions). The sources are collected into groups of sources according to specified criteria. One useful criteria is based on grouping sources relatively close to one another. For each group of sources, a composite source is calculated. The testers are also collected into groups and composite testers are calculated. The use of composite sources and composite testers to compute couplings when the source and tester are not close to each other allows the interaction matrix to be computed as a sparse matrix with a block format. |
| US07742898B2 |
Method for treating a defective device in a vehicle communications network
A method for handling a faulty device in a vehicle communication network is provided, which is used to identify devices that are either faulty, were removed from the vehicle communication network or were switched off, and to automatically initiate a fault-remedying measure. An expanded, device-specific driver having diagnostic functions is loaded by another device of the network to send a test signal to the faulty device. Either the faulty device is restarted or the faulty device is switched off depending on the reaction to the test signal. If a device is removed from the network, this is indicated in a database. A bus manager will inform other devices connected to the network that this device was removed from the network. Due to a classification of the individual devices connected to the network, not every device is able to perform the fault handling, but rather only suitably classified devices. Misuse is thereby prevented. |
| US07742892B2 |
Calibrating an optical FMCW backscattering measurement system
The object of the invention is to provide a method of calibrating an optical FMCW backscattering measurement system that improves the precision of the measurement. The problem is solved by a method comprising the steps of A. Converting said received sensor signal to a complex received electrical signal as a function of said modulation frequency fm, said complex received electrical signal being represented by a magnitude part and a phase angle part as a function of said modulation frequency fm; B. Performing a transformation of said received electrical signal to provide a backscattering signal as a function of location between said first and second ends of said sensor and beyond said second end; C. From said backscattering signal as a function of location determining characteristics of a curve representative of said backscattering signal beyond said second end; D. Correcting said magnitude part of said received electrical signal and said phase angle part of said received electrical signal in a predetermined dependence of said curve; and E. Repeating step B) on the basis of the corrected received electrical signal. |
| US07742891B2 |
System for compensating for creep and hysteresis in a load cell
A method of compensating for hysteresis in a load cell, by: (a) pre-calibrating a load cell by: measuring load cell deflection under progressively increasing loads; determining a first set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively increasing loads; measuring load cell deflection under progressively decreasing loads; determining a second set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively decreasing loads; and then (b) compensating for hysteresis in the load cell, by: selecting the first set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively increasing, or selecting the second set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively decreasing; and applying a formula using the selected first or second set of coefficients to the measured load cell deflection at the particular load, thereby determining an accurate load cell deflection, and thus compensating for hysteresis in the load cell. |
| US07742884B2 |
Sampling frequency control method and protective relay
A sampling frequency control method includes a difference calculating step ST1 of calculating the difference between sampled values obtained through sampling of an AC quantity of electricity of a power system at time points that are separated by a prescribed time period of the AC quantity of electricity; an effective value calculating step ST2 of calculating an effective value of the AC quantity of electricity and an effective value of the difference; a ratio calculating step ST3 of calculating the ratio K of the effective value of the difference to the effective value of the AC quantity of electricity; and a control step of controlling the sampling frequency by controlling the sampling period on the basis of the calculated ratio K so that it follows the frequency of the AC quantity of electricity. |
| US07742882B2 |
Method for determination of mean engine torque
A method for producing a value T being representative of the mean engine torque generated on a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes the steps of producing a speed vector including values being representative of instantaneous speeds of the engine during a sampling period, determining a mean engine speed n during said sampling period from the speed vector, determining a value Px, being representative of the frequency contribution of the speed vector at the frequency x*n, where x is a pre-selected order, and producing a value T being representative of the mean engine torque on the crankshaft during said sampling period, wherein T is derived from a mathematical expression including a polynomial having at least a term k*n*Px, where k is a polynomial constant. A device for producing a value T is also disclosed. |
| US07742881B2 |
System and method for detection of rotor eccentricity baseline shift
A method to determine eccentricity of a rotor in a turbine including: collecting sensor data of rotor eccentricity for a plurality of startup operations; establishing a baseline eccentricity value using the sensor data corresponding to a selected startup operation; determining an eccentricity value using the filtered sensor data for each of a plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation; determining a rotor eccentricity difference between the baseline eccentricity value and each of the eccentricity values for the plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation, and reporting a rotor eccentricity condition based on the rotor eccentricity difference. |
| US07742875B2 |
Method for geologic modeling through hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids)
The present invention is a method of hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids) for creating geologic models of subsurface volumes, such as reservoirs. Vertical grid surfaces may be chosen in an unstructured fashion to provide lateral resolution where needed. Lateral grid surfaces are created to represent surfaces of constant geologic time based on simulation of the depositional processes that created the subsurface volume. The values of geologic properties are then specified within each cell created by the intersections of the vertical and lateral surfaces. The geologic data may include, for example, seismic data, outcrop studies, well log data, core data, numerical modeling data, and interpreted stratigraphic surfaces based on seismic data. The modeled geologic properties of the subsurface volume may include, for example, grain size distribution, connectivity, net-to-gross, porosity, permeability and pore pressure. |
| US07742874B1 |
Controllable external to internal antenna switching algorithm and circuit for position reporting device
A method for configuring an electronic device comprising: (A) substantially continuously detecting motion of the electronic device using an initiating device disposed within the electronic device, the electronic device further comprising a position determining component, and a wireless communications component; (B) substantially continuously receiving at least one external radio signal by using an initially selected antenna of the position determining component; (C) if reception of at least one external radio signal is not optimized, using the antenna/power supply switch to switch radio signal path between the initially selected antenna and a subsequently selected antenna to optimize the reception of at least one external radio signal; and (D) using the wireless communications component to transmit the current status of the external/internal antenna to the position tracking station. |
| US07742873B2 |
Navigation system
A navigation guidance system is provided which provides direction information from a remote server to a mobile user unit for guiding user to a desired destination. The navigation guidance system maintains time-related models for traffic speeds expected on road segments of a road database. By maintaining such time-related models, the system can more accurately provide the user with road guidance instructions to arrive at a chosen destination by a given time. The system can also provide more accurate route guidance information to a destination over different routes, even during rush hour or at off peak times. These time related models can be changed as a result of changing traffic patterns or as a result of an incident on a road segment. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the system continuously monitors each calculated route and advise the users of alternative routes or of updated departure or arrival times as appropriate. |
| US07742869B2 |
Late intake valve closing to improve cold startability for spark-ignition direct-injection (SIDI) engines
An engine control system includes a cam phaser that introduces a cam phase angle θ between a camshaft intake lobe and an associated crankshaft. An engine control module communicates with the cam phaser to introduce the cam phase angle θ while an engine is being started. The cam phase angle θ is selected such that the camshaft intake lobe opens an intake valve during at least a portion of a compression stroke of a cylinder that is associated with the camshaft intake lobe. |
| US07742863B2 |
Method and device for controlling a work function of a vehicle and a work vehicle comprising the control device
A method for controlling the gears of a vehicle that has an automatic transmission that is arranged to change gear according to a plurality of gear modes that differ in that changing to a higher gear is carried out at different minimum engine speeds or, if the changing is carried out steplessly, with different degrees of gearing, with the transmission having a forward gear position for driving the vehicle forwards and a reverse gear position for driving the vehicle backwards, comprising detection of an operating parameter and, in response to this production of a parameter signal for a control unit, selection, that is carried out by the control unit, of one of the gear modes on the basis of the parameter signal's value. The parameter signal represents the total distance that the vehicle has been driven during an individual sequence with at least one of the forward gear position and the reverse gear position. |
| US07742862B2 |
Method and system for estimating an agricultural management parameter
