| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07762636B2 |
Container storage assembly
A container storage assembly including a frame, a first container support coupled to the frame and having a lower container support surface and an upper container support surface, and a second container support coupled to the frame and having a lower container support surface. The assembly further includes a third container support having an upper container support surface. The third container support is coupled to the frame between the first and the second container supports. The lower container support surfaces of the first container support and the second container support define a first plane, and the upper container support surfaces of the first container support and the third container support define a second plane that is above the first plane. |
| US07762633B2 |
Brake control system
A motor vehicle has an inclinometer to determine the steepness of the slope upon which the vehicle stands, brakes and a driver brake pedal for generating a braking effort in the brakes. The brakes are also controlled by a brake hydraulic control unit and an electronic control unit. The brake hydraulic control unit is arranged to control the release of the braking effort generated to stop the vehicle on a slope by the brake pedal at a release rate which varies as a function of the steepness of the slope determined by the inclinometer following operation of the brake pedal to release the brakes. The vehicle thus achieves controlled descent of a hill after a stationary position. Such a brake control system is particularly advantageous to a motor vehicle having a hill descent mode. |
| US07762629B2 |
Seating or reclining furniture
This invention relates to seating or reclining furniture. A back rest or arm rest is disposed for adjustment on the seating and/or reclining surface. The back rest or arm rest may be positioned in different areas of the circumference of the furniture (e.g., sofa) and can bend along the adjustment path so that they can adapt to the shape of the circumference, i.e., the contour of the circumference of the seating and/or reclining surface. |
| US07762628B2 |
Lounge chair cover
The present invention provides a lounge chair cover comprising a substantially-rectangular, typically absorbent, textile sheet and adjustable fasteners at the four corners of the textile sheet. |
| US07762626B2 |
Pedicure chair with flip-up tray
A spa chair having an apparatus for extending and retracting a tray from the spa chair is disclosed along with a method for utilizing the spa chair in one or more manicure and/or pedicure procedures. A pivoting mechanism coupled to the tray includes first attaching members for attaching the pivoting mechanism to the spa chair and a second attaching member for attaching the pivoting member to a tray. The pivoting mechanism also includes a shaft retained by the first attaching members and a spring for biasing a shaft and second attaching member in a particular direction. The pivoting mechanism is operable to lockingly secure the tray in at least one of an extended or retracted position. |
| US07762619B2 |
Sequential crash hinges in automotive frame rails
A lower frame rail member forms a part of an automotive front end structure and incorporates first and second bending hinges to provide sequential and alternating bending of the lower frame rail to manage crash forces in the event of a frontal or offset crash event. The first bending hinge is formed by a structural thinning pocket located on the outboard side of the lower frame rail forwardly of the engine mounting bracket. The second bending hinge is formed by V-necking the inboard side of the lower frame rail rearwardly of the engine mounting bracket. The first bending hinge affects an outboard buckling of the frame rail after the front horn section crushes rearwardly into the lower frame rail to induce an inboard movement thereof, while the second bending hinge affects an inboard buckling of the frame rail to induce an outboard movement thereof rearwardly of the engine mounting bracket. |
| US07762617B2 |
Trailer and trailer body construction and extruded panel for same
A trailer includes a chassis and a body connected to the chassis. The body includes an open-top cargo-retaining space adapted to carry a bulk commodity payload. An axle subassembly is connected to the chassis and includes at least one set of left and right wheel and tire assemblies to rollably support the chassis. A landing gear assembly is connected to one or both of the chassis and body and includes legs that are selectively deployed to support a forward end of the trailer. A kingpin is located at the forward end of the trailer and is adapted for connection to a fifth-wheel of an associated vehicle used to pull the trailer. The body includes left and right bottom rails and left and right top rails spaced vertically above the left and right bottom rails, respectively. A horizontal floor extends between the left and right bottom rails. The floor includes a plurality of abutted one-piece extruded panels that each extend horizontally between and contact the left bottom rail and the right bottom rail. Each of the extruded panels includes spaced-apart inner and outer walls interconnected by spaced-apart first and second end walls. The inner and outer walls are also interconnected by at least one web that spans a space between the inner and outer walls so as to define at least two hollow cores in the extruded panel. A left vertical sidewall is connected to and extends between the left bottom rail and the left top rail. A right vertical sidewall is connected to and extends between the right bottom rail and the right top rail. |
| US07762616B2 |
Cross-member for a trailer frame and a trailer frame incorporating the same
A cross-member for a trailer frame and a frame incorporating the same. The cross-member extends between longitudinally aligned rails designed to pivotally support a dumping body thereon. The cross-member includes a cylindrical tube having a wall defining a bore therethrough. A planar member is received within the bore and is axially aligned therewith. The tube includes one or more axially aligned openings proximate a central region thereof. The planar member is disposed intermediate the openings and is aligned axially with the openings. The cross-member is substantially rigid under tension and at least a portion thereof is flexible under torsion. |
| US07762615B2 |
Vehicle air dam system
An air dam is made of flexible cells installed adjacent to one another so that the air darn is capable of installation in many deflecting configurations on a vehicle and can also deflect under impact. The air dam system may be capable of being deployed at higher speeds while being stowed under the frame of the truck when the truck is operating on rough road surfaces to reduce the potential for air dam damage. The air dam system can be actuated pneumatically and when deployed tends to reduce aerodynamic drag by altering the path of airflow under and/or immediately around a vehicle. Other methods of actuation such as hydraulic or mechanical components may also be used with the air dam system. Alternatively, the air dam cells may be stationary and include an inflated bladder and/or flexible sleeve mounted adjacent to one another on an air dam frame. |
| US07762612B2 |
Convertible roof that latches to an upper transverse frame part of the windshield frame
A convertible vehicle according to the present invention includes a vehicle body with a windshield frame with an upper transverse frame part. A convertible roof for the vehicle has a front end. At least one hook part is disposed in the upper transverse frame part and is linearly movable in the upper transverse frame part. |
| US07762611B2 |
Convertible roof for a passenger vehicle
An assembly includes a roof having front and rear roof parts, a motion system, and a coupling rod. The motion system includes front and rear guide rods, a spring, and a guide rod mechanism to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The front guide rod is fixed to the front roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The rear guide rod is fixed to the rear roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The coupling rod is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the rear roof part. The spring is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the guide rod mechanism which is articulately connected to the rear guide rod such that the spring is biased to open the roof when the roof is closed and is biased to close the roof when the roof is opened. |
| US07762610B2 |
Convertible top
A convertible top can be displaced between a closed position and a put-away position. The convertible top contains a flexible convertible top cloth, rear side regions of which each have at least one folding device acting on them, impressing at least one defined fold in each case on the convertible top cloth during the transfer from the closed position into the put-away position. Each folding device has at least one linear, rod-shaped folding mechanism which, during the transfer of the convertible top into the put-away position, prevents a folding of the convertible top cloth transversely with respect to its longitudinal direction. |
| US07762609B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle that ensures visibility of a flasher lamp while decreasing the possibility of damage due to a fall. A body cowl is formed with a groove that extends longitudinally of. A flasher lamp is outwardly convex in a vehicle width direction and is accommodated in the groove. An outer end of the flasher lamp is positioned inwardly of a side end portion of the body cowl in the vehicle width direction. |
| US07762608B2 |
Vehicle with a trunk
A motor vehicle includes a trunk, in which the trunk has a body cutout opening which can be closed off by a two-part trunk lid which is composed of an upper trunk lid and a lower trunk lid. The upper trunk lid can be pivoted downward by an angle from, in each case, one closed position into, in each case, one open position. The lower trunk lid has at least one pivot lever, which is arranged such that it can be pivoted by way of a pivot axle formed on a lower body section. In the open position of the lower trunk lid, the pivot lever is in engagement with the lower body section. |
| US07762604B1 |
Vehicle seating arrangement
A vehicle seating arrangement adapted for use in connection with a vehicle having an increased cargo and/or passenger carrying capacity is provided. The vehicle seating arrangement comprises a front or first row seat coupled to a vehicle body, a second row seat and a rear or third row seat coupled to the vehicle body. The second row seat includes a seat cushion for supporting a seat occupant and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. The seat cushion is pivotally coupled to the vehicle body. The seat back has one of a first striker and a first latch mechanism and the vehicle body has the other of the first striker and the first latch mechanism. The third row seat includes a seat cushion affixed to the vehicle body for supporting a seat occupant, and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. The seat back has one of a second striker and a second latch mechanism and the vehicle body has the other of the second striker and the second latch mechanism. |
| US07762598B2 |
Device for handling rod-shaped objects
To improve the handling, such as the gripping and displacement, of essentially rod-shaped objects, especially bars of articles that are stacked into one another in such a way that they can be separated, such as plastic cups, the present invention proposes a device with a plurality of first holding rods with essentially hook-like end pieces for extending under the rod-shaped objects. The device according to the present invention is characterized in that the end pieces can be moved under the objects and for releasing same by a motion into a plane extending at right angles to the direction of extension of the first holding rods. |
| US07762597B2 |
Snow removal tool
A manual snow removal tool used for the pushing and pulling of snow. The configuration of the tool allows the user to move snow by pushing the snow using a pushing blade or by pulling the snow using a pulling blade depending on the orientation of the snow removal tool. The snow removal tool may also incorporate fulcrum skids to allow the tool to remove snow more easily from rough surfaces. The fulcrum skids allow the user to raise and lower the scraping edge of the snow plow over the surface being scraped. The fulcrum skids move more easily across rough surfaces than the scraping edge of a regular plow or shovel. The snow removal tool may also have non-abrasive ends attached to the pushing and pulling blades so that it may be used on sensitive surfaces such as the painted finish on an automobile. |
| US07762590B2 |
Individualized security document
The present invention relates to an individualized security document such as a passport, savings book or bankbook or the like which has a number of pages which are joined together by means of a fixing or adhesive. Incorporated into the security document by means of the fixing or adhesive is a transfer film which is provided with security elements and which has a base film and a decorative layer arrangement having the security elements. The decorative layer arrangement can be transferred onto the associated page of the security document. At the same time the base film is detached from the decorative layer arrangement and can be cut out of the security document. |
| US07762586B2 |
Motorcycle frame neck cover
A motorcycle frame neck cover includes a lower semi-tubular portion that substantially surrounds an outer visible half of a motorcycle frame leg and an upper portion that substantially covers a planar outer surface of a generally rectangular tubular frame member that mounts the front fork of the motorcycle. One or more resilient strips are mounted to an outer surface of the upper cover portion in an area of potential contact by a front fork shroud. |
| US07762583B2 |
Seat sensor system
A seat sensor system comprises at least one seat sensor for sensing a status related to a seat occupancy and for generating a output signal indicative of said status and a control unit for communicating with said at least one seat sensor. According to the invention the seat sensor comprises a self-powered transmitter associated with a seat for transmitting a data signal containing said output signal and the control unit comprises an receiver module for receiving said data signal from said self-powered transmitter. |
| US07762582B2 |
Vehicle component control based on occupant morphology
Method for vehicle component control based on occupancy of the vehicle includes determining at least one morphological characteristic of the occupant, classifying the occupant based only on the determined morphological characteristic(s) to provide an identification of the occupant, and adjusting a component of the vehicle based on the identification. Morphological characteristics include weight of the occupant and height of the occupant. The morphological characteristics can be determined using only sensors arranged in a seat on which the occupant is seated. Classification of the occupant can include generating a table of classifications for different determinations of the morphological characteristic, either individually or combinations of two or more morphological characteristics, so that an identification is provided based on each determination, detection or measurement of the morphological characteristic(s). |
| US07762579B2 |
Ejection mitigation device
An airbag system for protecting a passenger in a motor vehicle including one or more ejection mitigation devices configured to substantially cover the inside of the front and/or rear window of the motor vehicle. Moreover, the one or more ejection mitigation devices may be attached to a driver's side inflatable airbag and a passenger's side inflatable airbag, wherein the ejection mitigation device is configured to be deployed by the inflation of the driver's and passenger's side inflatable airbags. |
| US07762577B2 |
Occupant leg protecting device for vehicle
An active knee bolster (28) and a knee bolster (42), whose accommodated positions are different, are mounted within an instrument panel (18) along a curved configuration of a wall portion (24) of the instrument panel (18) which, in a vehicle transverse direction, is convex and concave in a vehicle body longitudinal direction. At a time of a vehicle body collision, a main body (30) of the active knee bolster (28) moves from an accommodated position to a leg restraining position, and a leg restraining position of the active knee bolster (28) and a leg restraining position of the fixed-type knee bolster (42) become equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. In accordance with this invention, legs of an occupant can be reliably protected, and degrees of freedom in designing a vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like are improved. |
| US07762576B2 |
Structure of driver's airbag cushion of vehicle
A structure for a driver's airbag cushion of a vehicle is provided to protect the driver's lower body as well as the driver's upper body and head, without mounting a knee airbag at the lower portion of the crash pad. The structure may include a blocking member that extends from a rear upper end of an airbag cushion to a front end of the airbag cushion and divides the interior of the airbag cushion into a face chamber defined by a front upper space of the airbag cushion and a pelvis chamber defined by a lower space thereof, the blocking member blocks the face and pelvis chambers, a temporary blocking member provided at a predetermined portion of the blocking member to control fluid-communication between the face chamber and the pelvis chamber when a tensile force is applied thereto, and/or a tensile force-providing member that applies tensile force to the temporary blocking member so that the pelvis chamber may be communicated with the face chamber by releasing the temporary blocking member when the pelvis chamber substantially expands. |
| US07762572B2 |
Alpine ski binding having release logic for inhibiting anterior cruciate ligament injury
An alpine ski binding system for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski. The binding system includes a secondary toe release that provides an attenuated release threshold under lateral shear loading conditions that can cause anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The secondary toe release responds to a trigger that senses the lateral shear loads applied to the inside (medial) afterbody of the ski and triggers the secondary toe release to release the boot at an attenuated release torque. Lateral shear loads applied to the ski along the leading (medial) forebody and along the entire outside (lateral side) of the ski substantially do not cause the trigger to trip. |
| US07762570B2 |
Self-locking mechanism
A self-locking mechanism includes a first body member that rotates relative to a second body member, a lock lever rotatably coupled to the first body member and a biasing element that biases the rotation of the lock lever in a latching direction. The lock lever includes a cam portion that includes a cam surface configured to interface with a latch element on the second body member. The cam surface slidably engages the latch element and is configured so that the sliding engagement between the cam surface and the latch element causes the body members to be drawn together when the lock lever is rotated in the latching direction. |
| US07762567B2 |
Steering system and method for steering a vehicle
A steering system disengages a wheel assembly of a vehicle in response to an event while driving. The steering system includes a suspension knuckle, a tie rod, and a puller. The puller includes a connector that removably engages the suspension knuckle and the tie rod to interconnect the suspension knuckle and the tie rod. The puller is operable to move the connector to disconnect the connector from at least one of the suspension knuckle and the tie rod in response to the event. The vehicle is operated along a longitudinal axis while driving and a moment of the vehicle about the longitudinal axis is sensed. If the moment exceeds the threshold, the puller is energized to disconnect the suspension knuckle from the tie rod. |
| US07762565B2 |
Multi-component container system and method for manufacturing the same
An improved multi-modular waste container formed at least in part from molded structural-foam. Per conventional waste containers, the improved waste container includes a housing for receiving trash, which will preferably be disposed upon one or more casters. One or more lids are hingeingly engaged to the top perimeter of the housing to provided selective access to the trash receptacle. Detachably fastenable slots may be affixed to opposed sides of the housing to facilitate engagement with and emptying by front-loading garbage trucks. The improved waste containers are substantially lighter, easier to maintain, stronger, chemical and corrosion resistant and possess substantially greater sound deadening characteristics than prior art waste containers fabricated from metal. The container housings are further preferably configured to be stacked within one another to facilitate shipping and handling thereof. |
| US07762561B2 |
Dive caddy
The Dive Caddy is a two wheeled land vehicle with it's primary purpose being to transport scuba diving equipment across tough terrain such as sandy beaches, rocky trails, and other hard to traverse, or reach scuba diving, or free diving locations. It is different than other prior carts in as that it has a breaking system for traveling down hills, And can be fitted with an auxiliary battery powered booster motor to traverse uphill, or help bring itself out of hard to exit situations, and also has a bench seat to stage a completed scuba unit for the diver to sit on while dawning his equipment. Another new feature of the Dive Caddy is that it has the ability to change tires for different types of terrain, be it sandy beaches, rocky hills, or mud, the Dive Caddy can adapt to them all. |
| US07762558B2 |
Device for sealing a rotating shaft penetrating a housing wall
A device for sealing a rotating shaft that penetrates a stationary housing wall has a sealing ring fastened to the housing wall and arranged between the housing wall and a shaft. The sealing ring has sealing oil supply bores supplying sealing oil into a sealing gap formed between an inner wall surface of the sealing ring and an outer wall surface of the shaft. The inner wall surface has pocket-shaped recesses where the sealing oil supply bores open. The pocket-shaped recesses extend in the circumferential direction of the sealing ring. The inner wall of the sealing ring has at least one circumferential boundary stay that delimits and seals the pocket-shaped recesses in an axial direction of the sealing ring toward the first or second housing side. The inner wall surface of the sealing ring has a circumferential groove that connects the pocket-shaped recesses to one another. |
| US07762549B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a feeding section configured to feed a recording sheet, a first conveyance roller which conveys the recording sheet fed from the feeding section to a recording area and conveys the recording sheet during a recording operation, a recording section configured to record an image on the recording sheet at the recording area downstream from the first conveyance roller in the direction of feeding the recording sheet, a conveyance rate detection unit configured to detect the conveyance rate of the recording sheet conveyed by the first conveyance roller, a recording sheet end detection unit disposed downstream from the first conveyance roller and detects the end part of the recording sheet, and a correction unit configured to correct the conveyance rate of the recording sheet conveyed by the first conveyance roller based on a result detected by the conveyance rate detection unit. |
| US07762548B2 |
Conveyance apparatus, control method therefor, and printing apparatus
A conveyance apparatus increases the conveyance precision of a conveyance unit. The conveyance apparatus has first and second conveyance rollers. The conveyance apparatus includes a DC motor serving as a driving source for the conveyance rollers, a first encoder which outputs a first pulse signal in accordance with rotation of the first conveyance roller, a second encoder which outputs a second pulse signal in accordance with rotation of the second conveyance roller, and a control unit having a first mode in which the DC motor is controlled based on first information about the first pulse signal when executing a conveyance operation to convey a sheet by using the first and second conveyance rollers, and a second mode in which the DC motor is controlled based on second information about the second pulse signal when executing a conveyance operation to convey a sheet by using the second conveyance roller. |
| US07762546B2 |
Sheet conveying device and image recording apparatus including the sheet conveying device
A sheet conveying device including: (a) a sheet discharger configured to discharge a sheet in a discharging direction; (b) a tray configured to receive the sheet discharged by the sheet discharger; (c) a stopper protruding upwardly from the tray; and (d) a guide provided by an upper surface of the tray and located on an upstream side of the stopper in the discharging direction, and configured to warp the discharged sheet such that the warped sheet has a downwardly convex shape in its cross section that is perpendicular to the discharging direction, for thereby allowing a leading end of the warped sheet to pass over the stopper and to be positioned on a downstream side of the stopper in the discharging direction. |
| US07762542B2 |
Paper feeder and bookbinding apparatus equipped with the same
Tray means for stacking sheets, pickup means for separating and for conveying sheets into a single sheet on the tray means, and sheet conveyance means for conveying a sheet separated by the pickup means to a predetermined processing position are provided. Projecting guide means project from a sheet support surface of the tray means into a notched opening of the sheet is provided; and an oblique surface is formed to prevent a trailing side edge of the opening from catching on a leading side edge of the opening of a lower sheet when feeding an uppermost sheet to the projecting guide means. This makes it possible to feed only the uppermost sheet downstream without an opening edge formed in the uppermost sheet from interfering with an opening edge of a lower sheet. |
| US07762540B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same
When a sheet bundle is being conveyed by any one pair of plural pairs of rollers independently movable toward and away from the bundle sheet, before the bound portion of the sheet bundle passes the pair of rollers, the pair of rollers on the downstream side nearest to the bound portion are separated from the sheet bundle, and the pairs of rollers more downstream than that pair convey the sheet bundle. Thereby, it happens less often that the pairs of rollers gather the air collected between adjacent ones of the sheets of the sheet bundle to the bound portion to thereby cause a slack to the sheets, and the occurrence of wrinkles or twists in the sheet bundle can be reduced. Also, the pair of rollers are separated from the sheet bundle before the bound portion passes the pair of rollers, whereby it happens less often that the pair of rollers are damaged by the bound portion, and the sheet bundle can be conveyed smoothly. |
| US07762534B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting turbine components for manufacture
A method enables a blade assembly to be secured for manufacture. The blade assembly includes an airfoil, a dovetail, and a platform extending therebetween. The method includes providing a fixture including at least one platform support assembly and at least one dovetail clamp assembly coupled to the fixture, wherein the platform support assembly includes a support member, a lever arm, and a biasing mechanism, locating the blade assembly within the fixture using a locator, positioning the platform support assembly against the blade assembly platform, and retaining the blade assembly in alignment with respect to the fixture using the at least one dovetail clamp assembly. |
| US07762529B1 |
Universal gooseneck trailer ball decoupling tool
An universal tool for unlatching a locking pin on a gooseneck ball hitch comprises an arm supported on a support leg. |
| US07762526B2 |
Pendulum valve having independently and rapidly controllable theta-and z-axis motion
A Pendulum Valve having Independently and Rapidly Controllable Theta- and Z-axis Motion. The valve actuator used in the present invention provides the benefit of wide open unrestricted flow of a pendulum valve coupled with the high-resolution and wide dynamic range flow throttling of a ball or butterfly valve. The actuator mechanism will include motor drives and associated control system so that the drives are closely coupled to give highly controlled motion. The drive assembly introduces a concentric shaft arrangement that, when coupled with the highly controllable motor drives, exploits a cam-follower arrangement to make the relative rotation between the two concentric shafts result in highly controlled theta and z-axis motion. Finally, the plate to seal spacing afforded is greater than previously possible with prior valve actuator mechanisms, thereby substantially reducing flow turbulence through the valve as the valve plate eclipses the valve ports. |
| US07762523B2 |
Miniaturized double latching solenoid valve
A valve includes a generally elongate pintle; a spacer having a rounded surface that bears against the pintle; a bulbous tip fixed to the spacer; and a hollow, generally cylindrical collar fixed to the pintle, the collar enclosing the spacer and the tip and including an opening through which a portion of the tip extends, the opening in the collar and interior of the collar being of a size such that the tip floats therein. |
| US07762518B2 |
Support structure for liquid crystal television receiver and support structure for display device
A support structure for supporting a display device includes a base member mounted on a rear surface of the display device, a support member rotatably mounted on the base member that supports the display device in a state in which a lower surface of the display device is in contact with a setting plane and the support member is opened by a predetermined angle with respect to the base member, and a protruded portion formed integrally with an outer surface of the support member and extending in a widthwise direction of the support member, the protruded portion restricting rotation of the support member beyond a supporting position thereof by contact of the protruded portion with the base member when the display device is tilted. |
| US07762516B2 |
Wall hanging display apparatus
A wall hanging display apparatus including a wall side attachment member that is fixed to a wall; and a apparatus side attachment member that is fixed to the display apparatus and is connected to the wall side attachment member, is characterized by a structure in which only one of the wall side attachment member and only one of the apparatus side attachment member are used for hanging the display apparatus on the wall. |
| US07762507B2 |
Hanger for gypsum board walls
The instant invention relates to a novel powerful wall hanger for supporting different objects. Particularly, the invention concerns a hanger that is used in gypsum board and similar walls and that's provides a stable and safe holder of variable weights. |
| US07762505B2 |
Fixing device for fixing cameras and other optical equipment to stands or for connection to other accessories
A fixing device for fixing cameras and other optical devices to stands or for connecting them to other accessories, includes an adapter journal joined to the camera or other optical devices and a receiving device connected to the stand or other accessories and which is provided with an opening for receiving the adapter journal, and a rotatable locking device. The opening is configured as an insert opening on a part which can be displaced axially in an outward manner by means of housing part of the receiving device such that the adapter journal can be inserted radially into the insert opening. |
| US07762498B1 |
Enhanced high-efficiency spacecraft propulsion system
A high-efficiency spacecraft propulsion system, including includes electric pumps inserted in the oxidizer and fuel lines that increase liquid apogee engine (“LAE”) operating pressure and reduce tank-operating pressure. An on-board computer generates pump drive signals, in response to measured oxidizer and fuel line pressures, that are input to the pump controller electronics. The controller electronics provides current drives to the pump motors. The system uses an LAE that can operate at higher thrust chamber pressures (e.g., 500 psia) than standard LAEs, where pump-fed rocket motors have integrated turbopumps that are fuel operated. The turbopump increases LAE complexity and cost, reduces fuel efficiency, and is not compatible with active thrust and mixture ratio control. |
| US07762496B2 |
Overhead flight crew rest
The present disclosure relates to an aircraft having a fuselage. The fuselage may have a plurality of frame members, a cabin formed within the fuselage, a floor defining a portion of the cabin, a center section of seats disposed on the floor, a crown positioned above a center section of seats, and a crew rest module. The crew rest module may have an entrance module defined by at least two entrance module peripheral walls and having a seating area, and a bunk module being separate from the seating area and being defined by at least three bunk module peripheral walls. The entrance module peripheral walls and the bunk module peripheral walls may be sized to fit through a passenger door of a substantially assembled aircraft. |
| US07762494B2 |
Image generating apparatus
An image generating apparatus capable of stably taking up an ink sheet on a take-up bobbin with proper tensile force by performing proper torque control on the take-up bobbin is obtained. This image generating apparatus comprises a driving source transporting an ink sheet of an ink sheet cartridge and a take-up reel transmitting the driving force of the driving source to a take-up bobbin of the ink sheet cartridge and taking up the ink sheet on the take-up bobbin, while the take-up reel includes a reel member, integrally provided with a plurality of fragment portions concentrically with the rotation axis thereof, engaging with the take-up bobbin, a driving-side gear member fitted with the outer peripheral surfaces of the fragment portions of the reel member and a spring member press-fitted with the inner peripheral surfaces of the fragment portions of the reel member thereby bringing the fragment portions into pressure contact with the driving-side gear member. |
| US07762492B2 |
Handle cover dispenser
Disclosed herein is a device for dispensing and collecting handle or armature cover material or covers for use, by way of example, with door handles, knobs, and the like. In one embodiment, the device is an automated handle cover dispenser that can include a dual use handle cover refill cartridge for both supplying and collecting handle cover material, or alternatively, a plurality of reels or cartridges (e.g., a supply reel and a take-up reel). The material, when supplied, at least partially covers a handle (e.g., door handle) during use by a consumer. This maintains sanitary integrity of the handle, so as to protect a consumer or other individual from touching an otherwise dirty or unsanitary handle. The dispenser can include at least one cutter for cutting at least one side of the handle cover material so as to facilitate supply, and in particular, collection of the handle cover material. Supply and take-up of the handle cover material can be accomplished by winding and unwinding of the handle cover material within the handle cover refill cartridge(s) (or reel(s) as the case may be). In one embodiment, the handle cover material overlays at least a portion of a handle (which can comprise one or more pieces or sections), door handle, knob, or the like. The dispenser unit can compliment or replace (and thus serve as a retrofit) current lockable or non-lockable door armatures. |
| US07762491B2 |
Band-winding method
In a process for winding a continuously supplied band (5) onto a bobbin (2), with the bobbin (2) being rotated and the band (5) being reciprocated along the entire length of the bobbin (2) at a winding angle (α) by means of a cross-winding device (4), each time the bobbin diameter has increased by a particular value, the winding ratio, i.e., the ratio between the number of bobbin rotations and the reciprocating motion (to-and-fro stroke) of the cross-winding device is stepwisely changed such that the winding ratio will change in essentially integral steps. |
| US07762485B2 |
Swinging paper chip distributing mechanism at paper outlet of shredder
A shredder holds a cutting blade assembly including a motor and a gear box inside its case and has a trash bin for collecting paper chips underneath the cutting blade assembly. A swinging board is provided in the vicinity of the paper outlet of the case. The swinging board is connected to a transmission axis via a shaft. One end of the transmission axis has a passive gear for receiving the rotating power from the cutting blade assembly via gears. As the transmission axis turns, the swinging board is driven by the shaft to perform a reciprocal motion so that the paper chips falling from the blades are evenly distributed over the trash bin. Paper chips accumulate in an even way to maximize the space in the trash bin. This prevents the formation of chip mountain and thus the problem of paper jams. |
| US07762483B2 |
Air vortex mill for mill drying a flowable product and method for using the mill
An air vortex mill (1) mill dries a flowable product in a gas-/air flow-through grinding chamber (3) with several grinding stages arranged in the grinding chamber. The grinding stages are formed by a rotor (4) with a multitude of grinding plates (9) and a stator housing. A device (12, 13) delivers preferably heated carrier gases, as a device (6, 15, 16, 18) delivers the product into the grinding chamber (3). In order to improve the product delivery to the mill (1), one component of the delivery device is a supply line (6) which encircles at least part the circumference of the grinding chamber (3). The supply line (6) is equipped with an inflow (15) for the product to be treated and a plurality of outlet apertures (18) distributed over the circumference of the grinding chamber, for delivering the product into the grinding chamber. |
| US07762477B2 |
Polymeric bodied fuel injector with a seat and elastomeric seal molded to a polymeric support member
A fuel injector is described that includes a polymeric housing, pole piece, filter assembly, coil assembly, spring member, armature assembly and metering assembly. The polymeric housing has a passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet along a longitudinal axis. The pole piece is disposed in the passageway, the pole piece having a through opening. The filter assembly has a portion disposed in the through opening of the pole piece. The coil assembly is disposed in the polymeric housing to surround the pole piece. The spring member is disposed partly in the pole piece and including a spring portion contiguous with the portion of the filter assembly. The armature assembly is disposed in the passageway in a first position having a first portion confronting the pole piece and in a second position having a closure member contiguous to an end face of the pole piece. The metering assembly is secured to the polymeric housing proximate the outlet. The metering assembly has a seat secured to a polymeric support member. The seat has a sealing member disposed between the seat and the polymeric support member. A method of sealing a fuel injector is described. |
| US07762473B2 |
Machine-readable code format
Disclosed is a machine readable cord of a set of printed markings, wherein each printed marking of the set has a predetermined height on a substrate and represents a predetermined date value, wherein printed markings having a same predetermined height represent a same data value, and wherein printed markings representing different data values have different heights. Also disclosed is a system for embedding and recovering information on a substrate, including an image forming device containing at least one marking material, wherein the image forming device receives data, corresponding to the information, for forming machine readable code in accordance with claim 1 on an image receiving substrate, and forms an image including the machine readable code on the image receiving substrate with the at least one marking material, and a document reading device comprising a reader that detects the differences in height among the different printed markings of the machine readable code. |
| US07762471B2 |
Proximity payment card with cost-effective connection between user-actuatable input switch and RFID IC
An identification token includes a body and an RFID IC embedded in the body. The RFID IC includes a first terminal and a second terminal. An antenna is also embedded in the body and is coupled between the terminals of the RFID IC to form two connections between the RFID IC and the antenna. A user-actuatable switch is supported by the body and has two different states. The switch is coupled to at least one of the terminals of the RFID IC. The connections between the RFID IC and the antenna are uninterrupted when the switch is in either state. The switch is not coupled to the RFID IC by any terminal other than the two terminals by which the antenna is coupled to the RFID IC. |
| US07762469B2 |
Short-range wireless communication apparatus and cellular phone terminal
There is provided a short-range wireless communication apparatus and a cellular phone terminal that can surely and immediately notify a user of the optimum distance between a contactless IC card reader/writer and a contactless IC card not through an MPU or a CPU and if the contactless IC card function is locked, surely notify the user as such. In an RFID card, a magnetic field strength/brightness conversion section adjusts the brightness of two LEDs in accordance with the detected magnetic field strength of a carrier wave. A blink generation circuit detects whether the RFID card is in a communication state and blinks the LEDs if so. A function combining section combines the functions to indicate the magnetic field strength and the communication state with the brightness and blinking of the LEDs. An LED with another color illuminates only when an RFID function LSI is in a lock state. |
| US07762468B2 |
Readers to analyze security features on objects
The present invention provides readers to analyze emerging security or authentication feature for physical objects (e.g., identification documents, product packaging, banknotes, etc.). One claim recites a reader including: an excitation source to excite an object with first non-visible light, the object comprising first indicia provided with a first ink or dye and second indicia provided with a second ink or dye, the second ink or dye comprising an emission decay time that is relatively longer than an emission decay time of the first ink or dye, the first indicia and the second indicia collectively conveying a first machine readable feature when illuminated with the first non-visible light, with the second indicia individually conveying a second machine readable feature after emissions attributable to the first indicia fall to a first level; and a code reader to read at least the second machine readable feature after emissions attributable to the first ink or dye fall to the first level and before emissions attributable to the second ink or dye fall to a second level. Other claims and combinations are provided as well. |
| US07762466B2 |
Two position zoom lens assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader
An imaging-based bar code reader including: an imaging system for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system and projecting light from the field of view onto a sensor array, the imaging system generating image frames of the field of view of the imaging system; the imaging systems including an imaging lens assembly having a plurality of lens and a selection drive mechanism to select between a first optical zoom position defining a first focal length and a first field of view for imaging a target bar code at a close range and a second optical zoom position defining a second focal length and a second field of view for imaging a target bar code at a far range, the second focal length being greater than the first focal length. |
| US07762463B2 |
MEMS-based security system
Embodiments of the invention is directed to a portable identification object (e.g., ID card), an object recognition system (e.g., card reader system), and a method of identity verification or authentication utilizing the portable identification object and the object recognition system. Illustratively, the ID Card incorporates an optical MEMS that, in a passive aspect, exhibits amplitude modulation, wavelength selectivity and/or optical phase modulation with respect to an input signal provided by the card reader system; and, in an active aspect, exhibits amplitude modulation, wavelength selectivity and/or optical phase modulation with respect to an input signal provided by the card reader system based on specific stimulation of the MEMS. MEMS stimulation may be activated by the card reader system in response to a selective user input (e.g., PIN) and algorithmic processing provided by the card reader system. Resultant signals produced by the MEMS ID card and read by the card reader are compared to results stored in a database. An identity or authentication determination can then be made based on the validity of the comparison. |
| US07762462B2 |
Electronic information display system employing a plurality of electronic-ink display labels associated with a plurality of manufactured items for displaying information which changes as the manufactured items move through wholesale/retail distribution channels
An electronic information display system for installation across wholesale/distribution channels. The system includes a plurality of electronic-ink display labels, associated with a plurality of manufactured items. One or more activation modules are provided across the wholesale/retail distribution channels, for transmitting electromagnetic data signals to the electronic-ink display labels and providing instructions to the updateable electronic-ink display labels. Each electronic-ink display label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic-ink display label includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the activation module, using the antenna structure. The electronic-ink display label displays graphical indicia representing information which changes as the associated manufactured item moves through the wholesale/retail distribution channels. |
| US07762459B2 |
Integration framework
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for real-time data transfer between sensor or actuator devices and higher-level applications.In one aspect, an integration engine receives a set of rules from an external application and receives item data including item identifiers from one or more tag readers, each item identifier being read from a digital tag bound to a physical item. The integration engine uses the rules and item data to determine in real time which subset of the item data to furnish to the external application.In another aspect, the integration engine receives from the external application configuration data for controlling an actuator device. The integration engine converts the configuration data to a format compatible with the actuator device; and furnishes the converted configuration data in real time to the actuator device. |