A system and method for estimating agricultural parameters for growing crops is well suited for promoting efficient utilization of agricultural inputs (e.g., water consumption). Sensors collect data via one or more vehicles equipped with location-determining receivers. A transmitter transmits the collected environmental data to a data processing system. The data processing system applies the collected environmental data to an agronomic model for determining an agricultural management parameter. A prescription is made available for application of an agricultural input (e.g., water) to a crop in a particular location consistent with the collected environmental data and the agronomic model. |
| US07742861B2 |
System of wireless electronic devices for construction equipment and maintenance system thereof
A system of wireless electronic devices for construction equipment and a maintenance system thereof are disclosed, in which various information used in an input and output unit, like modules of a construction work vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator, etc., are transmitted and received based on a wireless method, so that the use of wires can be significantly decreased. The wireless electronic system of a construction machine comprises at least one control panel which transmits a wireless signal for controlling each part of a construction machine in accordance with an operator's control; a main control device which receives a wireless signal from the control panel and transmits a wireless control signal for controlling a corresponding device; at least one auxiliary control device which performs input and output control, operation control, error detection, automatic control, etc. of each part of a construction machine in accordance with a wireless control signal from the main control device; and an internal wireless network which is constructed by the main control device for wireless data communication between the control panel, the main control device and the auxiliary control device. |
| US07742852B1 |
Control system for an all-wheel drive electric vehicle
A method and apparatus for optimizing the torque applied to the primary and assist drive systems of an all-electric vehicle is provided, the torque adjustments taking into account wheel slip as well as other vehicular operating conditions. |
| US07742848B2 |
System and method for computing rail car switching solutions in a switchyard including logic to re-switch cars for block pull time
A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars. |
| US07742847B2 |
Method and system for context sensitive aircraft navigation
A method and system for context sensitive navigation of an aircraft is provided. The method comprises obtaining data for use at takeoff, enroute, or at a destination, and interpreting the data to infer conditions during takeoff, enroute, or at the destination. One or more viable flight plans are determined based on the conditions during takeoff, enroute, or at the destination. The one or more viable flight plans are then presented to a pilot for optional selection. When there is more than one viable flight plan, a prioritized selectable list of flight plans is presented to the pilot. |
| US07742838B2 |
Process and device for controlling the robotal device
A process is provided for controlling a robotal device, such as a multiaxial industrial robot, by a control unit, with a control core for executing control processes for the robotal device. An interface function checks whether models and/or procedures optionally contained in the control core or additional models and/or transformation procedures and/or special algorithms of kinematic structures, which can be preset at the interface are used as model modules for motion-relevant variables of the robotal device. Special and third-party kinematics can thus also be operated with a control device suitable for executing the process without the control itself having to be modified. |
| US07742829B2 |
Electrode arrangement for applying electrical signals to the skin of an animal
An electrode arrangement for applying electrical signals to skin of an animal comprising a flexible electrically non-conductive substrate, at least one electrode provided on a first surface of the substrate for applying electrical signals to the skin when placed on the skin, at least one connector connected to a respective electrode for providing electrical signals to the respective electrode and an electrically non-conductive sealing arrangement connected to the substrate for sealing the substrate and the skin to prevent ingress of moisture to the at least one electrode and to the at least one connector at the connection to the respective electrode. The or each electrode comprises a plurality of spaced electrically conductive elements to allow flexion of the electrode arrangement and electrically conductive material between the plurality of spaced electrically conductive elements to form a two-dimensional electrically conductive path across at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate. |
| US07742828B2 |
Medical electrode suitable for high-energy stimulation
A medical electrode, and a method of making a medical electrode. The electrode comprises an electrode member having a top face and a bottom face; disconnected regions of electrically conductive material in electrical contact with the top face of the electrode member, patient contacting layer and an electrical connector in electrical contact with the disconnected regions. The disconnected regions reduce patient skin irritation and burning while optimizing electrical impedance of the electrode. |
| US07742824B2 |
Medical electrode mounting
A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier. |
| US07742822B2 |
Channel selection and mapping for medical device communication
Embodiments of the invention include channel selection and mapping for medical device communication. The communication system can implement a two-stage listen before talk protocol to choose a channel for communication. The first stage samples the interference of each channel for a relatively short time and chooses the best signal. The second stage samples the channel selected by the first stage and samples it for a relatively longer time to confirm the channel selected by the first stage is the best channel for communication. |
| US07742821B1 |
Remote control for implantable medical device
A system and method for modifying the parameters of an implantable medical device includes an implantable medical device that communicates with a remote control device that, in turn, communicates through the browser of a computer or any other device capable of using mark-up language protocol. The computer optionally communicates with other computers and/or devices through a network. |
| US07742819B2 |
System and method for uniformly displacing a region of neural stimulation
A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of operating the system is provided. An array of electrodes is placed contact with tissue of a patient (e.g., neural tissue), and electrical current is conveyed within the electrode array, thereby creating a stimulation region in the tissue. Electrical current is shifted between cathodes of the electrode array in incremental steps over a range, thereby causing displacement of the stimulation region at substantially uniform distances over the incremental steps. The electrical current may be shifted between the cathodes in accordance with a sigmoid-like function of a position of the stimulation region. A navigation table containing a series of states and corresponding gradually and non-uniformly changing electrical current values can be accessed, in which case, the electrical current may be shifted between the cathodes by incrementing through the states of the navigation table. |
| US07742816B2 |
Multichannel communication for implantable medical device applications
An implantable medical device (“IMD”) as described herein is configured to support concurrent multichannel data communication with one or more other devices within a body area network corresponding to a patient. The IMD, and possibly other devices within the body area network, can support the multichannel communication with any number of additional IMDs implanted within the body of the same patient. Moreover, one or more of the concurrent data communication channels may be a full-duplex channel. Example embodiments can be flexibly configured to support different data communication protocols and/or different modulation schemes as needed to suit the particular application or operating environment. |
| US07742815B2 |
Using implanted sensors for feedback control of implanted medical devices
A system and method for administering a therapeutic treatment to the heart, includes a pressure sensor positioned in the pulmonary artery, an implantable medical device located remotely from the sensor, and communication means for communicating pressure data from the pressure sensor to the implantable medical device. The system includes a control module operatively coupled to the implantable medical device. The control module is adapted for comparing the pulmonary arterial pressure data to a pre-programmed value, adjusting an operating parameter of the implantable medical device based on the relationship of the pulmonary arterial pressure to the pre-programmed value, and repeating this process until the relationship between the pulmonary arterial pressure data and the pre-programmed value is such that no adjustment is necessary. |
| US07742811B2 |
Implantable device and method for the electrical treatment of cancer
An implantable electrical method and apparatus for the treatment of cancer tumors based on the usage of various levels of electrical fields and current to assist in specific ways to reduce tumor size. The appropriate voltage, currents, and time duration as well as the usage of adjunctive pharmacological therapy are taught. |
| US07742805B2 |
Optical catheter with dual-stage beam redirector
A catheter includes separate first and second optical channels extending between proximal and distal portion thereof. First and second beam redirectors in optical communication with the respective first and second optical channels each have on-axis stage and an off-axis stage. |
| US07742802B2 |
System for determining a position of a point on an object
A system and method are disclosed for determining a global position of an anatomical structure. The system utilizes a surgical navigation system and a substrate that is capable of being removably mounted to an outer surface of a user's body. The substrate includes a positional device and a sensor that is tracked by the surgical navigation system. A finger mounted structure capable of communicating with the positional device is also provided. The concatenation of a position of the sensor and a position of the finger mounted structure allows a global position of a point on the anatomical structure to be determined by a computer system. |
| US07742800B2 |
Methods and systems for detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases using magnetic resonance spectroscopy
A method for increasing sensitivity and/or specificity of a magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging technique for detecting a neurodegenerative disease is provided. The method includes acquiring magnetic resonance spectroscopy data from the brain of a subject, while suppressing certain metabolites in the spectrum via a data acquisition protocol, to improve quantification accuracy for the remaining metabolites, and quantifying a metabolite concentration or a metabolite concentration ratio from the spectral data as an indicator of the neurodegenerative disease. |
| US07742794B2 |
Probe adapted to be used with pulse oximeter
A probe adapted to be used with a pulse oximeter is disclosed. A flexible first housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a nail of a finger or a toe of a subject. A flexible second housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a top of the finger or the toe. A flexible connecting part connects the first housing and the second housing, and is adapted to cover a tip end of the nail. A light emitting element is provided on one of the first housing and the second housing. A light receiving element is provided on the other one of the first housing and the second housing. |
| US07742789B1 |
Mobile telephone
A mobile telephone using a LCD for the display thereof wherein the address data bus connected to the CPU comprises two separate data buses; the one exclusively provided for the LCD, and the other one for the parts other than the LCD, and in the case of accesses other than access to the LCD, the LCD exclusive address data bus is not actuated. |
| US07742788B2 |
Method and apparatus for using switched multibeam antennas in a multiple access communication system
In order to increase a capacity, or a number of mobile stations (MSs), or users, that may engaged in concurrent communication sessions, a communication system is provided that schedules a different MS, or user, in each beam of multiple predetermined, fixed beams associated with a coverage area, in particular a sector. By simultaneously scheduling a user in each beam of the multiple beams, a performance and throughput of communication system is significantly increased over the prior art. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of a shared communication channel that is allocated to each MS is concurrently transmitted to each MS via a beam associated with the MS. In other embodiments of the present invention, voice channels, data channels, and control channels associated with each MS scheduled in a beam may be concurrently transmitted to each MS via the beam associated with the MS. |
| US07742787B2 |
Wireless data communication card with compact antenna
A wireless data communication card configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention includes a low profile antenna arrangement that does not protrude from the housing of the computing device when the wireless data communication card is inserted into the housing. The low profile design is achieved without compromising the radio frequency (“RF”) characteristics and performance of the wireless data communication card by tuning the antenna arrangement to account for conductive ground structure located within the housing of the computing device. In accordance with one practical embodiment of the invention, the wireless data communication card is compliant with IEEE Standard 802.11(b) and compliant with PCMCIA specifications. |
| US07742784B2 |
Wireless communication system, a wireless communication apparatus, a wireless communication method, and a computer program
A wireless communication system of the invention comprises a plurality of communication stations decentralized-autonomously construct a network without having a relation between a control station and a station to be controlled under a communication circumstance where a plurality of channels are prepared. In this case, each of the communication stations prepares a plurality of operation modes for activating transmitting and receiving operations, informs the own operation mode, and receives information regarding operation modes of peripheral stations to manage its operation mode of each of the peripheral stations. |
| US07742783B2 |
Symmetric softkeys on a mobile electronic device
A mobile electronic device is provided having a display with a display centerpoint; a first softkey and a second softkey, each substantially equidistant from the display centerpoint; and a third softkey and a fourth softkey, each substantially equidistant from the display centerpoint, wherein the first softkey and the third softkey are positioned on opposite sides of the display and on a first axis that passes through the display centerpoint, and wherein the second softkey and the fourth softkey are positioned on opposite sides of the display and on a second axis that passes through the display centerpoint. |
| US07742782B2 |
Device and method for processing system-related events in a portable terminal
Provided is a device and a method for processing system-related events generated in a portable terminal. The method includes the steps of storing system-related events generated in the portable terminal, confirming specialists set in advance so that the system-related events can be processed by the specialists respectively, calling the confirmed specialists and processing the system-related events, and displaying the processing results set in advance with respect to the specialists with a text/avatar, according to the processing results which are processed by the specialists. |
| US07742780B2 |
Method and computer-readable medium for performing predictive name completion, categorizing call logs and accessing dispatch ID numbers in a database for dispatch dialers
A method and computer-readable medium for performing predictive name completion, categorizing call lists and accessing dispatch ID numbers in a database for dispatch dialers is provided. The method for performing predictive name completion includes recognizing a portion of a dispatch ID input by a user; determining a name associated with a dispatch ID, based on the portion of the dispatch ID input by the user, and displaying the name. The method for categorizing call lists includes determining a type of each of a plurality of the dispatch calls; and placing each of the plurality of dispatch calls in one of a plurality of categorized lists, based on the type of each of the plurality of dispatch calls. The method for accessing dispatch ID numbers in a database includes establishing a mirror database including the dispatch ID numbers; and searching the mirror database for particular dispatch ID numbers. |
| US07742777B2 |
Dynamic upstream attenuation for ingress noise reduction
A dynamic arrangement for reducing the presence of ingress noise in the upstream signal path of a two-way cable system utilizes a variable attenuation element and amplifier disposed along the upstream signal path. The amplifier includes a bypass switch so that the amplifier may be switched in to or out of the upstream path. A signal processor associated with the communications gateway functions to calculate the upstream loss present at the gateway and control the operation of the attenuation element, amplifier and bypass switch accordingly. Upstream attenuation is selected to be as large as possible, yet still allow in-building cable devices to communicate with their associated head end (HE) receiver equipment, after accounting for maximum transmit limitations. |
| US07742772B2 |
Determining relative elevation using GPS and ranging
A system and method are disclosed for determining a position of a wireless communication device. A method includes determining a respective (x,y) position of two wireless communication devices, determining a distance between the two wireless communication devices, and determining a relative elevational differential between the two wireless communication devices. The relative elevational differential is determined based on the determined (x,y) positions of the two wireless communication devices and the determined distance between the first and second wireless communication devices. The (x,y) positions may be determined using GPS receivers incorporated in the wireless communication devices. Determining the distance between the devices may be accomplished using RF ranging. The relative elevational differential may be derived using the Pythagorean theorem. |
| US07742771B2 |
Automated load balancing of receivers in a network
A spare receiver in a CMTS is used to determine the RF connectivity status of the receivers of a Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group in the CMTS in the network. The spare receiver is connected to a receiver of the Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group which does not have modems registered. The spare receiver is also configured to have the communication protocols of another selected receiver of the Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group which does have modems registered. A transmitter sends a request for a response to a modem registered with the selected receiver. If the spare receiver, which is configured to have the same communication protocols as the selected receiver, receives the response from the modem, the unregistered receiver under test is determined to have sufficient RF connectivity to be included in Load Balancing operations. Each unregistered receiver in the Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group is analyzed in the same manner. |
| US07742767B2 |
Radio communication using OFDMA and IFDMA
In a method for communicating by radio, a frequency band divided up into a plurality of subcarriers is used for the communication. Messages are sent from a base station to a user station and/or from the user station to the base station. Messages are processed at some times using a first FDMA method such as for example OFDMA and at other times using a second FDMA method such as for example IFDMA. A transmitter and a receiver implement the method. |
| US07742766B2 |
Mobile node for discovering neighbor networks in heterogeneous network environment and network discovery method
A network discovery method in a heterogeneous network environment. The network discovery method includes receiving neighbor information indicating neighbor PoAs from a MIIS entity at a mobile node that includes a plurality of communication interface sections capable of communicating with different networks; checking at least one neighbor PoA using the neighbor information at the mobile node; and activating a communication interface section corresponding to the checked neighbor PoA at the mobile node. Accordingly, the neighbor networks can be discovered under the heterogeneous network environment and unnecessary power consumption can be avoided. |
| US07742764B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining appropriate channels for communication
During operation of a secondary communication system 100, a device will perform spectrum sensing of certain channels (either by itself or as part of a group of nodes 104). When activity is found on a channel from a primary user, other devices will be notified that the channel is not available for use. The device may then modify its spectrum sensing to assist another device (or group of devices) that have not yet found activity on a different set of channels. By assigning additional channels to devices with extra capacity, the overall spectrum-sensing efficiency and performance of the communication system 100 is raised. |
| US07742763B2 |
Dynamic generation of CSI for outbound roamers