| US07762458B2 |
Media enabled shopping system user interface
A media enhanced shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart comprising a frame, a basket, a handle, a base tray, a plurality of wheels, a read component for performing a proximity scan of the shopping cart, a locationing component for determining a location of the shopping cart within a store based on the scan, and a display component for displaying at least one advertisement for a product based on the location of the shopping cart within the store, wherein the locationing component is further operable to determine a location of the product within the store relative to the shopping cart based on the scan, and wherein the display component is further operable to display an indication of the location of the advertised product relative to the location of the shopping cart. |
| US07762457B2 |
System and method for dynamic fob synchronization and personalization
A system generally for personalizing and synchronizing fob data in the context of a distributed transaction system is disclosed. A dynamic fob synchronization system may comprise point of service (POS) devices configured with transponder-readers to initiate a transaction in conjunction with a fob, an enterprise data collection unit, and a fob object database update system. An exemplary dynamic synchronization system (DSS) may comprise various fob POS devices, a secure support client server, a fob object database update system (FODUS), one or more enterprise data synchronization interfaces (EDSI), an update logic system, one or more enterprise data collection units (EDCUs), and one or more fob POS devices configured to interoperably accept and interface with fobs. In an exemplary embodiment, DSS may comprise a personalization system and an account maintenance system configured to communicate with FODUS. Personalization of multi-function fobs may be accomplished using a security server configured to generate and/or retrieve cryptographic key information from multiple enterprise key systems during the final phase of the fob issuance process. |
| US07762455B2 |
Method for maintaining a customer account
A customer is provided a telephone number to which a calling party incurs a charge to be connected. An account balance, which reflects funds deposited into the customer's account but not yet used by the customer, is increased in proportion to the incurred charge. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US07762450B2 |
Pizza carton with curved top
A carton for holding a food product. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The front and back panels each have a curved edge at an end of the carton. |
| US07762446B2 |
Method and device for transferring a solder deposit configuration
Method and device for transferring a solder deposit configuration having multiple solder deposits onto a terminal surface configuration of a contact surface of a substrate (36) using a removal of multiple solder deposits from a solder deposit reservoir (25) accommodated in a solder deposit receptacle unit (11) via an isolation unit (12), which is implemented like a template and is situated above the solder deposit reservoir, to implement the solder deposit configuration implemented corresponding to the terminal surface configuration, and using a subsequent transfer of the solder deposit configuration onto the terminal surface configuration of the substrate, the solder deposit reservoir being impinged by partial vacuum through template openings (15) of the isolation unit to transfer the solder deposits from the solder deposit reservoir into the isolation unit, the solder deposit reservoir (25) being ventilated via a floor wall (20) situated diametrically opposite the isolation unit during the partial vacuum impingement (27) by the isolation unit (12). |
| US07762445B2 |
Electrosurgical stapling apparatus
An electrosurgical stapling apparatus is provided which uses thermogenic energy as well as surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing hemostasis, tissue joining or welding. The thermogenic energy also strengthens tissue in proximity to a staple line and knife cut line and provides hemostasis along the staple and cut lines formed by the staples and a knife blade during surgical stapling. The use of thermogenic energy provides short-term hemostasis and sealing, and reduces or prevents staple line and cut line bleeding, while the stapling features provide short and long-term tissue strength and hemostasis. The stapling apparatus further substantially reduces or prevents knife cut line bleeding by energizing a knife blade for cauterizing tissue while it is being cut. In one embodiment, energy is applied to the anvil to energize the staples as they make contact with the anvil. |
| US07762441B1 |
Carrying device
A carrying device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the carrying device includes a main strap unit having a first loop strap segment and a first shoulder strap segment extending from the first loop strap segment. An attachment strap unit having a second loop strap segment and a second shoulder strap segment extending from the second loop strap segment is detachably carried by the first shoulder strap segment of the main strap unit. An apparatus and a method of carrying a snowboard are also disclosed. |
| US07762439B2 |
Variable tip nozzle and cap assembly for dispensing pouch
A variable tip nozzle and cap assembly is disclosed for a dispensing pouch which contains a confectionery, the assembly including threaded portions of different diameters which receive decorating tips for application of the confectionery as a decoration to cakes and cookies, for example. |
| US07762438B2 |
Dispensing closure with latch back
A closure body has a closure deck with a dispensing orifice. A lower peripheral skirt depends from the closure deck and is configured to be mounted on a container. A closure cap has an upper wall and a wall flange which depends from the upper wall. A hinge structure joins the wall flange to the lower peripheral skirt. A latch recess is defined within the lower peripheral skirt. A latch protrusion is located on the wall flange of the cap and positioned respectively positioned above the latch recess when closure cap is in a closed position. The latch protrusion and the latch recess define interfitting mating formations which engage to secure the cap to the closure body when the closure cap is in an open position. |
| US07762435B2 |
Dispensing apparatus
A process for the manufacture of dispensing apparatus includes moulding a first component including a tubular outlet and moulding a second component about the first component. The first component is moulded in a first material and the second component is moulded in a second material, where the first material comprises a less rigid material than the second material. The first component is moulded with the tubular outlet in an open configuration and the moulding of the second component compresses the tubular outlet to a closed configuration. The tubular outlet is elastically deformable, by the application of pressure to the tubular outlet, from the closed configuration to the open configuration. |
| US07762434B2 |
Refillable material transfer system
such as fluids and liquids, includes a material containment vessel with an upper region incorporating a motive force and a bottom region with a material ingress and egress opening. A diconical or other shaped force transfer device is located in the material containment area. The force transfer device is an energy transducer when the material containment is filled with highly viscous materials, such as adhesives, sealants, mastics or lubricating greases. The force transfer device serves as an integral part of a level indicator for both viscous fluids and lower viscosity liquids. The viscous material itself forms a seal between the interface region of the force transfer device and the inside wall of the fluid vessel. Vertical stabilizing elements may extend outward from the force transfer device. |
| US07762431B1 |
Refrigerated liquid product dispenser
A refrigerated liquid dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a pump configured for being in fluid communication with a source of a liquid product; a dispensing faucet configured for being in fluid communication with the pump, the dispensing faucet including a cold maintenance device located near the distal end of the dispensing faucet and an insulator device disposed adjacent to the cold maintenance device. The cold maintenance device has a distal end that projects beyond a lower surface of the insulator device. The dispenser also includes a dispensing tower for enclosing the dispensing faucet; and an auxiliary cooling circuit configured to direct cool airflow toward the dispensing faucet, the auxiliary cooling circuit having a passageway that is at least partially located within the dispensing tower and the passageway is configured to deliver cool airflow through the passageway onto the dispensing faucet, to shield the dispensing faucet from ambient temperature, thereby maintaining the dispensing faucet and the passageway at a cool temperature to avoid contamination of the liquid. The dispenser also includes a controller operatively coupled with the pump and the dispensing faucet to control the operation of the refrigerated liquid dispenser. |
| US07762429B2 |
Portable water cooler for use with bagged fluids and bagged fluids for use therewith
A portable water cooler is designed to accept the placement of bagged fluid therein, leading to the connection of the bag of fluid to a fluid flow pathway, thereby allowing the fluid to be dispensed in a manner such that the fluid is segregated from the internal surfaces of the cooler. The portable water cooler generally includes an internal spike and external spigot through which fluid may flow. Systems and methods for dispensing bagged fluid from such a cooler, including various multi-bag systems and methods allowing for improved thermal control of fluids being dispensed, as well as increased selection of fluids dispensed from the same portable water cooler provide a high level of convenience. |
| US07762428B2 |
Emptying device
For bubble free emptying of pasteous substances from drum-shaped containers these are pumped out through a drum follower plate placed onto the paste. In a refinement, the drum follower plate is provided hollow with a lower grid plate and before the beginning of the pumping out process through evacuation of the hollow intermediary space air, possibly present under the drum follower plate, is sucked from there into the intermediary space, so that the pump scooping from below the grid plate only feeds pasteous material right from the beginning. |
| US07762423B2 |
Flow control element for use with leak-proof cup assemblies
There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured to provide selective fluid communication with the spout aperture. |
| US07762421B2 |
Easy-open sealed container
An easy-open sealed container satisfying requests of perfectivity of sealing and readiness of unsealing is provided. The container includes a plastic pack container, a flange portion surrounding an opening of the plastic pack container, a seal film bonded onto an upper surface of the flange portion to thereby seal the pack container, and a peeling film bonded onto a lower surface of the flange portion. The flange portion includes a broken portion including a cut-off line and a connection part formed in a part or a whole of the flange portion. The peeling film includes a peeling-start portion extruding outward or inward of the flange portion. |
| US07762420B2 |
Pressure cooker
The pressure cooker has a pot (2) with a base and a side wall and an upper rim (6). A lid (3) can be connected to the pot (2) in a sealed manner along the abovementioned upper rim (6). In the presence of a predetermined positive pressure, a locking device (12) connects the lid (3) to the pot in a non-releasable manner in conjunction with a pressure element (11) arranged on the lid (3). The locking device (12), in a fitting (5) of the lid (3), has a rocker (12a) which is mounted in a movable manner and, for control purposes and in order to lock the lid (3), interacts with the pot (2) and the abovementioned pressure element (11). Locking takes place automatically when the pressure cooker is closed and the locking means can be produced in a reliable and cost-effective manner. |
| US07762409B2 |
Apparatuses for holding hangers
A clothes hanger support apparatus from which clothes hangers may be suspended is described. The support apparatus is comprised of a clamp having members that are pivotally coupled on their bottom ends and have flanges extending inward from their top ends. When the apparatus is in the closed position, the flanges rest on the top of the horizontal moldings of a doorframe or window frame. Cords are attached to the members and pull the members together using the weight of a hanger bar that is attached to the cords. |
| US07762407B2 |
Display device and blank therefor
A display device which includes an elongate strip of sheet material having a plurality of product carrying pockets each pocket being provided with a pair of laterally spaced front sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of an adjacent rear section of the elongate strip, each front section being attached to the rear section at its upper edge respectively, by way of upper bridge portions, further attachment between a further section of the rear section and the front sections is provided by a lower bridge portion intermediate the front sections and which is attached adjacent the lower edges thereof. |
| US07762404B2 |
Device for performing the purifying separation of crystals out of their suspension in a contaminated crystal melt
An apparatus for separating crystals from their suspension in contaminated crystal melt with purification, in which a hydraulic wash column has distributor aids in a distributor space. |
| US07762398B2 |
Hanger label
Hanger labels that include a first label segment, a second label segment, and a hanger are described. The hanger may include a hook, a first connection connecting the hook to the first label segment, and a second connection connecting the hook to the second label segment. Alternatively, the hanger may include a strap connecting first and second label segments. Containers including such hanger labels are also described. |
| US07762396B1 |
Cup carrier
A cup carrier for holding beverage cups within a range of shapes and sizes is provided. The carrier has a cup-holding socket that has stabilizing shoulders and stabilizing walls extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom. The stabilizing walls include an upper portion having a relatively shallow angle and lower portions having a steeper angle. This extends the stabilizing wall further into an upper region of the socket, thereby enabling the stabilizing wall to contact smaller diameter cups at a higher point in order to increase stability. The upper portion contacts larger cups inserted into the socket. Because the upper portion initially has a relatively shallow angle, it exerts a desirable gripping force on the cups when it is deflected outwardly by the cup's sidewall. The carrier also includes a stepped center cavity for increased strength and rigidity. |
| US07762394B2 |
Cartons with dispensing features
Cartons have dispensers that allow ease of access to articles accommodated within the cartons. A carton has a back panel, a top panel, a front panel, a bottom panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a dispenser/stand pattern disposed in the top panel and the front panel and defining a dispenser/stand. The carton is capable of being placed in a dispensing configuration in which the dispenser/stand provides a dispenser opening and supports the carton in an inclined position. The dispenser/stand is connected to the front panel when the dispenser/stand supports the carton in an inclined position. |
| US07762390B2 |
Wire-hook connector and conveyor or belt end provided therewith
Wire-hook connectors with a series of individual wire hooks that are not connected to one another, are arranged spaced apart by pair and parallel to one another, and are held only on strip-like carrier material, which is a film, fabric or shaped plastic part, in corresponding openings. The wire hooks are fabricated of, for example, round or flat steel wire, each of which has two hook legs that are unequal in length and that run at an angle to one another on either side of the buckling area formed thereby. The hook legs have hook tips at ends thereof that are bent towards one another, whereby a wire hook is arranged centrally between a mutually adjacent pair of mutually parallel wire hooks, with mirror symmetry with respect to the plane formed by the angle bisectors thereof. |
| US07762385B2 |
Conveyor-technology device
The invention relates to a method as well as to a conveyor-technology device for processing printed products. The conveyor-technology device includes a guide and conveyor which may be moved along the guide, for conveying printed products which are fed by way of feeders. The guide is curved in several spatial directions. The conveyor-technology device includes a holding device which serve for the temporary fixing of printed products in a manner such that these at least in regions may be conveyed against gravitational force. |
| US07762383B2 |
Freeze dryer
A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading and/or unloading the chamber comprises a transfer bar extending across the slot. The bar is pivotally attached at each end to first and second flat springs, each spring being wound on a respective rotatably mounted spool located proximate the slot. Drive means are provided for synchronously rotating the spools to effect movement of the bar into or out from the chamber and for selectively rotating the spools to raise or lower the bar. |
| US07762382B2 |
Method and a system for transferring of items
Method and system for transferring items (2) from an inlet flow or a bulk of items at a first area to a second area, from which the items are transferred in an orderly flow of items, whereby a plurality of gripping means (18) are used for transferring said items and whereby said method comprises the steps of moving at least one of said plurality of gripping means (18) towards at least part of said first area or vice versa, engaging one of said items by said at least one of said plurality of gripping means (18), moving said engaged item away from said first area, or vice versa, placing said engaged item at a selected position, and whereby said item is moved away from said second area in an orderly flow with at least one further item handled by another of said plurality of gripping means. |
| US07762377B2 |
Transport car for metal coils
A transfer car in a conveyance system for metal coils, having a support saddle, a chassis that can be moved along a conveyance path by a drive and a mechanism for raising and lowering the support saddle along a linear vertical guide on a plate-like base frame. A steel slab is used as the plate-like base frame, on which a scissor unit is mounted for the purpose of linear vertical guidance and so as to not take on any lifting forces. Two lifting cylinders are installed some distance apart as the drive and act directly on the support saddle to provide the sole lifting forces to raise and lower the support saddle. |
| US07762376B2 |
Elevator with two elevator cars which are disposed one above the other in a shaft
An elevator has at least two elevator cars, which are disposed one above the other in a shaft, which cars are vertically movable and which each have a drive, a counterweight and a traction device, wherein one drive is fixed at a first shaft wall and a second drive is fixed at an opposite second shaft wall and each drive has at least one drive pulley. At least one first deflecting roller is associated with each drive and is positioned the shaft wall that is opposite the drive and above the counterweight associated with the drive. The traction device is led from the counterweight over the deflecting roller to the drive pulley and from there to the elevator car. |
| US07762367B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A motorcycle that ensures engine cooling efficiency while suppressing radiator exposure has a head pipe and left and right downtubes extending downward from the head pipe. A radiator catches traveling wind from forwardly of the motorcycle. A louver provided on the radiator includes baffle plates that lead traveling wind to the radiator. The radiator has an overlapping portion between the downtubes that overlaps the downtubes as viewed from laterally of the motorcycle. |
| US07762366B2 |
Axle drive unit for a hybrid electric vehicle
A drive unit for a hybrid electric motor vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine including a rotor, a layshaft gearset including an input driveably connected to the engine and an output, for transmitting power between the input and the output and producing a first speed differential that causes a speed of the input to exceed a speed of the output, first and second driveshafts, a differential mechanism driveably connected to the output, for transmitting power between the output and the driveshafts, and a planetary gear unit driveably connected to the output and the rotor, for transmitting power between the rotor and the output and producing a second speed differential that causes a speed of the rotor to exceed the speed of the output. |
| US07762362B2 |
Climbing with dry adhesives
A bio-inspired device is provided designed to scale smooth vertical surfaces using anisotropic frictional materials. The device draws its inspiration from geckos and other climbing lizards and employs similar compliance and force control strategies to climb (or hang onto) smooth vertical surfaces including glass, tile and plastic panels. Foremost among the design features embodied in the device are multiple levels of compliance, at length scales ranging from centimeters to micrometers, to allow the device to conform to surfaces and maintain large real areas of contact so that adhesive forces can support it. Structures within the feet ensure even stress distributions over each toe and facilitate engagement and disengagement of the adhesive materials. A force control strategy works in conjunction with the anisotropic adhesive materials to obtain sufficient levels of friction and adhesion for climbing with low attachment and detachment forces. |
| US07762361B2 |
Omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle
A powered omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle which, in one embodiment, includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A turret is rotatively mounted to the frame such that it is capable of rotation about the vertical axis, and an articulated ordinance handling arm is mounted to the turret. A castor is mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the ground. A control system enables the vehicle to rotate in place to change headings while maintaining ordinance carried by the arm motionless with respect to the ground and to perform repetitive precise multi-axis motion control of the vehicle. |
| US07762360B2 |
Vehicle calibration and trajectory control system
A method and system are described for calibrating speed controls for a vehicle having a pair of drive means on opposite sides of the vehicle driven by independent speed controls and where relative speed of the drive means is used to direct the vehicle. In one aspect, angular motion of the vehicle is detected using at least one of a gyroscopic angular sensor and a pair of accelerometers to determine a rate of yaw; a speed control output for controlling the relative speed is adjusted so that the rate of yaw is lower than a threshold when speed control inputs for controlling the relative speed are equal; and one or more speed control adjustment parameters are determined and stored for use during operation for controlling the relative speed of the drive means. A microcontroller may be used to receive sensor outputs (e.g. from the gyroscope and/or accelerometers) and speed control inputs and to determine the speed control adjustment. During operation, the microcontroller may control the relative speed, applying the speed control adjustment(s) to speed control inputs. |
| US07762357B2 |
Dual gradient drilling method and apparatus with an adjustable centrifuge
A system for controlling drilling mud density in drilling operations that combines a base fluid of lesser/greater density than the drilling fluid required at the drill bit to drill the borehole to produce a combination return mud in a riser. Concentric tubular members are disclosed, wherein one tubular member, such as the drill string, is utilized to inject the drilling fluid into the wellbore. Another tubular member carries the combination fluid to the surface for separation by a centrifuge system. By combining appropriate quantities of drilling mud with another fluid, the density of the combination fluid carrying drill cuttings to the surface can be regulated. During separation by the centrifuge, a weir plate having an adjustable height is utilized in the centrifuge to regulate the separation of the base fluid from the drilling fluid, producing a high density fluid and a low density fluid. The adjustable centrifuge permits the densities of the two fluids to be readily altered as desired for well drilling operations. |
| US07762355B2 |
Rotary drag bit and methods therefor
A rotary drag bit includes a primary cutter row comprising at least one primary cutter, and at least two additional cutters configured relative to one another. In one embodiment, the cutters are backup cutters of a backup cutter group located in respective first and second trailing cutter rows, oriented relative to one another, and positioned to substantially follow the at least one primary cutter. The rotary drag bit life is extended by the backup cutter group, making the bit more durable and extending the life of the cutters. In other of the embodiments, the cutters are configured to selectively engage a subterranean formation material being drilled, providing improved bit life and reduced stress upon the cutters. Still other embodiments of rotary drag bits include backup cutter configurations having different backrake angles and siderake angles, including methods therefor. |
| US07762351B2 |
Exposed hollow carrier perforation gun and charge holder
The perforation gun is comprised of a tubular carrier, a charge holder, a plurality of sealed charges, and a detonating cord. The tubular carrier has a length and a plurality of openings. The charge holder has a length and is comprised of a plurality of mounting locations which are each capable of receiving one of the sealed charges. The charge holder is capable of being secured within the carrier. The detonating cord is coupled to at least one sealed charge. In the mounted position and when the charge holder is secured within the carrier, the charges are aligned with the openings in the carrier such that, upon detonation, charge blasts emitted from the charges exit though the carrier openings and perforate a well casing and cement. In one aspect of the invention, the carrier openings are spirally arranged and spaced along the length of the carrier. In still another aspect of the invention, the openings are vertically arranged and spaced along the length of the carrier. In still another aspect of the invention, the carrier is closed at the top and bottom. In still another aspect of the invention, the carrier is capable of capturing debris created by a charge blast emitted from the sealed charges. |
| US07762350B2 |
Impulse generator and impulse tool with impulse generator
The invention relates to an impulse generator (2) for a rock breaking tool, which comprises a propulsion chamber (6) for receiving a pressurizeable liquid volume (8), and an in the propulsion chamber (6) received impulse piston (10), where the impulse piston (10) is arranged for transfer of pressure peaks in the liquid volume (8) into impulses in the tool (12), whereby transfer of energy from a propulsion mechanism (14) into impulses in the tool (12) is effected by volume reduction of the propulsion chamber (6), whereby the impulse piston (10) is driven forward by a pressure peak in the propulsion chamber (6). The invention also relates to a hydraulic impulse tool comprising an impulse generator (2). |
| US07762346B2 |
Method and system for collaring
The present invention relates to a method for controlling drilling parameters during an initial phase of rock drilling with a drilling machine. In accordance with the invention the percussion pressure and feed pressure of the drilling machine are controlled as continuously increasing functions during the initial phase. The present invention also relates to such a system. |
| US07762345B2 |
Conservation tillage implement, system and method
A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles. Advantageously, the implement can be operated in standing water, as found in the growing of rice. |
| US07762344B2 |
Swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing
A swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing. A method of constructing a swellable packer on a continuous tubular string includes the steps of: attaching a swellable seal material to the tubular string to thereby form the packer; and then wrapping the tubular string with the packer on a spool. A swellable packer includes a tubular body portion for incorporation into a tubular string, and a seal material wrapped about the body portion, the seal material being swellable in response to contact with a fluid. A method of constructing a swellable packer for a tubular string includes the steps of: wrapping a seal material about a tubular body portion to thereby form the packer; and then swelling the seal material in response to contact with a fluid. A continuous tubular string includes a seal material attached to a body portion of the tubular string to thereby form a swellable packer; and the packer wrapped with the tubular string on a spool. |
| US07762342B2 |
Apparatus for providing a temporary degradable barrier in a flow pathway
A flow conduit may have at least one orifice is in the vicinity of a flow source. The source is at least partially covered (and flow blocked by) an optional temporary coating or barrier. The flow pathway between the orifice and the source is temporarily blocked with a degradable material or barrier. The material disintegrates (e.g. under the influence of time or temperature) to optionally produce a product that removes the temporary coating in the area adjacent the barrier. The method is useful in one non-limiting context of recovering hydrocarbons where the flow conduit is the casing or liner of the well and the flow source is a subterranean reservoir where the temporary coating is a filter cake. |
| US07762341B2 |
Flow control device utilizing a reactive media
An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular includes a flow path associated with a production control device; an occlusion member positioned along the flow path that selectively occludes the flow path, and a reactive media disposed along the flow path that change a pressure differential across at least a portion of the flow path by interacting with a selected fluid. The reactive media may be a water swellable material or an oil swellable material. The reactive media may be selected or formulated to change a parameter related to the flow path. Illustrative parameters include, but are not limited to, (i) permeability, (ii) tortuosity, (iii) turbulence, (iv) viscosity, and (v) cross-sectional flow area. |
| US07762339B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling the speed of a pump in a well
A controller for controlling the pump unit of an oil well includes a sensor having a first and second probe for placement in the flow of oil from the well bore. Each of the probes contains a heater. A constant power source is selectively connected to one of the heaters. Each of the probes also includes a linear RTD at each of their tips respectively for generating a signal indicative of the temperature measured at each of the first and second probes. A control unit receives signals from the RTD's and determines a flow rate therefrom. A pump control signal is generated in response to the flow rate, wherein the pump control signal continuously varies a predetermined parameter for controlling the flow rate of a pumping unit during operation of the pumping unit. |
| US07762338B2 |
Orientation-less ultra-slim well and completion system
An assembly for landing a tubing hanger in a subsea well includes a riser extending from a subsea wellhead assembly to a vessel at the surface of the sea. A tubing hanger having a string of tubing suspended therefrom is lowered through the riser with a string of conduit, and the tubing hanger lands within the subsea wellhead assembly. A sensor is positioned adjacent the subsea wellhead assembly to monitor the axial position of the tubing hanger within the subsea wellhead assembly. The sensor also communicates the axial position of the tubing hanger to the surface. A locking mechanism is carried by the tubing hanger and is selectively operable to lock the tubing hanger in place relative to the subsea wellhead assembly when the tubing hanger reaches a predetermined axial location. |
| US07762335B2 |
Switching apparatus between independent control systems for a subsurface safety valve
A system is provided for switching between redundant control systems for a subsurface safety valve (SSV) while being able to isolate the closure spring from hydrostatic pressure in the control line of the system that is not being used. There are two control lines that connect to discrete operating pistons that are both coupled to the flow tube. Each operating piston is connected to a control rod with the control rods terminating near opposed ends of a pivoting member. Pushing down on one rod pushes up on the other rod so that the other rod is held supported and the hydrostatic pressure in its associated control line doesn't affect the force needed by the closure spring to close the SSV. Releasing control line pressure puts the system in neutral to allow either of the systems to be reselected. |
| US07762333B2 |
Hydraulically openable ported sub
A ported sub comprising: a tubular body including a wall and ends formed for installation in a wellbore tubular string; a first port through the wall; a second port through the wall; a first hydraulically openable sliding sleeve for the controlling the open and closed condition of the first port; a second hydraulically openable sliding sleeve for the controlling the open and closed condition of the second port; a first pressure release connection for securing the first hydraulically openable sliding sleeve in a position on the tubular body and being releasable by application of a selected hydraulic pressure to the first hydraulically openable sliding sleeve; and a second pressure release connection for securing the second hydraulically openable sliding sleeve in a position on the tubular body and being releasable by application of hydraulic pressure at least substantially similar to the selected hydraulic pressure to the second hydraulically openable sliding sleeve, the first pressure release connection including a first type of pressure release mechanism and the second pressure release connection including a second type of pressure release mechanism different than the first type of pressure release mechanism. A tubing string and method may employ the ported sub. |
| US07762328B2 |
Formation testing and sampling tool including a coring device
A sampling tool for retrieving one or more samples from a wellbore drilled in a subterranean formation includes a coring device retrieving a core from a wellbore wall, wellbore isolation devices that isolate an annular region proximate to the coring device; and a flow device that flows fluid out of the isolated region. During operation, the sampling tool is positioned adjacent a formation of interest. The isolation device is activated to isolate an annular region proximate to the sampling tool. Decentralizing arms can be used to position the coring device next to the wellbore wall. Thereafter, the flow device flows fluid out of the isolated annular region. When the isolated region includes mostly formation fluid, the coring device is activated to retrieve a core from a wall of the wellbore in the isolated annular region and store it in formation fluid. |
| US07762327B2 |
Acoustically measuring annulus probe depth
A casing annulus is remediated by inserting a hose into a casing annulus, the hose having a nozzle on its lower end. An acoustic signal is directed into the annulus. A sensor in the hose receives the acoustic signal and transmits data from the sensor to the surface. The data represents the acoustic signal arrival time to the sensor, and an analyzer estimates the sensor depth based on the data. The hose is inserted from a reel into a wellhead above the annulus. An electrical transducer mechanically coupled to the hose creates the acoustic signal. The signal is propagated along the hose and transferred to the fluid in the annulus, where it then propagates further into the annulus. The transducer can be installed on a hose roller along which the hose is fed into the wellhead. |
| US07762324B2 |
Bypass crossover sub selector for multi-zone fracturing processes
Fracturing tools for fracturing multiple zones of a wellbore are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fracturing tools comprise two or more crossover subs coupled together and having a crossover sub window alignment assembly operatively associated with either an isolation sleeve disposed within the bores of the crossover sub-assemblies or with the crossover sub assemblies themselves. Actuation of the crossover sub window alignment assembly opens and closes the windows of each of the crossover sub-assemblies so that different crossover sub-assemblies can be activated to fracture various wellbore locations. |
| US07762323B2 |
Composite cement retainer
A downhole plug that can include a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug can further include a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges can be at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones can be disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members. |
| US07762322B2 |
Swellable packer with variable quantity feed-throughs for lines
A swellable packer with variable quantity feed-throughs for lines. A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well includes a generally tubular swellable seal element having an outer generally cylindrical surface, one or more cavities extending longitudinally through the seal element, and one or more longitudinally extending splits in the seal element between the outer surface and each of the cavities. One or more elongated plugs are positioned within at least one of the cavities. A method of sealing a fluid passage in a subterranean well includes the steps of: inserting one or more elongated plugs in one or more cavities which extend longitudinally through a swellable seal element of a packer assembly; and installing the packer assembly in the well. The installing step includes removing a selected number of the plugs from the cavities, and replacing the selected number of the plugs with a corresponding number of lines. |
| US07762321B2 |
Hydraulic oil well pumping apparatus
A hydraulic oil well pumping arrangement employs a compensating type hydraulic pump, a directional valving arrangement and a proportioning valving arrangement. When the directional valve is energized, oil is directed to the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. The rod or piston part of the hydraulic cylinder will then elevate until a first limit switch is actuated which then will de-energize the directional valve and send a current signal to the proportional valve. This current signal to the proportional valve forces it to open to a point at which the cylinder rod would extend at the desired velocity until it reaches a second limit switch. The second limit switch is near the bottom (for example, 1 foot, or 0.30 meters) of travel of the rod or piston. The current signal to the proportional valve is then decreased, creating a choking arrangement that forces the cylinder rod to decelerate. The cylinder rod then reaches another limit switch. Upon reaching the third limit switch, the signal is removed from the proportional valve so that it closes. This halts a draining of fluid from the hydraulic cylinder. At the same time, a voltage signal is sent to the directional valve opening it so that pump flow again travels from the pump to the hydraulic cylinder and once again elevates the rod and the connected pumping string or sucker rod. |
| US07762320B2 |
Heat exchanger system and method of use thereof and well drilling equipment comprising same
A bearing cooling system comprises a bearing assembly, a heat exchanger, a coolant flow circuit apparatus and a lubricant flow circuit apparatus. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within a well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached thereto. The bearing assembly includes bearings and a lubricant flow path configured for allowing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The heat exchanger has a lubricant core portion and a coolant core portion, which are jointly configured for allowing heat transfer between respective fluids of the core portions. The coolant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the coolant core portion and is configured for circulating coolant through the coolant core portion. The lubricant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the lubricant core portion and lubricant flow path, and is configured for circulating lubricant through the coolant core portion and the lubricant flow path. |
| US07762317B2 |
Heat exchangers with novel ball joints and assemblies and processes using such heat exchangers
What is disclosed herein deals with low to medium pressure, high temperature, all ceramic, air-to-air, indirect heat exchangers, novel ball joints, high load-bearing ceramic tube sheets, and tube seal extenders for ceramic tubes that are useful in such heat exchangers. Also disclosed are new and novel systems used in new and novel industrial processes such as chemical processing, sludge destruction and the production of particulates such as, for example, carbon black. Systems utilizing several heat exchangers are also disclosed. |
| US07762310B2 |
Cladding superplastic alloys
A method of producing a clad sheet article having superplastic properties, and the resulting clad sheet article. The method involves producing a cladding layer onto at least one rolling face of a core ingot made of a metal having superplastic properties, preferably by co-casting, to form a clad ingot and then rolling said clad ingot to produce a sheet article. The core ingot includes an element that diffuses from an interior of the ingot to a surface at superplastic forming temperatures thereby deteriorating surface properties of the ingot. The cladding layer is provided with an element (dopant) that reacts with the element of the core to reduce the ability of the element to diffuse through the cladding layer. |
| US07762308B2 |
Cast parts with improved surface properties and methods for their production
Techniques for forming cast parts for medical devices suitable for contact with internal regions of patients are described herein. Such parts can be small in scale (e.g., having a major axis less than 0.3 inches, and/or a minor axis less than about 0.08 inches), and can be formed from metals that have a high melting point and high reactivity with environmental components or mold surfaces, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys. Such techniques can include injecting molten metal into the sprue of a mold tree such that the side runners are backfilled after the molten metal impacts a closed end of the sprue. Side runners can be oriented in particular directions and positions to promote backfilling. As well, flask temperatures and the use of surfactants can also promote cast part formation, hindering the formation of surface defects. |
| US07762304B2 |
Device for detecting an obstacle and limiting the force of an apron in a goods-handling door
The invention relates to a device for detecting an obstacle and limiting the force from the primary edge or sill nosing (10) of a flexible apron or curtain (5) in a goods-handling door (1) when the latter comes into contact with an obstacle (14) as it is being closed. The inventive device comprises safety cells (21, 22) which are positioned and fixed close to each guiding device (8) such as to emit a beam F that is directed along a vertical axis outside of the guide (15) so that the beam is interrupted upon deformation of the flexible curtain or apron (5). |
| US07762302B2 |
Label printer
There is provided a label printer 10 that performs printing on a label L including a front-part label area L1 located at the front side in the feed-out direction and a rear-part label area L2 which is connected thereto. The label printer 10 comprises a printing unit 12 that performs printing on the label L, a sticking unit 14 that sticks the label L to an object W while holding the label L and a turn-over device 15 that turns over the front-part label area L1 to the rear face side of the rear-part label area L2. The sticking unit 14 is arranged so as to stick the label L to the object W after the front-part label area L1 is turned over and attached to the rear-part label area L2 by the turn-over device 15. |
| US07762301B2 |
Device for the precise positional joining of two material webs
In an arrangement for a position accurate joining of a first material web, which comprises elements in a section length separated by separating locations, with a second material web which is provided with marks arranged at a predetermined distance from each other corresponding to the section length—except for a possibly certain deviation, the arrangement includes a first device by which the two material webs are joined, a transport device by which the two material webs are moved stepwise by the predetermined distance, and a second device by which an element applied to the first material web when, after movement of the two material webs by a section length, the length of the material web between the first device and the second device corresponds to a predetermined multiple of the section length plus an offset, which is adjustable by an offset device, and a transport device by which the two material webs can be moved section-stepwise, wherein a sensor is provided by which the difference is determined and the offset is adjusted depending on the difference. |
| US07762300B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags utilizing zipper tape material
A reclosable zipper strip is dispensed through a feeding mechanism and, when an optical sensor detects one of the splotch seal portions of the zipper strip, a desired length of zipper strip is advanced over an elevator platform. A knife is then signaled to descend and sever the advanced portion of zipper strip, which is thus deposited onto the elevator platform. As the selected portion of the zipper strip is being positioned and deposited onto the elevator, the web of flexible film is being positioned above the platform. A sealing head is then positioned over the web of flexible film, while at the same time the elevator platform is driven upwardly so that the zipper strip portion positioned thereon comes into contact with the web of flexible film. The heat passing through the web of flexible film creates an airtight seal of the zipper strip to the web. |
| US07762297B2 |
Heavy duty pneumatic tire