The present invention provides a system and method for providing Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) Subscription Information (CSI) of an outbound roamer of a Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) such that the outbound roamer is roaming in a Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN). The system comprises a roamers database storing an outbound roamer record of at least one outbound roamer, wherein the outbound roamer record comprises at least the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the outbound roamer. The system further comprises a detection block to detect whether provisioning of the CSI is required for the outbound roamer and a CSI generation block to generate the CSI of the outbound roamer based on at least the IMSI of the outbound roamer, if the provisioning of the CSI is required. The system further comprises a provisioning block to provision the generated CSI of the outbound roamer to at least one CSI storing node. |
| US07742760B2 |
Dynamic mobile station configuration in wireless communications systems and methods therefor
A cellular communications network including a base station subsystem (110) including a base station controller communicably coupled to a plurality of base stations (112), a user accessible mobile wireless communications device configuration control server (140) coupled to the base station subsystem (110), an network broadcast transmitting assisting base station (130), which may be coupled to the user accessible mobile wireless communications device configuration control server or to the base station subsystem. A mobile station is configured with configuration information associated with the assisting base station when the mobile station monitors the assisting base station. |
| US07742759B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for programming user-defined information into electronic devices
A device for programming user-defined information into an electronic device is provided. The programmer allows a user to program customized information, such as user-selected audio, video, or Internet access information into his or her programmable device. Such electronic devices include wireless telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants. The programmer allows a user to, among other things, customize the device to suit his or her particular taste. |
| US07742756B2 |
System for managing program applications storable in a mobile terminal
Management server 16 may obtain application programs from content server 20 in response to requests of mobile terminal 11. Management server 16 may transmit the obtained application programs to mobile terminal 11 with information concerning reliabilities of the application programs. After mobile terminal 11 receives the application programs from management server 16, mobile terminal 11 manages operations of the application programs. Operations of the application programs are coordinated with operations of other programs using the information concerning the reliabilities corresponding to the application programs. Management of the coordinated operations of the application programs avoids problems concerning information security, where valuable information may be distributed unexpectedly because of operations of low reliable application programs. As a result, convenience of users of mobile terminals 11 can be improved without deteriorating the information security of mobile terminals 11. |
| US07742755B2 |
Retrieving a bill via a coded surface
A method of retrieving a bill using a print medium, comprising the steps of: determining a print media identifier from the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device, the print media identifier having been linked to the bill; and, retrieving, using the mobile telecommunications device and the print media identifier, at least one of the linked bill and information regarding the bill. |
| US07742754B2 |
Mobile communication system and method for determining base station antenna proximity state
Mobile terminals 201 to 203 measure strength of the received signal from plurality of base station antennas 101 to 105 and transmits it to network system 300. Network system 300 determines proximity state between plurality of base station antennas 101 to 105 based on the strength of the received signal from plurality of base station antennas 101 to 105 transmitted from mobile terminals 201 to 203. From that determination, the base station antennas proximity state matching a position or features of an antenna of the mobile terminal can be recognized. |
| US07742753B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a mobile communication device coupled with an external power supply for charging a battery of the mobile communication device
A mobile communication device 100 has a digital subsystem (110) and a radio frequency subsystem (108), and is powered by a battery (102) which is charged via a charge control circuit (106) using an external power supply (104) connected to the mobile communication device in a single path configuration. The mobile communication device permits limited operation of the mobile communication device by a user while the battery voltage is sufficient to power the digital subsystem but not yet sufficient to power the radio frequency subsystem. The delay in operation is minimized, however, because once charging commences, the battery voltage rises sufficiently fast that, typically, by the time the digital subsystem is initialized, enabled, and powered up, the battery voltage will be sufficient to enable the radio frequency subsystem. |
| US07742750B2 |
Systems and methods for antenna diversity combining for satellite radio signals
Systems and methods are presented for digital antenna diversity combining. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, at least two antenna signal paths can be communicably connected to a receiver. Each antenna signal path can be provided with an RF tuner communicably connected to a demodulator, which can estimate the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and time of arrival of its respective antenna signal. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a time alignment circuit can be communicably connected to each antenna signal path, and a maximum ratio combiner can be communicably connected to the time alignment circuit. In operation, the time alignment circuit can use the time of arrival estimate to align the multiple signals and the maximum ratio combiner can use the SNR estimate obtained for each antenna signal to respectively weight each signal and thereby generate a combined output signal. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a switch diversity combiner can be further provided, and can quickly detect when an antenna signal is entering a fade, allowing the maximum ratio combiner to set that signal's weight to zero. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a digital diversity combiner can be provided in a stand alone integrated circuit, or can be integrated in a larger integrated circuit, such as, for example, a satellite radio overlay processor. |
| US07742746B2 |
Automatic volume and dynamic range adjustment for mobile audio devices
A mobile audio device (for example, a cellular telephone, personal digital audio player, or MP3 player) performs Audio Dynamic Range Control (ADRC) and Automatic Volume Control (AVC) to increase the volume of sound emitted from a speaker of the mobile audio device so that faint passages of the audio will be more audible. This amplification of faint passages occurs without overly amplifying other louder passages, and without substantial distortion due to clipping. Multi-Microphone Active Noise Cancellation (MMANC) functionality is, for example, used to remove background noise from audio information picked up on microphones of the mobile audio device. The noise-canceled audio may then be communicated from the device. The MMANC functionality generates a noise reference signal as an intermediate signal. The intermediate signal is conditioned and then used as a reference by the AVC process. The gain applied during the AVC process is a function of the noise reference signal. |
| US07742745B2 |
LPRF device wake up using wireless tag
A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. |
| US07742738B2 |
Method and system for diversity using orthogonal frequency/division multiplexing
A method and system for achieving a link budget improvement in a diverse OFDM radio system by addressing the timing misalignment issue that can occur due to the differences in propagation time in signals between mobile stations and Radio Access Nodes. Timing misalignment is shared or split between the primary path to a primary Radio Access Node and a diverse path to a diverse Radio Access Node. The relative timing offsets between mobile stations are adjusted, the mobile stations are grouped into zones using a variety of different grouping techniques, and the transmission for each mobile station is scheduled, using one or more of a variety of scheduling techniques. |
| US07742737B2 |
Methods and apparatus for identifying a digital audio signal
Method and apparatus for identifying broadcast digital audio signals include structure and/or function whereby the digital audio signal is provided to processing structure which is configured to (i) identify a program-identifying code in the received digital audio signal, (ii) identify a program-identifying code in a decompressed received digital audio signal, (iii) identify a feature signature in the received digital audio signal, and (iv) identify a feature signature in the decompressed received digital audio signal. Preferably, such processing structure is disposed in a dwelling or a monitoring site in an audience measurement system, such as the Nielsen TV ratings system. |
| US07742735B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An information processing apparatus generates printing image data of a printing image and copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern-image data of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to be added to the printing image. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image includes a latent image and a background image. The apparatus includes a selecting unit and a printing-data generating unit. The selecting unit selects either the transparent-printing designation or overlay-printing designation, the transparent-printing designation is used for generating printing data so that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is superimposed on the printing image, and the overlay-printing designation is used for generating printing data so that the printing image is superimposed on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. The printing-data generating unit generates printing data based on the printing designation selected by the selecting unit. |
| US07742729B2 |
Transfer device, image forming apparatus and method for evaluating electric property
A transfer device including a first combination including an intermediate transfer medium and a transfer member applying a transfer bias, and/or a second combination including an intermediate transfer medium, a second transfer member applying a second transfer bias, and an opposing member configured to transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium to a receiving material at a second transfer nip. When the first combination is subjected to 60-second application of a voltage of 1 kV, followed by discharging, 300 times, the absolute value of logarithmic difference between first and 300th combined volume resistances is not greater than 0.8 [log(Ω)]. When the second combination is subjected to 60-second application of a voltage of −1 kV, followed by discharging, 300 times, the absolute value of logarithmic difference between the first and 300th combined volume resistances is not greater than 0.5 [log(Ω)]. |
| US07742727B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a photoconductive member on which a latent image is to be formed, a developing roller for developing the latent image on the photoconductive member by a first bias. A magnetic roller forms a magnetic brush thereon with a two-component developer and forms a thin toner layer on the developing roller by a second bias. The developing roller is aluminum with a surface treated for high resistance. The thickness (T) of the toner layer and the duty ratio (D1) of the first alternating-current bias satisfy relationships of the following equations for calculating the duty ratio (D1) using an application period of a voltage in a direction to transfer the toner from the developing roller towards the photoconductive member as a positive period: 7 μm≦T≦13 μm, and 35%≦D1≦70%. |
| US07742724B2 |
Developer supply container and image forming apparatus
A developer supply container supplies developer to a developer receiving portion of a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The container includes a developer accommodator, a discharge opening, a stirring member, a first receiver receiving a stirring member driving force from a first transmitter in the main assembly, a member opening and closing the opening, a second receiver receiving a force moving the openable member, and a second transmitter transmitting a force to the second receiver through a main assembly relay. By mounting the container to the main assembly, engagements are established between the first transmitter and the first receiver, between the second transmitter and the relay, and between the relay and the second receiver, so that a force is transmittable from the first transmitter to the first receiver, and a is transmittable from the second transmitter to the second receiver. |
| US07742713B2 |
Measurement of engine response curve in the presence of process direction noise
Disclosed is a method and system for compensating for printer cross-process nonuniformity. The method and system provide a means to offset a cross-process uniformity profile associated with an image output device, such as a printer, where process direction noise is measured and the cross-process uniformity profile is adjusted accordingly to provide a better representation of the image output device cross-process uniformity profile. |
| US07742711B2 |
Fixing device usable with an image forming apparatus
A fixing device usable with an image forming apparatus having a fixing roller to fix a toner on a recording medium, a heater to heat the fixing roller, and a power supplier to supply an electric power to the heater includes a relay interposed between the power supplier and the heater to supply and interrupt the electric power to the heater, an auxiliary power supplier to supply a driving power to the relay, and a thermoswitch interposed between the relay and the auxiliary power supplier and mounted adjacent to the fixing roller -to be electrically opened when the fixing roller reaches a predetermined overheating temperature. The fixing device is used in an image forming apparatus to reduce manufacturing costs and improve credibility and stability on an overheating prevention operation. |
| US07742710B2 |
Image forming apparatus including two toner accomodation portions
An image forming apparatus includes a controller for controlling, when a developer is accommodated in a developing container, a discharging device such that an amount of developer in a first accommodating portion is not less than a first amount, in accordance with a detection result of a first detecting device and such that an amount of developer in a second accommodating portion is not less than a second amount, in accordance with a detection result of a second detecting device, and for permitting, when the developing container is substantially empty, and the amount in the first accommodating portion is less than the first amount, an image forming operation to continue until the amount in the second developer portion becomes less than the second amount. |
| US07742707B2 |
Function executing device
A function executing device for executing a function by utilizing a consumption article may be provided with a device main body, a sensor, an information output device, and a controller. A consumption article housing case for housing the consumption article may be mounted on the device main body. The sensor may detect the quantity of the consumption article within the consumption article housing case mounted on the device main body. The information output device may output information to the exterior in a case where the quantity of the consumption article within the consumption article housing case mounted on the device main body has become less than a predetermined quantity. The controller may prevent the information output device from outputting the information twice or more in a period between a time where the consumption article housing case is mounted on the device main body and a time where the consumption article housing case is dismounted from the device main body and a next consumption article housing case is mounted on the device main body. |
| US07742706B2 |
Dispersion compensation type optical signal receiving apparatus, receiving circuit, receiving method, and receiving program
A dispersion compensation type optical signal receiving apparatus includes: an APD element for converting input signal light inputted from a transmission line into an electric signal; an amplifying device constituted with a preamplifier circuit and a limit amplifier circuit, which amplifies the electric signal converted by the APD element; an EDC IC for compensating the dispersion in the transmission line electrically; and a clock/data reproducing circuit for reproducing the clock and data signal contained in the input signal light, wherein there is provided a VOA for limiting the amplitude of the input signal light inputted to the APD element and an attenuation amount controlling circuit for controlling the attenuation amount of the VOA in accordance with the bias current of the APD element. |
| US07742703B2 |
Characterization and control of optical dispersion compensating element
An apparatus and method are applied to characterizing an dispersion-affecting element for use in controlling chromatic dispersion in an optical communications link. Information regarding the behavior of the dispersion-affecting element is recorded and stored in a medium that is provided for deployment with the dispersion-affecting element to enable improved management and active control of the dispersion-affecting element. The suitability of the dispersion-affecting element for operating under different conditions may also be characterized. |
| US07742693B2 |
Interchangeable lens type digital camera
An interchangeable lens type digital camera includes a camera main body and an interchangeable lens. The camera main body includes a control section which communicates with an interchangeable lens, and controls focus adjustment of the interchangeable lens by a hill-climbing AF system. A judgment section judges a characteristic of the interchangeable lens on the basis of communication between the interchangeable lens and the control section. The interchangeable lens includes a focus lens for performing focus adjustment. A focus lens drive section drives the focus lens. A lens control section communicates with the control section, and controls the focus lens drive section to perform focus adjustment. The control section changes a previously determined drive enabled range of the focus lens on the basis of a judgment result of the judgment section to perform focus adjustment of the interchangeable lens. |
| US07742692B2 |
Vibration reduction mechanism and optical device
A vibration reduction mechanism, comprising: a first moving member and a second moving member which move relatively at a time of image blur correction; a guide member which guides relative movements of the first moving member and the second moving member; a plurality of first engagement portions, aligned in a row, which engage the first moving member with the guide member by spherical or cylindrical surfaces and groove-shaped portions; and a plurality of second engagement portions, aligned in a row, which engage the second moving member with the guide member by spherical or cylindrical surfaces and groove-shaped portions, wherein a groove shape of at least either one of the plurality of the first engagement portions or the plurality of the second engagement portions is formed with an elongated hole shape extending along an alignment direction of the first engagement portions aligned in a row. |
| US07742691B2 |
Image stabilizer, lens device and imager apparatus
An image stabilizer includes a driver having a coil and magnet, where a correcting lens on a moving frame is moved by the driver in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens system and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and optical axis, and an optical axis of the correcting lens corresponds with the optical axis of the lens system. The coil and magnet are fixed to the moving frame and a supporting frame; the driver includes first and second coils for moving the correcting lens in the first and second directions, and a magnet applying magnetic force to those coils; and thrust generated from the first and second coils are directed in the first and second directions, each forming an angle of approximately 45° with a line connecting the optical axis of the correcting lens and the center of a lens barrel. |
| US07742690B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method for processing imaging results
An imaging apparatus for recording an imaging result on a recording medium includes an imaging device operable to obtain an imaging result; an optical system operable to form an optical image on an imaging plane of the imaging device; a first motion detector operable to detect a movement of the imaging apparatus and to output a detection result; and a recorder operable to record the imaging result, together with the detection result, on the recording medium. |
| US07742686B2 |
Signal processor
A signal processor includes a point setting part that sets a position of a main image signal, as a registration point. A playback control part causes output of an image frame from the registration point used as a starting point in response to a given playback instruction. A capture processing part generates a registration image based on the main image signal and stores the registration image, the at least one image frame being placed in a neighborhood of the registration point. A point recording part writes the registration point into a memory and writes the registration image corresponding to the recorded point into the memory. A point calling part reads out the recorded image and the recorded point in response to a given calling instruction. The point setting part sets the recorded point and the recorded image as the registration point and the registration image, respectively. |