It aims to provide a heavy duty pneumatic tire with block patterns and capable of improving deflected wear resisting performances without sacrificing wet grip performances or on-snow performances and that can particularly be favorably used for all seasons. The present invention comprises block patterns employing at least three types of blocks 4 comprised of central blocks 4C delimited by the central longitudinal groove 2M, the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, and the central lateral grooves 3C, intermediate blocks 4M delimited by the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, the outer longitudinal grooves 2S and the intermediate lateral grooves 3M, and outer blocks 4S that are delimited by outer longitudinal grooves 2S, outer lateral grooves 3S that extend from this outer longitudinal grooves 2S to the tread ends E, and wherein longitudinal length ratios (L4/W4) of blocks 4, groove width ratios of longitudinal grooves and lateral grooves (w2/w3), maximum widths of blocks, minimum widths of blocks and ratios thereof (W4max/W4min), and circumferential edge components and tire axial edge components and ratios thereof (EC/EL) at respective stages of wear are defined to be within specified ranges. |
| US07762289B2 |
Method and related system of filling therapeutic gas cylinders
A method and related system of filling therapeutic gas cylinders. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are a method comprising determining, by a cylinder fill device, a rated pressure of a therapeutic gas cylinder, and filling the cylinder with the cylinder fill device substantially to the rated pressure. |
| US07762279B2 |
Threaded coupling with flow shutoff
A thread to connect coupling comprising a female coupling half and a male coupling half is disclosed and claimed wherein the male coupling half includes a recess in the exterior of the male body which extends circumferentially therearound. The female coupling half includes a valve, a female body, and a female body extension affixed to the female body. The female body further includes a sliding sleeve movable with respect to the valve between a first position abutting and closing the valve and a second position opening the valve. The male body interengages the sliding sleeve and moves therewith during coupling and uncoupling. During uncoupling, the sliding sleeve is reliably positioned sealingly against the valve because the sliding sleeve is interlocked with the male body such that as the male body is withdrawn from the female body the sliding sleeve comes with the male body. Separation of the coupling halves requires that an outer sleeve release a second set of detents which acts as a permissive to uncoupling. The coupling halves may not be separated by vibrating the threaded surfaces of the respective coupling halves apart. |
| US07762276B2 |
Check valve
A check valve for a fluid handling system is disclosed, the check valve having a main body with a poppet valve disposed therein and a spring urging the poppet valve into abutment with an inner surface of the main body, wherein the check valve facilitates a flow of fluid in one direction and militates against the flow of fluid in an opposite direction. |
| US07762272B2 |
Gaseous fuel vehicle and automatic vent system
A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone. |
| US07762271B2 |
Material delivery support device for boom and method of use
A material delivery support device is provided for supporting a tubular delivery system from an outermost end of an extendable boom arm. The material delivery support device includes a rigid support arrangement having an upper rigid portion attached to the outermost end of the boom arm, and a lower rigid portion secured to the tubular material delivery system below the upper rigid portion. A flexible support assembly extends between the upper and lower rigid portions and surrounds the tubular material delivery system. The tubular material delivery system is substantially supported from the upper rigid portion of the rigid support arrangement. |
| US07762267B2 |
Filter element
The aim of the invention is to obtain filter tows or filtering materials for manufacturing filters for smoking products which make it possible to prevent or at least reduce health risks due to the release of the filter components and external contamination of cigarettes by filter components. According to the invention, a filter element is manufactured of starch and/or a mixture of a starch-based polymer and eventually incorporated activated-carbon layers and provided with pores and/or channels. The filter particles eventually adherent to such filtering materials or released during cigarette smoking can be dissolved in a corresponding moisture-containing environment. They do not come into consideration for health-damaging effects. |
| US07762265B2 |
Apparatus for controlling distribution of tobacco strip
An apparatus is configured to control the distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press. The apparatus includes a housing. A plurality of ducts extend from the housing to the charger. Each duct is configured to direct a portion of the air flow from the housing to the charger. A plurality of nozzles are spaced around the perimeter of the charger. Each nozzle is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of ducts. Each duct may include a flow controller that is selectively openable and closable to direct the portion of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger. A method of controlling distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press includes providing an air flow and selectively directing portions of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger. |
| US07762263B2 |
Device and method for opening an airway
A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper airway. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway. |
| US07762262B1 |
Disposable prophylactic garment for restricting sexually transmitted diseases for men
A garment includes a bifurcated body having front and rear sections wherein the front section is provided with a sheath oriented about a genital region and includes a ribbed outer surface. The rear section is provided with a plurality of apertures and is oriented about a buttock region respectively. The ribbed outer surface includes a plurality of protrusions. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for fastening the garment about the user's waist. A condom is positionable about a user's penis wherein a proximal end portion of the condom is engageable about the ribbed outer surface of the sheath, defining a frictional contact area for assisting to maintain the condom positioned about the penis during sexual activities. |
| US07762259B2 |
Mask with integral cushion and forehead piece
A respiratory mask has an adjustable forehead support member that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The forehead support member may be adjusted by rotating a forehead pad about an off-center bore or by bending an angular adjustment beam. The mask has a mask cushion with an accordionate membrane having at least two hinged portions. The mask may be constructed with a mask frame, the mask cushion, and the forehead support member molded as one piece. |
| US07762254B2 |
Mask mounting mechanism
A mask mounting mechanism for use in connection with a patient interface device having a mask and a mask attachment assembly with at least one strap for retaining the mask in a sealed position on a user's face. The mask mounting mechanism includes a button element extending from the mask, and the button element includes a shaft and a cap having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft. A clip element includes a clip element arm and a buckle. A second end of the arm includes an orifice extending therethrough. The buckle is attached to a first end of the clip element arm for engaging the strap of the mask attachment assembly. The clip element is engageable with a button element by engaging the orifice of the clip element arm over the cap and adjacent the shaft of the button element. |
| US07762253B2 |
Multiple lumen monitored drug delivery nasal cannula system
A multiple lumen nasal cannula that can be used to delivery two separate supplies of gases to a patient. The multiple lumen nasal cannula includes a first lumen for delivering a first gas and a second lumen for delivering a second gas. The first lumen includes support structure that reduces the tendency of the cannula to kink and lock the delivery of gas to a patient. The cannula assembly includes a mixing chamber positioned near the patient such that the two supplies of gas are not mixed until a location approximate to delivery to the patient. The nasal cannula assembly includes a connecting device that allows the two separate supplies of gas to be correctly delivered to the two different lumens of the nasal cannula. |
| US07762251B2 |
Method and apparatus for humidification and warming of air
A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it posses over the surface of the humidification material. |
| US07762246B2 |
Adjustable feed tube
A paintball gun preferably includes an adjustable, clamping feed tube. The feed tube can, for instance, include a lever for closing and opening a clamp, thereby tightening or loosening a receiving end of a feed tube to secure or release a hopper neck. The feed tube also preferably includes a finger adjustable nut for adjusting the size of the receiving end to accommodate differently sized hopper necks. |
| US07762241B2 |
Evaporative emission management for vehicles
Evaporative emissions management for a vehicle having a fuel tank and a low-vacuum internal combustion engine, including hybrid electric vehicles, include first and second canisters with the second canister disposed between the first canister and atmosphere. A refueling valve routes fuel vapors from the fuel storage tank through the first canister, and to the second canister when the first canister becomes saturated, during refueling. Other than during refueling, the refueling valve is closed to route fuel vapors around the first canister and directly into the second canister. First and second purge valves are controlled during canister regeneration or purging so air from atmosphere is routed primarily through the second canister to the engine to purge the second canister before the purge valves are operated to route air from atmosphere through both the second and first canisters to purge the first canister. |
| US07762239B2 |
V-type engine with valley-mounted fuel pump
A V-type engine with an engine block face extending upward on at least one end of the valley includes a plurality of fasteners having a first threaded portion engaging the face of the engine block and a second threaded portion extending through the face into the valley and through corresponding apertures in a fuel pump housing mounting flange of a fuel pump disposed within the valley to secure the fuel pump directly to the engine block face without an adapter plate. The second threaded portion of each fastener engages a complementarily threaded spacer with a proximate end securing the flange of the fuel pump housing to the back of the engine block face and extending into the valley along substantially the entire length of the fuel pump housing to a distal end shaped to facilitate engagement with a fastening tool. |
| US07762238B2 |
Sleeve metered unit pump and fuel injection system using the same
Pressurized injector actuation fluid, such as oil or fuel, is supplied to high pressure common rail by a fixed displacement fluid pump. Variable delivery from the pump is achieved by an improved sleeve metering approach. The sleeve surrounds the reciprocating piston and is manipulated to control venting of pumped fluid through vent ports in the piston. The sleeve is moved by preferably being the armature of a solenoid assembly. The varying of current to the solenoid coil alters the axial position of the sleeve relative to the piston to vary the effective pumping stroke of the piston. |
| US07762225B2 |
Valve train of an internal combustion engine comprising at least one camshaft
The invention relates to valve train of an international combustion engine, which comprise axially displaceable cam elements. The inventive valve train is characterized in that one cam element comprises at least two cams which in turn comprise at least two cam tracks. The first cam and the at least second cam of a cam element differ in at least one cam track. |
| US07762218B2 |
Internal combustion engine using combustible gases produced by the electrolysis of water, and vehicle comprising same
An engine system comprising an electrolysis apparatus interconnected to an internal combustion engine. The electrolysis apparatus cleaves water into a mixture of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The mixture of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is input into, and fuels, the internal combustion engine. A vehicle comprising the engine system. |
| US07762216B1 |
Wood fired hot water heating system
A hot water heating system is provided for heating water that is utilized to heat a structure such as a tobacco barn. The hot water heating system includes a base and a vessel, movably mounted on the base, for holding water supported on the base. The vessel is movable back and forth on the base between a heating position and a loading position. In the heating position, the vessel overlies a fire chamber. When the vessel moves to the loading position, the fire chamber is open at the top so as to permit solid fuel, such as wood, to be loaded through the open top of the fire chamber. |
| US07762215B2 |
Universal retractable zip clip
A clip configuration including a contoured case forming a support opening for a movable clasp element defining a universal clip. A winding mechanism within the casing includes a spring urged spool having a retractable cord which extends with an attachment ring positioned on its free end. |
| US07762213B2 |
Self-cleaning litter box
A self-cleaning litter box is disclosed which provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to use a cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter. |
| US07762212B2 |
Self-cleaning animal watering device
A self-cleaning, low-maintenance, water-saving automated animal watering device (10) is provided which includes a watering tank (12) moveable between a lower, water-full condition and an upper, water-low condition. Preferably, one end of the tank (12) is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft (64), while the other end of the tank is biased upwardly via a lower lift spring (72). The device (10) also has a water fill assembly (16) operably coupled with tank (12) to selectively fill the tank (12) when needed, and a drain valve assembly (18) also coupled with tank (12) in order to completely drain the tank (12) on a periodic basis. A control assembly (20) is coupled with at least the tank (12) and drain valve assembly (18), and is operable to actuate the drain valve assembly (18) after a predetermined number of movements of the tank (12) between the elevated and lowered positions thereof. |
| US07762205B1 |
Transport and use of prefabricated components in shoreline and floating structures
Novel prefabricated structural components such as precast concrete boxes having forms including rectangular parallelepipeds and hexagonal cylinders are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 6,491,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, levees and breakwaters. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes and arrays thereof are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of such boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes. |
| US07762198B2 |
Fixture with means to adapt the positions of loading ledges
A fixture to be used for formation of unit loads of one or more packages on loading ledges is shown. The fixture can adapt the positions of the loading ledges depending on the size and form of the unit loads to be formed. The fixture has a rectangular frame formed of two parallel long struts and two short struts between the ends of the long struts. A number of further intermediate short struts may be arranged between the long struts to stabilize the frame. Four transversal bars are arranged moveable on the long struts. On each transversal bar, two cups are received, of which at least one cup is received moveable on the transversal bar. The cups are to receive the loading ledges. |
| US07762188B2 |
Reimageable printing member
A reimageable printing member such as for use in flexography, includes a layer having a multiplicity of holes, wherein the holes include therein a dimension change material and a printing material upon the dimension change material. Thus, the holes house vertically expandable units, the top portion of which is capable of protruding out of an opening of the hole at a top surface of the layer. Each of the holes may be individually addressed to provide a stimulus that initiates a change in dimension in the dimension change material. In this manner, selected ones of the units may be made to print a corresponding portion of an image on an image receiving substrate brought into contact with the printing member. |
| US07762187B2 |
Device and method for removing the jacket from cliché rollers in printing machines
Device for the substitution of a cliché-jacket from a cliché cylinder in a printing machine or the like wherein said cylinder (1) is connected to a motor (3) driving it into rotation about its longitudinal axis and is provided with radial holes connected with an air inlet (7), the latter being apt to be connected with a compressed air supply (6) by means of a delivery means (8), device characterized in that it comprises automatic means sensing the position of said air inlet (7) relative to said delivery means (8) and automatic means for positioning said air inlet (7) and said delivery means in a reciprocal coupling position, said automatic sensing and positioning means being connected to a programmable electronic unit (E) which, when said air inlet (7) and said delivery means (8) are coaxial, drives said coupling and switches on an on-off valve (60) which, on a side, is connected to said compressed air supply (6) and, on the other side, is connected to said delivery means (8). |
| US07762182B2 |
Tilting handle for pans
A tilting handle for pans is integral with a supporting extension, to which is rotatably coupled a projection rotatable about a horizontal axis, the two sides of the supporting extension and rotary projection including slots therein mutually facing swinging pins arranged along a cross axis of the handle are engaged, the handle including a swinging lever which may swing against an urging spring and comprises a detent tooth engageable with a detent step of the supporting extension. |
| US07762177B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder unit
A hydraulic cylinder unit is provided with a rod seal and/or piston seal which has a surface that deviates from the vertical circular cylindrical surface of the piston head throughhole through which the piston rod passes or the vertical circular cylindrical surface of the cylinder interior while forming respective converging gaps with regard to the rod surface and the interior surface of the cylinder, respectively. |
| US07762176B2 |
Radial piston pump with a roller plunger
A radial piston pump has a pump housing (1) and at least one pump unit (2) with a pump piston (3) and a cylinder (4) wherein the pump piston (3) can be mounted such that it can be moved backwards and forth, wherein the pump unit (2) can be driven by means of a camshaft (5) mounted in the pump housing (1); and a roller plunger (6) is arranged between the camshaft (5) and the pump unit (2), consisting of a plunger (7) and a roller (8), wherein the plunger has a guide area (9) which is used to guide it a first slot-shaped guide groove (10) of the cylinder insert (4). The roller plunger (6) is thus reliably prevented from rotating inside the cylinder insert (4). The radial piston pumps are particularly suited for high rotational speeds occurring in high-pressure fuel pumps. |
| US07762173B2 |
Electromagnetic missile launcher
A technique for launching a missile that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw the missile clear of the launch platform—with sufficient velocity to attain aerodynamic flight—before the missile's engine is ignited. |
| US07762172B2 |
Wireless perforating gun
A loading tube for installation in the body of a perforating gun is disclosed. The loading tube holds a plurality of shaped charges whose detonation is electrically initiated, and the loading tube, when installed in the body, comprises at least a portion of the electrical circuit used to initiate detonation the shaped charge. In one embodiment, the loading tube comprises the hot portion of the electrical circuit, the body comprises the ground portion of the electrical circuit and the loading tube and the body are insulated from one another. Alternatively, the loading tube may comprise two distinct portions of conductive material which are electrically isolated from one another where the two portions of conductive material comprise the hot and ground portions of the electrical circuit. Additionally, a loading tube according to the present invention may comprise a conductor which is disposed in the loading tube near the outer surface of the loading tube and which is insulated from the loading tube. A system is disclosed comprising a loading tube having the aforesaid characteristics and a method is provided which utilizes the loading tube as a portion of the electrical circuit to initiate detonation of the charges. |
| US07762171B2 |
Tip holder
A rotating shaft (23) is inserted through an axial center of a cutter wheel tip for scribing a brittle object. The rotating shaft (23) is integrally provided with the cutter wheel tip. The rotating shaft (23) is inserted into supporting holes (14) provided in side walls (11) of a tip holder (11) so as to be supported. A groove (13) is formed in an upper portion of each supporting hole (14) along an axial direction of the supporting hole (14). |
| US07762170B2 |
Heat-effect reduceable finishing unit and image forming system using the same
A perforator configured to perforate a sheet includes a first frame and a blade. The first frame includes a first main face having a first hole, and is provided under a transport path of the sheet. The blade is moved into the first hole to perforate the sheet transported in the transport path. A bending strength of the first main face in a vertical direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet is smaller than a bending strength of the first main face in a parallel direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet. |
| US07762169B2 |
Food chopper
A food chopping or slicing device preferably includes three primary components, including a lid, a blade tray, and a food reservoir. The lid and the food reservoir are pivotally connected to one another, with the blade tray being removably mounted within an upper rim of the reservoir. In some embodiments a reservoir bottom is removable and the device includes orthogonal volumetric markings. |
| US07762163B1 |
Combination pliers and spudding tool
A combination tool that includes opposing jaws and handles that function as conventional pliers and wherein the handles are configured to be abutted with one another to form a spudding tool having a generally circular cross section and wherein at least one ridge extending from one of the handles cooperatively seats within at least one groove in the opposing handle when the handles are abutted with one another. |
| US07762162B2 |
Locking pliers with CAM
A pair of locking pliers having an adjusting device that utilizes a cam assembly. The pliers, preferably, include a trolley disposed in a first handle member that defines a channel. The trolley is structured to be coupled to a link assembly wherein the position of the link assembly relative to the distal end of the first handle member affects the spacing of the pliers' jaws. The cam assembly is, preferably, a planar disk-like body having a radially extending handle and, preferably, a plurality of flats about the circumference. The cam assembly is disposed, preferably, in the plane defined by the first handle member and the second handle assembly. The cam is coupled to the first handle member at the distal end of the handle portion and its' axis extends generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the first handle member and the second handle assembly. At this location, the cam plurality of flats are structured to engage the trolley/cam follower as the cam handle extends beyond the first handle member distal end. Rotation of the cam causes the trolley, and therefore link assembly, to move relative to the distal end of the first handle member. |
| US07762159B2 |
Steering switch for vehicle
Rotary support bodies which support both ends of a rod penetrating a manipulating knob body are formed by joining a first rotary support member which is arranged at one side of the manipulating knob body and supports one end of the rod and a second rotary support member which is arranged at another side of the manipulating knob body and supports another end of the rod, and one end of the rod is fixed to the second rotary support member, and another end of the rod is engaged with the first rotary support member. Accordingly, a manipulating knob can be mounted on a casing in a state the manipulating knob is mounted on the rotary support body. |
| US07762157B2 |
Bicycle shift operating device with a multi-direction operating member
A shift operating device for a bicycle comprises a mounting member structured to be mounted to the bicycle, a cable coupling member coupled to the mounting member for moving a cable in a cable pulling direction and a cable releasing direction, a positioning unit that selectively maintains the cable coupling member in a plurality of operating positions, and an input member that moves in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, and an action member rotatably coupled to the mounting member and separate from the input member. The action member rotates to transmit movement of the first operating member to the positioning unit such that the cable coupling member moves from an origin operating position toward a destination operating position when the first operating member moves in either of both the first direction and the second direction. |
| US07762153B2 |
Method and systems for measuring blade deformation in turbines
A method for determining the radial deformation of a blade in a turbine that includes: 1) taking an initial measurement of the blade with one or more proximity sensors disposed around the circumference of a stage of blades; 2) after the initial measurement, taking a second measurement of the blade with the one or more proximity sensors; 3) making a determination of the radial deformation of the blade by comparing the initial measurement to the second measurement. The initial measurement and the second measurement may be taken while the turbine is operating. |
| US07762151B2 |
Load detection device
A load detection device includes a piezoelectric body unit adapted to be deformed by receiving an electric voltage, the piezoelectric body unit generating an electric charge by receiving an external load, a drive portion applying the electric voltage to the piezoelectric body unit for vibrating thereof, a detection portion detecting the electric charge generated at the piezoelectric body unit, and an adjusting member adjusting a pressure applied to at least one pressure sensing surface provided at the piezoelectric body unit to restrain the vibration of the piezoelectric body unit. |
| US07762150B2 |
Load detecting device for vehicle seat
A load detecting device for a vehicle seat includes a supporting base adapted to be mounted on a floor of the vehicle, a plurality of load sensors arranged along a forward and backward direction of a seat for the vehicle on the supporting base, the load sensors including a load input portion, a deflection portion deflecting by a load and a deflection gauge measuring an amount of deflection, the load sensors detecting the load based on the amount of deflection measured by the deflection gauge, a connecting member connecting the load input portions, a seat supporting member connected to the connecting member and adapted to support the seat for the vehicle, the seat supporting member transmitting load to the connecting member, and a stopper preventing deformation of the connecting member in a vertical direction of the seat when load which exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the connecting member. |
| US07762149B2 |
Passenger discriminating apparatus employing two load sensors
A passenger discriminating apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of load sensors for measuring a load of a passenger, which is applied to a passenger seat disposed within a vehicle, and a pair of dummy sensors configured to support the load of the passenger seat and not having a load sensing function. The type of the passenger is discriminated by comparing a sum of values in which the load values measured by the plurality of load sensors, respectively, are multiplied by a load weight of the load sensors and a reference value. Accordingly, the passenger discriminating apparatus can save the prime cost, reduce its weight, and secure an equivalent or more performance. |
| US07762140B2 |
Combined fluid pressure and temperature sensor apparatus
A combined fluid pressure transducer and temperature sensor (10) has a housing (12) containing a variable capacitor (14) having a rigid substrate (14a) and attached flexible diaphragm (14b) in sealed, spaced apart relation. The capacitor is mounted in the housing so that the outer face surface of the diaphragm is exposed to a fluid pressure chamber (12k). A temperature responsive sensor element (28) is disposed on the outer face surface of the diaphragm and covered by a thin protective layer. A fluid flow diffuser (30) is disposed in the fluid pressure port (12b) for directing fluid flow across the temperature sensor. |
| US07762136B2 |
Ultrasound systems and method for measuring weld penetration depth in real time and off line
Disclosed are systems and methods that permit both real-time, and off-line, measurement of weld penetration depth. Exemplary systems and methods comprise an ultrasound source, such as a pulsed Nd:Yag laser, that simultaneously generates longitudinal and shear waves that radiate adjacent one side of a weld joining two specimens. An ultrasonic sensor, such as an electro-magnetic acoustic transducer or a piezo-electric transducer, capable of detecting shear and/or longitudinal waves, is disposed on an opposite side of the weld from the source. A signal processor is coupled to the sensor that processes time of flight signals for selected longitudinal or shear waves transmitted across the weld seam. The signal processor implements an algorithm that computes the weld penetration depth from the time of flight signals. |
| US07762135B2 |
Compensated measurement of angular displacement
There is disclosed methods and apparatus for compensated measurement of angular displacement within an instrument (600), such as a total station. Improved and compensated measurement of angular displacement is obtained by using a combination of e.g. an angular resolver (145) and an inertial sensor (645). A compensated angular position measurement is produced by combining at least portions of the output signals obtained from the angular resolver and the inertial sensor, respectively. |
| US07762134B2 |
Dynamic quantity sensor
A dynamic quantity sensor includes a base, a sensor chip made of a rectangular board having a corner portion, and a bump. The sensor chip includes a detector, and a plurality of pads. The detector has a movable part, which is displaceable when a dynamic quantity is applied thereto, and detects the dynamic quantity based on a capacitance variation in accordance with a displacement of the movable part. The bump connects the plurality of pads of the sensor chip and the base. The corner portion of the sensor chip is released from the base such that the plurality of pads of the sensor chip is arranged at a location a predetermined distance from the corner portion of the sensor chip. |
| US07762130B2 |
Sampling chamber for a single phase fluid sampling apparatus
An apparatus (300) for obtaining a fluid sample in a subterranean well includes a housing (302) having a sample chamber (314) defined therein. The sample chamber (314) is selectively in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing (302) and is operable to receive the fluid sample therefrom. A debris trap piston (318) is slidably disposed within the housing (302). The debris trap piston (318) includes a debris chamber (326). Responsive to the fluid sample entering the sample chamber (314), the debris trap piston (318) receives a first portion of the fluid sample in the debris chamber (326) then displaces relative to the housing (302) to expand the sample chamber (314). |
| US07762127B2 |
Method for determining the composition of a fuel mixture
The invention concerns a method for determining the composition of a fuel mixture from a first and at least a second fuel for operating a combustion engine, whereby the fuel mixtures of different compositions require various air/fuel ratios to achieve a stoichiometric combustion. Thereby it is provided that the air volume that has been delivered to the combustion engine, the fuel quantity that has been delivered and the oxygen content in the exhaust gas of the combustion engine are determined during one or several stationary operating phases of the combustion engine during one or several measuring phases, and in that the composition of the fuel mixture is determined from these values. The procedure allows an accurate and reliable determination of the composition of a fuel mixture for combustion engines that are operated in flex-fuel-mode. |
| US07762124B2 |
Sensor for detecting substance in liquid
A sensor for detecting a substance in liquid includes a sensing oscillation circuit and a reference oscillation circuit. The sensing oscillation circuit includes a sensing SAW element in which a reaction film arranged so as to cover at least one IDT and to react with a substance in liquid is disposed and a first amplifier circuit. The reference oscillation circuit includes a reference SAW element and a second amplifier circuit. The reference SAW element includes at least one IDT and no reaction film. The oscillation frequency of the sensing oscillation circuit and the oscillation frequency of the reference oscillation circuit are separated by at least about 200×k2 (ppm), where k2(%) is the electromechanical coupling coefficient of a piezoelectric substrate used in each of the sensing SAW element and the reference SAW element. |
| US07762115B2 |
Loft and lie adjustment tool for golf clubs
A golf club adjustment tool for adjusting at least one of loft angle or lie angle of a golf club. The golf club adjustment tool includes a body having a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion. A first end of a first lever is attached to the second clamping portion. A second lever may be removably mated with the body. |
| US07762110B2 |
Steering lock unit
A steering lock unit in which it is possible to place priority on the operating speed or the extracting force of the lock member according to the engagement state of the lock member in the movable member. In a steering lock unit (10) including a transmission mechanism which transmits a power of an electric motor (22) to the lock shaft (30) which holds and releases engagement with a steering shaft. The transmission mechanism includes: a shaft portion (24a) which is adapted to rotate in response to operation of the electric motor (22); and a winder (26) which engages with the shaft portion (24a) and transmits the operation of the electric motor (22) to the lock shaft (30). When releasing the engagement of the lock shaft (30) with the steering shaft, the shaft portion (24a) and the winder (26) integrally rotate in a normal state, while the winder (26) moves in an axial direction with respect to the shaft portion (24a) in a case in which a pull-out force of the lock shaft, greater than a predetermined quantity, is necessary. |
| US07762109B2 |
Drum for laundry washing machines
Front-loading laundry washing machines or the like comprises a cylindrical perforated strip for letting through the water flow, at least one crusher, a rear drum closing disk, and means for joining the disk to the strip in the area of the end of the crusher nearest to the disk. The joining means comprise a rear joining support, a stop opposite the joining support on the other side of the disk, and pressure means which join the stop to the rear joining support, with the disk and part of the end of the crusher lying there between. The stop is concave and its edges are at least in part in contact with the end of the crusher. |
| US07762106B2 |
Internally guided needle
For longitudinal shifting, a needle in accordance with the invention is provided with a longitudinal slit 14 that is disposed to accommodate a bearing element (19), for example, having the form of a strip (20). Whereas known needles are set in a guide channel and thus are held or guided between two guide flanks, the needle in accordance with the invention extends around a strip (20) and is guided on said strip. Thus, the needle is guided on two surfaces of the guide element (19) and the strip (20), respectively, said surfaces facing away from each other. The support section (4) and the bearing element (19) form a highly precise positioning or guide device. |
| US07762103B2 |
Absorption cooling system
The invention provides an absorption cooling system of the type including a liquid absorbent that remains in the liquid phase throughout the operation cycle, and a refrigerant having both a liquid phase and a vapor phase in the cycle, the basic system being powered by heat extracted from a hot fluid and powered auxiliary components, the system including the five basic components of a generator, an economizer, a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber, and further including a fluid circuit for the rich solution including a circulation pump, a fluid circuit for the lean solution, and for the refrigerant gas extracted from the liquid absorbent and replaced therein, partial circuits for hot fluid and for a cooling fluid, a jet mixer operating to mix saturated refrigerant gas with the lean solution to re-form the rich solution, the improvement comprising installing means for increasing the pressure of the saturated refrigerant gas flowing from the evaporator to the jet mixer. |
| US07762100B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided that includes a fan that blows cool air generated by an evaporator to a freezing chamber or a refrigerating chamber; a scroll guide that discharges cool air discharged from the fan in two directions; a guide pipeline formed at the scroll guide in two directions, that guides cool air discharged from the scroll guide; and a cool air duct connected to the guide pipeline, that supplies cool air to the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber. An optimum scroll guide that can be applicable even when a plurality of cool air ducts are implemented is provided, thereby reducing a flow loss of cool air discharged from the fan and decreasing power consumption. |
| US07762099B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
A first and a second expansion and compression machine (30, 40) having different volume ratios (Vc/Ve) are connected in parallel to a refrigerant circuit (10) of a refrigeration apparatus. Expanders (31, 41) of the expansion and compression machines (30, 40) are connected in parallel. Compressors (32, 42) of the expansion and compression machines (30, 40) are also connected in parallel. Upon variation in the operating condition of the refrigeration apparatus, the ratio of rotation speed between the expansion and compression machines (30, 40) is controlled by a controller (60). This, as a result, allows the refrigeration apparatus to operate at a COP close to an ideal condition. |
| US07762093B2 |
Method for controlling variable capacity compressor of air conditioner
A variable capacity air conditioner compressor is controlled by setting a car target indoor temperature; sensing car indoor and outdoor temperatures and solar radiation with sensors at predetermined car positions; calculating a vent target discharge temperature using the target temperature, sensed car temperatures and solar radiation; calculating a target evaporator temperature and blower voltage based on target discharge temperature; calculating a control duty based on the target evaporator temperature; calculating target evaporator temperature and blower voltage change rates; determining whether or not the compressor conies under a sudden variable condition based on the control duty, and target evaporator temperature and blower voltage change rates; and setting a control duty change rate maximum value to an accelerative slew rate greater than and equal to a basic slew rate when sudden and not sudden variable conditions are respectively determined. |
| US07762089B2 |
Refrigerant charging system and method using vapor-phase refrigerant
A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with a vapor-phase refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, an input line, a sensor and a pressure regulator. The input line connects the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system. One or more valves are disposed between the refrigerant source and refrigeration system to regulate the pressure of the refrigerant being introduced into the refrigeration system, and the sensor measures the pressure of the refrigerant entering the refrigeration system. A pressure regulator can also be used to regulator the flow of refrigerant. Once the pressure of the refrigerant reaches a predetermined pressure, the refrigeration system is fully charged, and the transfer of refrigerant to the refrigeration system is stopped. The system and method are used to charge the refrigeration system of, e.g., an automotive vehicle, and the refrigeration is carbon dioxide. |
| US07762088B2 |
Apparatus and method for dispensing discrete amounts of viscous material
Apparatus and methods for dispensing small amounts of a viscous material onto a workpiece. The narrow-profile dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber, a nozzle, and a valve seat disk representing individual components that are removable from a main body of the dispensing apparatus for cleaning and/or replacement. The nozzle is coupled with the fluid chamber by a heat transfer body that may be cooled by, for example, a cooling fluid routed through an air pathway defined in the heat transfer body. The main body of the dispensing apparatus may be cooled by air exhausted from an air cavity of a pneumatic actuator regulating the movement of a needle to control the flow of viscous material in the dispensing apparatus. |
| US07762084B2 |
System and method for controlling the working line position in a gas turbine engine compressor
A system for actively controlling the working line location within a low pressure compressor. The system includes a plurality of variable inlet guide vanes that are adjusted to maintain the working line at a constant level as the low pressure compressor rotates at a constant speed. |
| US07762081B2 |
Compressor inlet guide vane de-ice control system and method
A system and method are provided for effectively removing ice that may have formed on gas turbine engine compressor inlet guide vanes and/or preventing, or at least inhibiting, reformation of ice on gas turbine engine compressor inlet guide vanes after the ice has been removed. A determination is made as to whether actual inlet guide vane position differs from the commanded inlet guide vane position by a predetermined amount. If so, then the inlet guide vanes are repeatedly commanded to move in at least two predetermined directions to remove ice that may have formed on the inlet guide vanes. |
| US07762079B2 |
Procedure for controlling the useful life of the gas turbines of a plant
A method for controlling the useful life of gas turbines of a production plant includes a) creating a succession of gas generator groups of gas turbines to be subjected to maintenance, b) substituting a first gas generator group of gas turbines of the succession with an auxiliary gas generator group, c) inspecting the first substituted gas generator group of gas turbines, d) substituting a second gas generator group of gas turbines of the succession with the first verified gas generator group of gas turbines, e) inspecting the second substituted gas generator group of gas turbines, and f) repeating steps b), c) d) and e) for all the gas generator groups of gas turbines of the succession. |
| US07762078B2 |
Nozzle with temperature-responsive throat diameter
Nozzles that offer shape variability to maintain or purposely change the pressure drop across the throat are obtained by constructing the nozzles with components that change their shape, angle, or curvature in response to temperature changes that occur during the flow of combustion products through the nozzle. The temperature change may be the gradual heating of the nozzle wall from hot combustion gases, and the shape change may result in a decrease in the throat diameter or an expansion of the throat diameter. A decrease in throat diameter will be useful when the depletion of propellant as burning proceeds causes a drop in the pressure or flow rate of the combustion gas and there is a need to compensate for this drop to maintain the pressure drop across the throat. An increase in throat diameter will be useful when an initial high thrust is no longer needed and depletion of the fuel by itself is insufficient to lower the thrust to its desired reduced level. An example of a temperature-responsive material is a shape memory alloy; other examples are presented as well. |
| US07762075B2 |
Combustion liner stop in a gas turbine
A liner stop for retaining a liner within a sleeve of a combustion system, includes: a female component including a saddle, the female component adapted for coupling to one of the liner and the sleeve; a male component including a tab for insertion into the saddle, the male component adapted for coupling to an opposite one of the liner and the sleeve; and an insert adapted for being attached to the tab and ensuring dampening of vibration when the tab is disposed within the saddle. A method and a system are also disclosed. |
| US07762071B2 |
Injection device for combustion chambers of liquid-fueled rocket engines
An injection device including at least one injection plate adjacent a combustion space of a combustion chamber, and at least one first injection nozzle including a first entry bore having a first discharge into the combustion chamber, and a first orifice bore, having a cross-sectional dimension less than or equal to the first entry bore, coaxially arranged with the first entry bore and remote from the first discharge. At least one second injection nozzle includes a second entry bore having a second discharge into the combustion chamber, and a second orifice bore, having a cross-sectional dimension less than or equal to the second entry bore, coaxially arranged with the second entry bore and remote from the second discharge. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US07762068B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine with supercharger
An air flow amount passing through a centrifugal compressor is acquired on the basis of outputs of an air flow meter. A surge limit compressor rotation speed is acquired on the basis of the obtained air flow amount passing through the compressor. A current compressor rotation speed (turbo rotation speed) is acquired by a turbo rotation speed sensor. A rotation speed of the compressor is controlled on the basis of the surge limit compressor rotation speed and the current compressor rotation speed. More specifically, while being limited so as to be equal or less than the surge limit compressor rotation speed, a target compressor rotation speed is controlled so as to be a value according to the operating conditions, such as accelerator opening and engine speed, of an internal combustion engine. In addition, the surge of the compressor is judged on the basis of the surge limit compressor rotation speed and the current compressor rotation speed. |
| US07762067B2 |
Turbocharger with sliding piston assembly