| US07742680B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing signals
A tuner 1 receives a TV-broadcast signal from an antenna 6. The TV-broadcast signal is supplied to a demodulator 2. The demodulator 2 demodulates the audio signal and video signal, both contained in the TV-broadcast signal. A CM-detecting section 4 is provided. In the section 4, characteristic patterns are generated at intervals of 15 seconds, 30 seconds and 60 seconds, from the audio and video signals. Then, CM candidates are detected in accordance with the characteristic patterns. Characteristic data representing the characteristics of a CM is extracted from each CM candidate or the audio and video signals preceding and following the CM candidate. The section 4 detects a CM from the characteristic data thus extracted. |
| US07742679B2 |
Method of choosing the first candidate to be loaded from a series of job requests for a mix mode multimedia player
A method for choosing the first candidate to be loaded from a series of job requests for a mix mode multimedia player is disclosed. A job table having a plurality of rows is provided. Each row for a job has a job message with a “Priority” status, a “Usage status” status, and an “Examining function” status. The jobs are generated by a loader manager module of the mix mode multimedia player according to the job requests. The job messages of the jobs are arranged according to the “Priority” status in order. Then, the first candidate is chosen according to the following steps. The “Usage status” status of the job message is examined. If the “Usage status” is “used”, the “Examining function” status of the job message is examined. At last, If the “Examining function” status is “Critical”, the job is set as the first candidate. |
| US07742677B2 |
Method for producing an optoelectronic component
A method for producing an optoelectronic component is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate, applying a semiconductor layer sequence to the substrate, applying at least two current expansion layers to the semiconductor layer sequence, applying and patterning a mask layer, patterning the second current expansion layer by means of an etching process during which sidewalls of the mask layer are undercut, patterning the first current expansion layer by means of an etching process during which the sidewalls of the mask layer are undercut at least to a lesser extent than during the patterning of the second current expansion layer, and removing the mask layer. |
| US07742670B2 |
Index-matching gel for nanostructure optical fibers and mechanical splice assembly and connector using same
A polymer based index-matching gel for use with nanostructure optical fibers is disclosed. The index-matching gel has at least one polymer component having a viscosity η at 25° C. of 3 Pa-s≦η≦100 Pa-s, which prevents the index-matching gel from wicking into the voids and down the nanostructure optical fiber to a depth where the fiber performance and/or device performance is compromised. The gel is suitable for use when mechanically splicing optical fibers when at least one of the optical fibers is a nanostructure optical fiber. The gel is also suitable for use in fiber optic connectors wherein at least one of the optical fibers constituting the connection is a nanostructure optical fiber. |
| US07742668B2 |
Semi-tight optical fiber unit
Disclosed is a dry, semi-tight optical fiber unit that includes one or more optical fibers positioned within a buffer tube. A protective coating is provided upon the surface of the optical fibers, and an anti-adhesive coating is substantially bonded to the protective coating. One or more of these optical fiber units may be included in an optical cable. Also disclosed is a method for efficiently producing such an optical fiber unit. |
| US07742665B2 |
Apparatus and methods using hollow-core fiber tapers
An optical filter and methods of filtering are provided. The optical filter includes a hollow-core fiber including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a hollow core having a first diameter and a cladding having a second diameter. The second portion includes a hollow core having a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and a cladding having a fourth diameter smaller than the second diameter. |
| US07742664B2 |
Liquid crystal waveguide having refractive shapes for dynamically controlling light
Liquid crystal waveguides for dynamically controlling the refraction of light. Generally, liquid crystal materials may be disposed within a waveguide in a cladding proximate or adjacent to a core layer of the waveguide. In one example, portions of the liquid crystal material can be induced to form refractive or lens shapes in the cladding that interact with a portion (e.g. evanescent) of light in the waveguide so as to permit electronic control of the refraction/bending, focusing, or defocusing of light as it travels through the waveguide. In one example, a waveguide may be formed using one or more patterned or shaped electrodes that induce formation of such refractive or lens shapes of liquid crystal material, or alternatively, an alignment layer may have one or more regions that define such refractive or lens shapes to induce formation of refractive or lens shapes of the liquid crystal material. In another example, such refractive or lens shapes of liquid crystal material may be formed by patterning or shaping a cladding to define a region or cavity to contain liquid crystal material in which the liquid crystal materials may interact with the evanescent light. |
| US07742660B2 |
Scale-space self-similarity image processing
Image processing includes computing image ft from image fs, where images ft and fs are representations of a self-similar image at scales t and s in a scale-space, where t |
| US07742659B2 |
Edge based auto order supporting rotation algorithm
A method is provided to automatically arrange scanned images so they can be stitched into a composite image. Initially the scanned images are reduced to low resolution and a gradient filter is applied. One scanned image is selected as a possible first image in a stitching order. The possible first image is rotated to one angle and correlated with remaining scanned images rotated to two corresponding angles. Only four scanned images that best correlate with the possible first image and pass a threshold are saved as possible second images in the order. The steps are repeated for subsequent places in the order and for the possible first image at other angles. The method is repeated for other possible first images to form other orders. At the end, a path through one of the orders that produces the best sum of correlation values is set as the correct stitching order. |
| US07742648B2 |
Image information encoding apparatus and image information encoding method for motion prediction and/or compensation of images
The present invention is directed to an image information encoding apparatus (10) used, in receiving compressed image information through network media, when processing of such compressed image information is performed on storage media. A picture sorting buffer (12) delivers information of picture type of frame Picture_type to a picture type discrimination unit (22). The picture type discrimination unit (22) transmits command to a motion prediction/compensation unit (21) on the basis of that information. The motion prediction/compensation unit (21) generates predictive picture by using filter coefficients having the number of taps lesser than that of P picture with respect to B picture for which operation quantity and the number of memory accesses are required to more degree as compared to, e.g., P picture on the basis of that command. |
| US07742645B2 |
Encoding device and method
The encoding device of the present invention comprises a type determination unit inputs each bit of the weblet co-efficient in a depth direction in parallel and determines type information indicating which the bit is, the first “1” bit when viewed from an MSB side, a bit located further on the MSB side than the first “1” bit, a bit located further on an LSB side than the first “1” bit, a buffer unit for buffering the determined type information of each bit for each bit depth and a pass determination unit for determining pass information of a type information to process, of a plurality of pieces of type information, based on the plurality of pieces of buffered type information of the same depth. |
| US07742641B2 |
Confidence weighted classifier combination for multi-modal identification
Techniques are disclosed for multi-modal identification that utilize a classifier combination framework. One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-modal identification system that includes a collection of classifiers that classify feature streams derived from audio and/or video sources. A classifier combination scheme is used to combine the classifier outputs having varying degrees of confidence, but in a robust way by using a confidence-based weighting scheme that operates on a “per-class” basis, rather than (or in addition to) the traditional “per-classifier” basis. The system can be distributed across several machines running independent feature classifiers on the subscription basis. |
| US07742640B1 |
Reduction of background clutter in structured lighting systems
Methods for segmenting the reflected light of an illumination source having a characteristic wavelength from background illumination (i.e. clutter) in structured lighting systems can comprise pulsing the light source used to illuminate a scene, pulsing the light source synchronously with the opening of a shutter in an imaging device, estimating the contribution of background clutter by interpolation of images of the scene collected at multiple spectral bands not including the characteristic wavelength and subtracting the estimated background contribution from an image of the scene comprising the wavelength of the light source and, placing a polarizing filter between the imaging device and the scene, where the illumination source can be polarized in the same orientation as the polarizing filter. Apparatus for segmenting the light of an illumination source from background illumination can comprise an illuminator, an image receiver for receiving images of multiple spectral bands, a processor for calculations and interpolations, and a polarizing filter. |
| US07742639B2 |
Data set visualization
In real-time three-dimensional imaging the choice of the visualization method and orientation is crucial for intervention success. The key question is what to ignore and what to show in real-time applications, where user control is not appropriate. An intervention (caused by a user) to an object of interest is visualized without the requirement of an interactive input by the user. Parameters for a visualization procedure are automatically chosen during data acquisition which may allow for an efficient tracking of the actual orientation and relative position of the structure with respect to the object of interest. |
| US07742634B2 |
Image processing method, three-dimensional position measuring method and image processing apparatus