A turbocharger having a turbine housing defining a chamber for receiving exhaust gas, and a nozzle leading from the chamber. Exhaust gas flows from the nozzle through a turbine wheel in the chamber and changes direction from a radially inward direction in the nozzle to an axial direction downstream of the turbine wheel. A divider in the nozzle divides the nozzle into first-stage and second-stage nozzles. The divider has an upstream surface to guide exhaust gas through the first-stage nozzle and an opposite downstream surface to guide exhaust gas flowing through the second-stage nozzle. An axially slidable tubular piston, disposed in the turbine housing, has a radially inner surface extending along the axial direction and a non-flat upstream end surface. The piston also includes a curved flow-guiding surface causing the exhaust gas to change direction. In a closed position, the piston abuts the divider to close the second-stage nozzle. |
| US07762063B2 |
Housing for an exhaust gas purification component for forming a joined connection with an exhaust line section, exhaust system having the housing and motor vehicle having the exhaust system
A housing for an exhaust gas purification component encloses an interior space in which at least one receptacle is formed by the housing at the outside. An exhaust system includes at least one first exhaust line section and the housing having the exhaust gas purification component. The first exhaust line section is in engagement with the receptacle, and the first exhaust line section and the receptacle are connected to one another in a materially integral manner. A motor vehicle having the exhaust system is also provided. |
| US07762056B2 |
Aircraft combination engines exhaust thrust recovery
A gas turbine engine with a turbine with an exhaust manifold thereabout from which fluids can be transferred to the turbine and an air compressor having an air transfer duct extending therefrom so as to be capable to provide compressed air in that air transfer duct at one end thereof to the air intake of an internal combustion engine provided as an intermittent combustion engine. The air intake and an exhaust outlet are each coupled to combustion chambers therein and a rotatable output shaft is also coupled to those combustion chambers for generating force. The exhaust outlet has an exhaust transfer duct extending therefrom so as to have the intermittent combustion engine be capable to provide exhaust therefrom in that exhaust transfer duct at one end thereof, and the exhaust transfer duct being connected at an opposite end thereof to the exhaust manifold to be capable of transferring intermittent combustion engine exhaust thereto. |
| US07762054B2 |
Thermally powered turbine inlet air chiller heater
An addition to the air compressor of a combustion turbine system is disclosed, which chills the inlet air on warm days. The same equipment with minimal modification is used to prevent inlet air icing conditions on cold days. Referring to FIG. 1, inlet air conditioner heat exchanger 3 supplies conditioned (chilled or heated) air to the combustion turbine, and heat recovery unit 1 supplies turbine exhaust heat to ammonia absorption refrigeration unit 2. Control valves 5, 6, 7, and 8 selectively supply either chilling refrigerant liquid or heating vapor from AARU 2 to conditioning heat exchanger coil 3. |
| US07762052B2 |
Roller-supported accumulator for lawn and garden debris
An apparatus for collection of yard debris combines a vacuum pick up with a blower unit, a separator, and a detachable accumulator with an attached roller to support the accumulator upon detachment from the separator. The apparatus collects and entrains debris in an airflow induced at the vacuum pickup, impels the debris to the separator which removes the debris from the airflow, and deposits it in the accumulator which is supported by a roller to aid subsequent dumping when the accumulator is detached. |
| US07762046B2 |
Method for manufacturing cigarette packages
Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller. |
| US07762044B2 |
Packaging for stent delivery systems
The present invention relates to a method of packaging and a packaging system for treated stents which minimise the level of exposure of the stents to oxygen, moisture and light. The package comprises two compartments, the compartments being in communication with each other via a breathable membrane. |
| US07762043B2 |
Unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products
A unit (1, 1′) for applying opening devices (2, 2′) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1′) having first conveying means (8, 8′) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2′) successively along a first path (P1, P1′); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2′) from the first path (P1, P1′) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19′) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2′) from the first conveying means (8, 8′) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19′) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19′) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates. |
| US07762040B2 |
Insulated fiber cement siding
A method for installing siding panels to a building includes providing a foam backing board having alignment ribs on a front surface and a drainage grid on a back surface and then establishing a reference line at a lower end of the building for aligning a lower edge of a first backing board and tacking thereon. Tabs and slots along vertical edges of the foam backing board align and secure adjacent backing boards to each other. A siding panel is butted against one of the lower alignment ribs and secured thereto. Another siding panel is butted against and secured to an adjacent alignment rib to form a shadow line between the adjacent siding panels on the building. |
| US07762039B2 |
Electrical fixture apparatus and installation method
An electric junction fixture is provided for preparing a wall or ceiling to accept an appliance such as an electric light fixture, inserted and mounted through a hole in the drywall or panel. Reduced stress levels in the drywall or panel are obtained by providing large areas of contact between the fixture and the drywall or panel. |
| US07762037B2 |
Segment for a tower of a wind energy turbine and method for arranging operating components of a wind energy turbine in a tower thereof
The segment for a tower of a wind energy turbine comprises a tubular section having a longitudinal axis and inner and outer sides, and at least one group of supporting elements arranged at the inner side of the tubular section. The segment further comprises at least one platform supportable by the supporting elements of the at least one group of supporting elements. |
| US07762033B2 |
Wall construction system and method
A wall construction system includes a footer attached to a floor or footer; vertical reinforcing bars attached to the footer; horizontal reinforcing bars attached to vertical reinforcing bars at predetermined heights above the footer; blocks attached onto the footer, each layer including a row of blocks, each block including a pair of flat major surfaces and four contoured minor surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves parallel to the major surfaces and incorporated into the edges of the minor surfaces; a plurality of joining strips, the strips placed end to end and pressed into each longitudinal groove, with about half their width protruding from the longitudinal grooves; a plurality of lateral clips attached to pairs of joining strips across the top of the blocks, perpendicular to the longitudinal grooves; and a quantity of concrete in horizontal and vertical air gaps between adjacent blocks enveloping horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars. |
| US07762027B1 |
System for attaching an article to a roof and method of use
A system for attaching an article to a roof having shingles disposed on top of a structural member includes a flashing member which is rotatably connected to a stanchion. The flashing member includes a sheet of flashing which is slid up under one or more shingles. A hole is drilled through the shingles and into the structural member. The stanchion is then bolted to the structural member. |
| US07762025B2 |
Containerized access control system
A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s). |
| US07762009B2 |
Article of footwear with circular tread pattern
An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an outsole with a circular tread pattern. The circular tread pattern provides sufficient traction in all directions but also allows the wearer to pivot about a pivot portion. The circular tread pattern is generally large, and in some cases, the first and smallest circular tread extends less than 360 degrees. The pivot portion can include a slot that aids in flexibility. The outsole can also include a different tread pattern for the heel portion, or the circular tread pattern may also extend into the heel portion. |
| US07762003B2 |
Sidewinder lite cut
The invention is directed to a guide for a power saw or router of the type having a blade and housing wider than the blade which directly overlies the blade during the cutting operation. The guide includes a saw guide having a straight outer edge configured for guiding a peripheral edge of the saw housing. Attached to the saw guide is an angle brace that is used to place the guide at four different angles. Attached by bolt to the saw guide is the work piece guide that is placed against the object you are cutting so that you cut a straight angle every time. |
| US07762002B2 |
Trimmer head for use in flexible line rotary trimmers having improved line loading mechanism
A trimmer head for use in a flexible line rotary trimmer including a housing adapted to be operatively connected to the trimmer to effect rotation of the head and a spool operatively connected to the housing for rotation therewith. The spool defines at least one inwardly extending line receptor channel, preferably formed by a plurality of inwardly tapered walls so as to be polygonal in cross-section. So configured, the channel walls will securely grip the cutting line upon the line being inserted in the channel and wound about the spool. To provide uniform winding of the line, a plurality of cam, cam abutment and sliding surfaces are operatively connected to the housing and spool such that when the spool is manually rotated relative to the housing in the drive direction, the spool is caused to reciprocate axially within the housing evenly distributing the line about the body of the spool. |
| US07762000B2 |
Animal clipping and shearing apparatus
According to the present invention there is provided head unit (10) for an animal shearing and clipping apparatus, the head unit (10) being configured to receive either a clipping comb and cutter arrangement (12, 14) or a shearing upper and lower blade arrangement (16, 18), the head unit (10) comprising a body (20) having a drive member (22, 24) arranged to drive a movable blade or cutter (14, 18), a mount (28) arranged to receive a complementary mounting feature of a comb or fixed blade (12, 16), a shearing blade guide and a clipping cutter guide. |
| US07761997B2 |
Method of forming a composite door structure
A method of forming a composite door is disclosed. The method comprises: mixing together a thermoplastic polymer with an organic fibrous material in a ratio such that the organic fibrous material constitutes 40 to 60 percent by weight of the mixture; extruding the mixture under heat and pressure to create a thin sheet form; cutting the sheet to a predetermined size; removing material from at least one surface of the sheet to create a homogeneous appearance devoid of obvious fibrous particles; thermoforming the sheet to impart to the at least one surface an exterior three dimensional door surface to create a thin door facing; and assembling two of the thermoformed thin door facings, a peripheral frame and a core material into a door. |
| US07761996B2 |
Methods of making tungsten carbide-based annular jewelry rings
Methods of making tungsten carbide-based annular jewelry rings including sinterable metal and/or ceramic powder materials compressed into a predetermined configuration and then sintered to form an annular jewelry ring to which softer precious metals, stones, crystals or other materials suitable for use in jewelry may be affixed. Such items of jewelry may have multiple facets and can be fabricated using various disclosed techniques and various combinations of materials. |
| US07761995B2 |
Gear wheel with a multiple helical toothing, pressed in one part, and a method and device for manufacturing the same
A gear wheel includes multiple helical toothings, each having a different helical angle. A pressing method for molding a gear wheel involves introducing a compactable material into a chamber of a pressing tool, compacting the material, exposing the helical toothings of the gear wheel, and removing the molded body from the pressing tool. A pressing tool for pressing, as one part, a gear wheel, includes a matrix, cylindrical first and second molding tool parts which can be translated along and then rotated about a longitudinal axis, and a driver coupled to the molding tool parts or driving them. The molding tool parts can be moved towards and away from each other and the inner surface of the matrix delimits the chamber and is shaped to allow a linear axial sliding movement of the compactable material relative to the matrix. |
| US07761994B2 |
Reactor with expandable structure providing improved heat transfer
A method and a reactor made by a method for increasing heat transfer from a heat source outside a vessel to the fluid inside the vessel are characterized by expanding a structure within the vessel toward the inner vessel surface so as to decrease the spacing between the structure and the vessel wall. The structure may be any of the various so-called structured packings, for example, ceramic honeycombs, metal honeycombs, plate stacks, and the like. The structure may comprise catalyst. The reactor provides high activity, low pressure drop, and high heat transfer. The reactor may be especially suitable for steam hydrocarbon reforming. |
| US07761993B2 |
Method for increasing the fatigue life of a blade root of a turbomachine blade
A method for increasing the fatigue life of a blade root of a turbomachine blade, wherein the blade root has at least one slot for back-gripping fixing of the blade root in a shaft component or a casing component of a turbomachine. The method comprises impressing a mechanical stress field in the notch root in a section of the slot, wherein the impressed mechanical stress field brings about a plastic deformation of the notch root. The impressed mechanical stress field is then progressively moved in the slot longitudinal direction of the slot. After this, the impressed mechanical stress field is removed again, wherein residual compression stresses remain in the notch root of the slot in the region of the slot in which the mechanical stress field was impressed. |
| US07761989B2 |
Methods for repairing gas turbine engine components
A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes the steps of repairing one of a suction side or a pressure side of the component; repairing internal geometry of the component after one of the suction side or the pressure side of the component is repaired; and repairing the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component after the internal geometry of the component is repaired, wherein a backing material is utilized to preserve the internal geometry of the component when the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component is being repaired. |
| US07761988B2 |
Method of making an outer lever of a switchable finger lever
According to the present invention, an outer lever (1) of a finger lever (2) that can be switched to different lifts for at least one gas exchange valve is made by a deep drawing method. A salient feature of the invention is that a cup-shaped base body (16) having an inverse U-shaped cross-section is deep drawn, and opposing running contact surfaces (14, 15) for high-lift cams are created on arms (4, 5) of the outer lever (1) by punching out a bottom (19) of the base body (16). Through the deep drawing method of the invention, only relatively low fabrication costs are to be expected. |
| US07761982B2 |
Method for manufacturing IC-embedded substrate
A method for manufacturing an IC-embedded substrate comprises a first step for encapsulating at least an IC chip having a pad electrode in an insulating layer, a second step for forming a metal layer having at least a first aperture in a location directly above the pad electrode of the IC chip and a second aperture in a location above an area other than the area in which the IC chip is mounted, and a third step for selectively removing the insulating layer by a blasting treatment in which the metal layer is used as a mask, whereby forming a first via hole that corresponds to the first aperture and a second via hole that corresponds to the second aperture. |
| US07761981B2 |
Methods for fabricating an electroactive polymer device
The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device. |
| US07761980B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wiring substrate for ejection head
The method manufactures a wiring substrate. The method comprises: a recess section forming step of forming recess sections corresponding to a prescribed wiring pattern, on a substrate; a filling step of filling a conductive paste containing thinner, into the recess sections; a curing step of causing the conductive paste filled in the recess sections in the filling step to contract, by drying and curing; and a plating step of forming a wiring conductor serving as the wiring pattern, by performing a plating process using the conductive paste in contact with at least a portion of an inner circumferential face of the recess sections, as at least one of a catalyst and a current feed layer. |
| US07761977B2 |
Component placement device
A component placement device includes: (a) an elongated transport device by means of which substrates to be provided with components can be moved in a transport direction parallel to the transport device; (b) at least one component feeder that is located along a longitudinal side of the transport device; (c) at least one component pick-and-place unit by means of which in operation a component can be picked-up from the component feeder and placed on a substrate; and (d) a substrate support, which is located along a longitudinal side of the transport opposite to the component feeder. |
| US07761965B2 |
Automatic swiveling turret apparatus for machine tool
It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydraulic-free automatic swiveling turret apparatus which can easily ensure a swiveling function that is smooth and superior in terms of durability using a simple construction without any need to install a hydraulic pressure reducing mechanism requiring complicated design and control. The present invention provides an automatic swiveling turret apparatus for a machine tool comprising a wedge mechanism (13) which is constructed so that a resistance reducing member (9) that reduces the sliding frictional resistance during swiveling of the turret (3) is disposed on the inside surface part of the sliding movement gap (7) that abuts when the anchoring and fastening of the clutch device (4) are released by causing the sliding of the turret (3) in the axial direction as a result of allowing the inflow of air into the clutch release pressure chamber (6), and in which the turret (3) in a working position that does not allow swiveling, which is anchored and fastened by the clutch device (4), is anchored in a wedged fashion and held as a result of return sliding. |
| US07761962B2 |
Hose clamp
A hose clamp includes a clamping band, a tensioning device and a positioning arrangement for positioning the hose clamp on a hose. The positioning arrangement includes at least two positioners. The two positioners may be arranged at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction of at least 120°. Axial stops may be arranged on both sides in a circumferential direction of at least one of the positioners. |
| US07761961B2 |
Tool and method for fixing installation object on wheel
An apparatus and method for fixing an installation object on a wheel, which are enabled to restrain rotation of a housing caused by a tightening torque of a worm screw, and to thereby prevent breakage of the housing. The apparatus for fixing an installation object on a wheel includes a band which is looped around a rim well portion of the wheel and holds the installation object. While a housing for holding a worm screw is fixed to one end portion of the band, a plurality of slits for engaging with a thread of the worm screw are provided in the other end portion of the band. The apparatus includes a rotation restraining mechanism which projects more outward than the housing in a width direction of the band, and restrains rotation of the housing caused by a tightening torque of the worm screw. |
| US07761959B2 |
Handle assembly for a stamp
A handle assembly for a stamp has a frame, a handle and a connector. The handle and the connector are mounted respectively on opposite sides of the frame and connect with each other. Therefore, the connection between the handle and the connector is firm and robust and the stamp has a durable handle assembly with increased use-life and reliability. |
| US07761958B2 |
Hinge and latch mechanism
The invention relates to a door hinge system which includes an integral exposed vertically oriented pin as a portion of a doorframe bracket, and a central latch bracket as engaged to a door. The pivotal manipulation of the door engages the latch of the central latch bracket to the pin, to secure the door to the doorframe. The central latch bracket includes a channel for receipt of the pin which is securely and releasably retained in the channel by the leading cam edge of the latch and safety slide. Disengagement of the latch from the pin enables a door to be easily separated from doorframe for re-hanging at a future time. |
| US07761956B2 |
Dry cleaning system for workpieces
A system for dry cleaning workpieces by removing solid and/or liquid particles adhereing thereto with a gaseous medium by suction. To this end, a suction mold encloses the workpieces on all sides while serving as a guiding device whose inner contour follows the outer contour of the workpiece. The cleaning medium flows to the gaps between the suction mold and the workpiece via feed slots and/or feed boreholes of the suction mold. Gaps, medium feed slots and/or medium feed boreholes are formed, arranged and dimensioned so that the flowing medium has a velocity of greater than 20 m/s everywhere on the surface of the workpiece, and the solid and/or liquid particles adhereing thereto are carried away. The suction slot, through which the flowing medium is removed by suction, and the suction duct which is connected thereto and which leads to the suction unit, has larger cross-sections than the sum of the cross-sections of all the gaps between the workpiece and the suction mold, and also the sum of the cross-sections of the medium feed slots and/or of the medium feed boreholes. The sum of the cross-sections of the medium feed slots and or of the medium feed boreholes corresponds to 0.9 to 1.2 times the sum of the cross-sections of all the gaps between the workpieces and the suction molds. |
| US07761953B2 |
Mop bucket bag insert
An insert is provided for a mop bucket application to capture dirty water and/or clean water during floor mopping. The insert can be made of flexible PVC vinyl or of a similar substance giving the user the ability to quickly install the insert into a mop bucket. When the insert has collected the dirty water, the wringer can be quickly removed. Since the insert's bottom is flat, it will remain upright even when unsupported. The insert and contained dirty water can easily be removed by lifting the handles on the insert's two sides. The slick inside surface of the insert enables the dirty water to be poured with ease in a direct, substantially v-shaped stream. The structure of the insert preferably includes a body section which is connected at its two ends. A bottom portion forms a base for the body section, and side handles are affixed to the upper edge of the body section. A handle is secured to the outer side of the bottom portion. |
| US07761950B2 |
Water-disintegrable cleaning tool
A cleaning tool is formed by bundling a plurality of water-disintegrable cords to have a holding part in which the cords are joined to one another with a holding material wound therearound and bonded thereto by a water-soluble adhesive, and a cleaning part in which the cords are positioned independently from one another. Each cord is formed by twisting a water-disintegrable sheet such as a fiber entangled nonwoven fabric of pulp fibers, rayon fibers, and the like entangled by water-jet processing. |
| US07761948B2 |
Waste line inspection and clean-out tool
A waste line clean-out apparatus in which a video camera is positioned proximate the outboard end of an elongated flexible coil spring assembly and is interconnected with a remotely located viewing monitor by means of various operating cables, including a fiber optic signal transmitting cable. The apparatus includes a pull cable that extends interiorly of the spring assembly for protecting the fiber optic signal transmitting cable and the various companion operating cables from undue stress during the waste line clean-out operation. |
| US07761944B2 |
Baby changing duffel
A baby changing duffel includes a changing pad formed of resilient material, sized and shaped to serve as a changing surface for either an infant or a toddler. The pad is covered with a removable, washable cover. The cover is sized and shaped to fit over the changing pad and has an inner changing surface and an outer surface. An upper pouch is attached adjacent to an upper end of the outer surface. A retaining sleeve is attached to a lower end of the cover and encloses a folded portion of the pad and cover. The side pockets have interior compartments and are attached at the edges of the outer surface of the cover. The side pockets are folded over the inner changing surface for transport. A carrying handle extends between side edges of the cover and is located to support the duffel when folded to fit the retaining sleeve. |
| US07761943B2 |
Headrest assembly for a massage device
A headrest assembly for supporting a head of a user of a massage device includes a frame assembly and a resilient assembly. The frame assembly is selectively coupled to the massage device, and the resilient assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The resilient assembly includes an upper resilient member and a headrest platform that supports the upper resilient member. The headrest platform includes a first side section, a second side section, a middle section that is positioned substantially between and is coupled to the first side section and the second side section, and a hinge assembly that connects the side sections to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows the middle section to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly when the headrest platform is supporting the head of the user. |
| US07761942B2 |
Bed with adjustable patient support framework
An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework. |
| US07761941B2 |
Patient positioning table for a tomography device
A patient positioning table for a tomography device has a table board movably mounted on a table stand. At one end of the table board, a module is attached that has a receptacle compartment therein, serving as a storage space and/or a receptacle for medical equipment. Attachments can be attached to the module for holding or mounting other items that are used in connection with a tomography procedure. |
| US07761940B2 |
Corner components for a bed sheet
In some example, an apparatus comprises a first corner component that is configured to be attached to a first corner of a bed sheet. The first corner component comprises a first bottom attachment to couple to the first cap. The apparatus includes a second corner component that is configured to be attached to a second corner of the bed sheet that is on an opposite end but same side relative to the first corner. The second corner component comprises a second bottom attachment to couple to the second. |
| US07761939B2 |
Siderail spring dampener
A patient support comprises a frame, a siderail, a linkage coupled to the siderail and coupled to the frame to guide movement of the siderail relative to the frame between a raised position and a lowered position, and a dampener. The dampener includes a coil spring, a first link coupled to the linkage and having a free end received inside the coil spring, and a second link coupled to the frame and having a free end received inside the coil spring. |
| US07761936B2 |
Therapeutic floor mat system and method
A therapeutic floor mat system and method are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mat having an aromatherapy cavity. The aromatherapy cavity may be formed to at least partially hold an aromatic substance. In some cases, the mat may be operational as a shower mat and may have a top surface with a shape that defines a perimeter, and a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface. Depending upon design detail, the aromatherapy cavity may be at least partially located beneath the top surface. |
| US07761935B1 |
Shower curtain with flap for use with tub transfer bench
A shower curtain with an integral flap for accommodating a tub transfer bench. The flap, located along the bottom edge of the shower curtain, can be pulled into the slot of a tub transfer bench to prevent water from splashing outwards of the bathtub. Two side slits bound the flap and reinforcing material is provided at the boundary of the side slits to reduce the possibility of tear propagation. A handle may be provided at the lower end of the flap to facilitate easy grasping of the flap. The shower curtain may further include straps having hook-and-loop pads at the top edge to facilitate easy hanging and removal of the shower curtain from a conventional shower curtain rod. |
| US07761934B2 |
Drain socket and flush toilet
A flush toilet and a drain socket are provided that align the direction of waste passing through a drainage trap so as to prevent pipe clogging without impairing wastewater discharge performance by a siphon effect. The drain socket is for connecting an outlet of a trap drainage channel of a flush toilet unit and a drain pipe located external of the flush toilet unit. The drain socket includes a drain socket body provided with an inlet for coupling with the trap drainage channel and an outlet for coupling with the drain pipe, a siphon inducing region provided on an inner wall of the drain socket body for inducing a siphon effect, and a straightening vane provided upstream of the siphon inducing region of the drain socket body to extend from the inner wall in the inward direction of the channel. |
| US07761933B2 |
Baby hat and method of manufacturing same
Hats preferably for supporting and protecting a portion of a baby's head and methods of making same. |
| US07761931B2 |
Glove or pair of gloves
A glove, such as a work glove, an examining glove, or an operating glove, has a homogeneous body with a hand part and a cuff that is adjacent to the hand part. At least one gripping aid is provided on the outer surface of the cuff and at a distance from the rear edge of the cuff. This allows the gloves to be removed in an ergonomic and simple manner without any auxiliary means, even with a very short cuff, without the soiled or contaminated outer side coming into contact with the skin of the person wearing the glove. To this end, at least one gripping aid is arranged in the region of the glove covering the outer region of the wrist, when seen in the peripheral direction of the cuff. Alternatively, at least one gripping aid can extend over at least 180 degrees of the periphery of the cuff, at a distance from the rear edge of the cuff, or each glove in a pair is provided with at least one gripping aid on adjacent peripheral sections of the cuff, said gripping aids being at an angular distance of at least approximately 30 degrees. |
| US07761929B1 |
Protective pad assembly
A configurable protective pad assembly includes a first, or base, layer that provides as an inner and/or outer surface one part of a two-part fastener system, such as, for example, the hooks or loops of a hook and loop fastener system. A protective layer, which consists of padding that incorporates fasteners on its surfaces, is sized and arranged relative to the base layer to provide customized protection to one or more desired locations. The protective layer attaches to the base layer as one or more sections that are sized and arranged in positions that correspond to the respective locations in which protection is desired. As desired, additional protective layers may be applied in the same manner, to provide more padding to all or various of the locations. A cover layer having a smooth outer surface may be applied over the protective layers to complete the assembly. |
| US07765607B2 |
Probes and methods of making probes using folding techniques
Probes and methods of making probes are provided, particularly probes or nano-tools having tip active areas of extremely small dimensions, e.g., on the order of one angstrom to a few nanometers. One method of making a nano-tool includes forming a composite including a tool layer less than 10 nm thick on a substrate layer, subtracting a region of the substrate layer at least partially through the thickness of the substrate layer, thereby exposing a well surface, and folding the composite so that portions of the tool layer surface diverge and portions of the well surface converge, wherein an outer crease of the folded tool layer is a nanotool active area. Another method of making a nano-tool includes forming a composite including a tool layer less than 10 nm thick on a substrate, subtracting a region of the substrate layer at least partially through the thickness of the substrate layer, thereby exposing a well surface, and folding the composite so that portions of the tool layer surface diverge and portions of the well surface converge, wherein an outer crease of the folded tool layer is a nanotool active area, whereby the tip may be cut mechanically or altered to expose two probe active areas. The herein probes may be very useful in systems and methods that benefit from probes having resolution capabilities less than the dimensions of the objects to be analyzed. |
| US07765605B2 |
Method for copy protecting a record carrier, copy protected record carrier and means for detecting access control information
A method for copy protecting a record carrier is disclosed, in which method the copy protected record carriers are provided with a pattern of logical errors which cannot be corrected by the error correcting rules predefined for said record carrier. The pattern of logical errors represents access control information. The logical errors are generated during decoding the bit sequence read from the record carrier. Bit errors may be positioned in the bit sequence so as to counteract de-interleaving which is part of an error decoding process in a reading device and accumulate in error words which are uncorrectable. Also a method for detecting access control information and a retrieval arrangement are disclosed, which retrieval arrangement serves to detect the access control information by selecting at least one error location, but not all error locations on the record carrier, and verifying the presence of an error by reading the selected error location via the reading means. |
| US07765601B2 |
System for processing information, device for processing information, and program
An information processing system including: first and second information processing devices in communication through a network. The first device has a license information-sending unit that sends license information containing utilizing-time limit information for utilizing a content in response to a request from the second device. The second device has: a license information-receiving unit that receives the license information sent by the license information-sending unit; a time information acquisition unit that acquires time information through the network; an internal clock-setting unit that refers to the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit to set time information of a built-in internal clock; and a utilization-controlling unit that controls utilization of the content in association with the license information received by the license information-receiving unit based on the time information of the internal clock set by the internal clock-setting unit or a counter working independently of the internal clock. |
| US07765599B2 |
Multimedia transmitter, multimedia receiver, multimedia transmission system, and method for securely transmitting multimedia content over a wireless link
Embodiments of multimedia transmitters, receivers and methods for communicating multimedia content in a wireless network are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a checksum is generated by decoding the multimedia content to respond to queries from a multimedia content source within a predetermined time period, a propagation delay associated with the wireless multimedia link is determined, and transmission of the multimedia content over the wireless multimedia link is inhibited when a response from the multimedia receiver exceeds a propagation delay by a predetermined time period. |
| US07765594B1 |
Dynamic security deputization
Enhancing security capability of a network is described. In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting a security threat, sending a request to a networked device on the network to perform a deputized function that is not ordinarily performed by the networked device, receiving response data from the networked device and processing the response data. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving a request from a security authority on the network to perform a deputized function that is not ordinarily performed, performing the deputized function as requested and sending response data to the security authority to be further processed. |
| US07765592B2 |
Changed file identification, software conflict resolution and unwanted file removal
As computer programs grow more complex, extensible, and connected, it becomes increasingly difficult for users to understand what has changed on their machines and what impact those changes have. An embodiment of the invention is described via a software tool, called AskStrider, that answers those questions by correlating volatile process information with persistent-state context information and change history. AskStrider scans a system for active components, matches them against a change log to identify recently updated and hence more interesting state, and searches for context information to help users understand the changes. Several real-world cases are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of using AskStrider to quickly identify the presence of unwanted software, to determine if a software patch is potentially breaking an application, and to detect lingering components left over from an unclean uninstallation. |
| US07765589B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting grid intrusions
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for authorizing a user to access grid resources. A request is received from the user to access a resource on the data processing system. This request includes a certificate. An authentication process is performed using the certificate when the request is received. In response to successfully authenticating the user in the authentication process, a first host name for the certificate is requested from a trusted source. A reply containing the first host name is received. Access to the resource is provided if the first host name returned by the trusted source matches a second host name for the user from which the request originated. |
| US07765588B2 |
System and method for identity verification
A system and method verify a user's identity in an Internet-related transaction. One system and method use a personal computer having identification information, a card reader, and a personal identification card having access information, to verify a user's identity using the access information and the identification information. Another system and method use a personal computer, a card reader, and a personal identification card having access information, wherein the card reader is included as part of a mouse coupled to the personal computer and wherein a user's identity is verified using the access information. Another system and method use a personal computer, a device coupled to the personal computer having identification information, a card reader, and a personal identification card having access information to verify a user's identity using the access information and the identification information. Another system and method use a personal computer, a fingerprint reader, a card reader, and a personal identification card having access information to verify a user's identity using the access information and the data of the fingerprint reader. |
| US07765587B2 |
Glyphword-based security
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for glyphword-based security. Embodiments include establishing a glyphword comprising a plurality of glyphs; and creating a plurality of glyphsheets wherein each glyphsheet includes one or more glyphs included in the established glyphword and one or more glyphs not included in the established glyphword; and for each glyphsheet: presenting to a user the glyphsheet; receiving from the user at least one selection of a glyph included in the glyphsheet; determining whether the glyphsheet is the last glyphsheet if the glyph selected by the user is not included in the glyphs of the glyphword; and providing access to a resource if the glyphsheet is the last glyphsheet. |
| US07765583B2 |
System and method for managing virtual user domains
The present invention addresses the previous of lack of subscriber identity tracking and management for residential broadband lines and provides customized access and enhanced IP services for a subscriber's household members (virtual user domain) and his/her circle of extended families, relatives, and friends (multiple virtual user domains). Rather than treating a broadband link as a single connection with a single set of services and quality constraints, the present invention enables the subscriber to create multiple user profiles per broadband link; tailor activities such as web services to a specific user and group profile; provide restricted access to minors (e.g. allow only age appropriate content to be viewed); and facilitate connection at multiple access points on a carrier's edge network. |
| US07765580B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing user authentication using a back channel
A method and apparatus provides user authentication by communicating primary authentication information, such as user identification data and/or password data to an authentication unit via a primary channel such as over the Internet. An authentication code is generated by the authentication unit on a per session basis and is sent to a destination unit via a first secondary channel during the session. The destination unit then retransmits the authentication code, on a second secondary channel, to the first unit in a way that is transparent to a user of the first unit. The first device then send the received re-transmitted authentication code back to the authentication unit via the primary channel during the session. |
| US07765575B2 |
Combining real-time and batch mode logical address links
Systems and methods for displaying Internet content associated with television programming. Content associated with a program included in the television programming is automatically displayed by a set top box. Before the broadcast of a program, listing information or EPG data is stored at the set top box. The listing information includes batch mode logical addresses or links. During the program, a viewer is notified about the link, and the content may be accessed and displayed concurrently with the program. In addition, real-time logical addresses or links, which are embedded in the program, may be extracted and the viewer is notified of these links. If both the real time and batch links are available, a determination is made according to pre-defined rules regarding which link is brought to the attention of the viewer. |
| US07765572B2 |
Method for identifying extender text table of electronic program guide in digital TV
A digital television (DTV) receiver and a decoding method are discussed. According to an embodiment, the DTV receiver includes: a receiving unit for receiving a digital broadcasting signal including a plurality of extended text tables (ETTs) that appear in transport stream packets having common PID values, each ETT comprising a section header and a message body, wherein the section header contains a table identification extension field that serves to establish uniqueness of each ETT, and wherein the message body includes an extended text message (ETM) which provides detailed descriptions of a virtual channel or an event associated with each ETT; and a program and system information protocol (PSIP) decoder for detecting the table identification extension field to determine uniqueness of each ETT and detecting at least one pertinent ETT from the plurality of ETTs using the determined uniqueness of each ETT. |
| US07765571B2 |
Continuous selection graphs
Continuous selection graphs are described. In embodiment(s), a continuous selection graph can be displayed that includes a similarity continuum to indicate media content that is progressively similar. The continuous selection graph can also include an axis of identifying criteria for the media content by which to associate the media content along the similarity continuum. Similar media content that is associated with the identifying criteria can be determined, and selectable indicators of the similar media content can be displayed to indicate a relationship between the identifying criteria and the similar media content along the similarity continuum. |
| US07765568B1 |
Graphical tuning bar
A system and method for displaying a user interface in the form of a program guide that assists users in determining and selecting television viewing options and related services is described. The guide is a viewable display constructed at receiver stations based on data periodically received via a Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite communication or other system. The guide display presentation can include still pictures, live video broadcasts, still graphics, moving graphics, webpages, graphics and “buttons” that are utilized by the viewer to perform a variety of operations, including determining program availability, selecting programming or services, and launching to related information, programming or services. A tuning bar is automatically scaled to seamlessly represent all programs that a given user subscribes to. The user moves a graphic slider along the tuning bar to quickly and intuitively select a current program. |
| US07765565B2 |
Content reproducing apparatus, and television receiving apparatus
A plurality of types of rating information are easily and reliably set. A television receiver A includes a receiver main body 1 and a remote controller 15 for controlling it. The receiver main body 1 includes a tuner unit 3, a signal processing unit 5, a display control unit 7 for controlling display, a display unit 11, a remote controller photoreception unit 17, a control unit 21 for overall control, a parental control unit 23 for controlling view, and a rating information storage unit 25 in which rating information is stored. In the rating information storage unit, tables relating to rating information 25 shown in Tables 1 to 9 are stored. In the television receiver A, based on an instruction from the control unit 21, the information in the tables can be referred to as needed. Tables indicating a plurality of types of rating information are stored in the rating information storage unit 25. The rating information storage unit 25 stores a plurality of types of rating information based on different standards regarding parental control, with items capable of being commonly set among the multiple types of rating information being associated with each other. The control unit 21 can set at once the common items based the association regarding age limitation. When a block for rating information concerning a viewed program is not yet set, and if the rating of a particular program is equal to or above the level set by the user based on another rating information, a message is displayed so as to alert the user to the broadcast of programs that are not desirable for children. |
| US07765563B2 |
User interaction feedback system
A viewer response method for use with an interactive telecommunications system. The viewer response method includes accumulating a user interaction history of a user of the system, the user interaction history including user interaction information associated with a plurality of user interaction events and providing user-sensible feedback, based at least in part on the user interaction history. |
| US07765552B2 |
System and method for allocating computing resources for a grid virtual system
In one embodiment, a method for allocating computing resources comprises executing a plurality of applications and a grid virtual system within a shared resource domain, assigning computing resources to the plurality of applications to process application transactions, dynamically reallocating computing resources associated with the plurality of applications to the grid virtual system when the computing resources are idle, registering availability of grid services in response to the reallocating, scheduling grid jobs for execution within the grid virtual system, and modifying at least one reallocation parameter in response to the scheduling. |
| US07765550B2 |
System for controlling context switch of deferred requests using counter and flag setting of thread accessing shared resource or entering code region
In an embodiment of the invention, a method for a memory-mapped lazy preemption control, the method includes: incrementing a counter value if an operating system attempts to involuntarily context switch out a thread and fails to context switch out the thread because the thread has a flag set; checking a counter value to determine a degree of abusiveness of a thread; and based upon the degree of abusiveness, determining if a voluntary contact switch out should be performed or should not be performed on the thread. |
| US07765541B1 |
Minimization methodology
A method and system for developing a minimized install profile for installing a minimized operating environment. After installing an operating environment comprising a plurality of installation packages on a computer system, one or more applications are also installed. System changes are determined and used to identify components added by the installed applications. Additionally, installation packages are identified that are required by the installed applications and that correspond to elements of the operating environment referenced by the added components. A minimized installation profile is created for installing a minimized operating environment based upon a minimum profile template and including the identified installation packages. |
| US07765539B1 |
System and method for trans-compiling video games
A method of porting a video game or other application from one platform to another involves decompiling the game executable to develop source code in a high level programming language such as C. The (re)generated source code is re-linked using target native libraries to handle hardware functions (e.g., video, audio, etc.) for the target platform. The resulting “trans-compiled” executable is able to efficiently run on the target platform, potentially providing orders of magnitude speed performance boost over other traditional techniques. |
| US07765533B2 |
Automatic task distribution in scalable processors
A processing method and apparatus for processing an information is based on a sequence of instructions, where a repeated sub-sequence is detected in the sequence of instructions and an allocation between a processing resource and the repeated sub-sequence is determined based on an index information indicating the repetition frequency of the repeated sub-sequence. Thus, a combination of a scalable signal processor with automatic task distribution is provided, where the number of memory accesses can be reduced, as the repeated sub-sequence can be allocated to external processing units, which are correspondingly programmed or which use their embedded memory. |
| US07765528B2 |
Identifying sources of memory retention
One embodiment relates to a method for identifying sources of memory retention in an executing application. A size of a set of objects is tracked over multiple periods. A period is determined to be a growth period if the size for the set of objects increases above a previous maximum size, and the number of growth periods is counted. The set of objects is flagged as having potential undesired object retention (a memory leak) if the number of growth periods is greater than a threshold number. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US07765508B1 |
Method and system for generating multiple implementation views of an IC design
A method and system for generating from a high-level placement specification the layout and schematic implementation data is disclosed. In addition packaging data and a software model may also be generated. In one embodiment an array of rows and columns is formed on an integrated circuit (IC) in which all elements in a row have the same height and all elements in a column have the same width. This array, which may be displayed in a textual or spreadsheet format, forms the high-level placement specification. A software program of this embodiment converts this high-level placement specification into layout and schematic files that can be used by a commercial CAD tool to produce a file for fabrication. |
| US07765505B2 |
Design rule management method, design rule management program, rule management apparatus and rule verification apparatus
Disclosed is a rule management apparatus which acquires a design rule for regulating a part shape from systems such as a CAD system 401, converts the acquired deign rule into data having a hierarchical node format, calculates relationship strength which indicates strength of a relationship between the design rule converted into data having a hierarchical node format and another node, sets to the relationship strength between design rules which are substantially the same but described in different systems to be a maximum value, and stores in an integrating rule DB 300 the relationship strength and the design rules in association with one another. |
| US07765497B2 |
Circuit network analysis using algebraic multigrid approach
This application describes techniques for applying an algebraic multigrid method to analysis of circuit networks with irregular and regular circuit patterns. Adaptive processing may be applied to the grid coarsening and error smoothing operations to increase the processing speed. |
| US07765491B1 |
User interface widget for selecting a point or range
A technique for selecting and/or displaying an exact point or a range is provided wherein a slider widget comprising a thumb with a left edge and a right edge lying in proximity to the left and right edges of the thumb is provided such that a user may utilize the widget to display an exact point or a range. |
| US07765487B2 |
Graphical user interface for in-vivo imaging
A graphical user interface is provided which allows the user to perform numerous operations suitable for analysis of in-vivo images within a single display screen or a single window. Using the in-vivo GUI, the user may create and manipulate analysis tools such as rectangle and ellipse tools to define regions of interest and perform various measurements on an in-vivo image. In addition, the GUI allows the user to store measurement results in a dated electronic notebook, display testing information, manipulate image presentation and print while maintaining view of the image. |
| US07765483B2 |
Filtering obscured data from a remote client display
Present implementations include one or more applications at a sending computer system that generate data intended for display at a receiving computer system over a network connection. A mirror driver at the sending computer system renders shared data in a bitmap, which is sent to the receiving computer system. The mirror driver also renders one or more simple image files in place of unshared data that is not intended for display, and sends the replacement images to the receiving computer system. The receiving computer system, in turn, renders what it receives using its existing resources. In one implementation, a driver interface mediates at the sending computer system between the one or more applications generating data, one or more display drivers, and the mirror driver. Thus, the driver interface can pass data to a normal display driver, and also to the mirror driver, which then filters the data as appropriate. |
| US07765482B2 |
Web-based media submission tool
The present invention, generally speaking, provides an improved web-based media submission tool. As with some existing tools, operation of the tool is drag and drop or the user can “click” to browse a directory to select media objects. Unlike existing tools, the tool provides the user an opportunity to confirm the submission, for example by generating a thumbnail image of an image file that has been dragged and dropped. Batch submission is provided for in which a user drags and drops a plurality of images or other media objects. Submission from a web page to a web page is also provided for. The submission tool is configurable to perform a variable amount of intelligent preprocessing on media objects prior to upload. In the case of digital images, the tool can perform sizing and formatting, for example. Information capture is performed with information being uploaded together with the media objects. In an exemplary embodiment, information capture is both user-transparent (e.g., user ID and/or password) and user-visible (e.g., the user can provide captions for media objects). The submission of information about the user and the media objects facilitates automatic integration of the media objects within existing databases. |
| US07765476B2 |
Flexible workflow tool including multi-lingual support
A method of generating a flexible automated workflow system includes identifying a workflow process, creating at least one form associated with the workflow process identified for display in a base language, generating a user interface version of the at least one form, and displaying the user interface version of the at least one form in the base language for use by a user. A user selectable option to translate includes providing at least one alternate translation of the user interface version of the at least one form into at least one alternate language when the at least one alternate translation was provided by a developer when the at least one form was created and an option to translate is selected by the user. Alternatively, the at least one translation of the user interface version of the at least one form can also be displayed when the at least one alternate translation is provided by a developer subsequent to creation of the at least one form. |
| US07765472B2 |
Method and device for editing SVG type digital graphical documents in particular from a browser
Method of processing at least one digital graphical document represented in a predetermined markup language in which at least one software display program of browser type is used for displaying such a document, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: i) transforming the original document (ISVG1) displayed in read mode into an editable version in the markup language according to a set of predefined transformation rules not linked to the document, said transformation rules incorporating a set of rules for writing to the document; ii) interacting via the software display program with the said editable version (ISVG2) in order to modify said editable version according to said set of writing rules; and iii) transforming the editable version thus modified into a version in read mode (ISVG3) incorporating the modifications made during step ii). |
| US07765471B2 |
Method for enhancing text by applying sets of folding and horizontal displacement rules
Reading product fabrication methods and devices are provided. Characteristic of the methods is the extraction of text specific attributes from machine readable text, and varying the text presentation in accordance with the attributes. Parts of speech and punctuation of a sentence are identified, with folding rules, which use the parts of speech to determine folding points, applied. The sentence is divided into text segments based upon the folding points, and horizontal displacement rules applied to create displayed text characterized by a cascading appearance. |
| US07765467B2 |
Undoing pending changes applied to web pages
An efficient approach is provided for handling changes made to the appearance of data in a Data View within a Web page editing program. Instead of immediately modifying the data to reflect each change entered by a user, the changes are accumulated until the user pauses in interacting with the data for a predefined time interval. The one or more changes modify Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT) code that is then employed for producing hypertext markup language (HTML) used in rendering the data within a window of a browser program. The user can cancel the update process, which is carried out in a separate thread, causing the data to be returned to its state before the update began. A user can also select different options that affect the appearance of a preview format used in the Data View. |
| US07765458B1 |
Error pattern generation for trellis-based detection and/or decoding
The disclosed technology provides systems and methods for identifying potential error locations, patterns, and likelihood metrics in connection with trellis-based detection/decoding. In one aspect of the invention, the disclosed technology detects information that was previously encoded based on a trellis, and decodes the detected information based on the trellis to provide decoded information. The decoded information corresponds to a winning path through the trellis that ends at a winning state. The disclosed technology can identify one or more alternate paths through the trellis that also end at the winning state, and can generate a potential error pattern for each of the alternate paths. |
| US07765456B1 |
Optimal multi-user orthogonal variable spreading factor (OVSF) code generator
A circuit to generate Orthogonal Variable Spread Factor (OVSF) codes for CDMA systems. The circuit includes a shift register to determine the OVSF code k for a given spread factor SF, wherein k ranges between 0 and (SF−1). A memory cell register stores the leftmost bit of the code that is loaded into the first bit of the shift register. An XOR gate provides an input to the shift register after the first bit is loaded from the memory cell. An address Look Up Table (LUT), or state machine, is connected to the shift register to select a tap output from one of the shift register bits to provide a first input to the XOR gate. A secondary OVSF code register connects to a second input of the XOR gate to provide code bits from lower SF values making up the code from the current SF value. |
| US07765454B2 |
Fault tolerant memory system
A method and apparatus for managing X4 or larger types of memory first receives a data word to be stored in the memory, and then generates a check datum, which is a function of the data word and a set of encode data. After storing the data word in memory, the method and apparatus use the check datum and the data word to generate a syndrome. The method and apparatus then determine if the data word in the memory is correct as a function of the syndrome. |
| US07765448B2 |
Clock signal distributing circuit, information processing device and clock signal distributing method
An integrated circuit includes a test pattern input unit for inputting a test pattern into cells, a clock distributing unit for distributing a clock signal to the cells, a first cell that receives the clock signal distributed by the clock distributing unit, a second cell that receives the clock signal after the clock signal is received by the first cell, a data transfer unit for transferring a data signal from the first cell to the second cell, a clock transfer unit for distributing the clock signal to the first cell and the second cell and transferring the clock signal in the same direction as the transfer direction of the data signal, and a failure detecting unit for inputting the test pattern into the cells and detecting failures of the cells on the basis of the results of the test pattern output from the cells. |
| US07765447B2 |
Selectively accessing test access ports in a multiple test access port environment
A TAP linking module (21, 51) permits plural TAPs (TAPs 1-4) to be controlled and accessed from a test bus (13) via a single TAP interface (20). |
| US07765444B2 |
Failure diagnosis for logic circuits
A failure diagnosing method of logic circuits includes generating failure candidate data for logic circuits based on failure diagnosis data obtained from the logic circuits by using a failure diagnosis tool; and inputting the failure candidate data for the logic circuits. A predetermined data is extracted from each of the failure candidate data for the logic circuits. Failures of the logic circuits are diagnosed by collecting a name of each of the failure candidate data from the predetermined data and the number of failure candidate data; and the collected data are outputted on a display unit. |
| US07765441B2 |
Methods and systems for detecting symbol erasures
A technique for determining a symbol erasure threshold for a received communication signal containing symbol information begins by performing a first threshold calculation to produce an initial symbol erasure threshold, then performing a first margin calculation to produce an initial symbol erasure margin and then modifying the initial symbol erasure threshold using the initial symbol erasure margin to produce a modified symbol erasure threshold. By then periodically modifying the modified symbol erasure threshold adaptively via updating the symbol erasure threshold and/or symbol erasure margin based on various error quantities, the technique can compensate for time-variant considerations, such as drifting noise levels. |
| US07765440B2 |
Method and apparatus for OS independent platform recovery
A system, apparatus, and method to capture recovery information of a host device, independent of the operating system of the host device, are described herein. Platform recovery management components of the host device transmit recovery information using secondary network communication channels to a remote device, such as a recovery server, independent of the operating system. In various embodiments, the remote device, such as a remote core dump repository with a diagnostics resource layer, uses ex post facto and audit diagnostic resources on the host device and/or the remote device to determine if existing repository information includes system restoration or system healing information. |
| US07765439B2 |
Traceability management apparatus, storage medium storing program, and tracing method
A hardware-information acquisition part, in the case of modification or addition to hardware configurations of semiconductor manufacturing devices to be managed, obtains that update information. To check the range of influence of a failure, as a first step, a software-condition conforming device extracting part extracts devices which have installed software related to the failure. Then, a hardware-condition conforming device extracting part determines, according to the information obtained by the hardware information acquisition part, whether the extracted devices satisfy hardware conditions under which the failure occurs, and if so, extracts those devices as the ones affected by the failure. Accordingly, even in the case of modification or addition to hardware, it is possible to ensure traceability of failures or requirements and thereby to identify the range of influence of failures with efficiency and reliability. |
| US07765435B2 |
Supercomputing
A method of configuring a supercomputer having a plurality of computing elements, each having an irreducible core computing capability to store and retrieve data, includes the steps of: defining an operating time interval; establishing an desired probability of successful operation over the operating time interval; having regard to the total number of computing elements, configuring each computing element so that, over the operating time interval, the probability of successful operation of the irreducible core capability of each computing elements is greater than, or equal to, the desired probability of successful operation over the operating time interval. |
| US07765429B2 |
Method and system to execute recovery in non-homogenous multi processor environments
Disclosed are a method and system for parallel execution of recovery in a non-homogeneous multi-processor environment. The method defines criteria how to decide which recovery actions are to be performed, and on which processor. If multiple recovery actions are pending, the goal is to execute them in parallel on multiple processors. This is much more efficient than the traditional approach of one processor doing all the required recovery. In addition, in large, non-homogeneous systems such a single processor capable of doing the complete recovery might not be existing at all due to technical limitations. The method of this invention also defines rules and mechanisms how multiple processors executing recovery in parallel can access shared resources while avoiding deadlock situations. This includes accessing resources that are currently owned by another processor. |
| US07765427B2 |
Monitoring system and methods for a distributed and recoverable digital control system
A monitoring system and methods are provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The monitoring system generally comprises two independent monitoring planes within the control system. The first monitoring plane is internal to the computing units in the control system, and the second monitoring plane is external to the computing units. The internal first monitoring plane includes two in-line monitors. The first internal monitor is a self-checking, lock-step-processing monitor with integrated rapid recovery capability. The second internal monitor includes one or more reasonableness monitors, which compare actual effector position with commanded effector position. The external second monitor plane includes two monitors. The first external monitor includes a pre-recovery computing monitor, and the second external monitor includes a post recovery computing monitor. Various methods for implementing the monitoring functions are also disclosed. |
| US07765422B2 |
Method of determining a time offset estimate between a central node and a secondary node
In the method of determining a time offset estimate between a central node and a secondary node, the central node receives downlink and uplink timing information from a secondary node. The downlink and uplink timing information are measured based on a periodic timing scale. The downlink timing information represents timing information for communication between the central node and the secondary node, and the uplink timing information represents timing information for communication from the secondary node to the central node. The central node compensates the timing information for time wraparound, and determines the time offset estimate based on the compensated timing information. |
| US07765421B2 |
Automatic power management of a network powered device
A system delivers power to a powered device through a local area network using a power sourcing equipment to process data of an interconnected network and to receive power from a first power source coupled to the power sourcing equipment. The system may include a powered device coupled at a distance away from the power sourcing equipment through a local area network (LAN) to process the data of the interconnected network through the power sourcing equipment. The powered device may include a modular power over LAN circuit to enable power to the powered device through the LAN when the modular power over LAN circuit is coupled to the powered device. |
| US07765420B2 |
Single-wire sequencing technique
Novel system and protocol for controlling a sequence of events. The sequencing system has a master circuit for providing sequencing information defining a sequence of events using a sequencing signal, and at least one slave circuit responsive to the sequencing signal for producing at least one event signal defining an event. The master and slave circuits are configured for providing a bidirectional transfer of the sequencing information via a single wire. |
| US07765417B2 |
External control of a multi-mode controller
An apparatus including an electrical energy storage device arranged to provide an output voltage that decreases with time;a reference clock; and a multi-mode controller having a first mode in which the reference clock is disabled and a second mode in which the reference clock is enabled, the multi-mode controller being operable, when in the first mode, to monitor a voltage provided by the electrical energy storage device and to change the mode of the controller from the first mode to the second mode when the monitored voltage falls beneath a threshold value and being operable, when in the second mode, to enable storage of electrical energy in the electrical energy storage device. |
| US07765410B2 |
System and method of aggregating the knowledge base of antivirus software applications
In accordance with this invention, a system, method, and computer-readable medium that aggregates the knowledge base of a plurality of antivirus software applications are provided. User mode applications, such as antivirus software applications, gain access to file system operations through a common information model, which obviates the need for antivirus software vendors to create kernel mode filters. When file system operations are available to antivirus software applications, the present invention may cause each antivirus software application installed on a computing device to perform a scan to determine if the data is malware. |
| US07765408B1 |
Systems and methods for online identity verification
A system controlling online access to a study course verifies the identity of an individual taking a study course over a global computer network from a first computer at a node of the network. The first computer has a biometric identification program and communicates over the network with a second computer that is at a network node other than a node of the first computer. The second computer includes study program material. The first computer operates a biometric reader, which obtains a first set of biometric data from the individual and a second set of biometric data from the individual while access is granted to course material. The biometric identification program compares the first set of data with the second set of data to make a verification of the identity of the individual and communicates the verification to the second computer. |
| US07765407B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing centralized user authorization to allow secure sign-on to a computer system
A method for providing centralized user authorization to allow secure sign-on to a computer system is disclosed. In response to a user attempting to boot up a computer system, a message is sent to a trusted server by a hypervisor within the computer to request a new hard drive password for the computer system. If the user is not authorized to access the computer system, a packet is sent by the trusted server to instruct the hypervisor to stop any boot process on the computer system. If the user is authorized to access the computer system, a packet containing a partial hard drive password is sent by the trusted server to the computer system. The packet is then encrypted with a system public key by the computer system to yield the partial hard drive password. The computer system subsequently combines the partial hard drive password with a user password to generate a new complete hard drive password to continue with the boot process. |
| US07765406B2 |
System, computer program and method for a crytographic system using volatile allocation of a superkey
A method for protecting data of at least one password-protected account of a user in a system comprises the steps of: (a) creating, by the user, a password-protected account associated with a user identification and a password on the system; (b) hashing the password and storing the hashed password in a first password digest in a database; (c) receiving credential data from a user, including the user identification and password; (d) requesting, from the database, the first password digest based upon the received credential data; (e) receiving, into volatile memory, the first password digest from the database in response to the request; (f) hashing the received password as the credential data and creating a second password digest; (g) receiving, into volatile memory, the second password digest; (h) comparing, in volatile memory, the first password digest with the second password digest; and (i) authenticating the user based upon the comparison. |
| US07765405B2 |
Receive side scaling with cryptographically secure hashing
A new method and framework for scheduling receive-side processing of data streams received from a remote requesting client by a multiprocessor system computer is disclosed. The method receives data packets from the remote requesting client via a network and, for each data packet, applies a cryptographically secure hashing function to portions of the received data packet yielding a hash value. The method further applies the hash value to a processor selection policy to identify a processor in the multiprocessor system as a selected processor to perform receive-side processing of the data packet. The method queues the received data packet for processing by the selected processor and invokes a procedure call to initiate processing of the data packet. |
| US07765403B2 |
System for controlling the distribution and use of rendered digital works through watermarking
A trusted rendering system for use in a system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works. A trusted rendering system facilitates the protection of rendered digital works which have been rendered on a system which controls the distribution and use of digital works through the use of dynamically generated watermark information that is embedded in the rendered output. The watermark data typically provides information relating to the owner of the digital work, the rights associated with the rendered copy of the digital work and when and where the digital work was rendered. This information will typically aid in deterring or preventing unauthorized copying of the rendered work to be made. The system for controlling distribution and use of digital works provides for attaching persistent usage rights to a digital work. Digital works are transferred between repositories which are used to request and grant access to digital works. Such repositories are also coupled to credit servers which provide for payment of any fees incurred as a result of accessing a digital work. |
| US07765402B2 |
System and methods for the wireless delivery of a message
Systems and methods for a wireless communication system used for transmitting and receiving information, the information not containing identification of the information's intended recipient. A method for transmitting payload information, the method comprising providing verification information scrambling a portion of the verification information and transmitting the payload information with the scrambled verification information portion. Also provided is a method for processing transmitted payload information incorporated into an encoded information message with scrambled verification information, the method comprising receiving the encoded information message descrambling at least a portion of the scrambled verification information and comparing said descrambled verification information with predetermined verification information processing said payload information based on said comparison. |
| US07765400B2 |
Aggregation of the knowledge base of antivirus software
In accordance with this invention, a system, method, and computer-readable medium that aggregates the knowledge base of a plurality of antivirus software applications are provided. User mode applications, such as antivirus software applications, gain access to file system operations through a common information model, which obviates the need for antivirus software vendors to create kernel mode filters. When file system operations are available to antivirus software applications, the present invention may cause each antivirus software application installed on a computing device to perform a scan to determine if the data is malware. |
| US07765398B2 |
Method of promulgating a transaction tool to a recipient
A method for using an update engine to promulgate a transaction tool to a recipient. The method may include the steps of: generating a transaction tool operation request signal wherein the transaction tool operation request signal includes a request for a new transaction tool and/or an updated transaction tool, transmitting the transaction tool operation request signal to a transaction tool issuer, receiving a transaction tool update signal from the transaction tool issuer wherein the transaction tool update signal includes a new transaction tool and/or an updated transaction tool, determining the recipient, and transmitting the transaction tool update signal to the recipient. |
| US07765397B2 |
Generating, migrating or exporting bound keys
In accordance with certain aspects, data is received from a calling program. Ciphertext that includes the data is generated, using public key encryption, in a manner that allows only one or more target programs to be able to obtain the data from the ciphertext. In accordance with another aspect, a bit string is received from a calling program. An identifier of the calling program is checked to determine whether the calling program is allowed to access data encrypted in ciphertext of the bit string. The data is decrypted using public key decryption and returned to the calling program only if the calling program is allowed to access the data. |
| US07765394B2 |
System and method for restoring a master boot record in association with accessing a hidden partition
A system and method for restoring a master boot record in association with accessing a hidden partition is disclosed. According to one aspect, a method of restoring a master boot record for a storage device is disclosed. The method can include initiating access to a hidden partition stored within a storage device. The method can also include disassociating a visible partition descriptor from a visible partition of the storage device. The method can also include associating the visible partition descriptor with the hidden partition and accessing the hidden partition using the visible partition descriptor. The method can also include reassociating the visible partition descriptor with the visible partition while accessing the hidden partition. |
| US07765390B2 |
Activation system
An activation system is applied to a computer apparatus. An activation signal is received by the computer apparatus to implement a booting action. The system comprises an external power adapter and a detection unit. An external power is received by the external power adapter. The external power then is provided to the computer apparatus. Meanwhile, a power supply signal then is generated by the external power adapter. The power supply signal is detected by the detection unit. The activation signal is outputted by the detection unit after detecting the power supply signal, so as to boot the computer apparatus through the external power. |
| US07765389B2 |
Management of exceptions and hardware interruptions by an exception simulator
Exception handling is simulated. An exception simulator is employed to simulate exceptions generated from routines simulating operations. The exception simulator provides an indication of the exception and invokes an interruption, when appropriate. The exception simulator includes an instruction invoked to handle the exception and any interruption. |
| US07765388B2 |
Interrupt verification support mechanism
The present invention relates to a device for an interrupt verification support mechanism and the method for operating said device comprising a processor and an input for external interrupt requests or interrupt pseudo-instructions communicatively coupled to the processor. The method comprises the steps of processing at least one actual instruction in the processor in an instruction pipeline, and if an external interrupt request is received by the processor, the actual instruction is replaced with the pseudo-instruction. Pursuant to the method, instructions are concurrently processed in the processor in an instruction pipeline with several stages. In the instruction pipeline, instructions are processed by an instruction fetch stage, an instruction decode stage, an instruction issue stage, an execute stage and a result write-back stage. Thereby, interrupt requests are only processed at the fetch stage of the instruction pipeline. The device of an interrupt support mechanism and the method for operating said device provides the advantage a simplification of interrupt verification. |
| US07765387B2 |
Program counter control method and processor thereof for controlling simultaneous execution of a plurality of instructions including branch instructions using a branch prediction mechanism and a delay instruction for branching
A program counter control method controls instructions by an out-of-order method using a branch prediction mechanism and controls an architecture having delay instructions for branching. The method includes the steps of simultaneously committing a plurality of instructions including a branch instruction, when a branch prediction is successful and the branch instruction branches, and simultaneously updating a program counter and a next program counter depending on a number of committed instructions. |
| US07765386B2 |
Scalable parallel pipeline floating-point unit for vector processing
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to perform floating-point operations for vector processing. An input queue captures a plurality of vector inputs. A scheduler dispatches the vector inputs. A plurality of floating-point (FP) pipelines generates FP results from operating on scalar components of the vector inputs dispatched from the scheduler. An arbiter and assembly unit arbitrates use of output section and assembles the FP results to write to the output section. |
| US07765385B2 |
Fault recovery on a parallel computer system with a torus network
An apparatus and method for overcoming a torus network failure in a parallel computer system. A mesh routing mechanism in the service node of the computer system configures the nodes from a torus to a mesh network when a failure occurs in the torus network. The mesh routing mechanism takes advantage of cutoff registers in each node to route node to node data transfers around the faulty node or network connection. |
| US07765384B2 |
Universal register rename mechanism for targets of different instruction types in a microprocessor
A unified register rename mechanism for targets of different instruction types is provided in a microprocessor. The universal rename mechanism renames destinations of different instruction types using a single rename structure. Thus, an instruction that is updating a floating point register (FPR) can be renamed along with an instruction that is updating a general purpose register (GPR) or vector multimedia extensions (VMX) instructions register (VR) using the same rename structure because the number of architected states for GPR is the same as the number of architected states for FPR and VR. Each destination tag (DTAG) is assigned to one destination. A floating point instruction may be assigned to a DTAG, and then a fixed point instruction may be assigned to the next DTAG and so forth. With a universal rename mechanism, significant silicon and power can be saved by having only one rename structure for all instruction types. |
| US07765382B2 |
Propagating reconfiguration command over asynchronous self-synchronous global and inter-cluster local buses coupling wrappers of clusters of processing module matrix
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of processing clusters that operate synchronously internally and arranged in a M×N matrix. Each processing cluster is formed as a plurality of processing elements and clocked buses that interconnect the processing elements within each processing cluster. A self-synchronous cluster wrapper is operative with the processing elements such that each processing cluster forms a programmable module. Self-synchronous global and local buses interconnect the processing clusters for communicating externally. An input/output circuit interconnects the global and local buses. |
| US07765380B2 |
Fast data access through page manipulation
A system and a method of accessing a memory are described. The system includes a memory, an interface configured to transfer data (e.g. a data packet), an aligner configured to receive the data and to generate aligned data, and a page buffer module configured to store the aligned data and, when the page buffer module is full with aligned data, transferring the aligned data to the memory. The method includes receiving data at an interface, aligning the data to generate aligned data, storing aligned data in a page buffer module configured to store aligned data for a write access and retrieved data from a read access, writing aligned data to a memory, and transferring retrieved data to the interface. Data can be transferred by the interface at a first rate and aligned data can be written to or retrieved from the memory at substantially the first rate. |
| US07765378B1 |
Utilization of memory storage
A file storage system can include a file manager that adaptively partitions memory to accommodate the storage of fragmented data information. The fragments, potentially of varying size, can be stored in a volume of memory that is partitioned to include a group of storage segments. In the event that a particular fragment is not sized to efficiently fit in a free storage segment, the segment can be further subdivided to accommodate a fragment. In this way, a segment allotted for storage of data information can be adaptively subdivided into a smaller group of storage sub-segments. These sub-segments and yet potentially smaller storage partitions of the sub-segments can then be used to store additional fragments of a related stream of data. Based on this technique, portions of a logical stream of data information can be stored in the segments that vary in size. Meta data associated with the stored fragments can be used to facilitate reconstruction of a file or data stream. |
| US07765375B2 |
Memory management method, information processing apparatus, and memory management program
In a computer including a processor for executing a program and a storage that includes a first storage area and a second storage area for storing objects generated by the executed program, the processor stores objects generated by executing the program in the first storage area. If an object stored in the first storage area is accessed, the processor records access information of the accessed object. The processor extracts a leak object having a high possibility of memory leak on the basis of the recorded access information, and moves the extracted leak object to the second storage area. |
| US07765371B2 |
Method and apparatus for full backups in advance
An improved system and method are disclosed for the backup and restoration of data. An init image is created for a new system. Data is uploaded from a current system and a data image is generated. The resulting data image and the init image are combined to create a combined data image, which is then stored on an on-line backup host. A copy of the combined data image is transferred to the new system. The uploaded data is extracted from the copy of the combined data image and stored on the new system in the same location as the original system. Metadata describing the location of the combined data on the new system is captured and then applied to the combined data image stored on the on-line backup host. The extracted data on the new system is compared to the current data on the original system and the new system is updated. A differential backup is performed on the new system and then uploaded to the on-line backup host, where it is associated with the combined data image. |
| US07765369B1 |
Method and system for selectively deleting stored data
A method and system are provided for selectively deleting data stored to storage media, such as a tape, in a network storage system. An instruction to delete selected data is received and the location of the data selected for deletion is identified. The location of the data is obtained by consulting an index of storage data. The selected data is retrieved, together with any other data on the tape that precedes the selected data. The retrieved data, excluding the selected data, is copied to a tape. The index is updated to reflect the changes in the stored data on the tape. |
| US07765368B2 |
System, method and storage medium for providing a serialized memory interface with a bus repeater
A packetized cascade memory system including a plurality of memory assemblies, a memory bus including multiple segments, a bus repeater module and a segment level sparing module. The bus repeater module is in communication with two or more of the memory assemblies via the memory bus. The segment level sparing module provides segment level sparing for the communication bus upon segment failure. |
| US07765365B2 |
Method of partioning storage in systems with both single and virtual target interfaces
A method of partitioning storage is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes connecting at least one initiator with at least one target device. Upon connection of the at least one initiator with the at least one target device, at least one initiator-target association object may be created. The method may also include selecting at least one storage partition with the at least one initiator-target association object. |
| US07765364B2 |
Concurrent execution of critical sections by eliding ownership of locks
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates avoiding locks by speculatively executing critical sections of code. During operation, the system allows a process to speculatively execute a critical section of code within a program without first acquiring a lock associated with the critical section. If the process subsequently completes the critical section without encountering an interfering data access from another process, the system commits changes made during the speculative execution, and resumes normal non-speculative execution of the program past the critical section. Otherwise, if an interfering data access from another process is encountered during execution of the critical section, the system discards changes made during the speculative execution, and attempts to re-execute the critical section. |
| US07765362B2 |
Efficient system bootstrap loading