An object of this invention is to provide an image processing method and image processing apparatus capable of extracting the position of an object in the unit of sub-pixel. An edge pixel, density gradient direction and edge position in the unit of sub-pixel are extracted from a model image obtained by photographing a high-quality model of the object and registered in a hard disk. After a processing object image is inputted, CPU obtains a position of an image region corresponding to the model image and after that, extracts an edge pixel whose edge position in the unit of sub-pixel is related to a corresponding pixel on the model image side in that image region. The edge position in the unit of sub-pixel is extracted for these edge pixels and the quantity of deviation between the extracting position and the edge position on the model image side is calculated. The position in the unit of pixel is corrected with an average value of the quantity of deviation obtained for each edge pixel so as to obtain a real position of the object. |
| US07742629B2 |
System and method for three-dimensional reconstruction of a tubular organ
Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for three-dimensional reconstruction of a tubular organ (for example, coronary artery) using a plurality of two-dimensional images. Some of the embodiments may include displaying a first image of a vascular network, receiving input for identifying on the first image a vessel of interest, tracing the edges of the vessel of interest including eliminating false edges of objects visually adjacent to the vessel of interest, determining substantially precise radius and densitometry values along the vessel, displaying at least a second image of the vascular network, receiving input for identifying on the second image the vessel of interest, tracing the edges of the vessel of interest in the second image, including eliminating false edges of objects visually adjacent to the vessel of interest, determining substantially precise radius and densitometry values along the vessel in the second image, determining a three dimensional reconstruction of the vessel of interest and determining fused area (cross-section) measurements along the vessel and computing and presenting quantitative measurements, including, but not limited to, true length, percent narrowing (diameter and area), and the like. |
| US07742627B2 |
Apparatus and program for detecting faces
Usability of a face detecting apparatus is improved, by enabling selection of a detecting mode optimal for an intended purpose, when detecting facial images from within images. During detection of images of forward facing faces, switching of the detecting mode to one of: a detection rate mode; a false positive detection rate mode; and a processing speed mode is enabled. Face detection focused on optimizing detection performance for each detecting mode is performed. |
| US07742622B2 |
Two dimension autonomous isotropic detection technique
The present invention discloses a target detection process that acquires imagery from a target; compares the acquired imagery with image metric data; applies criteria to eliminate false detections and reduce clutter; applies morphological operators on the acquired imagery; probability rank orders the target imagery; divides the imagery into a series of detected target windows; and displays the detected target windows. The imagery undergoes light target detection, dark target detection or both. A morphological operator isolates targets from their background. Two concatenated morphological filter patterns are used to screen imagery data. Spatial discontinuities at the pixel level can be detected. The detected target window images are presented to a user in a mosaic format. |
| US07742621B2 |
Dynamic eye tracking system
A dynamic eye tracking system to track movement of an eye including the steps of detecting if a neighbor exists about the eye over a predetermined amount of time and forming a boundary for the neighbor. Eye candidates are tracked and a determination is made if the eye candidates are beyond the boundary defined by the detected neighbor. |
| US07742620B2 |
Target detection improvements using temporal integrations and spatial fusion
A method for identifying potential targets as far away as possible is disclosed. In a simple background scene such as a blue sky, a target may be recognized from a relatively long distance, but for some high clutter situations such as mountains and cities, the detection range is severely reduced. The background clutter may also be non-stationary further complicating the detection of a target. To solve these problems, target detection (recognition) of the present invention is based upon temporal fusion (integration) of sensor data using pre-detection or post-detection integration techniques, instead of using the prior art technique of fusing data from only a single time frame. Also disclosed are double-thresholding and reversed-thresholding techniques which further enhance target detection and avoid the shortcomings of the traditional constant false alarm rate (CFAR) thresholding technique. The present invention further discloses improved spatial fusion techniques for target detection (recognition) employing multiple sensors instead of employing the more conventional single sensor techniques. If spatial fusion is implemented with more than three sensors, then target detection can be enhanced by also using post-detection techniques. Moreover, since the pre-detection and the post-detection technique are complementary to each other, a combination of these two integration techniques will further improve target detection (recognition) performance. |
| US07742618B2 |
Methods and apparatus for embedding and recovering an image for use with video content
Methods and apparatus for embedding and recovering an image for use with video content are disclosed. A disclosed system embeds a real component of a spectral representation of an image into a set of video frames and embeds an imaginary component of the spectral representation of the image into a second set of video frames. The two sets of video frames are combined and broadcast. The disclosed system recovers the real component of the spectral representation of an embedded image from a first set of received video frames and the imaginary component of the spectral representation of an embedded image from a second set of the received video frames. |
| US07742610B1 |
Automobile audiovisual system
A control signal is generated by an operating means for being operated by a driver. In response to this control signal, an input signal to rear-seat headphones is temporarily attenuated or is replaced by another given signal or a transmission signal from the driver. |
| US07742607B2 |
Method for designing a modal equalizer for a low frequency sound reproduction
In a room with strong low-frequency modes the control of excessively long decays is problematic or impossible with conventional passive means. In this patent application a systematic methodology is presented for active modal equalization able to correct the modal decay behaviour of a loudspeaker-room system. Two methods of modal equalization are proposed. The first method modifies the primary sound such that modal decays are controlled. The second method uses separate primary and secondary radiators and controls modal decays with sound fed into at least one secondary radiator. Case studies of the first method of implementation are presented. |
| US07742606B2 |
System for audio related equipment management
A system for management and control of audio-related equipment. The system is a common architecture that provides the capability to manage, monitor and control all of the audio-related equipment in an audio system. To facilitate messaging between audio-related devices, each of the audio-related devices may be assigned a node ID a sequential manner as each audio-related device powers up. The system may also include a method for discovery of audio-related devices on an audio network. In some examples, a PEM may be located geographically remote from the audio-related devices. Accordingly, error logging, alarming and system operation may be monitored to provide troubleshooting from a remote location. |
| US07742605B2 |
Method and system for authentification of a mobile user via a gateway
A system and method for establishing secure communications between two entities, such as a server and a client, may involve the use of an intermediate gateway. Each party may establish a secure communication link with the gateway, and the gateway may provide signed certificates to each party, each certificate identifying the gateway as the other party for purposes of the communication. The gateway may then facilitate the secure communications between the two parties, and may perform data translation on the communications. The identification information may be contained within the certificates used by the gateway. |
| US07742603B2 |
Security for anonymous vehicular broadcast messages
An anonymous vehicular broadcast system that has encrypted links between the roadway infrastructure and the vehicles. The vehicles each have a common private key that is generated from a certification key, provided by a certification authority, and a configuration key that is generated at each power up of the vehicle. The configuration key is not stored in the vehicle so that the vehicle is only stores a portion of the private key. |
| US07742598B2 |
Shrinking key generator for parallel process
A parallel processing shrinking key generator is provided. The parallel processing shrinking key generator includes: a selection linear feedback shift register (LFSR); a source LFSR; a selection logic circuit for selecting one of a source bit of the source LFSR and a predetermined input bit according to a selection bit of the selection LFSR; an index counter for assigning an index where output bits of the selection logic circuit are stored at a next clocking of a clock signal; and an output amount register for shifting an output bit of the selection logic circuit according to the assignment of the index counter. |
| US07742596B2 |
Reliable elliptic curve cryptography computation
A method for reliable computation of point additions and point multiplications in an elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) system. Two asymmetric operations are performed: one of the operations is of slightly higher complexity than a conventional ECC operation, and the other operation is of much lower complexity than the first operation. The complexity of the second operation is a function of the desired degree of reliability, or the desired probability of failure detection. The method validates a computation involving one or more points on a specified elliptic curve by selecting a second elliptic curve, deriving a third elliptic curve from the specified and selected curves, projecting points onto the derived curve, performing a computation on the derived curve involving the projected points, validating the computation on the selected curve, extracting from the computation on the derived curve a predicted result of the computation on the selected curve, and comparing the predicted result to the computation on the selected curve. A predicted result of the computation to be validated may then be extracted from the computation on the derived curve. The predicted result is compared to an actual result of a computation on the selected curve, and if the results match, the predicted result of the computation performed on the selected curve is validated. |
| US07742595B2 |
Cryptographic method protected against covert channel type attacks
The invention relates to a cryptographic method secured against a covert channel attack. According to the invention, in order to carry out a selected block of instructions as a function of an input variable amongst N predefined instruction blocks, a common block is carried out on the predefined N instruction blocks, a predefined number of times, the predefined number being associated with the selected instruction block. |
| US07742592B2 |
Method and device for removing echo in an audio signal
Acoustic echo control and noise suppression is an important part of any “handsfree” telecommunication system, such as telephony or audio or video conferencing systems. Bandwidth and computational complexity constraints have prevented that stereo or multi-channel telecommunication systems have been widely applied. The advantages are very low complexity, high robustness, scalability to multi-channel audio without a need for loudspeaker signal distortion, and efficient integration of echo and noise control in the same algorithm. The proposed method for processing audio signals, comprises the steps of: —receiving an input signal, wherein the input signal is applied to a loudspeaker; —receiving a microphone signal generated by a microphone; —estimating the delay between the loudspeaker and the microphone signals and obtaining a delayed loudspeaker signal, —estimating a coloration correction values of the echo path on the delayed loudspeaker signal, —using information of the delayed loudspeaker signal, microphone signal, and coloration correction values to determine gain filter values, —apply the gain filter values to the microphone signal to remove the echo. |
| US07742590B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for selectively managing telephone call connections
According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for selectively managing a call connection between a caller and each of a first directory number associated with a subscriber and a second directory number associated with the subscriber includes causing at least the first directory number to be rung in response to a call request from the caller. In response to a determination that the rung first directory number has answered the call request: a call is automatically allowed to be completed between the caller and the first directory number if the first directory number is of a first type; and, if the directory number is of a second type, a prescribed additional response is required from the first directory number prior to allowing the call to be completed between the caller and the first directory number, and the second directory number is allowed to be rung in response to the call request until the prescribed additional response is provided. |
| US07742589B2 |
Distinctive call waiting based on a redirecting number
The disclosure is directed to a method of providing a distinctive call waiting tone based on a redirecting number. The method includes receiving a call from an originating device at a redirecting device; forwarding the call from the redirecting device to a destination device; and applying a distinctive type of call waiting tone to the destination device based upon determining that a data message includes a redirecting number. The forwarded call has an associated data message that includes a calling number of the origination device, a called number of the destination device, and a redirecting number of the redirecting device. |
| US07742588B2 |
Speakerphone establishing and using a second connection of graphics information
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge. |
| US07742587B2 |
Telecommunications and conference calling device, system and method
A communications system and method, which may be used, for example, within a conferencing communication system, is provided. A plurality of communicators may transmit, via a network, audio streams bound from any other communicator. A server receives from the plurality of communicators a plurality of incoming streams and for each communicator transmits any mixed combination of the incoming streams. The system also may control any of the mixers to independently control a volume level of any of the incoming streams being mixed at any of the mixers to create the required mixed combination of the incoming streams. Various conference call features may be effected using such mix capacities. |
| US07742583B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for alerting of calls
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for alerting of a call. A message is received that notifies of a call to a called number having an established connection to a data network. A customer-selected style and a customer-selected location of a control is retrieved that responds to the customer's action. The message and the control are processed to alert of the call to the called number. |
| US07742581B2 |
Electronic messaging exchange
A secure electronic message exchange system, including a plurality of workstations, a communications medium, and a control platform coupled to a workstation of the plurality of workstations by the communications medium. The control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, converting, and billing related to, messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The control platform also prevents a forwarding of or a copying of a message, sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party, where the control platform provides authentication of the remote user. |
| US07742578B1 |
Location determination capabilities for emergency call services
A communication system comprising an access system configured to provide a plurality of end devices with access to a packet communication network, a first end device of the plurality of end devices configured to transmit a first query to the access system, receive a first response indicating a first identifier for the access system, transmit a registration message indicating the first identifier and a second identifier for the first end device, and transmit a first call request for a call wherein the first call request indicates the second identifier, and a call processing system in communication with the first end device and configured to receive the registration message, store the first identifier in association with the second identifier, receive the first call request, process the second identifier to determine the first identifier stored in association with the second identifier, and transmit a second call request indicating the first identifier. |
| US07742575B2 |
Multi-leaf collimator
A multi-leaf collimator for use in a radiotherapeutic apparatus comprises a plurality of elongate narrow leaves arranged side-by side and supported in a frame, the frame having upper and lower formations for guiding each leaf into which extend ridges on the upper and lower edges of the leaves, thereby to allow the leaves to move in a longitudinal direction, the upper and lower formations being aligned so that the sides of the leaves when fitted are at a non-zero angle to the beam direction, the upper and lower ridges being located on the upper and lower edges of the leaves so that a line joining their centres is at a non-zero angle to the sides of the leaf, tilted relative to the sides in a sense opposite to that of the beam. An outer face of the upper and/or lower ridges can be aligned with a side face of the leaf, for ease of manufacture. A radiotherapeutic apparatus is also disclosed, comprising a source of radiation and a multi-leaf collimator for shaping the radiation emitted by the source, the multi-leaf collimator being as set out above. |
| US07742573B2 |
Fast switching circuit for x-ray imaging applications
A system is provided, which includes a rotatable gantry for receiving an object to be scanned. The system includes an x-ray source for projecting x-rays of two different energy levels towards the object and also a power supply, which energizes the x-ray source to two different voltage levels at a predetermined rate for generating x-rays at two different energy levels. The power supply in the system includes a fixed voltage source to input a voltage to a switching module with number of identical switching stages. Each stage in the switching module consists of a first switch, which charges a capacitor in a conducting state and output a first voltage, a second switch, which connects the fixed voltage source and the capacitor in series to output a second voltage in a conducting state and a diode which blocks a reverse current from the capacitor to the power supply. |
| US07742571B1 |
Grid control system for eliminating soft radiation emissions from an X-ray tube
A system and method for controlling the radiation emissions from an x-ray tube having an anode, a cathode, and a grid is disclosed. The system and method uses a continuous high voltage across the cathode and the anode of the x-ray tube, so that a high voltage is continuously applied to the x-ray tube between the cathode and the anode. The flow of electrons between the cathode and the anode is then controlled by a pulsed high voltage to the grid, the pulsed high voltage being of substantially the same magnitude as the continuous high voltage and being switched at a frequency of about one microsecond to provide alternate the polarity of the switched high voltage to the grid, so that voltage between the cathode and the anode is switched by the voltage applied to the grid by the source of pulsed high voltage, so that soft radiation emissions from the x-ray tube are minimized or eliminated. |
| US07742569B2 |
X-ray system and method for image composition
In an x-ray system and a method for image composition, congruent optical images and x-ray images of subjects provided with markers are generated. A transformation matrix/imaging matrix is formed and applied to the congruent x-ray images based on the detected identical markers in optical images. The transformation matrix is used to compose an aggregate image from the x-ray images. |
| US07742566B2 |
Multi-energy imaging system and method using optic devices
A multi-energy imaging system and method for selectively generating high-energy X-rays and low-energy X-ray beams are described. A pair of optic devices are used, one optic device being formed to emit high X-ray energies and the other optic device being formed to emit low X-ray energies. A selective filtering mechanism is used to filter the high X-ray energies from the low X-ray energies. The optic devices have at least a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. |
| US07742560B2 |
Radiation imaging device with irregular rectangular shape and extraoral dental imaging system therefrom
A radiation imaging device includes plural individual detectors defining an irregular rectangular active area responsive to x-rays and with different widths along a length of the active area. The individual detectors may be of different rectangular shapes and mounted on a motherboard. The motherboard may be formed of a first module mounting a first of two individual detectors and a second module detachable connected to the first module and mounting a second of two individual detectors. |