An efficient system for bootstrap loading scans cache lines into a cache store queue during a scan phase, and then transmits the cache lines from the cache store queue to a cache memory array during a functional phase. Scan circuitry stores a given cache line in a set of latches associated with one of a plurality of cache entries in the cache store queue, and passes the cache line from the latch set to the associated cache entry. The cache lines may be scanned from test software that is external to the computer system. Read/claim dispatch logic dispatches store instructions for the cache entries to read/claim machines which write the cache lines to the cache memory array without obtaining write permission, after the read/claim machines evaluate a mode bit which indicates that cache entries in the cache store queue are scanned cache lines. In the illustrative embodiment the cache memory is an L2 cache. |
| US07765357B2 |
PCI-express communications system
To be able to transmit a response packet to the original request node after a bus ID/a device ID is replaced in the PCI-Express switch for a PCI-Express communication system, a unique node ID for indicating each node is set to the nodes. Additionally, it is confirmed whether or not the packet is transferred in the correct order in a series of packet transfers. For that purpose, a sequence code indicating the sequence number of a packet in a series of packet transfer is set in an address field of a packet of data transfer. |
| US07765354B2 |
Compressed report descriptors for USB devices
A method and apparatus for creating USB peripheral device report descriptors: A short, compressed, report descriptor is stored in a peripheral device. This short report descriptor is transmitted to a USB wireless bridge and combined with templates stored in the bridge to create a USP report descriptor. Power is saved because less time is required to transmit the short report descriptor than would be required to transmit a full USB report descriptor. Hardware is also saved in the peripheral device since less memory is required to store the short report descriptors as compared to storing a full USB report descriptor. |
| US07765351B2 |
High bandwidth low-latency semaphore mapped protocol (SMP) for multi-core systems on chips
A system and method for dynamically managing movement of semaphore data within the system. The system includes, but is no limited to, a plurality of functional units communicating over the network, a memory device communication with the plurality of functional units over the network, and at least one semaphore storage unit communicating with the plurality of functional unites and the memory device over the network. The plurality of functional units include a plurality of functional unit memory locations. The memory device includes a plurality of memory device memory locations. The at least one semaphore storage unit includes a plurality of semaphore storage unit memory locations. The at least one semaphore storage unit controls dynamic movement of the semaphore data among the plurality of functional unit memory locations, the plurality of memory device memory locations, the plurality of semaphore storage unit memory locations, and any combinations therof. |
| US07765348B2 |
Configurable two-wire interface module
A telecommunications system and constituent two-wire interface module. The two wire interface module includes a logic component configured to communicate over the same pair of wires using different two-wire interface protocols depending on an input signal presented on a configuration input. This configurability allows the two-wire interface module to use the same two wires to communicate with a variety of other two-wire interface modules, even if those two-wire interface modules communicate using different two-wire interface protocols. |
| US07765347B2 |
Console connection
A modular computer system (for example a blade server system) includes a plurality of information processing modules (e.g., server blades). Each information processing module can include a processor operable to provide information processing functions and a service controller operable to provide both management and console functions. A service processor can be connectable via a respective management connection to the service controller of each information processing module. Each management connection between the service processor and a service controller can be operable to carry both management signals and console signals. Management signals to be sent between the service processor and the service controller can be interlaced with console signals via the management connection in one or more management packets bounded by terminal escape sequences. |
| US07765343B2 |
Method and system for robust elastic FIFO (EFIFO) in a port bypass controller
Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for handling data in port bypass controllers for storage systems and may comprise receiving a data stream from a receive port bypass controller's port and buffering at least a portion of the received data stream in at least one EFIFO buffer integrated within the port bypass controller. A data rate or frequency of the received data stream may be changed by inserting at least one extended fill word in the buffered portion of the received data stream or by deleting at least one fill word from the received data stream buffered in the EFIFO buffer. The extended fill word may comprise a loop initialization primitive (LIP), a loop port bypass (LPB), a loop port enable (LPE), a not operation state (NOS), an offline state (OLS), a link reset response (LRR) and/or a link reset (LR). |
| US07765338B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing bit-reversal and multicast functions utilizing DMA controller
Techniques for providing improved data distribution to and collection from multiple memories are described. Such memories are often associated with and local to processing elements (PEs) within an array processor. Improved data transfer control within a data processing system provides support for radix 2, 4 and 8 fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithms through data reordering or bit-reversed addressing across multiple PEs, carried out concurrently with FET computation on a digital signal processor (DSP) array by a DMA unit. Parallel data distribution and collection through forms of multicast and packet-gather operations are also supported. |
| US07765334B2 |
Electronic apparatus for use with removable storage medium, control method therefor, and program for implementing the method
An electronic apparatus which makes it possible to reduce start-up time for starting the electronic apparatus, without necessitating installment of a plurality of CPUs in the electronic apparatus. A main CPU 45 controls a digital camera implementing the electronic apparatus. A storage medium for storing information can be detachably attached to a connector 97. A medium detection circuit 85 monitors a status of attachment and detachment of the storage medium to and from the digital camera, irrespective of a status of operation of the main CPU 45. The sensed status of attachment and detachment of the storage medium is stored in a register 115 of the medium detection circuit 85. |
| US07765332B2 |
Functional adapter for a consumer electronic device
A modular system comprising a host, a consumer electronic device, and an adapter coupling the consumer electronic device to the host. The adapter performs a first function of supplying at least one service provided by one of the host and the consumer electronic device to the other of the host and the consumer electronic device, and a second function. The second function can be different from the first function. The second function can be unrelated to the supply of a service. |
| US07765331B2 |
Integrated RAID controller and SAS switch
A blade server system includes a plurality of blade slots, a management module, and a plurality of switch modules. The switch modules provide connectivity to a plurality of communications fabrics. At least one switch module includes an integrated redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller. A storage enclosure may be connected to the switch with the integrated RAID controller without having to include a stand-alone RAID controller, such as in one of the blade slots, and without having to include a RAID controller within the storage enclosure. |
| US07765316B1 |
Scheduling the uploading of information from a client to a server
A messaging system may enable a server to assign unique identifiers to a plurality of clients. These identifiers enable a client to determine whether a message is specifically targeted to that client or, as an alternative, whether the client is a member of a group of targeted clients. A server may send messages containing an identifier to agents on one or more clients. The identifier may specify commands to manage the uploading of information from one or more clients to a server. |
| US07765315B2 |
Time synchronization of multiple time-based data streams with independent clocks
Techniques are described for synchronizing multiple time-based data streams with independent clocks wherein relationships between clock rates of timing devices associated with the time-based data streams are determined, and based on these relationships, times in at least one of the time-based data streams may be translated to times in any of the other time-based data streams despite the data streams having independent clocks. |
| US07765313B2 |
Hierarchical protocol classification engine
A classification engine is capable of receiving a plurality of protocol data units (PDUs) and performing a tree-based classification on the PDUs. The classification engine includes: input means for receiving the PDUs; parsing means capable of parsing the PDUs to generate an abstracted protocol structure for at least one of the PDUs; classifier capable of performing the tree-based classification, said classifier being capable of enforcing policy using the abstracted protocol structure; and output means for transmitting the PDUs. |
| US07765309B2 |
Wireless provisioning device
A wireless provisioning device (WPD) is a computer data traffic management system capable of routing TCP/IP traffic using unlicensed spectrum equipment. This WPR is to be strategically placed in logical segment regions within a wireless network to facilitate data traffic management. This device acts to provide connectivity between wireless backbone access points. The device may also be located within customer local area network (LAN) while providing connectivity to a wide area network (WAN). The wireless device has seven total wireless segments. The wireless device is capable of filtering IP addresses, spam, pornographic content, steganographic decryption, controlling firewall and/or routing and/or bridging. The increases effective throughput of TCP/IP traffic over the WAN or LAN while providing for secure management and greater connectivity. |
| US07765308B2 |
Apparatus and method for authoring and maintaining a library of content and targeting content to a playback device
A computer network based digital information library system employing authentication and encryption protocols for the secure transfer of digital information library programs to a client computer system and a mobile digital information playback device removably connectable to the client computer system. The present invention is a computer network based library and information delivery system for accessing and obtaining selected digital information files. The library and information delivery system comprises: 1) a library server having a plurality of digital information files; 2) a client computer system coupled to the library server over a network; and 3) a mobile device removably connectable to the client computer system, the client computer system including logic for requesting a download of a selected one or more of the digital information files from the library server, the client computer system further including logic for downloading the selected one or more of the digital information files to the mobile device. |
| US07765299B2 |
Dynamic adaptive server provisioning for blade architectures
A system and method for automatically allocating computing resources of a rack-and-blade computer assembly. The method includes receiving server performance information from an application server pool disposed in a rack of a rack-and-blade computer assembly, and determining at least one QoS attribute for the application server pool. If the QoS attribute is below a standard, a blade server is allocated from a free server pool for use by the application server pool. If the QoS attribute is above a standard, at least one server is removed from the application server pool. An article of manufacture including a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for automatically allocating computing resources of a rack-and-blade computer assembly. |
| US07765292B2 |
Network monitoring system
To provide a network monitoring system extracting the performance measurement data while eliminating the performance measurement data that is not effective for improvement of the network performance on the basis of a predetermined extraction condition and presenting the extraction result to the operator. The network monitoring system includes extraction condition presenting means for presenting a predetermined extraction condition indicating a relationship between performance measurement data of each device configuring the network and a status of a device to be eliminated upon extracting said performance measurement data; and performance measurement data extracting means for eliminating the performance measurement data that is measured under a status of the device to be eliminated on the basis of an extraction condition indicated by said extraction condition presenting means and extracting the performance measurement data that is effective for improvement of the network performance. |
| US07765290B2 |
Methods and arrangements to detect a failure in a communication network
Methods and arrangements to monitor communication components such as a network adapters for activity, and identify components that have lower than normal levels of activity are provided. An identified communication component can become suspect component and a candidate for further testing, including different forms of interrogation. Process for interrogating candidates can include generating and sending test packets having the media access control (MAC) address of the candidate to the candidate and if activity is not detected subsequent to the interrogation, the candidate can be flagged as a failed component. Correspondingly, the component can be deactivated and removed from service. In a further embodiment, a backup component can be activated and assume the role previously held by the failed component. |
| US07765289B2 |
Communication method for device in network system and system for managing network devices
A communication method for a device in a network system and a system for managing network devices are disclosed. The communication method for a device in a network system includes connecting a management server that manages at least one device in an internal network, the at least one device, and a designated device with one another through a firewall, the internal network, and an external network; the designated device maintaining a connection with the management server; and if a message for requesting a connection with a target device among the at least one device is received by the designated device from the management server, the designated device forwarding the received message to the target device. According to this method, the management server can connect and communicate with managed devices, whenever necessary, by making the designated device connected to the network continuously maintain the connection with the management server. |
| US07765288B2 |
Automated management of network addresses in a broadband managed access environment
Automatically managing network addresses in a managed access environment is described. A managed access environment is defined as one in which a service provider delegates responsibility for a portion of their address space to an access provider, which is responsible for distributing the addresses to devices used by subscribers of the service provider. An aspect of the invention allows rule-action associations to be defined. The method includes accessing network address utilization data and evaluating rule conditions in relation to the utilization data. When a rule condition is met, an associated address management action is executed. Different embodiments of the invention provide execution of different actions, such as allocating, reconfiguring, and reclaiming addresses from a service provider's address space. |
| US07765279B1 |
System and method for scheduling harvesting of personal information
This invention is a system and method for a system and method for scheduling the harvesting of information associated with one or more end users from one or more information providers. A host computer, including a processor, is in communication with a user data store for storing data associated with users and an information provider store for storing data associated with information providers. For each end user, a profile of past access times, login times, is maintained in the user data store. For each information provider, a profile of update times and criteria are maintained in the information provider store. For a selected information provider, the host computer processor determines an update time for information stored by the selected information provider and a set of end users whose information could be modified by an update at that update time. The host computer processor generates a predicted login time for each end user in the determined set of end users and each generated login time back a predetermined time interval. The host computer processor sorts the determined set of end users according to the predicted login time or shifted login time and assigns a harvesting time for each end user based on each end user's shifted or predicted login time. |
| US07765278B2 |
Wireless deployment and execution of a graphical program to a measurement device
A system and method for deploying one or more graphical programs on a personal digital assistant (PDA). One or more selected graphical programs may be programmatically converted to an executable format that can be executed by the portable computing device. For example, the graphical programs may be initially represented as a plurality of data structures that define or specify the operation of the respective graphical programs, and conversion software program may operate to access these data structures from memory and convert the data structures to an executable format suitable for the portable computing device. The executable may be transferred to the portable computing device for execution. |
| US07765276B2 |
Communication apparatus and browser switching method
The communication apparatus and browser switching method are capable of carrying out automatically an input of URL. A mobile device communicates with a server arranged in a network and has a first browser that processes and displays Web data acquired from the server, and a second browser that can process Web data that can not be processed by the first browser. In this mobile device, when a switching instruction is received from an operation part, a URL being a communication destination communicated with the first browser for communication is stored in a URL storage part. An application management part controls the second browser such that the second browser performs communication connection to the URL based on the stored URL. |
| US07765275B2 |
Caching of private data for a configurable time period
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for generating cookies. A cookie value is retrieved in response to receiving the request. An expiration for the cookie value is set based on a time period in which the request is received. A set of unique identifiers, including the expiration, are added to the cookie value and a cookie name to form a cookie. A response to the request is sent to an intermediate server. The response includes data responsive to the request and the cookie. The validity of the data for the response is related to the expiration. |
| US07765271B1 |
System and method for scanning a document in client/server environment
The invention includes generating a start scan signal at a user interface of a client device, transmitting the start scan signal from the client device to a scanner, receiving the start scan signal at the scanner, and scanning a document with the scanner to generate document data, in response to the start scan signal. The user interface can include a web browser and the start scan signal can be generated by activation of a control element defined in a hypertext mark-up language (HTML) document displayed on the web browser. The method can also include transmitting the document data from the scanner to the client device, receiving the document data at the client device, and generating a display including the scanned document on the user interface of the client device, based on the document data. The display can be generated from a hypertext mark-up language (HTML) document. |
| US07765269B2 |
Communications system, and information processing device and control device incorporating said communications system
This invention provides communications systems that enable broadcasting while making use of the simplicity of the prior art and also provides control devices and information processing systems incorporating the communications system. In this invention, chip-select signals are provided for transmitting (TXCSi) and receiving (RXCSi) independently as well as for individual chips as in the prior art. That is, a group of signals indicating whether or not a slave node is selected as the node to transmit signals to a master node and the direction of communications are output from the master node to the slave node. |
| US07765268B2 |
System for determining user uniqueness in e-mail campaigns
A method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for determining user uniqueness in e-mail campaigns. An instruction set is placed in an e-mail to form a modified e-mail. The modified e-mail is sent to a server for a distribution list, wherein the instruction set is executed in response to the modified e-mail being opened, wherein the instruction set identifies a reader of the modified e-mail based on an e-mail address of the reader and sends information to a collection device about the modified e-mail and an identification of the reader that opened the modified e-mail. |
| US07765267B2 |
Method and system for controlling the logging of session transcripts to log files in an instant messaging system
A mechanism for controlling the saving of an instant messaging session transcript to a log file. The system includes a session locking feature that allows a participant (e.g. the session initiator) to lock the entire contents of a session transcript saved into a log file. The system further includes a message locking features that allows a participant to selectively lock a specified portion the contents of the session transcript saved to a log file. The locking participant is able to indicate which other participants can unlock the content in the session transcript stored in the log file that they have locked, and those specified other participants are accordingly sent the necessary key to unlock such locked content. The system further allows users to subsequently request locks to unlock content in a session transcript stored in a log file, and for the locking participant to selectively allow or disallow such requests. |
| US07765265B1 |
Identifying users sharing common characteristics
Displaying electronic information in an instant-messaging application includes accessing a first electronic message providing information describing a first user that has an identifier included in a set of identifiers of users of an instant messaging application. A second electronic message providing information describing a second user that has an identifier included in the set of identifiers of users of an instant messaging application is accessed. Content contained within the first and second messages is analyzed to determine that at least a portion of content is common to the first and second electronic messages. Based upon the content analysis, an indication that the first and second messages include common content is provided to the user. Alternatively or additionally, an indication that two users are in physical proximity to a geographic location may be provided in response to detecting that the two users are within a threshold distance from the geographic location. |
| US07765264B2 |
Selection of bearer mode according to message characteristics
A data processing device, such as a wireless telephone, includes logic to identify a first recipient address type for a first recipient of a message, and to identify a second recipient address type different than the first recipient address type for a second recipient of the message. A first message bearer mode is selected for the first recipient according to the first recipient address type, and a second message bearer mode different from the first message bearer mode is selected for the second recipient according to the second recipient address type. |
| US07765263B1 |
Method and apparatus for processing electronic messages
Methods and apparatuses for processing electronic messages are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, for an outgoing message addressed to a mail address of a recipient, the mail client determines whether is an alternative messaging system available to the mail address of the recipient. If there is an alternative messaging system available, the mail client determines whether the recipient's alternative messaging system is online. If so, the mail client sends the mail message to the recipient via the alternative messaging system. Otherwise, the mail client sends the message via normal mail system. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US07765262B2 |
System, method and computer program for recipient controlled communications
A communication system (1, 2, 5) is provided in which users associate handling data (18) identifying how messages are to be processed with contact data (20). Handling data (18) for the identified contacts in the contact data (20) then dispatched to those contacts. Subsequently when messages are dispatched from the locations identified by the contact data (20) a sender of a message selects handling data (18) to be associated with a message being dispatched. Upon receipt of a message associated with handling data (18) the message is then processed in the manner identified by the handling data (18). |
| US07765257B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for selectively providing privacy through a dynamic social network system
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses initiate a collaboration session from a presenter participant; select an available profile from a plurality of overall profiles based on a hierarchy structure of the plurality of overall profiles and a presenter profile corresponding to the presenter participant; and invite an attendee to the collaboration session by the presenter participant wherein the attendee corresponds to the available profile. |
| US07765253B1 |
Object name system
An object name system (ONS) for locating one or more servers associated with an Electronic Product Code (EPC) is described. The system utilizes translation format strings to translate an EPC to an EPC domain prefix. The ONS server matches the EPC number to the address of a second server which has extensive information about the product. The second server recognizes the incoming EPC's as belonging to a particular object or service. |
| US07765250B2 |
Data processor with internal memory structure for processing stream data
There is provided at least one processor block including a plurality of load store interfaces (801, 804), a plurality of memory banks (821), an input/output port having at least one of an input port (850) and an output port (860), and a crossbar switch (810), and the crossbar switch connects the load store interface, the memory bank and the input/output port to each other and the load store interface constitutes a data processor in order to control a data transfer to the memory bank. Consequently, there is implemented a data processor having a high transfer throughput and a flexibility and efficiently treating stream data. |
| US07765249B1 |
Use of hybrid interconnect/logic circuits for multiplication
Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (“IC”). The configurable IC includes a set of configurable logic circuits for configurably performing a set of functions on a set of inputs. The IC also includes several input select interconnect circuits for selecting the input set supplied to each configurable logic circuit. Each input select interconnect circuit is associated with a particular configurable logic circuit. When a configurable logic circuit is used to perform a multiplication operation, at least one of its associated input select interconnect circuits performs a logic operation that implements part of the multiplication operation. |
| US07765247B2 |
System and method for removing rows from directory tables
A system and method of deleting rows from a database directory table is provided. In one aspect, candidate rows to delete from a database directory table are identified. An image copy of the database directory table is created and the candidate rows are updated for deletion in the image copy. A recover module or utility recovers the database directory table from the updated image copy. |
| US07765244B2 |
Fast and efficient method for deleting very large files from a filesystem
In the current invention, a method and apparatus for efficiently deleting large files is described. This is done by having a special inode for pointing to data blocks to be freed, and subsequently freeing the data blocks from the special inode in a controlled manner. |
| US07765234B2 |
Data flow management in generating different signal formats used in optical metrology
To manage data flow in generating different signal formats for use in optical metrology, a project data object is created. A first option data object is created. The first option data object has a set of signal parameters. Different settings of the set of signal parameters correspond to different signal formats for diffraction signals. A version number is associated with the first option data object. The first option data object is linked with the project data object. At least a second option data object is created. The second option data object has a set of signal parameters. Different settings of the set of signal parameters correspond to different signal formats for diffraction signals. The set of signal parameters of the first option data object and the set of signal parameters of the second option data object are set differently. Another version number is associated with the second option data object. The second option data object is linked with the project data object. The project data object, the first option data object, and the second option data object are stored. The version numbers associated with the first option data object and the second option data object are stored. The link between the first option data object and the project data object is stored. The link between the second option data object and the project data object is stored. |
| US07765232B2 |
Method and system for implementing and managing an enterprise identity management for distributed security
An Enterprise Identity Management system includes a registration component, an ownership component, and an audit component. The registration component is configured to associate a user ID with specific accounts that are accessible via a computer system. The ownership component is configured to verify the ownership of the accounts. The audit component is configured to perform periodic checks to ensure the validity of the association between the user ID and the ownership of the accounts. |
| US07765230B2 |
Method and system for managing data
Method and system for validating data residing on different servers is provided. The method includes providing a first user interface from a first location, said first user interface providing access to data residing on a server in the first location, a substantial copy of said data made available on a server in a second location; re-directing a user to a second user interface from the second location upon an event in the first location, said second user interface providing access to the validated data on the server in the second location; and initiating a validation mode for validating the substantial copy of the data on the server at the second location upon the event in the first location. A Validator module identifies one or more data added or updated to a metadata on the server at the second location based on said validation parameters; and verifies existence of said identified data in one or more data files on the server at the second location based on said validation parameters. |
| US07765228B2 |
Method and system for data collection for alert delivery
Managing data collection for one or more scheduled alert messages. A primary or backup poller manager coordinates any number of poller services to access content and generate the alert messages. At a predefined period the poller manager is informed that an existing or new poller service is available for work. The poller manager provides a query to the poller service to access content in which one or more users have expressed an interest. Querying for a large number of users can be subdivided among the poller services. The poller service can also automatically expand the query if it yields insufficient content. The poller service generates the alert messages for the interested users and informs the poller manager when done. A change in content can be used to generate or update alert messages before their scheduled delivery. The poller manager prioritizes processing with a quality of service level. |
| US07765227B1 |
Selection of search criteria order based on relevance information
The present invention is directed to a method and system for refining a search to locate information about an item based on predetermined search categories. More specifically, the method and system dynamically display search categories based on relevancy information of a search result. A search category generally includes a set of category values which are used to filter the data entries into a subset of the search result. The data entries are returned after searching on data stores with a search query provided by a user and then the ranks of the returned data entries are determined based on a degree of relevancy with the search query. The data entries are displayed in order of the ranks and the set of category values for a search category are displayed to reflect the ranks of the data entries. |
| US07765226B2 |
Method of generating database transaction statements based on existing queries
The present invention is generally directed providing a method, system and article of manufacture for automatically generating database transaction statements (such as queries, inserts, updates, and deletes) based on fields from existing queries and user input. By identifying fields of existing queries (or statements) and gathering attributes of those fields, a transaction generator can be configured to provide users with a selection of generated transactions that can be performed on data that corresponds to the selected fields. The selection of transactions may be provided to users via a variety of interfaces including graphic interfaces and plug-in components utilized by external applications. |
| US07765223B2 |
Data search method and apparatus for same
A data search apparatus performs a data search by using a search string that has a space character included therein with a calculation of the number of target search data prior to the data search, on an assumption that at least two portions in the search string are used in an AND search. If the calculated number of the target search data exceeds a predetermined value, the space in the search string is excluded and the search string is considered as a single keyword for the data search. The data search by the above-described method yields a preferable search result in the data search apparatus having the AND search capability, because the space in the search string is excluded from an actual search string on a predetermined condition. |
| US07765214B2 |
Enhancing query performance of search engines using lexical affinities
Provided are techniques for computer-based electronic Information Retrieval (IR). An extended inverted index structure by generating one or more lexical affinities (LA), wherein each of the one or more lexical affinities comprises two or more search items found in proximity in one or more documents in a pool of documents, and generating a posting list for each of the one or more lexical affinities, wherein each posting list is associated with a specific lexical affinity and contains document identifying information for each of the one or more documents in the pool that contains the specific lexical affinity and a location within the document where the specific lexical affinity occurs. |
| US07765208B2 |
Keyword analysis and arrangement
Keyword analysis and arrangement are described. In an implementation, a method includes processing a plurality of items to extract a plurality of keywords contained in the items. One or more of the keywords is output for display as arranged in one or more hierarchies such that at least one of the keywords is selectable to navigate to items that are configured as emails and relate to that keyword. |
| US07765206B2 |
Meta-Web
In a preferred embodiment, the invention dynamically generates content and presentation to a user by modifying conventional content, e.g. rendering, restructuring, filtering, or supplementing such content, based on information, e.g. annotations, stored in a database. The invention, referred to as the Meta-Web, allows a user at a Web browser, which may be any standard Web browser supported by a standard computing platform, to posit a query which is routed to a Meta-Web server. The Meta-Web server returns search results to the Web browser and the user may then explore the results, for example by clicking on a URL in the search results. The results returned to the user are produced after the Meta-Web server forwards the query to a search engine. The search engine then returns the results to the Meta-Web server. Unique to the invention is the provision of a registry 14 which also receives search results and/or other information from the Meta-Web server, and that accumulates knowledge, meta-knowledge that was created at a time of entry of such knowledge, and meta-knowledge in the form of one or more annotations that accumulate over time, where the annotations include any of, but are not limited to, usefulness of said knowledge, additional user opinions, certifications of veracity of said knowledge, commentary by users, and connections between the knowledge and other units of knowledge. The Meta-Web server either combines both the search results and information from the registry, or operates upon the search results in accordance with information contained in the registry. The search results are augmented or modified by the registry under control of the Meta-Web server, which then builds a results page. The results pages is then forwarded to the user's Web browser. |
| US07765205B2 |
Landmark case identification system and method
A landmark case identification system and method in which the user is presented with a set of the most relevant documents on a selected topic. This set, which is dynamic and asserted to be inclusive at any point in time, is presented to the user in a Virtual Digest and initially sorted by court/date order. The user has an option to resort the answer set using a Frequently Cited sort option, which causes the system to dynamically analyze the answer set for references between the documents. Landmark cases are identified by their peers in the domain as they will be referenced and relied upon most often. The user is presented with the resorted answer set, and information detailing how many other cases in the domain referenced them is now included. |
| US07765203B2 |
Implicit context collection and processing
The present invention is directed to a method and system for managing context information in a web portal or enterprise portal comprising a hierarchical structure of portal pages and portlets for accessing web content or enterprise content accessible via the portal. A method for collecting context information based on user behavior and using the collected context information within the web portal environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: sensing context information during navigation of a user when the user is interacting with the portal elements; automatically storing, using a context producer component, context information in a context storage device accessible to the context producer component, wherein the context information is organized according to a queryable ontological context model managed by a context service component, which context model stores the context information according to semantic features; and automatically interacting with the context service component, using a context consumer component, wherein the context service component distributes specific context information to the context consumer component based on coincidence of semantic identity or similarity between a stored semantic feature and a semantic feature processable by the context consumer component. |
| US07765201B2 |
System and method of making search for document in accordance with query of natural language
A first interface accepts a user specified first question sentence. A question analysis unit analyzes the first question sentence. When the first question sentence queries a plurality of matters, the question analysis unit generates a plurality of second question sentences for individually querying each of the plurality of matters from the first question sentence. A search engine makes searches for documents which match respective matters queried by the plurality of second question sentences from a morphological index database in accordance with the plurality of second question sentences. A second interface provides a user with a search result for the first question having reflected thereon results of document searches for the plurality of second question sentences by the search engine. |
| US07765200B2 |
SQL query problem determination tool
A method and system for query problem determination have been disclosed. The method includes receiving a database query; creating a query execution plan for the database query comprising a plurality of query plan operators; and executing the query execution plan, wherein a progress indicator is displayed for each query plan operator. The system includes a query progress monitor, which collects progress information for each query plan operator during the execution of the query execution plan. This progress information is then communicated to a query progress visualizer and a query progress analyzer, which graphically displays the progress information as a progress indicator for each query plan operator and performs debugger type operations, respectively. In this manner, information concerning the progress of the query execution is provided at a query operator level, such that the information may be used to more efficiently debug any problems with the query. |
| US07765198B2 |
Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and data processing system
A data processing apparatus is disclosed, that has a reading section, a transmission section, a reception section, and a search information storage section. The reading section reads data from a storage medium on which a plurality of songs of song data and song identification data that identify the plurality of songs of song data have been recorded. The transmission section transmits song identification data that have been read by the reading section to an external database. The reception section receives partial song data corresponding to the song identification information from the external database. The search information storage section stores the received partial song data. |
| US07765193B2 |
Control of document disclosure according to affiliation or document type
An apparatus for supplying document includes a storage unit configured to store therein a set of documents and an affiliation within an organization paired up with one of the documents, a unit configured to receive a request for accessing the one of the documents, a unit configured to check an affiliation of a person who made the request, a unit configured to evaluate a relationship between the checked affiliation and the stored affiliation paired up with the one of the documents in a tree structure representing a hierarchical structure of the organization with nodes of the tree structure representing affiliations within the organization, a unit configured to ascertain a level of disclosure with respect to the one of the documents in response to the evaluated relationship, and a unit configured to control disclosing of the one of the documents according to the ascertained level of disclosure. |
| US07765192B2 |
System and method for archiving a media collection
A system and method for archiving a user's media collection are provided. In general, a central archiving system stores high-quality versions of a number of known media files and a number of known encoding algorithms. First, each media file in the user's media collection and an encoding algorithm used to encode each media file are classified as either known or unknown to the archiving server. For each known media file encoded with a known encoding algorithm, the archive includes information identifying the media file, information identifying the encoding algorithm for the media file, and optionally the one or more quality parameters such as bit rate, sampling frequency, and the like for the media file. For each unknown media file and/or media file encoded with an unknown CODEC or encoding algorithm, the archive includes the media file, which is uploaded and stored at the archiving system. |
| US07765190B1 |
Pseudosnapshot creation and implementation using continuous data protection
Systems and methods for performing replication operations on a continuous data protection system. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying at least a portion of the series of transactions on the continuous data protection system to be included in the pseudosnapshot, identifying an initial time at which the pseudosnapshot begins, identifying a final time at which the pseudosnapshot ends, identifying a last transaction before the final time at which the pseudosnapshot ends, and creating an event marker identifying a particular point in time that the last transaction was saved on the continuous data protection system. |
| US07765189B2 |
Data migration apparatus, method, and program for data stored in a distributed manner
When a migration object is a stub file, a data migration apparatus, which migrates data from a source HSM execution environment to a destination HSM execution environment, reads data from source secondary storage based on a data storage address in the source secondary storage. This data storage address is stored in the stub file in source primary storage. The apparatus writes the data into destination secondary storage according to a rule for storing data and reads attribute information on the stub file stored in the source primary storage. The apparatus creates, in destination primary storage, a stub file having the same name as in the source and, according to the stub file generation format in the destination primary storage, supplies the address of the data stored in the destination secondary storage and attribute information acquired from the source primary storage to the created stub file to complete the data migration. |
| US07765186B1 |
Update-anywhere replication of distributed systems
Transactional database replication techniques are disclosed. The techniques can be realized in many ways, such as in a replicator module that can be instantiated at each site in a distributed system. The techniques support a variety of data storage technologies such as traditional durable transactional databases as well as in-memory data storage systems, and a variety of data types such as relational, flat file, XML, and object-oriented data. Guaranteed levels of distributed transactional data consistency for both reads and writes are enabled for database applications. The techniques also support the ability of applications distributed across a network to perform updates concurrently, and the ability to replicate many standard database systems without needing to modify their intrinsic behavior or needing them to be aware of the replicator, and the ability to tolerate network and process failures without any change to the data consistency guarantees provided to the applications. |
| US07765181B2 |
Web-based asset management
The method and system of the present invention provides an improved technique for replacing, implementing and managing computer-related assets. A technician accesses the World Wide Web through a user's computer. The information resident on the computer, including information regarding the computer and the user's preferences, are downloaded to a remote storage medium through the World Wide Web. Once downloaded, all information may be removed from the user's computer. Subsequently, the technician accesses another computer such as, for example, a new computer that has been assigned to the same user. The technician accesses the World Wide Web through the new computer and downloads the information previously stored on the remote storage medium. This information can then be used to install the user's prior applications, settings and preferences on the new computer. |
| US07765178B1 |
Search ranking estimation
A searcher can be configured to improve relevance ranking of search results through iterative weighting of search ranking results. A Search Auto Categorizer (SAC) operates on a base query to return a probabilistic distribution of leaf categories of a taxonomy in which relevant products may reside. A Search Logic Unit (SLU) can compute a relevance of any particular leaf category to the base query. The SLU can then determine an initial relevance of a particular product to the query based on the probabilistic distribution and the relevance of leaf category to query. The SLU weights the relevance of a product to the query to establish an updated probabilistic distribution. The SLU then repeats the relevance and weighting until convergence upon a relevance list. |
| US07765177B2 |
Method, system and program for archiving files
Provided are a method, system, and program for archiving files. A hierarchical file system having directories is provided. An archival retention policy is associated with at least one of the directories in the hierarchical file system, wherein the retention policy applies to files included in the associated directory, and wherein the retention policy specifies a retention time indicating a time period during which a file is subject to the retention policy. |
| US07765176B2 |
Knowledge discovery system with user interactive analysis view for analyzing and generating relationships
A knowledge model discovery system is configured to provide an interactive view having simultaneously displayed sub-views that include a relational data element view and a geophysical view. Using the interactive view, a user may perform search and analysis of information organized with a knowledge management tool in conjunction with geographic information. The relational data element view may provide a relational visualization that displays data elements provided with the knowledge management tool as narrowed by the context of a user analysis. The geophysical view may provide a geographically based depiction of the same data elements using a similar context. The relational data element view and the geophysical view may be operated in coordination to maintain cohesiveness and similar context of the information displayed in the views. |
| US07765172B2 |
Artificial intelligence for wireless network analysis
This invention relates to using artificial intelligence for analyzing real-life collected data from an operation system, modeling the collected data to identify characteristics of events, analyzing the models to conclude an optimal solution for maximizing the performance of the operation system. |
| US07765170B2 |
Data segmentation algorithm using a decrementing sliding walker chunking approach
A method for segmenting a data set is disclosed. The method consists of setting a maximum walker size and setting a walker size. Then, a first segment of data from the data set is obtained, wherein the first segment of data is the size of the walker. Then, a second segment of data from the data set is obtained, wherein the second segment of data is not greater than the maximum walker size. |
| US07765168B1 |
Method and apparatus for the control and distribution of value bearing items in a PC postage system
A system and method for the control and distribution of expiring free postage in a PC postage system is disclosed. According to the invention, a predetermined portion of the expiring free postage is transferred to a postage meter and the remainder of the expiring free postage is stored in a free postage account that may be reset upon expiration of the free postage. |
| US07765167B2 |
Systems and methods for storage modeling and costing
The present invention provides systems and methods for data storage. A hierarchical storage management architecture is presented to facilitate data management. The disclosed system provides methods for evaluating the state of stored data relative to enterprise needs by using weighted parameters that may be user defined. Also disclosed are systems and methods evaluating costing and risk management associated with stored data. |
| US07765160B2 |
System and method for backing up data
A method is provided to audit license restrictions of a computer program in an enterprise computing environment. In one example, a digital fingerprint is generated of at least one file in the computer program using a substantially collision-free algorithm, and a digital fingerprint is generated for each file on each computer in the enterprise using the substantially collision-free algorithm. The digital fingerprints from the enterprise files are compared with the digital fingerprint of the computer program file, and the number of fingerprint matches is counted. Another method is provided for inventorying a computer program in an enterprise computing environment. In examples of both methods, a file may be divided into data blocks and a digital fingerprint may be generated for each data block. |
| US07765153B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifying financial account information
An apparatus and method for verifying a customer's financial information is disclosed wherein a seller accepts information about the details of price and quantity of the goods to be purchased, and accepts information about customer's financial account. Payment is authorized for desired goods in two or more separate transactions, the amount of each transaction totaling the total price of the goods. Then the amount of each transaction is received from the customer and compared to the amount charged to the bank. If the two amounts match then the goods are shipped to the customer and payment is settled. In an alternative embodiment a ratio of the two amounts received from the customer is used rather than the amounts themselves to compensate for currency variations. |
| US07765151B1 |
Computerized systems and methods for facilitating the flow of capital through the housing finance industry
A computer implemented data processing system comprises a pricing engine and user interface program logic. The pricing engine is configured to calculate a price for an individual mortgage loan for a sale of the individual mortgage loan from a loan originator to a secondary mortgage market purchaser. The price is calculated prior to closing of the mortgage loan based on mortgage loan application data for a borrower associated with the mortgage loan. The user interface logic is configured to generate one or more screen displays configured to present the price to the loan originator prior to closing of the loan. The one or more screen displays are also configured to receive a commitment from the loan originator for the sale of the individual mortgage loan to the secondary mortgage market purchaser. |
| US07765146B2 |
Method and system of adjusting medical cost through auction
To provide a medical cost adjusting method for suppressing a medical cost to a reasonable price so that a person who suffers from a disease can receive an appropriate medical service even if the person is not insured. A medical institution presents a predicted medical cost to be demanded therefrom for a medical service given to a patient as a desired demanding amount and, on the other hand, the patient, who desires to receive the medical service, presents a payable medical cost as a desired medical treatment amount, thus, matching of the desired demanding amount to the desired medical treatment amount is carried out. Accordingly, it is possible of integrating a reverse auction and a regular auction making it possible of efficiently collect members concerned in the auction trade. In the reverse auction, a medical cost is used as an article of trade between a medical institution and a patient. That is, the integrated auction according to the present invention is an auction structure between members wherein a demand for an article of trade is attempted to meet a supply of the same, and this brings about a condition where there is a high possibility of making a successful bid and an effect of markedly reducing a medical cost as compared to a conventional medical cost. |
| US07765144B2 |
Method and system for transfer of employee stock options
A plurality of option value prices are determined for employee stock options and provided to employees during a first part of a decision period. A stock price corresponding to a particular one of the plurality of option value prices is determined and provided to the employees during the second part of the decision period. A plurality of transfer periods for employee stock options are provided, with a plurality of decision periods during each transfer period. An option value determined by an option value pricing formula is provided during each decision period. |
| US07765142B2 |
Apparatus and methods for measuring multimedia demand and for maximizing broadcast channel utilization
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for measuring multimedia demand and for maximizing broadcast channel utilization. A first, two way communications channel or channels, from a customer to a broadcaster are provided, as well as a second broadcast channel, which may be, in some embodiments, combined with the two way channel. A bid cycle is established for available programs, whereby one or more programs is listed as available on said two way channel, whereupon one or more customers may bid on those programs in order to view those programs. If the aggregated bids reached a threshold value, the broadcaster will then broadcast the program to the bidding customers, thus closing the bid cycle. If the threshold is not reached, the bid cycle is unsatisfied. |
| US07765137B1 |
Method and system for maintaining an order on a selected market center
A posting market center and process are disclosed for maintaining a market center-restricted order on a selected market center. The market center and process disclosed aggressively maintain a market center-restricted order that would normally lock or cross an away market by initially pricing the order a tick increment away from the contra side market best bid or offer and then dynamically re-pricing the order in increasing aggressiveness as the away market best bid or offer moves its quotes further away from the order's currently displayed price. The disclosed market center-restricted order stands its ground to an updated away market best bid or offer that moves to its price or through it. |
| US07765135B2 |
Count and login management
A method of controlling a machine that accepts payment media and that requires a user login operation, the method includes receiving payment media in an input receptacle of the machine, starting processing of the payment media that has been received in the input receptacle, and performing the user login operation. The step of performing the user login operation can be done before, during and after the step of processing the payment media. |
| US07765134B1 |
System and method for determining implied market information
Implied prices and their quantities are computed. Markets are characterized by exhaustively computing one or more combinations of other related markets. Each combination when summed in a particular way results in the market under consideration. In a described embodiment, the number of market combinations found is an exhaustive list of market combinations such that the market under consideration can be fully and completely characterized, such that each combination provides implied market information about the market under consideration. Implied market information can include implied prices and their quantities, which are computed for each combination and used accordingly in displays or used by automated or semi-automated trading tools. |
| US07765129B1 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining images of merchandise as arranged by a customer
Generic information provided by printed and online catalogs may be supplemented or replaced by information that is customized for or related to the consumer, enabling a third party to more fully understand the purchase decision and thus offer more informed feedback. A party accessing a merchant system may be provided electronic access to consumer-customized nonverbal information by, e.g., collecting an electronic version of consumer-customized nonverbal information at a merchant site, and displaying the electronic version of the consumer-customized nonverbal information for a party accessing the merchant system. |
| US07765128B2 |
Programmable ticketing system
A smart-card based system and methods to control access to a plurality of attractions within a geographical area. The system may include one or more reward terminals that are located at attractions and are configured to read smart cards presented to them and, assuming the card is valid for that location, allow the card holder to access the attraction. Each smart card may be programmed with a product code that defines the attractions at which the card may be used. Product codes may be stored in a central database along with a list of the attractions associated with the each product code. The list of attractions may be updated as desired, thereby updating and changing the attractions at which any given card may be used. |
| US07765126B2 |
System and method for automatic access of a remote computer over a network
A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code (“UPC”) numbers to Internet network addresses (or “URLs”). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the product's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information is then used to access the desired resource. |
| US07765121B2 |
Automated service scheduling system based on customer value
An automated system uses a decisioning system to schedule service attendants to service events at patron locations. The decisioning system schedules the events for servicing using various factors to establish the priority of different events. Service attendants are paged by the system to inform them of a service to be provided. |
| US07765119B2 |
System and method for predictive booking of reservations based on historical aggregation and events
In one embodiment, a method that can be performed on a system, is provided for predictive booking or reservations based on historical aggregation and events. In one embodiment, the method comprises surveying prices paid for traveler purchases or reservations to identify price increases for travel purchases or reservations, wherein the price increases include a increase in a price of a travel purchase during an identified period of time; identifying a correlation between identified price increases for travel purchases or reservations and identified events; predicting of future price increases in select travel bookings based on the identified correlation between the identified price increases for travel purchases or reservations and identified events; and determining whether to purchase or reserve a set of travel bookings based on the predicting of the future price increases. |
| US07765118B1 |
Systems and methods for insurance coverage
A user may use a financial card to make a purchase at a merchant. An institution system may receive and analyze transaction data associated with the purchase. The institution system may send a notice to the user asking if the user would like insurance coverage for the item(s) pertaining to the purchase. The notice may request the user send a photo of the item(s) or documentation pertaining to the item(s) to the institution system. |
| US07765115B1 |
Online system and method for processing life insurance applications
A method and system for online processing of life insurance applications includes receiving information that identifies an individual to be insured and describes the insurability of the individual. A certification may be received via an electronic data communications link confirming whether an illustration of a life insurance policy was delivered to the policy applicant. Furthermore, information may be received via an electronic data communications link from a third party confirming the identity of the individual to be insured. When a commitment to purchase the policy is received, a personalized temporary insurance certificate may be issued to the applicant, preferably accompanied by a temporary insurance agreement specifying the terms of temporary life insurance coverage extended to the individual. An authorization may also be received via an electronic data communications link authorizing immediate collection of medical history information from one or more third parties concerning the individual to be insured. |
| US07765113B2 |
Method and system for health assessment and monitoring
The present invention relates to an assessment technique which is conveniently practiced on a computer or over a network. The assessment technique is particularly useful in assessment of health related factors. The invention also relates to a general purpose programmable computer which is provided with instructions for operating according to the assessment technique. |
| US07765110B1 |
Method and system for delivering substitute medical therapies with restricted access
A system and methods are provided for delivering to a patient a substitute medical therapy with restricted distribution or access. One example is a medical therapy provider, such as a pharmacist, receiving a prescription for a medical therapy for a patient and describing these procedures and the substitute medical therapy to the patient. The patient and patient's prescribing physician will determine whether the proposed substitute medical therapy is desired and would be indicated for this patient, including obtaining data and informed consent from the patient. The method also provides a distributor or third party reviewer the prescription and certification from a qualified patient's physician, data and consent from a qualified patient, including an authorization for the substitute medical therapy and confirming the informed consent from a qualified patient by the distributor or a third party reviewer. From this data, the distributor or third party reviewer determines the qualified patient's eligibility for access to the medical therapy and, if the qualified patient is found eligible, delivers the medical therapy to the patient. |
| US07765108B2 |
Method and apparatus for inter-pharmacy workload balancing
The system distributes workload amongst a plurality of pharmacy resources that are connected by a computer network. Work orders are queued at each pharmacy resource and redistributed based on existing workload distribution, capacity of pharmacy resources, and/or product demand. |
| US07765107B2 |
Sensitive drug distribution system and method
A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive drug. Information is kept in the database regarding all physicians allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all patients receiving the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring data in the database for prescription patterns by physicians and prescriptions obtained by patients. Further verification is made that the physician is eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting a separate database, and optionally whether any actions are taken against the physician. Multiple controls beyond those for normal drugs are imposed on the distribution depending on the sensitivity of the drug. |
| US07765106B2 |
Sensitive drug distribution system and method
A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive drug. Information is kept in the database regarding all physicians allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all patients receiving the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring data in the database for prescription patterns by physicians and prescriptions obtained by patients. Further verification is made that the physician is eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting a separate database, and optionally whether any actions are taken against the physician. Multiple controls beyond those for normal drugs are imposed on the distribution depending on the sensitivity of the drug. |
| US07765102B2 |
Generic spelling mnemonics
A system and method for creating a mnemonics Language Model for use with a speech recognition software application, wherein the method includes generating an n-gram Language Model containing a predefined large body of characters, wherein the n-gram Language Model includes at least one character from the predefined large body of characters, constructing a new Language Model (LM) token for each of the at least one character, extracting pronunciations for each of the at least one character responsive to a predefined pronunciation dictionary to obtain a character pronunciation representation, creating at least one alternative pronunciation for each of the at least one character responsive to the character pronunciation representation to create an alternative pronunciation dictionary and compiling the n-gram Language Model for use with the speech recognition software application, wherein compiling the Language Model is responsive to the new Language Model token and the alternative pronunciation dictionary. |
| US07765090B2 |
Apparatus and method for identification of swirling flow
A swirling flow identification apparatus includes an eigenequation calculation section 3 and a swirl axis calculation section 4. The eigenequation calculation section 3, based on velocity data of a fluid at a coordinate point, calculates an eigenvalue through an eigenequation concerning the coordinate point and the velocity data. The swirl axis calculation section 4, if the eigenvalue is a complex number, defines an imaginary part of the complex number as a swirl function, calculates a coordinate point providing a local maximum value in the swirl function and defines the coordinate point providing the local maximum value as the position of a swirling axis of a swirling flow in the fluid. With this, even under the presence of another flow or a plurality of swirling flow, the swirling flow can be adequately identified by using the velocity vector at each of node points (coordinate points). |
| US07765089B2 |
Blind signal separation
A method of blind signal separation of convolutively mixed signals comprises firstly processing signals to produce second order independence. In a second step, and together with ranges of signal delay and rotation parameters, the resulting processed signals are used to determine delay and rotation parameters. These parameters implement at least one elementary paraunitary matrix and transform the processed signals into output signals with improvement in independence to at least a predominant part of a maximum extent obtainable over the parameter ranges. The output signals then become the next processed signals and the second step is iterated until independence ceases to be improved significantly. The latest output signals are then unmixed signals. |
| US07765084B2 |
Position control arrangement, especially for a surveying instrument, and a surveying instrument
In a position control arrangement for controlling the rotational position of a movable unit, especially for a surveying instrument, an electric motor is arranged to rotate the movable unit around an axis of rotation, and there are controllers for enabling the motor to stop the movable unit in a desired rotational position. The motor is a direct drive motor, the shaft of which forms the axis of rotation for the movable unit, and the motor is arranged to selectively operate in either a first, normal mode for rotating the movable unit to a desired position, or in a second, friction mode for providing resistance to a forced rotation of the movable unit from a predetermined position to a new position. A control unit detects the presence of a forced rotation and automatically changes the mode of operation in response thereto. |
| US07765082B2 |
System for optimal alignment of a shaft of a gas turbine
A system for substantially aligning a shaft of a turbine engine with components of the turbine engine. The system includes a horizontal bed adapted to support a shaft in a horizontal orientation, at least one stand for rotatably supporting the shaft in the horizontal orientation, at least one sensor for measuring characteristics associated with the shaft, and a determination module receiving the measured characteristics and outputting alignment information of the shaft with components of the turbine engine based on the measured characteristics. |
| US07765074B2 |
Circuit, apparatus and method for capturing a representation of a waveform from a clock-data recovery (CDR) unit
A circuit, apparatus and method obtains system margin at the receive circuit using phase shifted data sampling clocks while allowing the CDR to remain synchronized with the incoming data stream in embodiments. In an embodiment, a circuit includes first and second samplers to sample a data signal and output data and edge information in response to a data clock signal and an edge clock signal. A phase detector generates phase information in response to the data information and the edge information. A clock phase adjustment circuit generates the data clock signal and the edge clock signal in response to the data information during a synchronization mode. The clock phase adjustment circuit increments a phase of the data clock signal during a waveform capture mode. |
| US07765072B2 |
Building protection system and method
A building protection system includes chemical sensor systems to detect chemicals in inlet and return air; radiological sensor systems to detect radioactive materials in the inlet and return air; and a control system (a) to signal a building control system to close dampers and to turn off a fan system when more than predetermined levels of a chemical or radioactive material is detected and (b) to issue reports. |
| US07765069B2 |
Systems for the detection of short and long samples
Methods and systems are provided for detecting the accidental use of short and long samples in the clinical analysis of a sample, specimen, or assay. The systems can include a clinical analyzer for determining one or more values for one or more measurable characteristics of a sample. These values are used in combination with reference data stored in a data module to generate a probability that the sample tested is a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample. This probability and/or the status of the sample as a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample are output to a user. |
| US07765067B2 |
Geosteering in earth formations using multicomponent induction measurements
A multicomponent induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottomhole assembly. Multifrequency focusing that accounts for the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel is applied. Using separation of modes, the principal components and relative dip angles in an earth formation are determined. The results are used for reservoir navigation in an earth formation. |
| US07765064B2 |
Computer programmed with GPS signal processing programs
A computer is disclosed comprising a processor able to support multithreading and concurrently programmed in at least two threads with respective GPS signal processing programs which are each capable of processing GPS signal samples outputted from the same source. |
| US07765061B1 |
Flight display system with enhanced temporal depiction of navigation information
In one aspect, the flight display system comprises a navigation map that includes a time window for a required time of arrival (RTA) waypoint. The time window has a proximal end indicating the aircraft's position at the RTA using a defined lowest speed and a distal end indicating the aircraft's position at the RTA using a defined highest speed. In another aspect, a pop-up time map displays flight plan waypoints mapped out along a time line adjacent to a plurality of time markers. The waypoint scrolls along the time line during flight. In another aspect, the flight display system includes a full format time map for displaying at least one flight plan waypoint mapped out along a time line adjacent to a plurality of time markers. In another broad aspect, a time/bearing map includes a plurality of concentric “range” rings corresponding to selected times in the future; a plurality of radially spaced bearing ticks positioned at selected locations about the concentric rings; and, a relative time ring presentable about a central axis of, and internal to, the concentric rings. The relative time ring represents a fixed increment in time. Selected waypoints are presentable at their relative bearing to the airplane and at their range (in time) from the airplane. |
| US07765058B2 |
Driver input analysis and feedback system
A method of driver training to improve fuel economy performance of a vehicle, the method including, receiving selected vehicle and driver operating data indicative of driving conditions and operator inputs captured during previous vehicle operation, processing the received selected vehicle and driver operating data, and generating driving recommendations to improve fuel economy performance based on the processed vehicle and driver operating data. |
| US07765054B2 |
Injector calibration method for operating an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine has the steps: (a) during an overrun phase of the internal combustion engine, activating an injector of a first combustion chamber for a predetermined activation time τinj with a predetermined activation voltage Ui=1, (b) measuring a torque variation, (c) determining, from the torque variation, a fuel quantity mi=1 of the fuel injected by the injector during the activation time τinj, (d) varying the activation voltage to a value Ui+1 which differs from Ui, (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) with further incrementation of i until i has reached a preset value N or the internal combustion engine is no longer in the overrun phase, and (f) determining an injector characteristic value of the injector of the first combustion chamber from the fuel quantities m1, m2, . . . , mN and the activation voltages U1, U2, . . . , UN. |
| US07765050B2 |
Traction control system and method for a vehicle
In one example, a traction control system for a vehicle is shown. The system adjusts a relationship between powertrain output and pedal actuation in response to at least one of road grade and direction of wheel spin. |
| US07765047B2 |
Shift control method of automatic transmission
A shift control method of an automatic transmission includes the steps of: determining whether a road has a gradient; calculating road gradient in real time; filtering the gradient; controlling shifting according to the greater of calculated and filtered gradients if the calculated gradient is negative; and controlling shifting according to the calculated gradient if the calculated gradient is positive. |
| US07765041B2 |
Electronic control apparatus for vehicle and diagnosing method thereof
An electronic control apparatus for a vehicle having an engine control unit 114 controlling an electronically-controlled throttle of an engine and a valve control unit 141 controlling a variable lift mechanism 112 that varies a lift amount of an intake valve are provided. Information of a target lift amount and an actual lift amount is transmitted/received between these control units. Each of the control units diagnoses a state of data transmission from the other control unit, transmits the diagnosis result to the other control unit and, when the diagnosis result of itself and/or the diagnosis result of the other control unit shows an abnormal state, moves to the mode of a fail-safe operation. |
| US07765039B1 |
Apparatus for tracking and recording vital signs and task-related information of a vehicle to identify operating patterns
An apparatus is provided for diagnosing the state of health of a vehicle and for providing the operator of the vehicle with a substantially real-time indication of the efficiency of the vehicle in performing an assigned task with respect to a predetermined goal. A processor on-board the vehicle monitors sensors that provide information regarding the state of health of the vehicle and the amount of work the vehicle has done. In response to anomalies in the data from the sensors, the processor records information that describes events leading up to the occurrence of the anomaly for later analysis that can be used to diagnose the cause of the anomaly. The sensors are also used to prompt the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle at optimum efficiency. |
| US07765038B2 |
Mission planning system for vehicles with varying levels of autonomy
A system in accordance with the present invention tasks a team of autonomous unmanned vehicles. The system includes a first team member and a second team member. The first team member has a first level of autonomy. The second team member has a second level of autonomy. The first level of autonomy is different than the first level of autonomy. The first team member is given instructions corresponding to the first level of autonomy. The second team member is given instructions corresponding to the second level of autonomy. |
| US07765037B2 |
Runway incursion detection system and method for displaying a runway incursion
A method for displaying a runway incursion for an aircraft includes electronically gathering traffic information data from a traffic information system, employing a runway incursion algorithm to the traffic information data to detect a collision hazard, automatically calculating incursion data, and displaying the incursion data. A runway incursion detection system has a display unit, a computer and a software product that enables methodology herein. |
| US07765035B2 |
Systems and methods for remote power management using 802.11 wireless protocols
Systems and methods are disclosed for using 802.11 based wireless protocols in various energy management applications wherein a host controller uses various types of communication networks to distribute information to an on-premise processor that in turn uses 802.11 based wireless protocols to communicate with various types of end devices, such as utility meters. Various forms of communication are defined between the end device, the on-premise processor, and the energy management host for accomplishing power load control, including determining when to activate or deactivate a load, requesting permission to activate a load, reading usage data, activating or deactivating a meter, and determining rate schedules. A flexible scheme allows control to be shifted to be resident in various entities. The architecture is applicable not only for power load control, but other control type and metering devices. |
| US07765034B2 |
Location determination of power system disturbances based on frequency responses of the system
A system for detecting and locating a disturbance event within a power grid includes a series of frequency disturbance recorders (FDRs) taking measurements in the power grid at dispersed points of the power grid, an information management system, configured to receive data from the series of FDRs and analyze the received data and a communications network interconnecting the series of FDRs and the information management system. The information management system is configured to examine orders and patterns of receipt of frequency changes at the FDRs in the data caused by the disturbance event and to triangulate a location of the disturbance event based on the orders and patterns of receipt of the frequency changes. Example methods of detection and location of disturbance events are also described. |
| US07765029B2 |
Hybrid control device
A brain-based device (BBD) for moving in a real-world environment has sensors that provide data about the environment, actuators to move the BBD, and a hybrid controller which includes a neural controller having a simulated nervous system being a model of selected areas of the human brain and a non-neural controller based on a computational algorithmic network. The neural controller and non-neural controller interact with one another to control movement of the BBD. |
| US07765016B2 |
Brush control system and method on a washing brush installation for cleaning vehicles
The brush control system in a washing brush installation for vehicles comprises a first means (5) of control of the rotation speed and torque of a first actuation motor (2) for the rotation of at least one brush (1) of said installation, directly or indirectly connected with a second means (6) of control of the brush position in relation to the vehicle to be washed. |
| US07765015B2 |
Lead with inflatable fixation mechanism
A medical electrical lead configured for use in stimulating the left side of the heart (i.e., the left ventricle). In one embodiment, the lead includes an elongate lead body including an inner surface. An inflatable member is disposed on the outer surface of the body between its proximal and distal ends, the inflatable member being adapted when inflated to impart a radial force on and frictionally engage a surface of the coronary sinus or coronary vein for fixation of the distal end of the lead therein. The lead further includes a conductive member extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, and an inner insulating layer positioned between the conductive member and the inner surface of the body. Separation between the inner insulating layer and the inner surface of the body defines an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the inflatable member. |
| US07765012B2 |
Implantable medical device including a conductive fixation element
A system comprises an implantable medical device and an actively deployable clip attached to the implantable medical device to restrict movement of the implantable medical device once the clip is deployed within a body of a patient. The clip includes an electrically conductive portion. The implantable medical device may be implanted proximate to any suitable tissue site within the patient, and in one embodiment, the implantable medical device is implanted proximate to an occipital nerve or a trigeminal nerve of the patient. |
| US07765007B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing continence to a gastrointestinal ostomy
An apparatus, and method, for providing continence to a gastrointestinal ostomy of a patient, the apparatus having a sealing device for retaining discharge of effluents or waste products from an ostomy, at least one pair of electrodes capable of delivering electrical stimulation to affect the smooth muscles of the patient's intestine and a stimulation generator in electrical communication with at least one pair of electrodes and capable of generating said electrical stimulation, wherein the electrical stimulation is selected to induce muscle contraction, relaxation, a tonic state or a flaccid state in the smooth muscles of the patient's intestine. |
| US07765002B2 |
Rate aberrant beat selection and template formation
A cardiac rhythm management system can be used to detect episode beats associated with cardiac events in a subject's body. These events may be monitored and depolarization morphology information can be derived for candidate arrhythmic beats in an arrhythmia episode. An arrhythmic beat morphology template may be formed from selecting at least one of the candidate arrhythmic beats based upon user's labeling according to specific morphologies of one or more candidate episodes. Methods of use are also presented. |
| US07764993B2 |
Iontophoretic delivery patch
A patch for iontophoretic transdermal application of a medicant, where the patch includes a border portion disposed about an aperture. The border portion can include a first polarity electrode in electrical communication with the medicant, and a second border portion including a second electrode having a second polarity opposite the first electrode polarity. One patch has a liftable cover, preferably a transparent and non-adherent cover, disposed over the patch aperture. A preferred medicant for inclusion in the present invention is a local anesthetic or analgesic. Other medicants such as anti-inflammatory agents or anti-infective agents may be used to locally reduce inflammation, contain infection, and alleviate pain. The present invention can allow performing a field block anesthetic about an epidermal target site. The present invention can allow observing a target or treatment site while leaving the patch in place. An invasive medical procedure can be performed through the patch aperture, and pre-operative and post-operative procedures can also be performed through the patch aperture. |
| US07764990B2 |
Method and device for measuring exercise level during exercise and for measuring fatigue
A method for measuring exercise level during exercise and for measuring fatigue, in which method electrical signals produced by active muscles are measured with a measuring device and feedback is given from an exercise with a perceivable signal from a feedback device. A device for measuring exercise level and fatigue during exercise, which device includes sensors for measuring electrical signals from active muscles and a feedback device for giving feedback. A momentary exercise level and the level of fatigue of a person are measured or estimated by measuring besides electrical signals received from muscles also other quantities describing exercise and from measuring results one or several indexes are calculated by means of which exercises carried out at different times and under different circumstances are comparable with each other. |
| US07764989B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of nervous system disorders
Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures, are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Other embodiments include prediction of seizure activity based upon analysis of physiological signal levels. An embodiment of the invention monitors the quality of physiological signals, and may be able to compensate for signals of low signal quality. A further embodiment of the invention includes detection of seizure activity following the delivery of therapy. |
| US07764981B2 |
System and method for managing a wireless connection to reduce power consumption of a mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a processor capable of operating a link manager. The link manager is capable of at least partially operating a wireless connection between the terminal and an access point in an active mode, where the access point is coupled to a network. The link manager is also capable of transitioning the connection from the active mode to a standby mode or hibernate mode. In this regard, transitioning the connection includes entering the mobile terminal in a power-saving mode of a bearer of the connection, such as a Bluetooth power-saving mode, and directing the access point to reduce traffic flowing from the network across the connection to the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is otherwise capable of receiving the traffic. |
| US07764980B2 |
Mobile communication terminal for removing noise in transmitting signal and method thereof
A mobile communication terminal for removing noise in a transmitting signal and a method thereof are provided. The mobile communication terminal includes a first microphone for capturing a voice signal to be transmitted a second microphone attached to a position different from the first microphone to capture sound signals, an amplifier for amplifying the sound signals of the second microphone, a codec for separately converting the amplified sound signals of the second microphone and the voice signal of the first microphone to digital sound data, and a controller for analyzing the converted digital sound data and controlling a gain of the first microphone if a repeated pattern is detected in either of the separated digital sound data. Herein, noise generated in sound signals for transmission in a phone call is removed by using two microphones. |
| US07764979B2 |
Mobile terminal for performing call to callee by sequential calling of prioritized callee numbers and multimedia addresses
A method for performing a call is disclosed. When a user attempts a call at a certain phone number of another party but ends in a call unavailable state, the user can automatically make a call at another contact of the another party's contacts stored in the phone book of the another party by using call state information provided from a mobile communication network system. The method comprises making a first call at first contact of another party desired for a call connection, receiving call state information with respect to a call unavailable state of the first call if the first call ends in the call unavailable state, analyzing the received call state information and searching a phone book of the another party, and making a second call at second contact read from the phone book of the another party based on the analysis and search. |
| US07764977B2 |
Memory card removal guard
A mobile device powered by a battery is provided having a guard member for preventing a memory card from being removed from the mobile device when a battery is inserted in the device. The battery is removably received in a battery compartment and the memory card is removably received in memory card. The memory card slot has an opening in the casing of the mobile device and the guard member is movable from a first position in which it at least partly blocks the opening to a second position in which the memory card can be removed from the memory card slot. The battery compartment for the battery is arranged such that when the battery is inserted, the guard member is moved to the first position. |
| US07764974B2 |
Transmission power level regulation for high priority wireless calls
A method is provided for regulating transmission power levels for wireless calls. The method includes: determining whether or not a mobile station (MS) (90) is outside a service area of a wireless telecommunications network (70); detecting whether or not a call placed by the MS (90) is a priority call; setting a transmission power level of the MS (90) in response to the MS (90) being outside the service area of the wireless network (70) and detecting that the call placed by the MS (90) is a priority call; transmitting call set-up signaling from the MS (90) at the transmission power level set for the MS (90); determining whether or not a base station (BS) (82) of the wireless network (70) receives the call set-up signaling from the MS (90); setting a transmission power level of the BS (82) in response to the BS (82) receiving the call set-up signaling from the MS (90); and, transmitting a reply to the call set-up signaling from the BS (82) at the transmission power level set for the BS (82). |
| US07764971B2 |
Control procedure for simultaneous media communications within a talk group in communication networks for public safety
A method and apparatus are provided for a set of procedures that a push-to-talk (PTT) server can use to control multiple simultaneous media streams within a talk group. The present invention provides floor control messages and protocols for identifying, transmitting, and distributing the simultaneous media streams. The invention may be used with any real-time protocol (RTP) payload format as long as the encoding allows a receiver of the packets means to distinguish between the transmitting clients. Although the present invention provides server-based control of multiple transmissions, end-point-based transmission control procedures are supported. |
| US07764968B2 |
Method and system for managing delivery of communications when there is a temporary suspension of at least one type of communication
Method and system for managing delivery of communications such as advertisements to mobile telephone subscribers where delivery to subscribers is temporarily prevented or blocked at the request of the subscribers. In particular, a subscriber can temporarily suspend delivery of advertisements when they are roaming. |
| US07764963B2 |
GW coupled SIP proxy
In one embodiment, a method can include: (i) performing an initial authentication with a mobile device in an access gateway, the access gateway being a point of attachment; (ii) forwarding a first message from the mobile device to an edge proxy; (iii) receiving a second message from the edge proxy; and (iv) returning a modified version of the second message to the edge proxy for a final authentication of the mobile device. |
| US07764959B2 |
Analysis of arbitrary wireless network data using matched filters
Analyzing an arbitrary data set to determine the presence or absence of a defined signature element, in order to understand an event or detect a root cause of an event in a wireless network. Signatures are generated and include signature elements. The signature elements in a given signature are associated with a coverage model. A data set is processed and values that correspond to each signature element are computed from the data set. The probability of detection for a given signature can then be computed based on the values computed from the data set, the coverage model and a statistical factor included in the signature. Different events typically have different signature elements in the associated signature. |
| US07764958B2 |
Wireless sensor system
A network of wireless sensor nodes for wireless transmission to a base station is provided. The sensor nodes can provide real time streaming of data over separate frequency links that can all be received by the base station. The base station includes a receiver for receiving at multiple frequencies, error detection or correction, and analog outputs so sensor data can be provided to standard analysis systems that require analog signals as would be provided by wired sensors. The base station also provides an output indicating the presence of transmission error. |
| US07764956B2 |
System and method for creation of personalized applications for mobile devices
There is provided a system and method for the creation of customized applications for mobile computing devices which will allow a user to incorporate selected media items into a preexisting program, thereby customizing it for execution on his or her own brand and model of device (e.g., cell phone). In one preferred embodiment, the media items will be resident on the user's phone and will be selected and transmitted to a remote computer for assembly into a customized application. The customized application will then be transmitted back to the user's phone for execution and viewing/hearing of the embedded media items. In another preferred embodiment, the media items will be resident on a remote computer where they will be selected by the user for incorporation into the customized program. The resulting program will then be transmitted to the user's designated device for execution. |
| US07764951B2 |
Techniques for tracking communication frequency across communication modalities
In on embodiment, techniques for providing alerts to a user when a communication frequency pattern between a user and a contact has not occurred during a pre-determined amount of time are provided. Communication records between the contact and the user can be analyzed to determine if the communication frequency pattern with the contact during the pre-determined amount of time does not meet pre-determined criteria. For example, the criteria may be generate an alert if communications do not occur in the last month, generate an alert if less than five communications occur in the last six months, or any other communication pattern. Also, the content of a communication may be analyzed to determine if a certain topic has been discussed. If a certain topic has not been discussed during the pre-determined amount of time, an alert may also be generated reminding the user that the topic has not been discussed. |
| US07764948B2 |
System and method for authentication in a communication system
An authentication system and method in a communication system are provided. The authentication system includes an authenticator for receiving from a first Foreign Agent (FA) a location change notification notifying that an Mobile Station (MS) has moved to the service area of the first FA, after the MS completes initial access to a second FA using an authentication scheme with an Authorization, Authentication and Accounting (AAA) server in the service area of the second FA; and transmitting to the first FA a first key and a second key of the MS generated during the initial access of the MS in response to the location change notification. |
| US07764947B2 |
Online charging management server
An online charging management server comprising: receiving means arranged to receive at least one account request message transmitted from a network service provider; and transmitting means arranged to transmit an online account balance message to a further separate server based on the received account request. |
| US07764946B1 |
Geographic distribution of SMS alerts
SMS alert messages are provided to the current geographic location of a registered SMS subscriber. When an SMS subscriber's mobile device is registered, the subscriber's profile is analyzed to determine if the subscriber wants to receive alert messages via SMS. If so, cell sites associated with the current location of the subscriber are utilized to provide alert messages. As the subscriber register's his/her mobile device in other geographic locations, the current location of the subscriber is updated. |
| US07764942B2 |
Tuning circuitry utilizing frequency translation of an impedance from a fixed-filter frequency response
A circuit and method for tracking a local oscillator signal frequency in an RF tuner, for tuning input RF signals. The RF tuner includes a frequency-dependent impedance generator that generates a frequency-dependent impedance at the input by rejecting unwanted input RF signals and shunt feeding back the desired signal to the input. The desired signal frequency is centered at the local oscillator signal frequency. The frequency-dependent impedance generator is used with an amplifier circuit to generate a tracking amplifier, the frequency-dependent amplifier gain of which tracks the local oscillator signal frequency. |
| US07764941B2 |
Radio communications apparatus
A bit error rate of the reception signal is detected on the reception side, such that an n optimal modulation method and LO output power are determined in accordance with this bit error rate, and an LO output changing instruction is sent to an image signal rejection mixer on the transmission side. The image signal rejection mixer changes the phase X=α+γ in response to the LO output changing instruction when power splitter (201) splits the LO into two components with equal amplitude and phase difference α, power splitter (202) splits the IF signal into two components with equal amplitude and phase difference β, and power combiner (205) combines RF signals with equal amplitude and phase difference γ. By changing the X, the LO output power is controlled and the back-off amount of a transmission amplifier is changed in accordance with an optimal modulation scheme. In this event, α−β+γ=2nπ (n is an integer) is set so as to maximize the image signal rejection amount. |
| US07764938B2 |
Signaling generation through multiplexing
The proposed apparatus and is used for signal generation by multiplexing signals such that there appears no glitches in an output signal. The present apparatus utilizes the knowledge of phase difference between input oscillator signals being multiplexed in order to provide a glitchless output signal. The apparatus comprises a first selection circuit configured to synchronize its response to a first control signal to a next determined event of one of input oscillator signals and convey an input oscillator signal to its output in response to the first control signal. The apparatus comprises a similar selection circuit for each input oscillator signal being multiplexed. Outputs of the selection circuits may be connected to a combining circuit which combines the outputs, thus providing the glitchless output signal. |
| US07764937B2 |
Frequency error estimation and correction
Counter-clockwise and clockwise quadrant transitions are detected and accumulated with respect to a received complex signal over a certain time period. These transitions may then be compared in order to obtain information indicative of both a magnitude and phase of a carrier frequency error for the received signal. Additionally, zero-crossings of the received complex signal over the same certain time period are detected and accumulated. The accumulated crossings provide information indicative of frequency offset magnitude. The determined magnitude and phase of the frequency error may then be used to adjust a local oscillator frequency to provide for improved receiver performance. |
| US07764935B2 |
Phase and power calibration in active antennas
A switch is particularly advantageous for calibration of signal phase between transmitters, and other uses. The switch has a first data input adapted to input a transmit signal from a first transmitter, a first data output, at least one and preferably multiple bidirectional data ports, and a control input adapted to selectively couple in a first case the first data input to one of the bidirectional data ports, and in a second case one of the bidirectional data ports and the first data input to the first data output. By coupling one data port of the switch to a data port of another identical switch, a transmit signal from another transmitter can be ported to the first said switch, and both signals output to a feedback circuit that finds the phase difference and applies it to a new signal input to one of the transmitters. Beamforming and MIMO uses are also detailed. |
| US07764931B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving feedback information representing channel quality in a MIMO-OFDM system
A method of transmitting/receiving feedback information representing channel quality in a MIMO-OFDM system, in which a receiver measures channel qualities of signals transmitted on a plurality of subbands through a plurality of transmitting antennas by a transmitter, selects a predetermined number of subbands having a highest transmission performance based on the measured channel qualities and preceding information, determines at least one subband group with a maximum rate from among the selected subbands and the preceding information associated with the at least one subband group, and transmits feedback information to the transmitter, the feedback information including channel quality information about the at least one subband group and the associated preceding information. |
| US07764928B2 |
Wireless IC device and component for wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip, a power supply circuit board upon which the wireless IC chip is mounted, and in which a power supply circuit is provided, the power supply circuit includes a resonant circuit having a predetermined resonant frequency, and a radiation pattern, which is adhered to the underside of the power supply circuit board, for radiating a transmission signal supplied from the power supply circuit, and for receiving a reception signal to supply this to the power supply circuit. The resonant circuit is an LC resonant circuit including an inductance device and capacitance devices. The power supply circuit board is a multilayer rigid board or a single-layer rigid board, and between the wireless IC chip and the radiation pattern is connected by DC connection, magnetic coupling, or capacitive coupling. |
| US07764926B2 |
Communication relaying apparatus, communication relay, and controlling method
A wide area network is constructed by connecting a plurality of bases to a multipoint switching apparatus. Each base has a certain contracted communication band. If a packet is received from a first base having a higher contracted communication band and the packet is directed to a second base having a lower contracted communication band, the traffic from the first base is limited to the contracted communication band of the second base. |
| US07764920B2 |
Duplex document feeder
A duplex document feeder includes a housing unit, and a switching unit. The housing unit has a document-conveying path, an inverting path, and a switchback path. The switching unit is disposed in the switchback path, and includes a first switching gate, a second switching gate connected fixedly to the first switching gate, and a guiding path disposed between the first and second switching gates. The switching unit is pivotable among first, second, and third positions so as to allow for automatic feeding, two-sided scanning, inverting, and ejecting in orderly arrangement of documents. |
| US07764919B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a waste storage container
An image forming apparatus including a compact waste toner storage device in which waste toner can be evenly stored. The image forming apparatus includes a waste toner tank to store the waste toner that is collected from a cleaning member to remove the residual waste toner on an image carrying body, and a vibration unit provided inside the waste toner tank to prevent the waste toner from accumulating unevenly. Because the vibration unit is provided inside the waste toner tank, the apparatus can be manufactured compactly. Also, because a coil spring and a stopper are used in the vibration unit, the vibration unit does not take up much space in the waste toner tank. Further, much more waste toner can be stored in the waste toner tank, despite having a same size as a conventional waste toner tank. |
| US07764918B2 |
Cleaning device and image forming apparatus
A cleaning device includes a first cleaning portion provided at a position where a belt transfer body is moved after transfer, and includes a second cleaning portion having a cleaning member which contacts the belt transfer body, which is located at an end of the belt transfer body in the perpendicular direction to the moving direction of the belt transfer body. There is a fixing member for pressing the belt transfer body to the cleaning member. The fixing member is located at a position opposing the cleaning member with the belt transfer body therebetween. |
| US07764917B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a photosensitive member, a cleaning blade, and a cleaning brush
An image forming apparatus includes a cleaning blade for removing toner from a rotatable photosensitive member by contacting the photosensitive member at a contact position after a transfer operation of a transfer member. The cleaning blade has an end which is outside the end of a magnetic particle carrying region. A cleaning brush is disposed upstream of the contact position with respect to a rotational direction of the photosensitive member, for removing the toner from the photosensitive member by contacting the photosensitive member. The cleaning brush has an end which is outside the end of the magnetic particle carrying region. |
| US07764916B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus having a fixing rotor (22) that is driven to rotate and fixes an image by heating a recording paper while conveying the paper pressurized against the rotor, an excitation coil (24) that is provided extending in an axial direction along the fixing rotor (22) and causes induction heating by applying an alternating magnetic field to the fixing rotor (22), and a demagnetizing coil (25) that is provided superposed on an end of the excitation coil (24) and is able to partially diminish a magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil (24), by making the shape of the portion that belongs to the demagnetizing coil (25) and overlaps the excitation coil (24) has an asymmetrical shape have no axis of symmetry in the direction in which the recording paper is conveyed, a trouble due to overheating and defective fixing due to a shortage in the generation of heat can be reduced even when a plurality of kinds of recording papers of slightly different sizes are used. |
| US07764913B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a heating member for heating a recording medium having a developer image; a pressing member for pressing the recording medium against the heating member; a supporting member for supporting the pressing member; a supporting shaft for supporting the supporting member to be freely rotatable; and an urging member for urging the supporting member in a specific rotational direction and urging the pressing member against the heating member. |
| US07764912B2 |
Developer amount regulation blade structure
A developer amount regulation blade structure that effectively reduces assembly cost and improves image quality configured to form a layer of a developer on a developer bearer includes a regulation blade configured to regulate a thickness of the developer on the developer bearer, a first supporting member configured to support the regulation blade maintaining a gap between the regulation blade and the developer bearer, and a second supporting member configured to sandwich the regulation blade tightly with the first supporting member, wherein at least one of the first supporting member and the second supporting member is made of a plastically deformable material, and the second supporting member and the first supporting member sandwich the regulation blade by at least two plastically deformed portions separated from each other in a longitudinal direction of the first supporting member and connecting the first supporting member and the second supporting member. |
| US07764911B2 |
Developer unit, process device and image forming apparatus
A developer unit according to one aspect of the invention includes: a developer accommodation member configured to accommodate a developer, the developer having charging polarity to a first polarity; a developing roller arranged at the developer accommodation member, the developing roller being configured to carry the developer; a supply roller arranged at the developer accommodation member, the supply roller being configured to supply the developer to the developing roller; and a charging member brought into sliding contact with the supply roller. The charging member at a portion brought into sliding contact with the supply roller is formed of a material which is positioned on a side of the first polarity on a triboelectric series relative to the supply roller. |
| US07764908B2 |
Developing unit and developer stirring and transporting method
There are provided a developing unit and a developer stirring and transporting method in which the amount of developer in the developing unit can always be kept at a specified amount without being influenced by a use environment. A developing unit 10 includes a developing roller 12, a containing unit 16 to contain the developer and having a discharge port 14 to discharge the overflown developer in its side wall, a stirring and transporting member 20 to stir and transport the developer along a passage 18 formed in the containing unit 16, and a guide unit 22 provided in the passage 18 correspondingly to the discharge port 14 of the containing unit 16 and to guide the developer transported in the passage 18 by the stirring and transporting member 20 to the discharge port 14 side. |
| US07764902B2 |
Methods of increasing printer cartridge compatibility
A method of converting a first printer cartridge to a second printer cartridge, the second printer cartridge comprising a waste hopper, the second printer cartridge comprising a plurality of positioning pins on both sides of the waste hopper, the method comprising: determining the positions of the positioning pins of the second printer cartridge; providing positioning pins for the first printer cartridge; and attaching the positioning pins to the first printer cartridge at the previously determined positions. |
| US07764900B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method using patch images
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that holds a toner-image; an intermediate transfer member onto which the toner-image that has been held on the image carrier is transferred; a transfer unit that transfers onto a recording medium the toner-image that has been transferred onto the intermediate transfer member, the transfer unit transferring thereon a color-toner-image for checking toner-image, which has been formed in a non-image forming region on the intermediate transfer member; an application unit that applies an adhesion force reducing agent to a surface of the transfer unit before the color-toner-image for checking formed on the intermediate transfer member passes through the transfer unit, the adhesion force reducing agent reducing adhesion force to the transfer unit of the color-toner-image for checking; and a cleaning unit that removes the color-toner-image for checking that has been transferred onto the transfer unit and the adhesion force reducing agent. |
| US07764898B2 |
Image forming apparatus having first and second grounding routes
An image forming apparatus includes a cassette attaching section, a media cassette, a loading plate and a first and second ground conducting route. The cassette attaching section includes a media supplying roller for supplying media. The media cassette is attachably and removably installed in the cassette attaching section. The loading plate is mounted in the media cassette and loads the media stacked up in the media cassette. The first ground conducting route makes static electricity discharge from the loading plate to a grounding portion of the cassette attaching section when the media cassette is attached to the cassette attaching section. The second ground conducting route conducts with the media and makes static electricity discharge to the grounding portion when a distance between the media supplying roller and the media is shortened after the first ground conducting route is conducted. |
| US07764897B2 |
Color image forming apparatus and control method therefor
A color image forming apparatus which is capable of performing color misregistration correction, and registration of images and a recording sheet while reducing the toner consumption amount. An image forming section is caused to form a first reference image having a first density for adjusting a density of an adjusting image, and a second reference image having a second density different from the first density. A sensor detects the first reference image and the second reference image. The first density is determined as a density of the adjusting image, if an output signal level of the sensor at a time of detection of the first reference image is not lower than a predetermined value, and the output signal level of the sensor at a time of detection of the second reference image is lower than the predetermined value. |
| US07764896B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic power management in marking devices
A method and apparatus for operating a fuser in a marking device is disclosed. The method may include determining a total power available for warm-up of fuser elements in a fuser, determining power constraints of the fuser elements, selecting a power allocation to be applied to the fuser elements, calculating a fuser warm-up time based on the determined total power available, the determined power constraints, and the selected power allocation, determining whether the fuser warm-up time is reduced, wherein if the fuser warm-up time is reduced, applying the selected power allocation. |
| US07764895B2 |
Image heating apparatus with shutter control based on temperature
An image heating apparatus including: an image heating member, which heats an image on a recording material in a nip portion; an air blower, which blows air toward an air blowing port to cool a predetermined area of the image heating member; and a shutter, which opens and closes the air blowing port, in which the shutter is kept at a closed position when a temperature of the predetermined area of the image heating member is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, whereby a temperature rise in a non-sheet passing portion can be efficiently reduced by using the small air blower without lowering the productivity when small-size recording materials are continuously passed nor reducing the lifetime of the air blower. |
| US07764892B2 |
Uniform gloss control apparatus and method
In a fusing apparatus including a fuser member and pressure member fusing nip, a controller and sensors, there is provided a method of controlling fused image gloss. The method includes (a) sensing a copy sheet moving into the fusing nip; (b) sensing a temperature of a pre-fusing nip portion of a surface of the fuser member; (c) sensing a temperature of a post-fusing nip portion of the surface of the fuser member; (d) sensing an exit of each copy sheet from the fusing nip; (e) determining a start and an end of each inter-sheet gap portion on the surface of the fuser member; (f) making control calculations using sensed data; and (g) based on the control calculations, applying temperature conditioning only onto an inter-sheet gap portion on the surface of the fuser member for maintaining a near-constant uniform temperature on the surface of the fuser member. |
| US07764873B2 |
Radiant electricating element with printed heating and ceramic tracks
A radiant electric heating element for use in a toast making appliance comprises a base plate (2) of stainless steel to one or each face of which there is printed a first ceramic track (3) with an electrically conductive track (5) printed on the face thereof remote from the base plate (2), and a second ceramic track (4) is printed upon and surrounds the heating track (5) thus hermetically sealing with the heating track between the two ceramic tracks. Such an element provides adequate radiant heat for efficiently toasting bread while the bread may be in direct contact with the element but is electrically insulated therefrom by the second ceramic track (4). By providing a further ceramic coating (6) on the opposed face of the base plate (2), mechanical integrity is maintained to prevent warping of the element and thus uneven toasting. |
| US07764870B1 |
Water heater support
A support for a water heater is constructed of a plurality of component elements including four stacks of two elements each. The first base elements can be positioned to form an approximate cylinder with the second upper elements stackable thereupon. Diametrically opposite pairs of elements are secured in position by steel bands. An elongated trough fits between pairs of adjacent stacks of elements and has laterally extending flanges which engage and support the weight of the trough upon inwardly directed ledges on adjacent component elements. The trough is designed to fit extending laterally or transversely so that it can be extended to lie beneath the spigot on the water heater to facilitate draining, as needed. |
| US07764868B2 |
Recording medium, reproduction device, program, reproduction method, and recording method
Recorded on the recording medium (BD-ROM) is an AV stream that is obtained by multiplexing a video stream and one or more audio streams. MOVIE objects are scenarios showing playback procedures of video data described using playback device-oriented commands. In addition to the MOVIE objects, enhanced-mode scenarios (Java and WebPage objects) are also recorded on the recording medium. These enhanced-mode scenarios, each of which is described in the Java language or a markup language, show control procedures with respect to playback devices. The Java and WebPage objects are capable of taking over register setting values set by MOVIE objects, and extracting parts of video data played by MOVIE objects. |
| US07764859B2 |
Universal cable management panel
A cable management panel including a chassis and a drawer. The chassis defining rear and side openings for cable entry and exit. The drawer having a front panel that may include angled adapters. The drawer having an open rear that accommodates cables entering from the rear openings of the chassis, and that accommodates the addition of a rear wall. The cable management panel being adaptable to provide a variety of cable routing configurations to accommodate a user's particular cable routing needs. |
| US07764848B2 |
High resolution enabling apparatus and method
An apparatus includes unit acquiring, from an image source, an image represented by pixel values indicating brightness levels, unit setting, as a reference frame, one frame, unit sequentially setting, to be target pixels, each of pixels in one or more frames, unit setting target-image regions including the target pixels, unit searching the reference frame for similar-target-image regions similar to each of the target-image regions in a change pattern of pixel values, unit selecting, from the similar-target-image regions, corresponding points corresponding to each of the target pixels, unit setting sample values concerning brightness at the corresponding points to a pixel value of a target pixel corresponding to the corresponding points, and unit computing pixel values in a high-resolution image corresponding to the reference frame, based on the sample values and the corresponding points, the high-resolution image containing a larger number of pixels than pixels in the reference frame. |
| US07764847B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus and recording material
An image processing apparatus which forms an image on a recording medium by alternately driving a plurality of heaters linearly arranged in a main scanning direction alternately replaces even-numbered pixels and odd-numbered pixels of first image data in the main scanning direction by pixels of data which is not recorded for respective recording lines in a sub-scanning direction, rotates second image data different from the first image data by a preset angle and alternately converts pixels of the second image data into pixels of image data arranged in odd-numbered and even-numbered locations in the main scanning direction for respective lines in the sub-scanning direction, and superimposes the second image data processed on the first image data processed. |
| US07764843B2 |
Method and device for condensed image recording and reproduction
A method for decoding coded image data, and which includes determining whether a property type of an image data is a first coding type or a second coding type, in which the first coding type of the image data includes identifier information of a reference image for specifying the reference image among previous images, and the second coding type of the image data does not include the identifier information of the reference image, detecting the reference image based on the identifier information for the first coding type of the image data, obtaining moving vector information related to the reference image, and decoding the first coding type of the image data based on the detected reference image and the obtained moving vector information, and decoding the second coding type of the image data based on the image data itself. |
| US07764838B2 |
System and method for extracting an object of interest from an image using a robust active shape model
A system and method for extracting an object of interest from an image using a robust active shape model are provided. A method for extracting an object of interest from an image comprises: generating an active shape model of the object; extracting feature points from the image; and determining an affine transformation and shape parameters of the active shape model to minimize an energy function of a distance between a transformed and deformed model of the object and the feature points. |
| US07764837B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for continuous character recognition
A technique for continuously recognizing a character entry into a computer. In one example embodiment, this is achieved by drawing a character in a continuous stroke order using a stylus [210] on touch screen [220]. As associated data of the drawn continuous stroke order is then inputted into a continuous character recognizer [930] via the touch screen [220]. One or more hypothesis candidate characters including the continuous stroke order are then produced by the continuous character recognizer [930] upon a partial recognition. The produced one or more hypothesis candidate characters are then displayed substantially over the drawn continuous stroke order on a display device [230]. |
| US07764835B2 |
Method and apparatus for recognizing code
When it is determined whether the color of each cell of an image is black or white from the gradation value of each cell, the determination is made by comparison of the gradation level of the cell with a threshold if the gradation level is sufficiently close to that of black or white. In contrast, if the gradation value of the cell is within a gray zone, the color of the cell is determined from the colors of the cells adjacent to the cell of interest. That is, if the gradation value of the cell is gray and the colors of the adjacent cells are all black, the color of the cell is determined to be white; and conversely if the colors of all the adjacent cells are white, the color of the cell is determined to be black. |
| US07764834B2 |
System and method facilitating document image compression utilizing a mask
A system and method facilitating document image compression utilizing a mask separating a foreground of a document image from a background is provided. The invention includes a pixel energy analyzer adapted to partition regions into a foreground and background. The invention further provides for a merge region component adapted to attempt to merge regions if the merged region would not exceed a threshold energy. Merged regions are partitioned into a new foreground and new background. Thereafter, a mask storage component stores the partitioning information in a binary mask. |
| US07764833B2 |
Method and apparatus for anti-aliasing using floating point subpixel color values and compression of same
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for data compression that includes representing each sub-pixel of each pixel with a pointer corresponding to an attribute of the sub-pixel, the attribute being a floating point binary number. An overall attribute of each pixel is then determined. The determining of the overall attribute of each tile may include any one of assigning the attribute of the sub-pixels to the overall attribute of the pixel when the sub-pixels are represented by an identical pointer, and resolving the overall attribute of the tile by the attributes of the sub-pixels when the sub-pixels are represented by non-identical pointers of the pixel. |
| US07764829B2 |
System and method for discovering and categorizing attributes of a digital image
With respect to photography, the present invention includes a physical target device used in conjunction with computer software to ascertain and record such attributes as lighting conditions, perspective, and scale with regard to the assembly of two-dimensional photographic imagery, consisting of background and subject images, into realistic photo composites. |
| US07764824B2 |
Method for defect detection and process monitoring based on SEM images
A morphological operation is applied to an SEM image to obtain a idealized image, and the idealized image is used to detect a defect in a subject of the SEM image. The defect is detected by subtraction of the idealized image from the original image. Morphological operations are used also to entrance the visibility of defects or to check for irregularities in patterns. Other described methods comprise: growing a flow from seed points in the image, in order to define maps in which particles can be identified; checking for separation of objects in the image by growing flows from seed points located on the objects; segmenting the image into supposed identical objects and applying statistical methods to identify the defective ones. |
| US07764820B2 |
Multi-threshold peripheral equalization method and apparatus for digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis
A peripheral equalization (PE) method and apparatus for compensating for thickness reduction in outer edges of the breast in a mammogram (i.e. a two-dimensional image) while keeping the central area substantially unchanged. The PE method and apparatus can also be applied to three dimensional (tomosynthesis) images of a breast. The peripheral equalization is achieved by segmenting the image of the breast into at least two regions and using a multi-threshold technique to process the data in at least one of the two regions. |
| US07764818B2 |
Surface parameter adaptive ultrasound image processing
The depth buffer of a GPU is used to derive a surface normal or other surface parameter, avoiding or limiting computation of spatial gradients in 3D data sets and extra loading of data into the GPU. The surface parameter is used: to add shading with lighting to volume renderings of ultrasound data in real time, to angle correct velocity estimates, to adapt filtering or to correct for insonifying-angle dependent gain and compression. For border detection and segmentation, intersections with a volume oriented as a function of target structure, such as cylinders oriented relative to a vessel, are used for rendering. The intersections identify data for loading into the frame buffer for rendering. |
| US07764817B2 |
Method for database guided simultaneous multi slice object detection in three dimensional volumetric data
The present invention is directed to a method for automatic detection and segmentation of a target anatomical structure in received three dimensional (3D) volumetric medical images using a database of a set of volumetric images with expertly delineated anatomical structures. A 3D anatomical structure detection and segmentation module is trained offline by learning anatomical structure appearance using the set of expertly delineated anatomical structures. A received volumetric image for the anatomical structure of interest is searched online using the offline learned 3D anatomical structure detection and segmentation module. |
| US07764815B2 |
Method of digital image analysis for isolating a region of interest within a tongue image and health monitoring method and apparatus using the tongue image
A health monitoring method using a tongue image including constructing a database in which a tongue image obtained from a person, a template image set for the person, and a result of determining a health condition of the person with respect to at least one characteristic factor are linked together; isolating a region of interest within the tongue image, which is acquired from a person whose health condition is to be determined, using template matching; detecting at least one characteristic factor from the isolated region of interest; and determining a health condition of the person based on a change in an appearance of the tongue, which is detected by a comparison between the detected characteristic factor and a characteristic factor searched from the database with respect to the region of interest in different health conditions. |
| US07764813B2 |
Region delineation in computer tomographic angiography
The semi-automatic extraction and delineation of the cardiac region of interest in computer tomographic angiography images is time consuming and requires an experienced operator. According to the present invention, a completely automatic delineation and extraction of the CROI is provided, wherein the chest wall is detected and the region where the CROI is attached to the chest wall. Then, the descending aorta is detected. After that a circular initialization of a closed contour around a part of the CROI is performed, which is optimized in a subsequent step. Then, a propagation is performed through all slices of the CTA image, where the preceding contour of the preceding slice image is used for an actual contour optimization in the actual slice image. Advantageously, a fully automatic delineation and extraction of the CROI is provided within very short time. |
| US07764812B2 |
Apparatus, methods and computer program products for biometric confirmation of location-based tracking
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus, methods and/or systems for providing location based tracking with biometric confirmation. Some embodiments can include, a location identifier configured to determine the geographical location of the device and a biometric identifier configured to determine an identity of a proximate person who is proximate the device and generate an identity validation value corresponding to the identity. |
| US07764811B2 |
Image mapping to provide visual geographic path
Provided is a computer system and method for mapping a visual path. The method includes receiving one or more images included in a predefined area; receiving one or more parameters associated with the image; and integrating the images and parameters into a map of the predefined area to enable mapping the visual path through the predefined area in response to one or more input path parameters. |
| US07764809B2 |
Surveying method and surveying instrument
A surveying instrument, comprising an optical system for collimating a measuring point, a driving unit for performing scanning in a measurement range the optical system, a distance-measuring unit comprising a light wave distance measuring system, an image pickup unit for taking an image in the measurement range, an image processing unit for performing image processing to extract edges from the image picked up, and a control arithmetic operation unit for selecting a point near the edge as a measuring point on the image picked up and for controlling the distance-measuring unit to carry out surveying operation of the measuring point. |
| US07764804B2 |
Panel-typed loud speaker and an exciter therefor
An exciter for a panel-type loud speaker comprises a bimorph and a bimorph holding member. The bimorph comprises a plate member and a pair of piezoelectric ceramic layers, each formed on the opposite sides of the plate member. The bimorph holding member is holds one end of the bimorph and comprises a bimorph end holding portion for holding the one end of the bimorph, which comprises a three-layer embedded section embedding the pair of piezoelectric ceramic layers and the plate member sandwiched therebetween at the one end of the bimorph, and an extension embedded section in which an extension of the plate member is embedded, and a mounting protrusion protruding from the bimorph end holding portion, wherein a distal end of the mounting protrusion is connected to the diaphragm so that the bimorph is disposed on the diaphragm with a space interposed between the bimorph and the diaphragm. |
| US07764801B2 |
Directional microphone array system
A directional microphone array system generally for hearing aid applications is disclosed. The system may employ a broadside or an endfire array of microphones. In either case, the signals generated by the microphone are added using a plurality of summation points that are connected together via a single signal wire or channel. In the case of the endfire array, all but one of the signals is delayed so that the summation of the signals are in phase. The summation of the signals is then used to generate an output signal for a speaker of a hearing aid or the like. |
| US07764800B2 |
Vehicle sound synthesizer
A sound synthesizer for a vehicle includes a driving operation detector that detects an operation amount of a driving operation input device by a driver. A speed calculator calculates a revolution speed of a drive unit based on the detected operation amount. A sound controller outputs a sound control signal based on an input of the operation amount and based on the revolution speed. A memory stores drive sound data in advance. A synthesized sound output generator reads out drive sound data from the memory and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a sound pressure signal. The sound controller outputs sound control signals so that the drive sound data within a range of the operational state corresponding to the inputted operation amount and the revolution speed is repetitively played. |
| US07764799B2 |
Audio system providing for filter coefficient copying
A system (1) is described which is suited for suppressing audio distortion. The system comprises echo cancelling means (g1, g2) coupled between an audio output (4) and a distorted desired audio sensing microphone array (3), and a filter arrangement (7) coupled to the echo cancelling means (g1, g2) and/or the microphone array (3). The filter arrangement (7) includes filter coefficients representing at least a part of the audio distortion, such as reverberation. The system also comprises an at least partly mirrored circuit arrangement (g′, 7′) for copying thereby simulated audio distortion representative filter coefficient values into the filter coefficients of said filter arrangement (7). Such copied values can be then used for suppressing reverberation in a distorted desired signal by the filter arrangement (7). |
| US07764797B2 |
Speaker driving device and audio output system
The present invention detects whether the supply voltage applied to the power supply terminal (3) is used for the dynamic speaker or for the piezoelectric speaker by the power supply voltage detection circuit (10), switches the gain of the amplifier circuit (8) in accordance with the detection result by the gain switching circuit (11) so that the same output power is produced for the same input signal in the respective speaker driving, and amplifies the input signal from the input terminal (5) by the amplifier circuit (8) having the gain to drive a speaker (1) that is connected to the output terminals (6, 7). |
| US07764794B2 |
Location-based wireless messaging for wireless devices
An apparatus and method of location-based wireless messaging wireless devices is described. The method includes the receipt of a location-based message request from a user of a wireless device desiring to receive a location-based message. Once the request is received, a spatial location of the wireless device is monitored. Once a current spatial location of the wireless device is identified, as a spatial location of a message delivery location, a location-based message is communicated. In one embodiment, a user, via a location-based message request, may request the delivery of the location-based message to a destination wireless device. In a further embodiment, a wireless device may periodically transmit the current spatial location of the wireless device to a predetermined destination wireless device. In a further embodiment, a wireless device may be notified when a selected wireless device is within a predetermined proximity. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |