| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07815511B2 |
Automotive shock absorbing propeller shaft apparatus
In an automotive shock absorbing propeller shaft apparatus, when a first yoke stub provided in an end portion of a first propeller shaft, and a second yoke stub provided in an end portion of a second propeller shaft are coupled with each other by a cross pin so as to be bendable, the first and second yoke stubs are bent with each other to a fixed maximum bending angle via the cross pin, bending angle control portions coming into collision with each other are provided respectively in shoulder surfaces of fork-shaped protruding portions opposing to each other in an axial direction. |
| US07815507B2 |
Game machine user interface using a non-contact eye motion recognition device
A gaming machine having a non-contact user interface and methods for receiving input to the gaming machine using the non-contact user interface are described. The gaming machine described can receive player tracking information associated with a player, where the player tracking information can include personalization information associated with the player. The gaming machine can receive a signal provided by the player at a non-contact interface device. Next, the gaming machine can decode the signal. |
| US07815506B2 |
Player reward system for activity on a computer system
A system and method for rewarding a player for activity through a computer system relating to a racetrack track event. The computer system is operatively connected with a remote device to display a player interface to transmit and receive information and requests from the player. The request may be for various player activity through the computer system, including wagers, purchases for products or services, and various other activities relating to wagering on a racetrack event. The computer system tracks the player activity and determines an award amount for the player activity. The award amount is dependent on the reward level of the player as determined by a set of predetermined criteria inputted into the computer system. The player can accumulate the award amount in an award total or redeem the award total for prizes, products, services or a cash value. |
| US07815504B2 |
Slot machine and playing method thereof
When a start condition of a special game is established during a base game, payout amount of credits for occurrence of an award accompanied by payout of credits due to a specific symbol during a predetermined number of times of a special game is varied in accordance with the number of rearranged specific player-selected symbols at the start of the special game. Alternatively, payout amount of credits when the predetermined number of times of the special game terminate is varied in accordance with the number of times of occurrence of the award accompanied by payout of credits due to the specific symbol. |
| US07815496B2 |
Polishing pad of a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
The surface(s) of a polishing pad for polishing an object has a first portion including hydrophilic material and a second portion including hydrophobic material. The first portion of the polishing surface is located in a first region of the polishing pad and the second portion of the polishing surface is located in a second region of the polishing pad juxtaposed with the first region in the radial direction of the pad. The hydrophilic material may be a polymer resin that contains hydrophilic functional groups having OH and/or ═O at bonding sites of the polymer. The hydrophobic material may be a polymer resin that contains hydrophobic functional groups having H and/or F at bonding sites of the polymer. The polishing pad is manufactured by extruding respective lines of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. The extruders and a backing are moved relative to each other such that the lines form concentric rings of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. |
| US07815495B2 |
Pad conditioner
A pad conditioner is provided for conditioning a polishing pad in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). The pad conditioner comprises a plastic abrasive portion having a first hardness and optionally a brush portion having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The plastic abrasive portion comprises a base plate and a plurality of plastic nodules formed on a surface of the base plate, each of the plastic nodules having a planar top surface, wherein the planar top surface is positioned to substantially contact a polishing pad. The brush portion may be positioned adjacent to the plastic abrasive portion, the brush portion having a plurality of brush elements positioned to substantially contact the pad. |
| US07815483B2 |
Soft sculpture and method of making the same
A method of creating a soft sculpture by assembling a plurality of compositional units, wherein each compositional unit comprises a core made of a first material covered by a covering of a second material which covering is held in proximity to the core, either neatly or sloppily, and wherein at least two of the plurality of compositional units are connected to each other. |
| US07815480B2 |
Methods and apparatus for packaging electronic components
Packages for elements, e.g., OLEDs, that are temperature sensitive are provided. The packages have a first glass substrate (12), a second glass substrate (16), and a wall (14) that separates the first and second substrates (12,16) and hermetically seals at least one temperature sensitive element (18,28,36) between the substrates (12,16). The wall (14) comprises a sintered frit and at least a portion of the wall is laser sealed to the second substrate (16) by melting a glass component of the sintered frit. The minimum width (40) of the laser-sealed portion of the wall (14) at any location along the wall (14) is greater than or equal to 2 millimeters so as to provide greater hermeticity and strength to the package. The laser sealing is performed without substantially degrading the temperature sensitive element(s) (18,28,36) housed in the package. |
| US07815476B1 |
Amphibious utility trailer that receives marine propulsive power and/or steering control from a ferried vehicle
An amphibious utility trailer to haul a load over land and/or to ferry a motorized vehicle over water. The trailer is adapted to receive marine propulsive power and/steering control from wheel torque and/or steering mechanism of a vehicle, such as an ATV. A propulsor such as a paddle wheel, propeller, or water jet propels the trailer through water when engaged with ATV wheel torque. A friction coupling such as a treadmill or set of rollers in the trailer bed removably interconnects the propulsor with ATV tires. The trailer may also include a rudder operable through a removable coupling with the ATV handlebars to steer the trailer in water. The arrangement enables the trailer to be “driven” over water utilizing the ATV and yet still provide a plain and simple utility trailer for hauling traditional items over land. |
| US07815473B2 |
Contact and connecting apparatus
A contact and a connecting apparatus are provided to enable miniaturization and shortening and cost reduction in response to further miniaturization and finer pitch of inspection objects. The contact is one electrically for contacting a terminal of a wire and includes a one-side plunger portion, an other-side plunger portion, and an elastic deformation portion provided between the plunger portions. The elastic deformation portion is made of an annular and conductive elastic member integrally connected to the one-side plunger portion and the other-side plunger portion. The plurally arranged elastic deformation portions are disposed in a zigzag shape in the up-down direction with their adjacent heights different from each other. The connecting apparatus includes the plurality of contacts electrically contacting terminals disposed on an inspection object and a contact plate for integrally supporting the respective contacts to make the contacts contact with the respective terminals of the inspection object. |
| US07815472B2 |
Jack mount with jacks with normal contacts and vertically staggered jack bores
The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece. |
| US07815469B1 |
Dual-personality extended USB plugs and receptacles using with PCBA and cable assembly
An extended universal serial bus (USB) storage device is described herein. According to one embodiment, an extended USB storage device includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a flash memory device and a flash controller mounted thereon, and an extended USB connector plug coupled to the PCBA for providing a USB compatible interface between an external device and the flash memory device and the flash controller, wherein the extended USB connector plug includes a first end used to couple to the external device and a second end coupled to the flash memory device and the flash controller.In one embodiment, a front piece (1701) includes a metal case (1706) for shielding and a tongue (1709) with contact pins (1781, 1782) and a rear piece (1702) includes a tip portion (1713) with contacts (1783). When the rear tip portion (1713) is inserted into the front piece the contact pins (1783) engage the contact pins (1781, 1782). The rear piece may also include locking pieces (1715) that are to enter slots (1714) in the front piece. |
| US07815466B2 |
Coaxial cable to printed circuit board interface module
In one embodiment, an interface module is provided for connecting a plurality of signal paths to a high signal density interface. The interface module includes a board having axial conductor receptacles. The axial conductor receptacles have at least one ground via extending through the board to an interface side of the board and a shield receiving hole in the board extending into the board from a cable side of the board. At least a portion of the at least one ground via being exposed within the shield receiving hole, the shield receiving hole having a plating therein contacting the portion of the at least one ground via exposed within the shield receiving hole. The axial conductor receptacles have a plated center conductor receiving hole in the board, which extends to a signal via. The signal via extends from the center conductor hole to the interface side of the board. A non-plated hole in the board is located between the plated center conductor hole and the shield receiving hole. |
| US07815464B2 |
Storage device having a memory module, cover, and light-transmission elements
A storage device has a memory module, a cover, and light-transmission elements. In one such storage device, a cover has light-transmission elements extending from opposing exterior surfaces of the cover. In a configuration of the memory module and the cover, the light-transmission elements are optically coupled to the light source. |
| US07815463B2 |
Spring force connector
A spring-force connection with a current rail piece with at least two mutually independent clamping points which interact with in each case one spring end for clamping electrical conductors is described. The current rail piece has on both sides of a center piece two end pieces bent away in each case from the center piece, the interior angle of which end pieces is located in the bending area on the same top of the current rail piece. The end pieces in each case have conductor through-openings into which associated clamping springs are inserted, wherein the clamping springs are supported with one clamping spring end on the current rail piece and, in the conductor-less inoperative state rest with the other clamping spring end on a clamping point formed at the associated conductor through-opening. |
| US07815460B2 |
Connector with an anti-loose fastening device
A connector with an anti-loose fastening device has a housing, a socket module mounted inside the housing, and a plug module. The housing has a front opening for the plug module to insert in the socket module so as to electrically connect therewith. The housing has an elastic finger. The elastic finger has a tooth extending downwardly from one end thereof, and an inwardly slanted surface facing the front opening. When the plug module inserts in the socket module, the tooth of the elastic finger inserts in a recess formed on the plug module so as to prevent the plug module from disengaging with the socket module inside the housing. |
| US07815458B2 |
Power source coupling and coupler having a power source coupling
The present invention relates to a power source coupling for connecting two power coupling parts (5, 6): a first power coupling part (5) which is mounted on a first component (1) so as to be longitudinally displaceable and has a first connecting plate (16) with one or more first power coupling elements (18), and a second power coupling part (6) which is mounted on a second component (4) so as to be displaceably mounted between a first and a second position. The second power coupling part (6) has a second connecting plate (17) with one or more second power coupling elements (19) which are able to cooperate with the first power coupling elements (18) when the first power coupling part (5) is in the first position. A protective element (51) is provided on the first power coupling part (5) so as to be adjustable in position, and which in the first position of the power coupling part (5) covers the first power coupling elements (18) when the second power coupling part (6) is not attached, and in the second position of the power coupling part (5) is in an open position. |
| US07815446B2 |
Flash memory device with retractable plug
A flash memory device (100) includes a movable housing (1) defining a receiving cavity (15), a control board (2) having a circuit board (21) and a plug (22) connecting with the circuit board (21), an outer shield defining an opening (64), and a sleeve (3) movably ringed on one side of the movable housing (1) and enclosing the plug (22). The circuit board (21) is retained in the receiving cavity (15). The plug (22) extends out of the receiving cavity (15). The movable housing (1) is movably mounted in the outer shield. The movable housing (1) has an elastic section (141) with a button (18) coupled thereon. The button (18) pushes the plug (22) moving in or out of the sleeve (3) and the outer shield. |
| US07815442B2 |
Burn-in socket with improved contacts
A burn-in socket for electrical connecting with package having solder balls, includes a base and a number of contacts received in the base. Each contact has a spring section movable in the base, a contact section extending upwardly from the spring section and a retention section extending downwardly from the spring section. The contact section includes three tips at a top end thereof for contacting with the solder balls of the package thereby supporting the solder balls. |
| US07815441B2 |
Rigid-flexible board and method for manufacturing the same
A rigid-flexible board and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided, whereby the material yield ratio can be enhanced and the productive yield can be also enhanced. A rigid board with a step for connection and a flexible board with a connector at the edge thereof are formed independently. Then, the connecting area is spot facing processed so that the depth of the thus obtained depressed portion is equal to or lower than the thickness of the flexible board. The connector of the flexible board is electrically connected to the vertical wiring area of the depressed portion. |
| US07815434B2 |
Dental coating kit
The invention provides a dental coating kit with high adhesiveness to teeth that contains a primer composition including an acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a), water (b) and a water-soluble solvent (c) and a surface smoothing composition including a polyfunctional polymeric monomer (f), a volatile solvent (g) and a photopolymerization initiator (h); and a dental coating kit with high adhesiveness to teeth and minimally suffering from chipping and peeling off that contains a primer composition including an acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a), water (b) and a water-soluble solvent (c), a coating composition including a polymeric monomer (d) and a photopolymerization initiator (e), and a surface smoothing composition including a polyfunctional polymeric monomer (f), a volatile solvent (g) and a photopolymerization initiator (h). Either dental coating kit is particularly useful as a kit for preventing stain and color return of a bleached tooth. |
| US07815433B2 |
Adjustable tool drive arrangement
The invention relates to an improved dental tool drive arrangement for a handpiece with a drive head, the tool drive arrangement permitting length adjustment of the tool in the drive head by concentrically supporting the tool in the drive head at any position from a fully inserted position to a maximum retracted position. The tool drive arrangement preferably includes a tool and a rotatable tool supporting element for concentrically supporting the tool from the fully inserted to the maximum retracted position, the tool preferably including a maximum retraction indicator for indicating to a user when the tool has been retracted to the maximum retraction position. This provides a significant advantage over the prior art by allowing a user to adjust the exposed length of a rotatable tool, preferably a dental bur, without exceeding safe operating limits. The invention also relates to an improved drive spindle which allows depth adjustment of a tool in a dental handpiece while maintaining efficient torque transfer and concentricity during high speed rotation. |
| US07815430B2 |
Mold, production process of mold, imprint apparatus, and imprint method
A mold for imprinting a pattern onto a resin material applied onto a substrate is constituted by a mold substrate formed of a material transparent to light in at least a part of a wavelength range of light used for alignment, an alignment structure area having an alignment structure comprising a recess portion, a pattern forming area having a pattern, and a coating layer is formed of a material having an optical characteristic different from that of the mold substrate. The coating layer is on a side wall of the recess portion. |
| US07815429B1 |
Snowball slinger
A device has a first arm with a cup at a first distal end and a handle at a second proximal end with a second similarly configured arm pivoted thereto. The second cup forms an obtuse angle with its arm. Each of the first and second arms has an slight elbow bend so that the hurling cup trails the handles by a slight amount. Drawing the handles apart in a scissor-opening motion compacts the snow into a cohesive snowball that may then be slung. |
| US07815428B2 |
Apparatuses and processes for packaging products
An apparatus comprises an operating device and a die suitable for interacting to form containers from a sheet material, a cutting device for separating said containers from said sheet material, said cutting means being so shaped as to be removably connectable to said operating device. |
| US07815425B2 |
Processing apparatus
A processing apparatus for transferring a relief pattern on a mold to a resist on a substrate through a compression of the mold against the resist, includes a supplier for supplying the resist between the substrate and the mold, and an illumination optical system for illuminating ultraviolet light onto the resist via the mold so as to cure the resist. |
| US07815423B2 |
Compressor with fluid injection system
A scroll compressor includes a housing, a non-orbiting scroll member including a first spiral wrap, and an orbiting scroll member including a second spiral wrap. The first and second spiral wraps are interleaved to define at least one moving fluid pocket that decreases in size as it moves from a radially outer position to a radially inner position. A vapor-injection system may include a shell fitting in fluid communication with a fluid passageway of the non-orbiting scroll member via a vapor injection tube. The vapor injection tube may be fixed for movement with the non-orbiting scroll member for communicating vapor into the moving fluid pockets. |
| US07815421B2 |
Channel form for a rotating pressure exchanger
A pressure exchanger transferring pressure energy from a liquid in a first liquid system to a liquid in a second liquid system, having a housing with inlet and outlet connection openings for each liquid and a rotor arranged in the housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis. Through rotor channels are arranged around the rotor longitudinal axis with openings on each axial end face of the rotor. The rotor channels are arranged for connection through opposing flow openings facing the housing to the connection openings of the housing. During rotor rotation high pressure liquid and low pressure liquid are alternately introduced into the respective systems. Liquid flowing to the rotor through the openings generates a circumferential force (cu) for driving the rotor, and starting at or following the openings a flow guiding configuration formed as a rotor channel flow diverting contour is arranged in the rotor channels. |
| US07815416B2 |
Steam turbine
In a steam turbine having a cross-over duct for delivering steam discharged from an intermediate pressure turbine to low pressure turbines, the intermediate pressure turbine provides two outlets for discharging exhaust steam, the low pressure turbine provides two inlets, and the outlets and the inlets are arranged on the same straight line as viewed from a planar direction. One of the outlets and one of the inlets which are close to each other are connected through a cross-over duct, the other of the outlets and the other of the inlets which are far from each other are connected through another cross-over duct, and the cross-over ducts are arranged to be at two stages in the up-down direction. |
| US07815412B2 |
Substrate distribution method
A glass substrate distribution system includes a cassette, a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism. The first transmission mechanism transmits the glass substrate to several standby positions outside the cassette. The second transmission mechanism transmits the glass substrate between the standby positions and the glass substrate. |
| US07815409B2 |
Integral joining
A method for joining bodies by melting down a joining element. The joining element acts on a surface of one of the bodies and penetrates the surface as a result of a directed force. Once in a penetrated condition, a mechanical excitation is generated such that during further penetration of the joining element into the one body, the advance is maintained through the directed force and the melting down is maintained through the mechanical excitation. Molten or melted material is hydraulically displaced into the bodies. |
| US07815408B2 |
Fastener assembly retention and alignment element
A fastener assembly including a retention and alignment element used in combination with a first component having a cylindrical wall defining a bore and a second component having an elongated shaft for insertion into the bore of the first component. The retention and alignment element comprises a plurality of elongated polymeric protuberances, each having (i) a base fixed to the cylindrical wall of the first component, (ii) a height sufficient so that together the free ends of the protuberances define a passageway that creates an interference fit with the shaft of the second component, and (iii) a length sufficient to maintain the shaft of the second component generally collinear with the axis of the bore of the first component. |
| US07815406B2 |
Element attachable by riveting to a sheet metal part and also a component assembly and a method for the production of the component assembly
An element attachable to a sheet metal part by riveting, in particular an element in the form of a centering bolt, having a shaft part and a head part, wherein the head part has at its side confronting the sheet metal part an at least approximately ring-like ring recess which merges at the radially inner side into a cylinder section of the head part which in turn merges into the shaft part and into a tubular rivet section which surrounds the shaft part in the region of the head part, is disposed within a ring-like contact surface arranged radially outside of the ring recess and merges at the radially outer side via an at least approximately conical wall into the ring-like contact surface, is characterized in that at least one local recess and preferably a plurality of in particular uniformly distributed local recesses is or are provided in the conical wall of the ring recess and/or in an optionally present ring-like base surface of the ring recess. A component assembly comprising the element and a sheet metal part and also a method for the manufacture of such a component assembly are also described. |
| US07815405B2 |
Tie-down cleat and method for a vehicle article carrier
A vehicle article carrier system employing a pair of support rails adapted to be secured to the sidewalls of a bed of a pick-up truck. Attached to the sidewalls are a pair of tie-down assemblies that can be fixedly secured at various points along each of the support rails. A load bar assembly is also included that can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the tie-down assemblies. When the load bar is not in use, the tie-down assemblies can be used in connection with external bungee cords, nylon straps or other fastening implements to help restrain articles within the bed of the vehicle. |
| US07815399B2 |
Method of mechanized construction for earth wire under-bracing and extendable excavating unit for auger crane
A method of mechanized construction has developed for installing an earth wire under-bracing by using an auger crane and adjustable excavating unit with an auger crane. The extendable excavating unit is mounted to the lower end of an auger shaft of the auger crane and excavation teeth extendable and retractable are mounted to the excavating unit, thereby allowing excavation of a burial hole suitable to the size of the earth wire under-bracing. Whether it is needed to bury the earth wire under-bracing having a larger diameter than the diameter of excavation existing on the auger crane, or bury small-sized earth wire under-bracing, a method for mechanized construction of the earth wire under-bracing is enabled without difficulty by using an auger crane and adjustable excavating unit. |
| US07815396B2 |
Reflecting wave generator apparatus and method
A wave generating apparatus and method in which a chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a body of water in a pool and is connected to a gas supply for at least partially filling the chamber with gas, displacing water in the vicinity of the chamber. A vent valve is arranged to vent gas rapidly from the chamber so that the water level in the vicinity of the chamber falls, forming a wave trough. A wave reflecting wall is positioned in the pool adjacent the chamber and in the vicinity of the wave trough formation so as to reflect the wave away from the chamber and across the body of water. The chamber may have a flexible wall for displacing water or may be a rigid chamber communicating with the water through a submerged passageway. This apparatus forms a wave trough followed by a wave peak which travels across the pool. |
| US07815394B2 |
Device for a watercraft for picking up and launching boats
The invention relates to a device for a watercraft for picking up and launching boats. The device comprises an extension arm that is coupled in such a manner that it can swing freely on the watercraft, that extends at an acute angle in relation to the surface of the water and floats in water by means of floats. The extension arm comprises guide tracks for a boat retrieving device that is maintained on the extension arm in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The boat retrieving device comprises a holding head that is articulated in a displaceable manner on a running part guided on the guide rails, about an axis that is horizontal and approximately transversal in relation to the extension arm. The running part is connected to the drive means for longitudinally displacing the boat retrieving device. The holding head comprises at least one adjusting means that acts upon its adjusting movement about the horizontal axis. |
| US07815393B2 |
Mounting adapter for concrete surface processing tool
A mounting assembly for rotatably mounting a surface processing tool holder on at least one motor driven rotatable arm of a surface processing apparatus, such that the tool can spin freely as the arm is driven by the motor, includes an elongate shank having a smooth surfaced, cylindrical portion intermediate its ends adapted for positioning within an aperture in the tool holder with one threaded end portion projecting through the aperture for attachment to an elongate mounting bar adapted for attachment to the arm. A bearing supported by the tool body and surrounding the smooth surfaced portion of the shank is rotatable relative to the shank. The mounting bar includes a threaded aperture for receiving the threaded end portion of the shank and the threaded aperture includes a counterbore for receiving the end portion of the smooth surfaced shank portion which is adjacent the threaded end portion. |
| US07815389B2 |
Hand rail system railing connector
A rail system includes a cap rail defining a slot. Within the slot may be positioned expansion brackets that permit the cap rail to be mounted to a wall or a post. The expansion bracket is configured to engage an end of a fixture to position and secure the fixture within the slot. The expansion bracket defines a cable way for wires extending to or from the fixture. Other expansion brackets may be mounted within the slot to position and secure ends of fixtures when the mounting expansion brackets are not correctly positioned with respect to the end of the fixture. A rail system includes a pair of rails extending between a pair of posts. An in-fill panel is positioned within slots of each rail and extends between the rails. Expansion brackets within the slots engage the panel. |
| US07815388B2 |
Retractable writing surface
A retractable writing surface system including a binding mechanism and a pocket directly bound to the binding mechanism, the pocket having an inner cavity. The system further includes a polymer writing surface at least partially received in the pocket. The writing surface is movable between an extended position wherein at least part of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by a writing instrument, and a retracted position wherein less of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by the writing instrument compared to when the writing surface is in the extended position. At least part of the writing surface is located in the cavity when the writing surface is in the retracted position. |
| US07815386B2 |
Device for storing and extrusion of a flowable substance
A device for the storage and extrusion of a flowable substance (A) includes a loading unit (13) for an application tool (14). The loading unit has a pot-shaped insert (15) for a holder (17). Through axial pressure on the holder (17) the flowable substance A can be extruded from a chamber (12) of the holder through openings (20A) made on the perimeter of the insert (15) into a chamber (16) of the loading unit (13), so that the application tool (14) set at right angles to the axis of the insert (15) is loaded with the substance (A). |
| US07815381B2 |
Computer keyboard
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame. The keys protrude through openings of the opaque keyboard frame and the translucent top case. |
| US07815376B2 |
Fixture for shape-sensing optical fiber in a kinematic chain
Localized strain is effectively eliminated in a shape sensing optical fiber where the fiber exits a link in a kinematic chain. In one aspect, the fiber is positioned in a channel within a fiber fixture portion of the link, and a surface of a lip of the channel is curved. The curved surface of the lip begins tangent to a wall of the channel and has a maximum radius of curvature that is less than the minimum bend radius that the fiber will experience during shape sensing. In another aspect the fiber is positioned within a shape memory alloy tube that extends from the link. |
| US07815371B2 |
X-ray emitter
The invention relates to an X-ray emitter 1 comprising an X-ray tube 2 disposed in an oil-tight housing 3 containing a high-tension transformer 2.1, wherein an electrical supply line 4 for the heater voltage for X-ray tube 2 is provided, which is led through the housing 3. Read-out and storage electronics 5 including a microcontroller 5.4 and a data storage device 5.2 are provided on or in the housing 3, and at least one period of operation of the X-ray tube 2 can be acquired and stored in the data storage device 5.2 by means of the read-out and storage electronics 5. |
| US07815369B2 |
Method of measuring temperature of tunnel magnetoresistive effect element
A method of measuring temperature of a TMR element includes a step of obtaining in advance a temperature coefficient of element resistance of a discrete TMR element that is not mounted on an apparatus, by measuring temperature versus element resistance value characteristic of the discrete TMR element in a state that a breakdown voltage is intentionally applied to the discrete TMR element and a tunnel barrier layer of the discrete TMR element is brought into a stable conductive state, a step of bringing a tunnel barrier layer of a TMR element actually mounted on the apparatus into a stable conductive state by intentionally applying the breakdown voltage to the mounted TMR element having the same structure as that of the discrete TMR element whose temperature coefficient has been measured, a step of measuring an element resistance value of the mounted TMR element with the tunnel barrier layer that has been brought into a stable conductive state, and a step of obtaining a temperature corresponding to the measured element resistance value from the previously measured temperature coefficient of element resistance. |
| US07815368B2 |
Temperature detector and fixing material transfer suppressing structure
The temperature detector comprises a thermistor embedded in varnish, a connector, a lead wire connecting the thermistor and the connector to each other, and a transfer suppressing portion provided between the thermistor and the connector and suppressing the movement of the varnish on the surface of the lead wire. The suppressing portion comprises a protection tube surrounding the lead wire and a grommet filled in a space inside the protection tube. |
| US07815364B2 |
Mechanism to avoid rate variations due to gravitation in a sprung balance regulating organ, and timepiece provided with such a mechanism
The mechanism avoids the rate variations due to the effect of gravitation on a regulating organ of a timepiece whose regulating organ includes a sprung balance and an escape wheel mounted onto a platform. The platform includes an unbalance and is mounted so as to freely rotate about at least a first axis relative to a plate of the movement so that this platform will rotate about the first axis under the effect of terrestrial gravitation. This mechanism includes a wheelwork with a driving kinematical chain linking the escape wheel to a barrel system of the timepiece, and a corrective kinematical chain compensating the movements and speed of the platform relative to the plate, so that these movements of the platform will not perturb the chronometry of the timepiece, this wheelwork including one or several epicycloidal gear trains, each of which contains wheels with straight toothing exclusively. |
| US07815361B2 |
Method and arrangement for automated color mixing
In a method for automated colour mixing in a customer-operated and enclosed arrangement, a container with colour base component can be inserted and shaken, the tin with the shaken colour base component is provided with a hole, one or more doses of colour pigment are added via the hole, the hole is closed and shaking is then carried out again. Devices for carrying out the said functions are controlled by microcomputer equipment that is arranged to work interactively with the customer. The making of the hole is carried out using a knife edge or injection device that penetrates the material of the container. The dosing of the colour pigments is carried out by means of a pump and valve arrangement in which one or more valves are opened and closed or by means of a pressure or piston arrangement. The dosing is initiated in the open state of the valve or by activation of the pressure or piston device. The invention also relates to an arrangement and has the advantages provided by optimal hole-making and dosing functions. |
| US07815357B2 |
Light guide for surface light source device and surface light source device
A high quality surface light source in which various kinds of unevenness in luminance due to use of small number of spot-like primary light sources for reducing power consumption is eliminated, and a light guide for use therein. The planar light guide (4) guides light emitted from a plurality of spot-like primary light sources (2) and has an incoming end face (41) of lights emitted from the primary light source (2) and an outgoing face (43) of guided light. A high light diffusion region (431) extends substantially along the direction of directivity of light entering the light guide (4) in a plane extending along the outgoing face (43), in the vicinity of the incoming end face of at least one of the outgoing face (43) and its rear surface (44) on the opposite side. The high light diffusion region (431) has a mean inclination angle larger than that of an adjacent region (434). |
| US07815355B2 |
Direct-lit backlight having light recycling cavity with concave transflector
Direct-lit backlights and associated methods and components are disclosed in which a transflector that partially transmits and partially reflects incident light is shaped to form at least one concave structure facing a back reflector of the backlight. This provides at least one recycling cavity therebetween, the at least one recycling cavity substantially filling the output area of the backlight. At least one light source is disposed behind the output area to inject light into each cavity, and can be positioned in the recycling cavity or behind an aperture in the back reflector. The cavities are preferably shallow and wide, having a width-to-depth ratio of at least 5 or 10, and can provide uniform brightness and color at the output area with sparsely distributed light sources and in a thin profile backlight. |
| US07815352B2 |
Vehicular headlamp
A vehicular headlamp includes a light source for illuminating light from the vehicular headlamp in an illumination direction; a swivel mechanism capable of changing the illumination direction horizontally rightward and leftward; a leveling mechanism capable of changing the illumination direction vertically upward and downward; and electronic control unit capable of controlling the swivel mechanism and the leveling mechanism so as to change the illumination direction toward an oncoming vehicle lane side during linear travel of a vehicle. A method of illumination control for a vehicular headlamp includes illuminating light from the vehicular headlamp in an illumination direction; and changing the illumination direction toward an oncoming vehicle lane side during linear travel of a vehicle. |
| US07815345B2 |
Vehicle-purpose lighting tool
A vehicle-purpose lighting tool is featured by comprising: a light-conducting member having a front light-emitting plane, a rear plane having a concave/convex shape, and a side edge plane; and a light source arranged at a position opposite to the side edge plane; in which within external light which is entered via the front light-emitting plane into the light-conducting member, a portion of the external light which is directly traveled to the side edge plane is totally reflected on a boundary plane of the side edge plane portion; a plurality of reflecting portions are formed on the rear plane and are coupled to each other via a coupling portion in such a direction that the reflecting portions are separated apart from the side edge plane side; and distances between the plurality of reflecting portions and the front light-emitting plane are changed in a discontinuous manner along the separating direction. |
| US07815344B2 |
Device and method for high visibility emergency signaling
A high visibility emergency signaling device includes a base configured to be secured to an external support raised above ground level, light-emitting means mounted thereto for generating at least one light beam, and power supply means for such light-emitting means. Optical means are further provided, operating on the at least one light beam to model and orient it in such a manner as to illuminate a substantially circular area in space and/or on the ground. |
| US07815341B2 |
Strip illumination device
A low-profile strip illumination device comprises a substrate supporting an elongate heat conductor and positively and negatively energized elongate rails. A plurality of spaced apart light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted so as to be powered by the elongate rails. The LEDs are arranged generally adjacent the elongate heat conductor so that a heat flow path is defined from each LED to the elongate heat conductor and to the environment. |
| US07815335B2 |
Uni-planar focal adjustment system
A uni-planar focal adjustment system involving no reflector housing rotation for use in high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. A simple mechanical drive system allows a user to manually adjust the focal point by turning a focal adjustment ring, which in turn moves a HID lamp assembly back and forth along an optical axis relative to a stationary reflector. The system utilizes only linear motion along the optical axis and does not involve rotational reflector movement. The system allows for a significantly smaller reflector through-hole, which increases the percentage of HID generated light capable of being reflectively used in the focused light beam. Finally, the focal adjustment system allows for separation of the HID lamp assembly inductor/igniter coil from the remaining ballast circuit board components, thereby further improving heat management of the lighting system, while maintaining the optimum alignment of the lamp in regards to the parabolic optic and increasing light production efficiency. |
| US07815330B2 |
Backlight assembly and display device having the same
A backlight assembly, which can provide enhanced light emitting efficiency, and a display device, are provided. The backlight assembly includes a light generating unit comprising a substrate and a point light source connected to the substrate, and a receiving container positioned to receive light from the light generating unit, the receiving container comprising an embossing that corresponds to the point light source. |
| US07815329B2 |
Waterfall unit
A waterfall unit for use in a spa includes a body defining a bowl, a beveled arcuate outer edge surface which curves over the bowl and a water entrance port in communication with the bowl. The water entrance port is located in the bottom of the bowl. A deflector cap is spaced away from and over the water entrance port. Water flows upwardly through the water entrance port in a fountain-like manner. This water contacts the deflector cap which deflects the water and causes it to flow laterally and into the bowl. When the bowl fills with water, the water flows over the beveled outer edge surface to create a waterfall. The body further defines a flat back wall for mounting the waterfall unit against a spa wall. The body has a substantially curved body profile formed by the bowl and the beveled outer edge surface. |
| US07815328B2 |
Light
A decorative light and a method for making a decorative light having layers of distinct flexible materials on a bulb are disclosed. |
| US07815326B2 |
Interior rearview mirror system
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, a casing, a transflective reflective element, a compass sensor and a control. An information display disposed behind said reflective element whereby information displayed by the information display is viewable through the transflective reflector by a driver of a vehicle when the information display is displaying information. At least a portion of the control is disposed within the mirror casing and behind the reflective element, and another portion of the control is disposed at the mounting structure. The other portion of control may include a forward facing imaging array that is part of at least one of (a) a headlamp controller of the vehicle, (b) an object detection system of the vehicle, (c) a rain sensor of the vehicle and (d) a lane departure warning system of the vehicle. |
| US07815318B2 |
Projector capable of adjusting brightness and brightness uniformity
A projector capable of adjusting brightness and brightness uniformity includes a light module, a light pipe, a first lens module, a second lens module and an image module. The light module generates a light ray. The light pipe includes an entrance and an exit. The light ray is converged onto the entrance of the light pipe and outputted through the exit of the light pipe. The first lens module has a first focal surface, which overlaps the exit of the light pipe, and receives the light ray outputted through the exit of the light pipe. The second lens module has a second focal surface and receives the light ray outputted through the first lens module. The image module is disposed on the second focal surface of the second lens module and receives the light ray outputted through the second lens module. |
| US07815312B2 |
Ocular light stimulus apparatus
Stimulus light is projected from a stimulus light source onto an ocular fundus of an eye under examination to locally stimulate the retina in order to perform a biological examination. During a biological examination, first background light is projected from an illumination light source via an objective lens, and second background light is projected from a light source from the periphery of the objective lens onto the ocular fundus. During alignment prior to a biological examination, the first background light is turned off and the second background light is projected onto the ocular fundus. During observation of the ocular fundus, the first background light projected onto the fundus is blocked, so that fundus observation or eye fixation is not disturbed by the background light. This enables accurate alignment to be carried out. Since the examinee's eye is irradiated with the second background light from the periphery of the objective lens in preparation for a biological examination, the examinee's eye can sufficiently adapt to the light during a biological examination, ensuring a reliable biological examination. |
| US07815311B2 |
Alertness sensing spectacles
Spectacles for use in an eye monitoring system include a pair of ocular frames and a sensor unit adapted to be positioned adjacent an eye of the wearer. A nose bridge connects the ocular frames and incorporates an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the sensor unit relative to the eye. A frame arm extends from the outer edge of each ocular frame and is adapted to fit over the ear of a wearer. The sensor unit incorporates two infra red emitters at different angles and an infra red detector recessed into the surface of the unit to reduce the proportion of signal received by said detector which is not from the signal emitter reflected by the eye or eyelids. |
| US07815306B2 |
Magnetic locker for spectacle frame
A locker of a spectacle frame, adapted for connecting a first member and a second member of the spectacle frame, includes a receiving portion, an inserting portion and a locking mechanism. The receiving portion is adapted for providing at an end of the first member of the spectacle frame. The inserting portion, which is adapted for providing at an end of the second member of the spectacle frame, is arranged to be freely slide into the receiving portion. The locking mechanism includes a locking member movably disposed between the receiving portion and the inserting portion as a locking position to lock up the inserting portion from being detached from the receiving portion. The locking member is able to be driven from the locking position to an unlocking position that the inserting portion is able to be slid out of the receiving portion for separating the first and second members. The locker can be used in spectacle frame for exchanging and adjusting temples, end-pieces, hinges as well as the bridge. |
| US07815303B2 |
Inkjet recording method
An inkjet recording method is provided that includes (a) a step of applying an undercoat liquid onto a recording medium, (b) a step of carrying out image formation by discharging a colored liquid onto the undercoat liquid, and (c) a step of curing the colored liquid, the colored liquid being a multiple color ink set comprising a plurality of ink compositions, and the colored liquid comprising an ink composition of at least one color selected from the group consisting of violet, blue, green, orange, and red. |
| US07815301B2 |
Water-based pigment dispersion, production method thereof, water-based pigment ink, production method thereof, ink record, inkjet recording apparatus, and inkjet recording method
The object of the present invention is to provide a water-based pigment dispersion containing a pigment, a dispersing agent, a resin emulsion, and water, the water-based pigment dispersion is subjected to a heat treatment. The present invention also provides a water-based pigment ink containing the water-based pigment dispersion, a dispersing agent, a resin emulsion, and water. |
| US07815300B2 |
Cartridge unit having multiple ink storage capacity
A cartridge unit arranged for use in a print engine for an inkjet printer is provided. The cartridge unit has a body portion having ink storage compartments and a pagewidth printhead assembly configured to receive ink from ink storage compartments and distribute it to nozzles arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media. The print engine has a cradle which has a body which removably receives the cartridge unit and is configured to control the operation of the printhead assembly for printing. The ink storage compartments comprise absorption material which stores the ink therein under capillary action for supply to the nozzles. The cradle is configured to be secured to the inkjet printer to receive print media from a media input tray and to deliver printed media to a media output tray. |
| US07815299B2 |
Ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes a frame having an opening formed therethrough, and at least one film connected to the frame. The frame and the at least one film define an ink chamber therein. The film comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, and the second portion is positioned between the first portion and the third portion, and the first portion and the third portion are raised with respect to the second portion. A line intersecting a peak of a first end of the first portion and a peak of a second end of the first portion is slanted with respect to a center line of the opening, and a line intersecting a peak of a first end of the third portion and a peak of a second end of the third portion is slanted with respect to the center line of the opening. |
| US07815298B2 |
Ink cartridge for ink jet recording device
An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording device, includes: a container having an ink supply port; at least two ink chambers partitioned in the container, one being located substantially in an upper section and the other being located substantially in a lower section; an ink suction passage connecting a bottom region of the lower section ink chamber to a bottom region of the upper section ink chamber; and a negative pressure generating mechanism provided to a flow passage connecting the upper section ink chamber to the ink supply port. |
| US07815297B2 |
Ink jet recording head and ink jet recording apparatus having a plurality of ink flow paths
An ink jet recording head for ejecting, through an ink ejection outlet, ink introduced through an ink supply port includes a first ink flow path in fluid communication with the ink supply port; a second ink flow path which is branched from the first ink flow path at a branch portion and which is in fluid communication with the ink ejection outlet; and a third ink flow path for fluid communication between the branch portion and an outside. |
| US07815296B2 |
Ink cartridge holding device
An ink cartridge holding device includes: a holder holding the ink cartridge and having an opening so as to allow the ink cartridge to be inserted and withdrawn through the opening; a door which is attached to the holder and is pivotable between (a) an open position at which the opening is uncovered for permitting insertion and withdrawal and (b) a closed position at which the opening is covered for inhibiting the insertion and withdrawal; a locking member which is attached to the door and is displacable between (A) an engaging position in which the locking member is engaged with the holder for locking the door at the closed position and (B) a releasing position in which the locking member is released from the holder so as to allow the door to be pivoted from the closed position. The locking member is displaced, when the door is pivoted from the open position to the closed position, from the releasing position to the engaging position via a transitional state in which a pressing portion presses a pressing-force receiving surface while the pressing portion is moved relative to and along the pressing-force receiving surface. The pressing-force receiving surface of the locking member is a curved surface whose inclination continuously varies in a direction in which the pressing-force receiving surface and the pressing portion are moved relative to each other. |
| US07815292B2 |
Liquid ejection head
The liquid ejection head includes: a piezoelectric body which generates pressure for ejecting liquid; a spacer member which forms a space allowing the piezoelectric body to be displaced; and an electrical connection member which connects the piezoelectric body with a substrate having a wire, the electrical connection member being provided inside the space, wherein the following formula is satisfied: σmin×L/δLmin≦E≦σmax×L/δLmax, where a range from σmin through σmax represents a range of a pressing force when the piezoelectric body and the substrate is connected via the electrical connection member, L represents a thickness of the spacer member, a range from δLmin through δLmax represents a range of an amount of compressive deformation of the spacer member when the pressing force is applied within the range of the pressing force, and E represents a Young's modulus of the spacer member. |
| US07815288B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus
The present invention provides an ink jet printing apparatus capable of improving reliability of an electrical connecting portion between a carriage side and head cartridge side. When an ink tank is mounted on a head cartridge, a hook of a set lever is obstructed to be operated in a lock releasing direction by a restricting surface of the ink tank. This prevents the head cartridge from being removed from the carriage, and maintains an electrical connecting condition between the carriage and the head cartridge. Therefore, for removing the head cartridge, it is necessary to remove the ink tank. |
| US07815286B2 |
Mist ejection head and image forming apparatus
The mist ejection head comprises: a nozzle ejecting a liquid in a form of a mist; a liquid chamber connected to the nozzle; an ultrasonic wave generating element which is disposed on a side wall of the liquid chamber and which generates an ultrasonic wave in such a manner that the ultrasonic wave is applied to the liquid inside the liquid chamber; and a reflector having a reflecting surface which reflects the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic wave generating element in such a manner that the ultrasonic wave is directed toward a center of the liquid chamber and concentrated at a focal point situated in a vicinity of the nozzle inside the liquid chamber. |
| US07815278B2 |
Droplet discharge-condition detecting unit, droplet-discharging device, and inkjet recording device
A detection unit to optically detect a discharge condition of a droplet is disclosed. The detection unit includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed on opposite sides of an area through which a droplet discharged from a droplet-discharger passes. A diaphragm plate having an aperture and another diaphragm plate having at least two apertures arranged at a pitch in a discharge direction are respectively disposed near front surfaces of the two elements. When light emitted from the light emitting element passes through the apertures, two light beams are received by the light receiving element. When the droplet is discharged and passes in front of the apertures, the two light beams are blocked sequentially by the ink droplet, which causes the quantity of light received by the light receiving element to change, thereby inducing a change in an output from the light receiving element. Based on the change in the output, a discharge-condition of the droplet is determined. |
| US07815277B2 |
Image recording device
An image recording device include a control section. The control section circulates the ink in the ink path by section of a circulation driving section, sets at least one of the heads selected based on a temperature of the heads as a temperature measurement head, and controls the temperature of the ink based on an output value from a corresponding one of the temperature sensors provided in the temperature measurement head. |
| US07815271B2 |
Recording medium driving device and recording medium driving method
A recording medium driving device includes a recording and/or playback unit for performing at least one of recording of a data signal on the recoding surface of a recording medium, and playback of a data signal from the recording surface, a printing unit for printing visible information on the main surface different from the recording surface of the recording medium using an inkjet method, a driver for performing driving as to the recording medium, and a drive control unit for switching the driving speed of the driver by a printing mode for printing visible information on the main surface or a recording/playback mode for recording or playback of the data signal on/from the recording surface. |
| US07815270B2 |
Printer cradle for various print speed printheads
A printer cradle is provided which has a body for removably receiving each of a range of inkjet printheads and a controller for determining a print speed of an inserted printhead. The printheads within the range are able to operate at print speeds different than one another. Each printhead has printhead contacts for receiving data and power for operating the printhead. The body has complementary contacts for establishing electrical connection with the printhead contacts of each printhead upon insertion thereof into the body. The controller has a plurality of separate integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit has a memory buffer for print data and the controller is configured to determine how many of the integrated circuits are needed to operate the inserted printhead at the determined print speed. |
| US07815265B2 |
Rack apparatus of dishwasher
A rack apparatus of a dishwasher disclosed, the apparatus comprising a rack disposed in the dishwasher for washing targets to be washed contained in a wash tub and configured to receive the targets to be washed, rack rails fixedly installed at the rack, and rail guides each having a plurality of rail supporting portions longitudinally disposed at the wash tub and configured to slidably support the rack rails. A rack apparatus of a dishwasher disclosed in another aspect comprises a rack disposed in the dishwasher for washing targets to be washed contained in a wash tub and configured to receive the targets to be washed, rack rails fixedly installed at the rack, and rail guides each having a plurality of rail supporting portions longitudinally disposed at the wash tub and configured to slidably support the rack rails, wherein the rack rails are simultaneously coupled to two or more rack rail supporting portions. Accordingly, the height of the rack can easily be adjusted according to requirements, such as dishes to be contained in the rack, the rack can move more safely, and the weight of dishes to be contained in the rack can increase. |
| US07815263B1 |
Candle box
A candle box for displaying a variety of themes and for safely burning items such as a candle comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a back panel. A front panel is removably attached to the first side panel and the second side panel. Attached to the first side panel and the second side panel is a first trim component and a second trim component, wherein the trim components are for covering a storage compartment disposed in the first side panel and the second side panel. |
| US07815262B2 |
Track belt assembly
A track chain assembly (22) has a track shoe (25) and a pair of parallel links (26) that are fixed to a non ground-engaging surface of the track shoe (25) with bolts (36). A connecting shaft (27) is fixed to shaft holes (31) that are provided on end portions each of which is included in the links (26). A reinforcing member (48) connects the links (26) with the bolts (36) so as to reinforce an open side between the links (26). Therefore, the links (26) are prevented from being damaged due to concentration of stress on a specific portion of each link (26). |
| US07815260B2 |
Method of cutting bristles of a cosmetic applicator brush
In order to apply mascara and comb they eyelashes, the invention proposes carrying out a selective, clean and adaptable cutting of the bristles twisted along a core by selecting some of the bristles located, along the wire, in angular sectors of adjustable amplitude and by continuously cutting the bristles thus selected at a predetermined height. The implementing guiding module has a guiding inlet head (69a) and a cylindrical tube body (69c), the head being for bristles remain curved. The cutting (70) and guiding (45) groove formed by an end piece with a conical outline extended by a hollow tube having a central channel (31) of the same diameter, cutting (70) and guiding (45) grooves being formed in the channel. The cutting grooves (70) are distributed longitudinally in order to select the brush bristles to be left untouched, alternating with the grooves (45) for guiding brush bristles to be protected from being cut, the cutting grooves (70) forming, in the tube body, cutting slots (57) and guiding grooves (45) having a depth such that the selected grooves from indentations (45a, 74a) on the end of the end piece. The present invention is mainly applicable to the cosmetic industry. |
| US07815259B2 |
Arm assembly for a chair
An office chair is provided with includes a chair arm assembly on each opposite side thereof for supporting the arms of a user. The arm assemblies each include a latching assembly to permit adjustment of the height of an arm cap thereof while maintaining the arm cap at a selected elevation. The latch assembly is engageable with an inner liner provided within a support post. Further, the armrest assembly has a plurality of interconnected and relatively movable plates which permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the arm cap along with adjustment of the arm cap in the front-to-back direction and the side-to-side direction. |
| US07815257B2 |
Adjustment device for adjustable chairs
Adjustment device for chairs, comprising a back support capable of rotating around a shaft fastened to a support base, said support for the backrest being provided with a blocking plate having a plurality of openings, an insert capable of limited movement in a defined track in the support base to engage and disengage said openings, and an actuator connected to said insert, in which the actuator is operated by a rod connected to a handle that can be operated by the user, said actuator being movable between a release position and a lock position, in which said insert is selectively engaged in one of said openings. |
| US07815255B1 |
Seat for combat vehicle
A seat for a combat vehicle includes a generally rectangular rigid base including front and rear ribs disposed on opposite, longer sides of the base, the base including a pair of slot openings disposed adjacent opposite, shorter sides of the base; a generally rectangular inner cushion disposed on a top surface of the base; a generally U-shaped outer cushion disposed on a top surface of the inner cushion and along outer surfaces of the front and rear ribs; a cover disposed over the outer cushion; and a pair of support assemblies for supporting the seat in the vehicle. |
| US07815254B2 |
Canopy chair
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a frame which attaches to outdoor furniture, in particular to a chair, and a canopy. Embodiments can be moved from an overhead position to a behind the chair position. The frames can be moved from a collapsed to a fully extended position. In embodiments the canopy can be positioned to contain the collapsed frame and chair in the carrying position. |
| US07815238B2 |
Closed two-wheel motorcycle with retractable floors
A closed two-wheel motorcycle including a closed cab with a door arranged around the motorcycle structure and having retractable floors for the driver's feet, separated from each the other, which can be depressed toward the ground and are resettable by spring members is presented. Each retractable floor is connected with an external rocker arm hinged at a rear section of the motorcycle and a sliding member guided by a sleeve at a front section of the cab. The spring members operate between an upper portion of the sliding members and the front section of the cab, while locking brakes cooperate, at rest, with the sliding members for holding depressed the floor portions against the action of the spring members. |
| US07815237B2 |
Covers for vehicle instrument panels
An instrument panel for a vehicle includes an IP substrate and an IP skin with foam disposed there between. The instrument panel may include openings for receiving accessories. The IP skin material may extend into the opening. The portion of the skin material extending into the opening may include a opening datum. A cover for the opening in the instrument panel may include one or more datum ribs. When the cover is inserted in the opening in the instrument panel, the datum rib engages with the opening datum pushing the cover towards the instrument panel thereby improving the fit of the cover in the instrument panel. |
| US07815235B2 |
Tonneau cover unit
A tonneau cover unit includes: a tonneau cover that covers a luggage floor which is formed on the rear side within a vehicle; a board that is fitted to an end portion of the tonneau cover, and that is provided with an engaging portion; and a rail along which the engaging portion slides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The rail has a first engaged portion that locks the board at the prescribed position with the board kept substantially parallel to the luggage floor when the engaging portion is engaged in the first engaged portion; and a second engaged portion that locks the board at a prescribed position with the board kept substantially upright at a predetermined angle with respect to the luggage floor when the engaging portion is engaged in the second engaged portion. |
| US07815234B2 |
Magnetic tool cleaner
An apparatus and method for cleaning metal debris from a magnetic tool (some tools of which have magnetic properties) is disclosed. For one embodiment, the magnetic cleaner comprises a magnetic element suitably sized to interface with a surface of a tool associated with metal debris. A housing comprising a magnetic interface constructed of magnetically transparent material surrounds the magnetic element wherein the remainder of the housing is optionally constructed from material that forms a magnetic barrier. The magnetic element may be movably associated with the housing allowing the magnetic element to be associated/disassociated with the housing magnetic interface. |
| US07815231B2 |
Door lock device for automotive
This invention provides an automotive door lock device capable of securely preventing a dropout of an operation connecting portion of an operation device from an operating lever connecting portion of an operating lever member. The automotive door lock device includes a housing having a housing body including an opening portion and a cover portion formed integrally with the housing body for opening and closing the opening portion. An operating lever member is placed in the housing and has an operating lever connecting portion. The operation device has an operation connecting portion to be connected to the operating lever connecting portion. The cover portion of the housing has a projecting portion for preventing a dropout of the operation connecting portion of the operation device. |
| US07815230B2 |
Actuator unit
When an output shaft is positioned in a first angular position or a second angular position, the output shaft is allowed to rotate from one angular position to the other angular position without rotating a worm wheel. When the worm wheel is rotated to rotate the output shaft from one angular position to the other angular position, the rotation of the worm wheel is transmitted to the output shaft. When the output shaft is placed in the other angular position, driving-force transmission to the output shaft is released, and at the same time, rotation of the worm wheel is stopped. |
| US07815225B2 |
Self restrained ductile iron fitting
A combination sealing and restraint system for an as-cast ductile iron fitting is shown for both sealing and preventing separation of an iron pipe fitting and a mating male pipe. A ring-shaped body is installed within a mating groove provided in a mouth region of the as-cast fitting after the fitting has been cast at the manufacturing plant. The ring-shaped body carries a gripping member with teeth on an inner surface thereof which are initially angled away from an outer surface of a mating male pipe. The teeth are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the mating male pipe as the pipe joint at the fitting is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to an end opening of the fitting during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the fitting joint has been assembled. The ring-shaped body also includes a relatively flexible portion formed of an elastomer which forms a sealing member with the mating male pipe. |
| US07815224B2 |
Multi-media rotary union
A rotating union communicates with a rotor member and is operable with either compressible or incompressible coolant media that enters the union through a media inlet. The union includes a housing having a counterbore and a tubular carrier member axially moveable in the housing. The union includes a primary seal assembly having a rotating seal member mounted to the rotor member and a non-rotating member mounted to the carrier member and a secondary seal member positioned about the carrier member. The range of the balance ratio of the primary seal assembly is disclosed when the primary seal assembly has imposed upon it a closing force, an opening force or no force. |
| US07815214B2 |
Rotatable sports board binding adapter
A rotatable sports board binding adapter includes a base plate that forms a series of lock holes, and a rotatable plate that is rotatably connected to the base plate and is configured to receive a binding. The rotatable plate has a locking mechanism configured to engage any one of the lock holes. The adapter includes one or more low friction elements disposed between the base plate and the rotatable plate. A method for changing a range of rotation of a binding on a sports board includes disengaging a rotation limiter, rotating the rotatable plate from a first range of rotation into a second range of rotation, and re-engaging the rotation limiter with the rotatable plate in the second range of rotation. |
| US07815208B1 |
Structure for laterally moving a folded folding bicycle
A structure for laterally moving a folded folding bicycle includes a front assembly for wheeling laterally and a rear assembly for wheeling laterally comprising a sleeve secured to a seat stay and having a substantially J-shaped opening having an upward directed notch at a lower end, a support tube, an auxiliary wheel rotatably secured to the support tube, and a threaded lever. The support tube is inserted through the sleeve and the elastic member and the lever is driven through an upper end of the opening into the support tube to slidably secure the support tube to the sleeve with an elastic member biased between the top of the support tube and the sleeve. After folding the bicycle the lever slidably pushes downward until entering the notch to be locked therein so as to change orientation of the auxiliary wheel to be perpendicular to that of the rear wheel. |
| US07815206B2 |
Securing device for a bicycle front fork
A securing device for a bicycle front fork has a clamping sleeve, an upper pressing base and a lower pressing base. The clamping sleeve is hollow, is made of a resilient material and has a C-shaped cross section. The upper pressing base is attached to a top end of the clamping sleeve and has a threaded hole and an upper pressing surface. The threaded hole is defined in the upper pressing base to screw with a connecting bolt. The upper pressing surface is conical and pressing against the inner surface of the clamping sleeve. The lower pressing base is attached to a bottom end of the clamping sleeve, is connected to the upper pressing base in a thread manner and has a lower pressing surface. The lower pressing surface is conical and presses against the inner surface the clamping sleeve. |
| US07815204B2 |
Rack-and-pinion type steering apparatus
A rack-and-pinion type steering apparatus 1 includes a housing 3 having a cylindrical holding hole 2 in its interior; a pinion 6 which is disposed in the housing 3 rotatably in a direction R about an axis O by means of bearings 4 and 5; a rack bar 8 which has rack teeth 7 meshing with the pinion 6 and is movable in a direction A; a rack guide 9 which is disposed in the holding hole 2 within the housing 3 movably in a direction C, and which guides and supports the rack bar 8 movably in the direction A; and a coil spring 10 for resiliently pressing the rack teeth 7 of the rack bar 8 against the pinion 6 by means of the rack guide 9. |
| US07815203B2 |
Dual taper knuckle and dual taper adapter sleeve
A knuckle includes two steering bosses (i.e., upper and lower), each having a continuous channel, connecting, respectively, separate channel openings where the channels taper outward from an inner diameter to each of their respective openings. A hollow first adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the upper steering boss, and a hollow second adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the lower steering boss. As a result of this structure, the knuckle may be used on either side of a vehicle, allow for entry of a steering arm/tie rod arm from forward to rear (rearwardly directed) or vice versa in either of the steering bosses, and may be applied to various sizes of knuckle-steer axle assemblies. |
| US07815201B2 |
Dolly assembly
A dolly assembly for use in towing a disabled vehicle, preferably including a main tube with a dolly wheel mounted at each end, and a method of using same. In one preferred embodiment, the main tube is capable of selective expansion or contraction along its longitudinal axis, to facilitate adjustment and placement of dolly axle assemblies connecting opposed, generally parallel dolly assemblies. Force leveraging mechanisms may be used to aid the selective expansion or contraction of the main tube, such as ratchet or rack and pinion mechanisms. In an alternative embodiment, and for ease in transport, the dolly assembly may be pivotably collapsed along its main tube about either a vertical or horizontal axis. |
| US07815197B2 |
Gasket
A gasket which can secure a sufficient sealing capability even for compact, light and less rigid high-performance engines is to be provided. The gasket comprises a metallic base plate and a shim plate stacked around each of combustion chamber holes in the base plate. A base plate bead consisting of a full bead is formed along the circumference of each of the combustion chamber holes. The shim plate is large enough to be arranged opposite a first flat part, a base plate bead formation position A and a second flat part in the base plate. A plurality of strips of auxiliary beads are formed in the part of the shim plate opposite the base plate. |
| US07815191B2 |
Equals: the game of strategy for the basic facts
An open rectangular prism with rotating cubes on dowel rods, two 12-sided dice, and three 20-sided dice invented with an accompanying method of use to function as a game to assist students in remembering the basic math facts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. |
| US07815190B1 |
Computer printable jigsaw puzzle
A jigsaw puzzle has a blank and computer-printable face. The jigsaw puzzle has a thick substrate which forms a thick substrate sheet. The thick substrate sheet has been die-cut, into thick puzzle pieces. The thick puzzle pieces are joined together by uncut lands between the thick puzzle pieces. The cuts and said lands are in such proportions as to allow users to separate the thick puzzle pieces from each other. The thick substrate is at least 0.020″ thick. |
| US07815184B2 |
Paper sheet separating and take-out device
A take-out device includes a take-out mechanism which takes out postal matters supplied to a take-out position at one end of a deposit section one by one, a separating mechanism which separates second and subsequent postal matters that are carried along with a postal matter to be taken out from the take-out position, and an auxiliary mechanism which applies a negative pressure to the postal matter on the take-out position so as to feed it in both forward and opposite directions. The separating mechanism applies a negative pressure to the postal matter on the conveyance path via a plurality of adsorption holes of a separating roller so as to adsorb it, and applies a separating torque in an opposite direction to the take-out direction thereto. |
| US07815182B2 |
Method for controlling stack-advancing in a reproduction apparatus
The present invention relates to a method for providing paper stack level calibration in a reproduction apparatus. According to various aspects of the invention, methods are provided for continuous feeding with a transition from one supply to another, and leaving a controlled number of sheets in the prior supply. |
| US07815177B2 |
Apparatus for aligning and/or retaining pallet to be repaired and/or pallet elements
An apparatus is disclosed for aligning and/or retaining pallets to be repaired and/or pallet elements used in repairing pallets. The apparatus comprises a base frame comprising at least one fixed lateral stop member and at least one movable lateral stop member for each bottom deck board member and/or for each connecting block member of a pallet. The movable lateral stop member is adapted to press the particular bottom deck board member and/or the assigned connecting block members against the cooperating fixed lateral stop member, such that the particular bottom deck board member and/or the connecting block members is/are aligned with reference to a line running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pallet and retained in that position. Preferably, a movable lateral stop member is assigned to each fixed lateral stop member. Additionally, the apparatus comprises at least one fixed longitudinal stop member and at least one movable longitudinal stop member. |
| US07815174B2 |
Vibration isolator
A vibration isolator which is capable of stably opening and closing an orifice is provided at low manufacturing cost. A plunger for opening and closing an idle orifice is disposed in a manner that is slidably engaged with the inner wall surface of an orifice-forming member. A shaft portion extending downward is formed in the central portion of the plunger. A convex portion which is formed with a through-hole in which the shaft portion is slidably is provided on the bottom of the orifice-forming member so as to provide a bearing portion. The shaft portion of the plunger and the bearing portion of the orifice-forming member constitute a guide member for guiding the reciprocating motion of this plunger. |
| US07815169B2 |
Quick coupling
A quick coupling, for example of a female type, to be connected with a counterpart, of a male type, comprises, inside a valve body, downstream of an inlet fitting for receiving a pressurized fluid flow (F), a guide and conveying body (7) having a parabolic cross section, and a plurality of radially outwardly extending ribs, delimiting, circumferentially of the guide and conveying body, a plurality of flow channels communicating with an annular chamber (6) closed by a valve body (3). |
| US07815168B2 |
Medical valve with rotating member and method
A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a rotating member with a member channel. The rotating member is rotatable to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode after insertion of a medical implement into the inlet. The member channel fluidly communicates the inlet and the outlet when in the open mode. The medical valve also has a resilient member biasing the rotating member toward the closed mode. The rotating member slides along the resilient member when rotating between the open mode and closed mode. |
| US07815167B2 |
Valve for adjusting the air flow rate in an internal combustion engine
A valve for adjusting the air flow rate in an internal combustion engine; the valve presents: a valve body; a cylindrical tubular pipe obtained within the valve body and in which an air introduction channel is defined; a valve seat obtained along the air introduction channel of the tubular pipe; an actuation system; a shutter, mobile under the bias of the actuation system; and a connection flange, which is integral with a first end of the tubular pipe and presents a plurality of through holes which are crossed in use by corresponding fastening screws for rigidly fixing the valve body; the connection flange is provided with a lower plate and an upper plate, which are reciprocally parallel, facing and distanced and are arranged radially with respect to the cylindrical tubular pipe, and a number of ribs, which reciprocally connect the plates, are arranged perpendicularly to the plates, and are arranged axially with respect to the cylindrical tubular pipe. |
| US07815166B2 |
Electrodynamic drive for a dispensing valve
An electrodynamic drive of a compact design is provided, particularly for a respiration system dispensing valve. The electrodynamic drive has a velocity measuring system that is uncoupled from the electrodynamic drive. The velocity measuring system is provided directly above a moving coil system, wherein the velocity measuring system has a short-circuit sleeve (15) for forming a separate magnetic circuit (221). |
| US07815165B2 |
Valve device having barrier for suppressing transmission of pulsating waves
A present invention is advantageously applied to a purge valve for purging evaporated fuel stored in a canister to an intake pipe of an engine. The purge valve has a fluid passage connecting an inlet port and an outlet port, and a normally closed valve port that is selectively opened by operation of an electromagnetic actuator is disposed in the fluid passage. A barrier pillar is disposed in the fluid passage between the inlet port and the valve port to suppress transmission of pulsating waves generated in the purge valve to the canister. Flow resistance of the barrier pillar is higher in a reverse flow direction from the valve port to the inlet port than in a normal flow direction from the inlet port to the valve port. The transmission of the pulsating waves is well suppressed by the barrier pillar while allowing a smooth flow from the canister into the purge valve. |
| US07815164B2 |
Low noise valve assembly
A low noise valve assembly (24) mitigates noise induced by near sonic gas flow encountering stagnant flow in the region of the valve (24). An inlet tube (10) terminates in an annular chamber (12). An outlet tube (17) has a generally annular valve seat (14) disposed within the chamber (12). The valve (24) moves toward and away from a closed condition in direct contact with the valve seat (14). The valve (24) includes an insert body (26) that is spatially segregated from direct contact with the outlet tube (17) while partially filling the flow channel (16) of the outlet tube (17) when the valve (24) is in its closed condition. The insert body (26) has a generally circular base with a diameter that is larger than the throat diameter (T), which is the internal diameter of the flow channel (16) adjacent the valve (24). |
| US07815156B2 |
Bicycle accessory device
A bicycle accessory assembly is mounted to inner and outer tubes of a bicycle frame. The outer tube is sleeved on the inner tube. The bicycle accessory assembly includes a clamp, an accessory, and a fastening unit. The clamp includes a sleeve portion sleeved on the outer tube, and first and second clamp ears connected respectively to two ends of the sleeve portion. The accessory has a connecting portion and an abutment portion. The fastening unit extends through the connecting portion and the first and second clamp ears along an axis. The fastening unit is operable to move the first clamp ear toward and away from the second clamp ear. The axis is oriented such that rotation of the accessory about the axis is prevented as a result of contact of the abutment portion with the inner tube and a top end of the inner tube. |
| US07815152B2 |
Coupler for cable trough
Elements, couplers, systems, and methods for joining two or more trough members. A locking element for a coupler of a cable trough system includes a frame member including a shaft, a pawl member including first and second ends, and defining an aperture, the shaft of the frame member extending through the aperture so that the pawl member pivots on the shaft, and a member positioned to engage the first end of the pawl member to pivot the pawl member about the shaft into a locked position. When a force is applied to the first end in a direction opposite to that exerted by the member, the pawl member moves about the shaft into an unlocked position. |
| US07815150B2 |
Beam director flow control
Systems and methods are described for controlling flow disturbances emanating from a protrusion, such as a beam propagating device. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a flow control element at least partially around a base portion of a protrusion, wherein the flow control element includes at least one flow expanding feature. A reduced pressure zone is generated proximate an aft portion of the protrusion by expanding at least a portion of a flowfield. One or more flow disturbances emanating downstream from the protrusion are deflected using the at least one reduced pressure zone. |
| US07815149B1 |
Magnetic capture docking mechanism
A mechanism uses a magnetic field to dock a satellite to a host vehicle. A docking component of the mechanism residing on the host vehicle has a magnet that is used to induce a coupled magnetic field with a docking component of the mechanism residing on the satellite. An alignment guide axially aligns the docking component of the satellite with the docking component of the host device dependent on the coupled magnetic field. Rotational alignment guides are used to rotationally align the docking component of the satellite with the docking component of the host device. A ball-lock mechanism is used to mechanically secure the docking component of the host vehicle and the docking component of the satellite. |
| US07815147B2 |
Reinforced cover for cut-outs in an aerodynamic contour
Reinforced cover for cut-outs in an aerodynamic contour of a vehicle, with a first attachment section 1a attachable to a structural element (2,5) of the vehicle (11); a second elastic section 1c which covers the cut-out (4) which is located between a fixed part 5 and a moving part (6, 12) of the vehicle (11), and provided with a low-friction layer (8) on its inner surface (1e), which comprises a first area (1i) in a rectangular configuration and a second area (1j) with a second cross-section smaller than that of the first area (1i); an outer surface (1k) with a fiberglass layer (7a); a main internal body (9) of a flexible material, a transition section (1g) thickened between the first and the second section, (1a, 1c); flushing the outer surface (1k) of the second section (1c) with the outer surface (5a). |
| US07815146B2 |
Combustible outgassing material lined altitude compensating rocket nozzle
A fixed sized bell rocket nozzle is lined with a layer of combustible material that is ignited during launch ignition and burns to outgas into the rocket exhaust for spatially variably confining the exhaust and perfecting an effective variably sized altitude compensating exhaust nozzle that maximizes lift during the launch of a spacecraft into orbit. |
| US07815143B2 |
Aircraft landing gear truck orientation for noise reduction
Methods of reducing aircraft noise from landing gear during take off and landing maneuvers. An actuated multi-axle landing gear truck is oriented such that a plane through the axles is substantially parallel to the aircraft water line during approach and takeoff. The embodiment retains the capability to re-orient the truck “toes up” or “toes down,” as may be required, just before touchdown to facilitate rapid application of braking and speed brake/spoiler deployment. It also maintains the capability to re-orient the truck during gear retraction after take off to fit into the aircraft wheel wells. The invention may be retrofitted to existing aircraft or deployed on new aircraft. |
| US07815138B2 |
Spinning reel handle assembly
A handle assembly includes a handle shaft portion, a handle arm, a handle grip, and a tubular member. The handle shaft portion is mounted to the inner peripheral portion of a master gear shaft so as not to be allowed to rotate relative to the master gear shaft, and is disposed so that the tip end portion of the master gear shaft protrudes outward in the axial direction compared to the tip end portion of the master gear. The handle arm extends in the radial direction from the tip end portion of the handle shaft portion, and is mounted to the handle shaft portion so as to be capable of pivoting with respect to the handle shaft portion. The handle grip is mounted to the tip of the handle arm. The tubular member is non-rotatably engaged with the tip end portion of the master gear shaft and the base end portion of the handle arm. |
| US07815135B2 |
Ice shaving machine
The present invention aims to provide an ice shaving machine that can produce a quantity of shaved ice powder without a fuss and that makes less noise. An ice shaving machine has an ice shaving chamber in which is provided a slit that a shaving blade faces, a rotary vane for rotating ice charged into the ice shaving chamber, a motor mechanism for rotating the rotary vane, a rotating hopper that stores the ice in the ice shaving chamber and coaxially rotates with the rotary vane, and an ice stocker that is provided above the rotating hopper and has openings at the lower and upper ends. The rotating hopper has a diameter that is reduced upwards, and the ice stocker coaxially rotates with the rotary vane and the rotating hopper. |
| US07815131B2 |
Injector with improved connection geometry
An injector, especially for an accumulator injection device, comprises an inlet connection (8), a leakage connection (3) and an electric connection (7). The leakage connection (3) and the electric connection (7) are embodied as a single-piece injection component (2), wherein the component is directly injection-moulded onto the injector (1). |
| US07815129B2 |
Conveyor device
An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuously delivering and non-intermittently introducing a liquid into a main flow. An exemplary apparatus includes a supply line, a delivery line, a delivery device for delivering a mass flow of the liquid from the supply line to the delivery line, and at least one atomizing element communicating with the delivery line. A branch line which branches off from the delivery line can be arranged in the delivery direction downstream of the delivery device and upstream of the atomizing element, at least one changeover and/or regulating member for shutting off and/or throttling the branch line being arranged in combination with the branch line. |
| US07815128B2 |
Method and injection system for injecting a fluid
A method for injecting a fluid, in particular a fuel, performs the following steps: A nozzle (1) which can be actuated by a piezo element (5) is provided. A current pulse (12a) is supplied to the piezo element (5). The capacity (16) of the piezo element (5) is recorded at the time when the current pulse (12a) is supplied. An actual characteristic curve of the injection is recorded based on the capacity (16). The current pulse (12a) is regulated in order to optimize the injection based on the actual characteristic curve of the injection. |
| US07815124B2 |
Image processing techniques for printing identification cards and documents
The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention includes a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image. |
| US07815120B2 |
Electronic shutter for a dual-mode imager
A method and imaging apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding a target object. The imaging apparatus (10) comprises a scanning arrangement (12) comprising a sensor assembly (22) for capturing an image from a target object. The sensor assembly (22) includes a sensor array (27) located within the sensor assembly. A programmable microprocessor (13) is located within and coupled to the scanning arrangement (12) that operates an electronic shutter (29) for controlling the exposure time of pixels (33) located in the sensor array (27). The electronic shutter (29) includes first and second modes of exposure. An image test control system (31) associated with the scanning arrangement (12) for evaluating lighting conditions surrounding the imaging apparatus (10) and selecting an optimum mode for imaging based on the evaluation between the first mode of exposure and the second mode of exposure. |
| US07815114B2 |
Dynamic discount card tied to price curves and group discounts
Systems and/or methods are disclosed for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. A dynamic discount card is disclosed according to an aspect of the present invention. The dynamic discount card comprises an information access component for receiving information and a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card. |
| US07815113B2 |
Method of and system for returning a consumer product in a retail environment so as to prevent or reduce employee theft, as well as provide greater accountability for returned merchandise in retail store environments
A method of and system for returning a consumer product in a retail environment and preventing or reducing employee theft of returned merchandise in retail store environments and providing greater accountability for returned merchandise in retail store environments. The method comprises providing an image capturing and processing system at the retail environment, including a system housing having an imaging window and generating and projecting a field of view through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window. The digital image capturing and processing system produces one or more digital images of consumer goods (i.e. products) passing within the 3D imaging volume. Identification (ID) data for the consumer returning the purchased goods is entered into a host system connected to the digital image capturing and processing system, as well as identification data for the employee to whom the goods are being returned. The digital image capturing engine captures one or more digital images of returned products and these digital images are provided to the host system. The host system generates an electronic document containing identification data for the customer and employee along with the one or more digital images of the returned product or merchandise. The electronic document is then transmitted from the host system to a database server associated with the retail store environment, for storage and subsequent processing. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to prevent or reduce employee theft of returned merchandise in retail store environments and provide greater accountability for returned merchandise in such store environments. |
| US07815110B2 |
Methods for controlling access to data stored in smart cards and related devices
In a method for controlling access to data stored on a smart card, an external request for communication with the smart card is received via a first communication interface. The external request for communication may be a request for communication over a second communication interface, for example, from a smart card reader. Private data from the smart card is transmitted via the second communication interface responsive to authentication of a user of the smart card. Related devices are also discussed. |
| US07815109B2 |
System for identifying counterfeit security document
A system is provided having a sensing device and a processor for determining a counterfeit security document. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a part of a digital signature of at least a part of the identity which has a plurality of signature parts. The sensing device is configured to sense one of the coded data portions and generate, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the identity, the part of the signature and a signature part identifier. The processor is configured to determine a determined signature using the identity, a determined signature part using the determined signature and the signature part identifier, and whether the security document is counterfeit by comparing the determined signature part and the part of the signature. |
| US07815101B2 |
Rich object model for diverse auto-ID tags
A system and method allowing one application to implement diverse AutoID tags interchangeably, by unifying all AutoID technologies into a single object model. The single object model interacts with all AutoID technologies, with only a lowest level device tailored to the specific AutoID technology, the single object model thereby persisting through the middleware, up to an application, carrying all necessary information from any AutoID technology. The single object model can interact with a tag many times, as necessary to complete an operation. A reader interface allows an application to communicate with multiple readers of diverse AutoID tags, and to communicate with individual servers communicating with individual readers of diverse AutoID tags. The reader interface also provides a single interface for hardware communication with a radio, for an application interacting with an entire network of readers, sensors, interpretation steps, product lookup, and information storage providing a single virtual reader. |
| US07815095B2 |
Wire loop, semiconductor device having same and wire bonding method
A wire loop comprises a wire connecting a first bonding point and a second bonding point therethrough, wherein the wire includes a ball bonded to the first bonding point, a neck portion adjacent to the ball and a major portion extending from the neck portion to the second bonding point. The neck portion includes a riser part which extends, from the bonded ball, obliquely upward in a direction toward the second bonding point, and the riser part is formed by a top portion of the ball which has entered an opening of a capillary and been shaped at the time of ball bonding. The riser part is formed by inclining the top portion of the ball, which enters the opening of the capillary at the time of ball bonding, which inclining is done by moving the capillary obliquely upward toward the second bonding point. |
| US07815094B2 |
Method of manufacturing cylindrical body, and friction stir welding method
A method of manufacturing a cylindrical body, comprising the step of forming the cylindrical body by bending a plate-like work having first projected finger to fourth projected finger at four corned parts and allowing the end faces thereof to abut on each other, wherein the main surface of the cylindrical body on the side where sags are present is formed in an outer peripheral wall surface and the rear surface thereof on the side where the burrs are present is formed in an inner peripheral wall surface, and a first projected part is formed of the first projected finger and the third projected finger and a second projected part is formed of the second projected finger and the fourth projected finger. After the cylindrical body is held by friction stir welding devices, the probe of a friction stir welding tool is buried from the direction of either of the first projected part and the second projected part, and scanned in the direction of the other of the second projected part and the first projected part. The probe is buried and scanned in the state of being displaced to an advancing side. |
| US07815093B2 |
Guiding device
The present invention relates to a guiding device (40) configured to guide equipment units for joining pipe sections which are arranged in a substantially upright position. The guiding device comprises a stationary body (41), one or more movable carriers being movably supported on said stationary body and configured to revolve one or more equipment units about a pipe section, a pipeline engagement device (63) configured to engage said guiding device with said pipe section and to support said stationary body, and one or more adjustable supports (44), said one or more adjustable supports being configured to make adjustment possible of a working plane of one or more equipment units (47, 48, 49) mounted on or to be mounted on said one or more carriers with respect to a pipe section on which the guiding device is mounted. |
| US07815090B2 |
Surgical instrument with articulating tool assembly
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly. |
| US07815087B2 |
Nail gun with an angle-adjustable magazine
A nail gun includes a body, a handle, a nail ejection member, and a nail magazine unit. The nail magazine unit includes two parallel cranks connected pivotally to the nail ejection member, and a link having two ends connected respectively and pivotally to free ends of the cranks. |
| US07815085B2 |
Combustion type driving tool
A combustion type driving tool including a combustion chamber frame which is provided in a housing, and can move in one direction and in the other direction thereby to define a combustion chamber when it has moved in the other direction, moving means which can select either of a manual operation valid state and a manual operation invalid state, and permits the combustion chamber frame to move in the other direction by manual operation, only in the manual operation valid state, and a link mechanism. The link mechanism has a connection part 81 connected to the combustion chamber frame at its one end, an operation part which can be pressed at its other end, and a rotation shaft provided between the connection part and the operation part and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of the combustion chamber frame to be selectively positioned, wherein the operation part rotates around the rotation shaft when it is manually pressed, and the connection part can move in the other direction. |
| US07815083B2 |
Hitch mounted carrier
A carrier for bicycles or other objects which is adapted to be mounted in a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The carrier being adapted to pivot downwardly away from the rear of the vehicle to allow for improved access to the rear doors of the vehicle. The carrier including a cantilever mounted handle having a spring actuated locking member for holding the carrier in a horizontal or, vertically stored position, or, when released, allowing the carrier to tilt downwardly. The carrier including bicycle support members is adapted to grip the wheels of a bicycle mounted thereon. The bicycle support members are mounted on transverse members and are laterally adjustable to match the wheel span of a bicycle to be carried. The bicycle support members are adapted to be folded and the transverse members moved inwardly to make the carrier more compact for storage. In an alternative embodiment, a tiltable carrier rack is provided for carrying items other than bicycles. |
| US07815080B2 |
Releasably lockable pinch grip hanger
A hanger includes at least one pinch-grip attached to the hanger for receiving an article for hanging. The pinch-grip includes first and second components extending substantially vertically from the hanger and cooperatively defining a pivot axis, each of the components including an upper end extending above the pivot axis and a lower end extending below the pivot axis. A spring force biases the lower ends together to a closed position and permits separation of the lower ends to an open position by pivotal movement of at least one of the upper ends towards the other upper end. A releasable lock can be activated to hold the lower ends of the components in the open position. |
| US07815079B2 |
Rapid comestible fluid dispensing apparatus and method
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control. |
| US07815077B2 |
Soap dispensing apparatus
A soap dispensing assembly has a container housing having an interior that retains soap. The container housing has an opening which communicates with the interior. A pump unit secured to the top of the container housing at a location separate from the opening. The pump unit includes a dispensing assembly through which soap from the interior is dispensed. A lid that is removably coupled to the opening to allow for a quick replenishment of the soap without having to remove the pump unit. The pump unit can also include an actuator that has a soap outlet, with the actuator is pivoted to draw soap from the interior of the container housing to the soap outlet. |
| US07815076B2 |
Vacuum released valve
These disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a vacuum released valve which closes an opening into a reservoir to passage therethrough until a sufficient vacuum is created with the reservoir as on initial dispensing of fluid from the reservoir. Furthermore a cap is preferably adapted to assume an inherent shape. The inherent shape is a shape such that when in the closed position; the cap will have an inherent bias to urge the female annular seat downwardly onto the male seat to form a seal and when deflected under vacuum conditions, to assume the open position; the inherent bias of the cap, on release of the vacuum, will cause the cap to reassume the position. |
| US07815071B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic cards, integrated circuit cards, and other similar items
Apparatuses and methods for dispensing cards and other items. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least first and second card hoppers and a movable card carriage. The card carriage is movable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position proximate to the second card hopper. The card carriage is configured to receive a first card from the first card hopper when in the first position and a second card from the second card hopper when in the second position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the card carriage can dispense at least the first card into a card outlet chute when the first card has been sufficiently read by a card reader. Alternatively, the card carriage can dispense the first card into a card escrow chute when the first card has not been sufficiently read by the card reader. |
| US07815069B1 |
Collapsible insulated cooler
A collapsible, soft-sided, insulated cooler or other container having a top, a sidewall having a sidewall top connected to the rim of the top and a bottom connected at a sidewall bottom, opposite the top. The top includes a zipper or other closure that extends from a first point to a second point on the rim of the top in a line along a radial segment, traversing a central region of the top. The sidewall comprises an inner layer, an outer shell and an insulating material disposed therebetween. The sidewall further includes a spring wire that extends between the bottom and top of the container that biases the cooler to a fully expanded configuration for use and that is compressible for storage by pressing down on the top. |
| US07815063B2 |
Closure and package with user-selectable child-resistant and non-child-resistant modes of operation
A child-resistant closure includes a one-piece plastic shell having a base wall with a peripheral edge, an annular skirt, and a bistable snap-action toggle connection between the peripheral edge of the base wall and the skirt such that the skirt is adapted to be moved between two stable positions with respect to the base wall. At least one lug is disposed on the skirt or the base wall for engagement with cooperating structure in a child-resistant mode of operation in a first position of the skirt with respect to the base wall. The skirt is movable with respect to the base wall between the first position and a second positions for selecting between the child-resistant and the non-child-resistant modes of operation of the closure. The bistable snap-action connection preferably includes a continuous annular wall connecting the peripheral edge of the base wall to the skirt, with the annular wall being outwardly conical in one position of the skirt and inwardly conical in the other position of the skirt with respect to the base wall. |
| US07815057B2 |
Portable cue stick holding apparatus
A pool clip for detachably connecting to a support surface may include a first clamp holding member for clamping to the support surface, a second clamp holding member for cooperating with the first clamp holding member for clamping to the support surface, a biasing device for biasing the first clamp holding member and the second clamp holding member, and each of the first clamp holding member and the second clamp holding member having a billiard cue holding surface adapted for holding multiple billiard cues of varying diameters and lengths. The first clamp holding member may include an aperture for cooperating with an insert member, and the insert member may include a depression area adapted for cooperating with a cue ball. The first clamp holding member may include an arm member to cooperate with the biasing device so that the first clamp holding member and the second clamp holding member are pivotally connected, and the first clamp holding member may include a handle section to allow a user to pivot the first clamp holding member with respect to the second clamp holding member. The billiard cue holding surface may be concavely curved, and the clamp holding member may include a support holding surface. The support holding surface may be formed from flexible material, and the insert member may be formed from flexible material. |
| US07815055B2 |
Bicycle storage system
A bicycle storage system for storing a bicycle, comprising: (i) a first flange to support a lower surface of a bicycle frame, the frame rotating about this first flange under the weight of the rear of the bicycle; and (ii) a second flange to contact an upper surface of that frame to prevent further rotation of the frame about the first flange, the flanges being arranged to then securely hold the frame. The first and the second flanges may be formed into a single, sinuous edge of a hollow cylindrical unit; this unit may be sized to store bicycle accessories. |
| US07815053B2 |
Woven wire screening and a method of forming the same
A woven wire screening for use in classifying material flowing therethrough and a method of forming the same. The woven wire screening includes a plurality of warp wires and a plurality of weft wires. The plurality of warp wires and the plurality of weft wires are interwoven to form an integral wire cloth having a plurality of openings for permitting material to be classified to flow through the openings. The plurality of warp wires are crimped to form upper and lower knuckles. The plurality of weft wires are crimped to form upper and lower knuckles. Preferably, the plurality of weft wires are crimped deeper than the plurality of warp wires such that the upper knuckles of the weft wires are higher than the upper knuckles of the warp wires creating a knuckle height differential between the upper knuckles of the weft wires and the upper knuckles of the warp wires. The woven wire cloth is formed such that a ratio of the knuckle height differential and size of at least one of the plurality of openings ranges from 5% to 35%. Preferably, the plurality of weft wires have a cross-sectional height at least four wires sizes greater than its cross-sectional width. Similarly, it is preferred that the plurality of warp wires have a cross-sectional height at least four wires sizes greater than its cross-sectional width. The warp and weft wires may each be provided with a pair of substantially flat sidewalls. |
| US07815048B2 |
Poker chip cup holder
A gaming chip holder and cup holder in one integrally molded device. A generally cylindrical center cup holder section surrounded by semi cylindrical poker style chip holders placed about the circumference of the cup holder area. An area without the chip holders is replaced with an integrally molded handle to facilitate the transportation of the beverage and poker chips from table to table and about the casino in a controlled and organized manner. This handle is formed in such a way as to allow the chip and cup holder device to be slid under the typical poker table bumper pad as to further insure against spillage and to conserve space on the poker table. The chip and cup holder device is also stackable unto itself. |
| US07815047B2 |
Insulated beverage receptacle
A collapsible insulated jacket for a beverage container is formed from the same material as that of the carton in which the beverages are sold. A plurality of insulated jackets are secured together along a perforated line. The plurality of insulated jackets can be formed as a portion of the carton or as a separate item removable secured to the carton. A layer of insulating material can be added to the material of the jacket to provide additional insulating properties for the jacket. |
| US07815046B2 |
Sharps dispensing and disposal system
A sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps dispensing container and a sharps disposal container within the sharps dispensing container. In one embodiment, the sharps disposal container is mounted at least partially within the sharps dispensing container, with a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the sharps disposal container. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps disposal container having an inner wall and an inlet for depositing used sharps into the sharps disposal container. The sharps dispensing container includes an outer wall that surrounds at least a portion of the sharps disposal container and forms a buffer zone. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes at least one elastic support member that elastically suspends a sharps disposal container in the interior of a sharps dispensing container. A cover detachably couples the sharps disposal container with the sharps dispensing container. |
| US07815041B2 |
Conveyor line with an adjustable railing and an actuator drive
A conveyor line for products such as bottles, cans or similar containers with at least one guide railing that is adjustable across the direction of conveyance and is operable by at least one actuator drive, whereby stops which can optionally be moved into several preset positions in the adjustment path of the guide railing or the at least one actuator drive which define various railing positions and thereby delineate the adjustment path. |
| US07815040B2 |
Impact bed assembly for conveyor belts
Impact bed assemblies are provided, both static and dynamic, for absorbing impact forces taken by conveyor belts. The static and dynamic bed assemblies generally are constructed to optimize their impact absorption capacities while minimizing their space requirements under the belt. |
| US07815035B2 |
Work locating conveyer, work locating method, and work locating conveyer carriage
A work locating conveyer, including: a locator disposed on a conveyer carriage and configured to locate and support a work; a locating jig disposed on the respective locator and configured to locate and support the works having different configurations; and a driver. The driver includes: an original position mover configured to move a main locator in such a manner that the main locator follows a moving path on the conveyer carriage to an original position on the moving path, a jig returner configured to return the main locating jig to the non-use state, a jig locating mover configured to move the main locator from the original position to a certain locating position on the moving path, and a locating jig selective mover configured to move from the non-use state to the in-use state the main locating jig that is to be used. |
| US07815031B2 |
Directional cell indexing matrix
Storage matrixes associated with storage and retrieval systems and methods are provided to automate the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. In one embodiment, the storage matrix comprises a storage matrix comprising a plurality of stationary cell modules and a plurality of carriers. The outer row cell modules comprise a plurality of motors configured to move the respective carrier bi-directionally within the storage matrix and is also configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position. The inner row cell modules comprise at least one motor configured to move the respective carriers uni-directionally within the storage matrix and also comprises at least one ferrous metal plate configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position. |
| US07815030B2 |
Key hole slots for cushioned ceramic driven disc assembly incorporating direct bond cushioned ceramic facings
A clutch disc assembly for a friction torque device has a clutch damper assembly which includes a hub defining an axis of rotation and a concentric steel disc. The damper assembly includes a plurality of cushion elements fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction rings are disposed on opposite sides of the cushion elements and are rotatively fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction discs have an equal number of keyhole slots defining an equal number of arms. A friction pad is fixed to each arm, with friction pads on the first friction disc being in substantial alignment with the friction pads on the second friction disc. |
| US07815029B2 |
Electromagnetic clutch apparatus
In an electromagnetic clutch apparatus for forming a magnetic path in a circulating shape by an electromagnet at a pilot clutch alternately arranged with a main outer plate and a main inner plate and capable of controlling to transmit a torque between a clutch housing and a cam plate by being engaged in an axial direction and at a surrounding of a nonmagnetic portion continuously formed in the axial direction of a middle portion in a diameter direction of the pilot clutch to carry out an engaging, the nonmagnetic portion is formed by through holes in a circular arc shape having bridge portions for maintaining a shape in a diameter direction of the pilot clutch therebetween in a peripheral direction, and the bridge portion is divided in the diameter direction of the pilot clutch and a nonmagnetic member is interposed between divisions thereof. |
| US07815028B2 |
Clutch plate, friction clutch, and coupling device
A friction clutch includes an iron inner clutch plate and two iron outer clutch plates. Each clutch plate has a sliding surface that friction-engages with the other clutch plates. A diamond-like carbon film containing silicon, which functions as a solid lubricant, is formed on the sliding surface of each outer clutch plate through a conventional method such as plasma chemical vapor deposition. The diamond-like carbon film contains 1 wt % to 80 wt % of silicon. A coupling device includes a pilot clutch mechanism that has the friction clutch and an electromagnetic actuator. As a result, the friction clutch has an improved resistance to wear, and the coupling device is durable. |
| US07815016B2 |
Lubrication control system for automatic transmissions
An automatic transmission lubrication control system includes a modulating, spring biased spool valve and feedback circuit. One end of the spool valve is supplied with line pressure hydraulic fluid. The valve spool modulates a flow of lubricating hydraulic fluid from the cooler and its position is determined by a force balance between the line pressure, the regulated fluid output pressure to the lubrication system and the force of the biasing spring. In a reduced lubrication state, a signal from a transmission control module opens a solenoid valve to provide high pressure fluid to a three way check valve which closes the feedback circuit and applies high pressure fluid to the opposite end of the valve spool. This action moves the valve spool to a travel limit, closing off flow from the cooler. Hydraulic fluid from the torque converter feed is then routed to the lubrication system. |
| US07815013B2 |
Energy absorber for personal fall arrestor
An energy absorber for use in a personal fall arresting system. The absorber contains upper and lower webbings which are each two ply members. The back ply of the upper webbing is mounted adjacent to the face ply of the lower webbing with said webbing being of about equal length and width. Exterior tear elements run back and forth sinusoidally between attachment points on the face ply of the upper webbing and the back ply of the lower webbing. Interior tear elements run back and forth sinusoidally between attachment points on the back ply of the upper webbing and the top ply of the lower webbing. |
| US07815012B2 |
Noise optimized air distributor
An air distributor is provided that includes, but is not limited to a perforated body, insertable at a joint between a first air duct, which extends in one direction, and a second air duct, that extends in a second different direction, to redirect air flowing in the first air duct into the second air duct and to reduce low frequency high volume noise. |
| US07815010B2 |
Gear mechanism incorporating a signal transmission medium
A gear mechanism usable in an electric power steering system is provided. The gear mechanism includes a gear housing including a passage formed therein, a gear positioned in the passage, and a signal transmission medium positioned in the passage adjacent the gear. A partition is inserted into the passage to prevent contact between the signal transmission medium and the gear. |
| US07815007B2 |
Hood impact absorbing apparatus
The present invention provides a hood impact absorbing apparatus capable of further mitigating an impact that a collision body receives from a hood than ever, wherein a push-up rod pushes up the rear end of a hood at the time of a collision of a vehicle, and when a collision body is battered against the top surface of the hood in this state, the rear end of the hood descends and the distal end of the push-up rod slidingly contacts and moves a rear-side flat portion and an arm intermediate curved portion in the rear end of the hood, and herein, a slide contact angle (θ) in the arm intermediate curved portion is larger than a slide contact angle (θ) in the rear end of the rear-side flat portion, thereby, during a process in which the rear end of the hood descends, peaks at which an absorbing amount of impact energy becomes large can be provided at least twice, and as a result, the impact can be mitigated further than ever. |
| US07815006B2 |
Seat belt winding method, seat belt retractor, and seat belt apparatus
To provide a seat belt winding method, a seat belt retractor, and a seat belt apparatus capable of stopping the motor even when the seat belt is being wound and restarting the winding of the seat belt, and capable of reducing excess repetition of stopping and starting of the motor.A seat belt winding method comprises a start signal detecting step (S1) for detecting a buckle release signal, a starting step (S2) for actuating a motor based on a buckle release signal, an overload detecting step (S3) for detecting overload on the motor, a stopping step (S4) for stopping the motor when overload is detected, a waiting step (S5) for stopping the motor for a certain period of time, a storage checking step (S6) for checking the completion of the winding of the seat belt after a lapse of the certain period of time, and a restart determining step (S7) for counting up the number of times the motor is restarted and terminating the winding operation of the seat belt (S8) when the number of times the motor is restarted reaches a predetermined value. |
| US07815004B1 |
Off road capable electric wheelchair attachment
This invention pertains to an attachment to an electric wheelchair. The attachment enables an electric wheelchair to be used in areas that would not otherwise be possible. An electric wheelchair, though very useful and necessary, has several mobility drawbacks. Off road areas such as beaches, mud, and even tall grass pose a problem to the electric wheelchair. This invention provides an attachment to an existing electric wheelchair and powered off of that wheelchair's motor that allows the user to explore terrain that would not be possible in conventional wheelchair designs. By designing a drive system that works off of the electric wheelchair's power, the attachment can remain purely mechanical. With no motors or electric parts on the attachment, the design is simple and user friendly. |
| US07815003B2 |
Motorized snow vehicle
A motorized vehicle is of a type which is used to travel on snow and which is equipped with at least one ski and one caterpillar track. The motorized vehicle comprises: handlebars (2) which are solidly connected to a chassis (3) of the vehicle (1); a pair of skis (4) which are solidly connected to the chassis (3) and which are not symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal and transverse axes thereof, the width of each ski decreasing from front to rear and the outer side (5) being curvilinear; and a platform (6) for a standing user, the width of the platform being greater than the maximum distance separating the two skis (4). |
| US07815000B2 |
Fully welded track undercarriage transmission with inboard motor mounting flange
A track driven vehicle has an undercarriage transmission assembly that has a central transmission housing forming a one piece all welded housing. The central transmission housing has upright side wall portions with multiple layers of plates or walls in a sandwich construction on which drive motors are mounted. The drive motors are on the interior of the transmission housing, with track driven sprocket assemblies on the exterior of the side walls. Track mounting pods or frames are welded to the exterior of the side walls of the transmission housing. |
| US07814998B2 |
Superabrasive cutting elements with enhanced durability and increased wear life, and drilling apparatus so equipped
A cutting element for use in drilling subterranean formations. The cutting element includes a superabrasive table mounted to a supporting substrate. The superabrasive table includes a two-dimensional cutting face having a cutting edge along at least a portion of its periphery, and a surface comprising a chamfer extending forwardly and inwardly from proximate a peripheral cutting edge at a first acute angle of orientation of greater than about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cutting element, and to no greater than a selected depth. The chamfer may be arcuate or planar, and of a dimension sufficient to ensure that a wear flat generated during use of the cutting element remains outside the inner boundary of the chamfer within the chamfer envelope, and small enough to maintain aggressive cutting characteristics for the cutter. Drill bits and drilling tools bearing the cutting elements are also disclosed. |
| US07814990B2 |
Drilling apparatus with reduced exposure of cutters and methods of drilling
A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock. |
| US07814983B2 |
Dry pipe valve for fire protection sprinkler system
A fire protection system comprises a supply pipe having a first fluid pressurized to a first pressure and a network of pipes having a plurality of sprinklers. The network of pipes have a second fluid being pressurized to a second pressure at approximately 5.5 times the first pressure. The system further comprises a dry pipe valve including a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet coupled to the supply pipe and an outlet coupled to the network of pipes. The inlet has an inlet diameter of approximately WD inches and a seat disposed in the body has a seating surface with a diameter AD approximately less than two times WD inches. The dry pipe valve further includes a clapper pivotable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis between a first position occluding the passage when the ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is at least 5.5 and a second position permitting fluid flow through the passage when the ratio is less than 5.5. |
| US07814982B2 |
Downhole non-return valve and method
Disclosed herein is a device that relates to a non-return valve. The valve comprising, a valve seat, a valve piston in operable communication with the valve seat. The valve further comprising, a first seal disposed at the piston to interact with the valve seat, and a second seal positioned at the piston to interact with the valve seat temporally after the first seal. |
| US07814976B2 |
Flow control device and method for a downhole oil-water separator
A downhole device having an oil/water separator having a well fluid inlet, an oil stream outlet conduit, and a water stream outlet conduit; a removable flow-restrictor located in at least one of the water stream outlet conduit or the oil stream outlet conduit. |
| US07814974B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatuses for monitoring and recovery of petroleum from earth formations
A system for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The system includes: at least one injection borehole for injecting a thermal source into the formation; at least one production borehole for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation; and at least one drainage borehole intersecting a portion of the at least one production borehole. Methods of recovering petroleum from an earth formation and creating a petroleum production system are also provided. |
| US07814972B2 |
Wireline entry sub
A wireline entry sub includes a body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal, center axis therebetween. The body is adapted for connection below a top drive to a wellbore string of tubulars. A slot on the body has a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis for receiving a sheave. A wireline entry port extends through the body from the slot to the lower end. The lower end of the wireline entry sub is adapted to be secured to the string of tubulars, with the weight of the tubulars passing through the wireline entry sub. |
| US07814967B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger having an active surface over which a fluid flows to affect an exchange of heat between the active surface and the fluid. In some embodiments, the active surface includes a logarithmic spiral wherein the radius of the logarithmic spiral measured at equiangular radii unfolds at a constant order of growth. Further embodiments exhibit an active surface conforming to the internal or external surface of particular classes or genera of shells. |
| US07814965B1 |
Airflow heat dissipation device
Airflow-based heat dissipation is described. A heat sink includes a housing with a first chamber and a second chamber separated by an interface located below the first chamber. The first chamber has sidewalls with first side ports and an access opening. Pins extend from a top surface of the interface into the first chamber. The top surface of the interface has dimples located between the pins and first passageways which extend from the dimples of the top surface to a bottom surface of the interface. The second chamber has a network of tunnels with ends that extend to the sidewalls to provide second side ports. The first passageways extend to the network of tunnels. |
| US07814953B2 |
Labelling machine
A rotary labelling machine comprises a carrousel that can be pivotally driven by a carrousel motor and a plurality of container stations supported by said carrousel, wherein each container station comprises a container-holder plate and a plate motor suitable to rotate the plate about its own axis, carrousel sensor means detecting the movement of the carrousel and generating a reference signal representative of the carrousel angular position, a plurality of local control units. Each control unit is connected with one of the plate motors, respectively, and is configured to receive and process the reference signal and generate a control signal specific for said plate motor. Signal propagation means are connected to the carrousel sensor means and to the local control units to propagate the reference signal to each of the local control units. |
| US07814952B2 |
Run-flat support body and tire/wheel assembly
The present invention provides a run-flat support body and a tire/wheel assembly whose weights can be respectively reduced. The run-flat support body includes an annular shell and elastic rings, the annular shell having an outer peripheral side as a support surface and an inner peripheral side formed in fork-shaped open legs, the elastic rings being attached respectively to the legs portions of the annular shell, and the elastic rings being designed to be mounted on a rim of a wheel. The annular shell is formed of a porous structural material having fine voids. The run-flat support body is attached to an inside of a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim of the wheel. |
| US07814951B2 |
Pneumatic tire having tread including convexly curved fine grooves
A pneumatic tire which can enhance performance on snow while assuring performance in wet or dry condition is provided.A plurality of inclined lateral grooves 16 which extend from the tread edge 12E toward the tire equatorial surface CL, being inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction, are arranged in the tread 12 to establish the rotation directionality, whereby high performance in wet condition is obtained. In traveling on snow, the snow is got into the inclined lateral grooves 16, resulting in a force for shearing the snow column being obtained, thus basic performance in traveling on a snow covered road surface is provided. In the land portion 18 between inclined lateral grooves 16 adjoining in the circumferential direction, convexly curved line fine grooves 20 and sipes 22 are formed on the treading-in side, whereby a great edging effect is obtained in treading in the snow, which can enhance traction performance on snow. In addition, in the land portion 18, the kicking-out side is provided with less grooves than the treading-in side, having a higher rigidity, thus the land part rigidity as the entire land portion is assured, resulting in maneuvering performance in wet or dry condition being ensured. |
| US07814948B2 |
Protective handbag cover
A device for protecting a handbag includes a bag, one or more elastic bands and an optional pliable trim piece, each attached to the bag. The elastic bands encircle the bag and are positioned between the opening and the bottom of the bag. The pliable trim piece encircles the bag and is positioned at the opening of the bag. |
| US07814946B1 |
Hands free wood splitter system
An hydraulically powered implement attachment for a powered machine is disclosed. The implement attachment comprises a frame member adapted for attachment to at least one movable arm of the powered machine. A reversible drive hydraulic motor member is mounted to the frame member. The hydraulic motor member includes a drive shaft extending therefrom and a pair of hydraulic power lines adapted for attachment to the powered machine. A power shaft is rotatably mounted to the frame member and operatively connected at a first end to the drive shaft of the hydraulic motor member. A rotationally operative implement member is connected to a second end of the power shaft. An operator of the powered machine actuates the rotationally operative implement member through rotation of the power shaft by the reversible drive hydraulic motor. Preferably the implement attachment member is a conical wood splitter member and the powered machine is a skid steer. |
| US07814943B2 |
Apparatus and method for dispensing foam
Apparatus for dispensing foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The apparatus includes a source of foam and a dispensing device which has an inlet in communication with the source of foam, a usable foam outlet, and a waste bleed outlet. The waste bleed outlet communicates with the inlet and with the useable foam outlet, and has a higher resistance to flow of foam than that of the usable foam outlet. The useable foam outlet may be blocked off such that foam may flow through the high resistance waste bleed outlet, and the usable foam outlet may be opened such that foam may flow through the usable foam outlet. |
| US07814938B2 |
Safety line hose
A safety line hose to which a worker can be attached and which includes a passageway for communicating an air compressor with a pneumatic tool. The safety line includes an elongated flexible pneumatic hose, an elongated flexible tubing enveloping the pneumatic hose, and an elongated, flexible, wear resistant sheath enveloping the tubing. A compressor air hose connector is attached to the end of the pneumatic hose located at the first end of the safety line hose, and is adapted to be connected to the outlet of an air compressor hose. A pneumatic tool connector is attached to the end of the pneumatic hose located adjacent the second end of the safety line hose, and is adapted to be connected to a pneumatic tool. A fastening member is attached to the first end of the safety line hose and is adapted to be releasably fastened to a safety line attachment member. |
| US07814937B2 |
Deployable contour crafting
A deployable crafting machine may include a vehicle and a gantry system. The gantry system may be configured to be collapsed on the vehicle during which the gantry system is inoperable and to be expanded during which the gantry system is operable and supported at least in part by the vehicle. A deployable crafting process may include moving a vehicle to a first location while a gantry system is stored on the vehicle in a collapsed and inoperable state and expanding the gantry system into an operable state after the vehicle arrives at the first location during which the gantry system is supported at least in part by the vehicle. |
| US07814935B2 |
Vortex valve
A coupling is provided preferably for a vortex valve for use on an outlet pipe in a sewerage system. The coupling comprises an outer component for insertion into a bore of a pipe, and an inner component which is inserted into the outer component, ramp means being provided between the two components, whereby the outer component is expanded to seal against the bore when the inner component is inserted into the outer component so as to engage the second ramp portion. The ramp means comprise first and second portions of different inclinations. The vortex valve has a circumferential inlet which is adjustable. |
| US07814932B2 |
Digital pressure gauge
A vacuum pressure regulator system for use in association with a vacuum system in which a vacuum is employed for healthcare purposes, for assisting in monitoring and regulating the vacuum pressure, and having a manual pressure control valve to adjust the treatment vacuum pressure supplied to the patient, a vacuum pressure sensor to sense the treatment vacuum pressure for the patient in the system, and producing a treatment vacuum pressure signal, a sampling circuit which intermittently samples the pressure signal generated by the pressure sensor and generate sampling signals, an electrically powered pressure display circuit, and digital pressure display, for receiving the sampling signals and providing a visible display, and, a non-mains power supply. |
| US07814931B2 |
Selectively actuated constant flow valve
A constant flow regulating valve of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,026,850 and 6,209,578 includes a closure mechanism configured and arranged to override the modulating mode of the valve and to close the valve at fluid inlet pressures both below and above the valve's threshold level. The closure mechanism may be selectively deactivated to thereby allow the valve to assume its normal pressure responsive regulating functions. Embodiments of the regulating valve incorporate pressure relief devices and vent seals, with configurations suitable for incorporation into the trigger assemblies of portable sprayers. |
| US07814930B1 |
Refill control mechanism for a liquid holding tank
A liquid refill control for a holding tank includes a pneumatic solenoid valve for delivering liquid to the tank in an open state and restricting delivery of the liquid to the tank in a closed state. The solenoid valve has a pneumatic exhaust. A container mounted in the tank includes an inlet for introducing liquid from the tank into the container and an outlet formed below the inlet. A discharge valve is operably mounted to the tank for alternately closing and opening the outlet. A lower float closes the discharge valve when the liquid is at or above a predetermined level in the tank and opens the discharge valve when the liquid is below the predetermined level to discharge liquid from the container. A pneumatic exhaust valve alternately opens and closes the pneumatic exhaust which in turn changes the state of the pneumatic solenoid valve. An upper float mounted in the container maintains the pneumatic exhaust valve in one of the open and closed conditions when the liquid in the container is at or above a threshold level and maintains that valve in the other condition when the liquid in the container is below the threshold level. |
| US07814929B2 |
Clean line heated valve
A valve of cleanable design capable of maintaining unfavourable conditions for microbial activity on the downstream side and/or outlet of the valve, said valve comprising: A smooth and contoured body (5) with an integral upstream connector (1), downstream connector and defined fluid flow path; a flexible sealing membrane (9) being: (i) selectively moveable into contact with the valve body to close the valve; (ii) selectively moveable out of contact with the valve body to open the valve; (iii) selectively operable to a range of positions to vary the flow rate of fluid through said valve; a defined internal shape that allows the fluid to drain out of the valve body; an elongated heater (7) secured into the valve body in a location so as not to be contact with the fluid or disrupt the internal smooth and contoured body, the heater being operative to heat the valve body to a predetermined temperature. |
| US07814928B2 |
Microfluidic devices and related methods and systems
A microfluidic assembly comprising a replaceable microfluidic circuit and a thermal unit, the microfluidic circuit adapted to contact the thermal unit by contact between one or more membranes in the microfluidic circuit and the at least one temperature controlling element in the thermal unit to achieve temperature control of a substance or substances inside one or more fluidic compartments in the microfluidic circuit. A related method to control temperature and/or physical state of a substance in the fluidic compartments and related testing systems are also described. |
| US07814922B2 |
Apparatus for controlling the pressure in a process chamber and method of operating same
A method of operating apparatus for controlling the pressure in a process chamber (10), the apparatus comprising a first pump unit (14) having an inlet in fluid connection with an outlet of said process chamber, and a second pump unit (16) having an inlet in fluid connection with an outlet of the first pump unit via a flow control unit (18) comprising a variable flow control device (20; 28) having variable conductance for controlling outlet fluid pressure at the outlet of the first pump unit, the method comprises controlling speed of the first pump unit to increase the range of chamber pressures over which control of the outlet fluid pressure produces changes in said chamber pressure without exceeding the thermal limit and/or motor stall limit of the first pump unit. |
| US07814912B2 |
Delivery methods and devices for implantable bronchial isolation devices
Disclosed is a sizing device for sizing an inside diameter of a lung passageway. The device includes an elongate shaft configured for positioning in the lung passageway and a sizing element at the distal end of the shaft. The sizing element defines a range of transverse dimensions that correspond to a range of transverse dimensions suitable for use with a predetermined set of bronchial isolation devices. The device is used to determine the suitability of a bronchial isolation device for use in the lung passageway prior to using a separate delivery catheter to deliver the bronchial isolation device into the lung passageway. |
| US07814911B2 |
Nares seal
Apparatus for providing positive pressure for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea are disclosed. The apparatus includes a nares seal configured to engage the nares of a patient and to direct pressurized air into the airways of the patient. The nares seal can include first and second laterally spaced delivery tubes defining a generally triangular open space between them. The delivery tubes can extend downward below the nose of a patient and curve inward and upward under the nose of the patient. A first and a second nostril tube are connected to the delivery tubes for insertion into the nares of the patient. A wire support may be provided in each of the laterally spaced delivery tubes. The nares seal may be connected to a mask support of headgear configured to be secured to the head of the patient. |
| US07814910B2 |
Nose cap
A nose cap includes a hollow body having a first opening, a second opening communicating with the first opening via a first passage and an outer covering having a third opening communicating with the first opening of the hollow body and a fourth opening communicating with the third opening via a second passage. An air chamber is formed between the hollow body and the outer covering after extension of the hollow body into the second passage. The air chamber is able to provide comfort to a patient. |
| US07814905B2 |
Systems devices and methods for opening receptacles having a powder to be fluidized
A method for forming at least one opening in a receptacle comprises the steps of providing a receptacle having a cover with an exterior surface and an interior surface covering a cavity. A cutting mechanism is also provided having at least one blade. The cover is pierced with the blade, and the blade is moved through the cover to cut a portion of the cover and create an opening in the cover to provide access into the cavity. Further, the cut portion curls on top of the exterior surface as the opening is created. |
| US07814904B2 |
Protective hood structural attachment system
The present invention is a flexible respiratory protective hood having interior and exterior surfaces. Multiple apertures are die-cut in the hood in a predetermined geometric configuration. A substantially rigid respiration component to provides a fluid pathway between hood interior and exterior. Raised fluid ports extend from the respiration component and are aligned with the apertures. Fluid ports extend from the hood interior surface and project from the hood exterior surface. A bond between the hood interior surface and the respiration component form a fluid impermeable seal between the respiration component and hood. |
| US07814903B2 |
Integrated control circuit for an oxygen mask
A safety device integrated into a respiratory system that includes an oxygen mask having a cup-shaped rigid portion overlying a face mating portion to define a respiratory envelope that is adapted to sealingly engage over the mouth and nose of a user. An integrated control circuit includes an externally mounted connection block and a circuit looping through the respiratory envelope. A hands-free, mouth-activated switch is located within the cup-shaped rigid portion and is electrically coupled to the control circuit. |
| US07814901B2 |
Nebulizing drug delivery device with increased flow rate
The present invention provides a nebulizing drug delivery system for delivering an aerosolized drug to a user having various features to increase the capacity of the drug delivery device. The drug delivery system includes a heater to increase the viscosity of the drug, a double aerosolizing system to double the capacity of the device, and a valve system to continuously replenish drug to the aerosol generator thereby providing a high speed delivery. |
| US07814897B2 |
Door linkage system for an oven having french-style doors
A cooking appliance includes first and second French-style doors connected through a door linkage system. The door linkage system includes first and second control arms, each including a first end linked to a corresponding one of the first and second doors and a second end. The second ends of the first and second control arms are interconnected and mounted so as to travel in an arcuate path when one of the doors is operated. Shifting one of the first and second doors in an open or closed direction results in a corresponding movement in the other door. The first and second control arms are actually interconnected to a linkage control arm that establishes a particular timing of the doors. The door linkage system also employs a camming surface, cam follower and spring element that provides a biasing force to the doors. |
| US07814890B2 |
Injection means for a combustion engine
An injector for fuel includes a passage for receiving fuel at an above-atmospheric first pressure, a pressure amplifier and an injection valve which is settable in an open position and a closed position. The injection valve includes a piston element, a closing chamber and an opening chamber. To inject fuel, the pressure amplifier generates a higher second fuel pressure in the opening chamber so that the valve element moves towards an open position and fuel is injected. To end injection of fuel, the high pressure in the opening chamber is reduced and the closing chamber is connected to the fuel source at the first pressure so that the valve is moved towards the closed position by a combined force created by the first pressure and the spring. |
| US07814885B2 |
Fast idle air amount control system in side stand-equipped two-wheeled motor vehicle
A fast idle air amount control system in a side stand-equipped two-wheeled motor vehicle is provided in which a bypass control valve (10) is arranged so that an axis (Y) of the bypass control valve (10) is substantially horizontal along the lateral direction of a two-wheeled motor vehicle (M) when the two-wheeled motor vehicle (M) is in an upright state and slopes downward toward a side stand (41) side when the two-wheeled motor vehicle (M) is put in an inclined parked state by standing it on the side stand (41), and an actuator (25), which is electrically operated, is coupled to an end part of the bypass control valve (10) on a side opposite to the side stand (41). This enables a fast idle air amount control system in a two-wheeled motor vehicle to be provided in which the actuator is formed as an electrically operated type and it is possible to easily prevent water droplets generated in a bypass from entering the electrically operated actuator even when the two-wheeled motor vehicle is put in an inclined parked state by standing it on the side stand. |
| US07814884B2 |
Air bypass apparatus in fuel injection apparatus
To accurately supply idle air without influence of pulsative pressure generated within an intake passage, a lower end surface (21a2) of a bottom portion (21a) of an air control valve (21) is arranged in a contact manner via a closing member (1) toward a locking piece portion (2) fixed to an end portion of a shaft portion (20b) of a slider (20), an annular gap (S2) formed by an inner periphery (21a1) of the bottom portion (21a) and an outer periphery (20d) of the shaft portion (20b) is closed by the closing member (1) arranged in a contact manner on the lower end surface (21a2), and cuts off communication between a space portion (25), which is formed between a tube portion (21b) of the air control valve (21) and the shaft portion (20b), and a lower chamber (12g) of a valve body guide hole facing to the bottom portion (21a). |
| US07814882B2 |
Rotary piston engine
An internal combustion engine including a working chamber assembly housing, intake and exhaust ports, a pair of piston assemblies each of which assemblies includes at least one pair of diametrically opposed pistons within the working chamber assembly housing rotatable about a rotational axis of said piston assemblies, means for interconnecting said first and second piston assemblies for variable speed rotation in the same direction during recurrent periods of rotation, wherein the piston having a piston head and a piston vessel, the piston head of one piston assembly received by the piston vessel of the other piton assembly to form a working chamber. The connecting means includes a pair of internal gears, a plurality of planetary gears and means for transmitting variable speed rotation, a main transmission gear set, and a pair of auxiliary means that is connected to the piston assemblies. |
| US07814880B2 |
Plastic cover having metal reinforcement for internal combustion engine applications and method of construction
A cover assembly for an internal combustion engine application and method of construction therefore provides one construction for a valve cover assembly, and another construction for an end cover assembly for a crankcase. The cover assemblies include at least one rigid metal carrier having a plurality of bolt openings and a plurality of load limiters located about said openings. A material is overmolded on the carrier and about the load limiters, with the material forming an exposed sealing surface for direct engagement with a seal gasket. |
| US07814874B2 |
Controlling two cam phasers with one cam position sensor
A camshaft (cam) phaser control system for an engine includes a first camshaft having a first target wheel. A second camshaft has a second target wheel. A cam position sensor detects said first and second target wheels and generates camshaft position data based on said first and second target wheels. |
| US07814865B2 |
Device for training and locating an animal
Described is an animal training/locating device including an animal training feature, an animal locating feature, and a transmitting device for communicating with the animal training feature and the animal locating feature independently. The training device and the locator device are secured to a carrying strap that is secured to the animal such that the training device and the locator device are carried by the animal. The training device is adapted to receive a training signal and the locator device is adapted to receive a locator signal. The transmitting device transmits the training signal and the locator signal. Whether the transmitting device transmits the training signal or the locator signal is governed by the trainer. Consequently, the trainer, by way of the transmitting device, communicates with the training device and the locator device independently. |
| US07814864B2 |
Chew toy with fabric or fabric layering
The present disclosure relates to chew toys comprising a fabric and a polymeric material. The fabric and polymeric material may be present as one or more layers. The chew toys may specifically include a fabric having an outer or exposed surface which may include written/printed indicia. The fabric may be capable of stretching with the polymeric layer and the fabric layer may have an inner surface substantially engaged to the polymeric material. Such engagement may therefore avoid delamination and present a relatively smooth surface without disruptions. Such composite may therefore provide durability and resistance to an animal chewing action. |
| US07814862B2 |
Method of forming structures using drop-on-demand printing
A method and apparatus are described for forming a structure on a substrate. The structure may be a circuit element. The method uses a digital specification 910 for forming the structure, including specifications for printing and curing. The structure is printed (step 112) using a drop-on-demand printer 400, wherein the printing dispenses at least one material on the substrate 420 according to the digital specification 910. The structure is cured (step 130) by irradiating the dispensed material from one or more electromagnetic radiation sources 520, 525 in the printer 400, wherein curing parameters are specified by the digital specification 910 to obtain a desired electrical property when the structure is a circuit element. The curing specification may specify the intensity of the irradiation and the location of irradiation points in the print region. |
| US07814861B2 |
Method and device for coating printed circuit boards
A device for coating printed circuit boards with a fluid coating compound applied to the board surface is disclosed. The device has a conveyor for the printed circuit boards, a sprayer arranged over or under the conveyor, and a covering element on at least one side over an edge area of the printed circuit boards, wherein the area of the covering element covering the edge area of the printed circuit board can be moved away from the printed circuit board. The device also has a wiper, which wipes the coating compound moved away from the printed circuit board off from the covering element and supplies it to a holding tank. |
| US07814860B2 |
Adhesive-spreading unit, in particular for bonding machines
An adhesive-spreading unit includes a set of rollers, each of which rotates at a higher speed than the preceding one, the first roller being in contact with a tank of adhesive and the last roller sliding in contact with a film on which the adhesive is to be deposited. The unit also includes devices for distancing the rollers from one another and bring them into contact when the film has been loaded into a machine, and a single actuator unit for moving the rollers. The actuator, during the first stage of its travel, brings a rubber-clad roller into contact with the first roller, and during the second part of its travel moves the two rollers to bring the rubber-covered roller into contact with a third roller, which transfers the adhesive to the film and vice versa. |
| US07814858B1 |
Condition indicator for a marine component
A condition indicator is provided to visually indicate a rotation of a nut relative to a bolt used to attach a transom bracket to a transom of a marine vessel. An indicator is configured to rotate with the nut and a pointer of the indicator can visually be identified as representing a rotation of the nut relative to the bolt. A retainer is provided to prevent the head of the bolt from rotating about its central axis. |
| US07814857B2 |
Cable control apparatus
A cable control apparatus comprises a carrier disposed on a loop of cable; one or more trigger points disposed on the loop of cable; a control mechanism to control movement of the loop of cable, the control mechanism comprising a plurality of sensors to sense the one or more trigger points, and a motor to impart movement to the loop of cable. The sensors are functionally connected to the motor, and the motor has at least two wheels about which the loop of cable is wrapped a plurality of times. A first sensor of the plurality of sensors stops the motor and reverses the direction of the cable to bring the carrier to a base location; a second sensor of the plurality of sensors stops the motor when the carrier reaches the base location; and a third sensor of the plurality of sensors restarts the motor. In one embodiment, the carrier takes the form of a predator for frightening animals. |
| US07814853B2 |
Forced air cavity and control system for watercraft
The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions. |
| US07814851B2 |
Sewing data creation apparatus and computer-readable recording medium storing a sewing data creation program
A sewing data creation apparatus for creating sewing data required for sewing by a sewing machine may include a unit pattern storage device to store pattern data of a unit pattern of a predetermined design. The apparatus may further include a pattern disposition device that determines a position of the unit pattern stored in the unit pattern storage device on a stitch path, the stitch path including a curve-like portion. Also, the apparatus may include a sewing data creation device that creates the sewing data for forming stitches on the stitch path and stitches of the unit pattern at the position determined by the pattern disposition device. |
| US07814850B2 |
Tufting machine for producing athletic turf having a graphic design
A tufting machine capable of producing individual articles of athletic turf bearing precise graphic patterns is disclosed. The machine includes a support frame to which a backing material is statically held, a tufting frame that spans above and below the backing and is computer-controlled to travel along the support frame, a yarn-inserting needle carriage disposed above the backing along the tufting frame and a yarn-catching looper carriage disposed below the backing along the tufting frame. The carriages are computer-controlled to asynchronously shift relative to each other as may be necessary for their individual yarn-inserting components and yarn-catching components to cooperate. |
| US07814849B1 |
Seed tube for an agricultural planter
A seed tube having a front wall defining a portion of a seed pathway therethrough and having a concave interior surface having a first radius of curvature. The concave surface may extend only partially across the width of the front wall, such that a portion of the front wall lacks a substantially concave surface. Alternatively, the entirely of the front wall defining a portion of the seed pathway may have a concave surface. In this embodiment, the front wall has an asymmetrical cross-section. For example, a first portion of the concave surface may have a first radius of curvature and a second portion of the concave surface may have a second radius of curvature, with the second radius of curvature being greater than the first radius of curvature. |
| US07814845B2 |
Dual chamber system for gasifying biomass waste
A device for gasifying biomass waste has two each of primary chambers, fume transfer vents, mixing chambers which accept fumes from the primary chamber, afterburner chambers in fluid communication with the mixing chambers, and an exhaust duct. Each secondary burner produces an initial heating flame within a vertical portion of the respective afterburner chamber, and secondary chambers are in fluid communication with the afterburner chambers. Heated gases from the afterburner chambers cause heating of the secondary chambers. A portion of each primary chamber has a heat conductive floor superimposed over the respective secondary chamber, and the partition between the primary chambers is heat conductive, so that conductive and convective heating of the primary chambers occurs. |
| US07814844B2 |
Table with edge support structures
A table may include a table top that is constructed from blow-molded plastic and the table top may include a generally downwardly extending lip. The lip may include reinforcement portions that are sized and configured to increase the strength, rigidity, resilience and/or flexibility of the lip and/or the table top. The table top may include one or more depressions and the depressions may have different characteristics in different directions. For example, the depressions may have an elongated length and the depressions may have increased strength along its length. Advantageously, the different characteristics of the depressions and/or reinforcement portions may be used to create a table top with increased and/or uniform strength, rigidity, resilience and/or flexibility. |
| US07814843B2 |
Fold down work surface for mounting on a wall
A folding work surface for mounting on a wall. The work surface includes a platform hinged to the wall. A pair of upper supports are pivotally connected to the platform and pivotally connected to a lower support. The lower support is then pivotally connected to the wall. A locking ring is positioned on each of the upper supports. A stop bracket is also included and has a base secured to the lower support and has a pair of locking tabs separately extending outwardly which extend along a portion of the upper supports. When the platform is in an opened position, the upper supports and the lower supports aligned to permit the locking rings to slide over the locking tabs securing the locking tabs against the upper supports and thereby locking the platform in the opened position. |
| US07814838B2 |
Gas generating system
A gas generating system (10) including a baffle system (42) for modifying the temperature and pressure of a gas generated by the system, and to remove particulates from the gas. The gas generating system includes a first combustion chamber (34a), a second combustion chamber (36a), and the baffle system (42) adjacent both the first and second combustion chambers so as to enable fluid communication with the combustion chambers upon activation of the gas generating system. In another aspect of the present invention, a baffle system (42) is provided including a first end plate (44) having an opening (44b) formed therein for enabling fluid communication with a first fluid source (34a), a second end plate (46) having an opening (46b) formed therein for enabling fluid communication with a second fluid source (36a), and a sequence of baffle elements (48) extending between the first and second end plates. A first baffle element (48a) of the sequence of baffle elements defines a chamber (60) for receiving therein a fluid through the openings in the first and second end plates. Each additional baffle element in the sequence of baffle elements is spaced outwardly apart from a preceding baffle element in the sequence of baffle elements. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for producing, in a gas generating system, a gas having a pressure within a predetermined pressure range and a temperature within a predetermined temperature range. In another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle occupant protection system is provided. |
| US07814834B2 |
Fuze mounting for a penetrator and method thereof
A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided. |
| US07814833B1 |
Detonator system having linear actuator
Disclosed is a detonation initiator that can form part of a demolition assembly. The detonation initiator can include a linear actuator assembly having a core with a permanent magnet disposed with respect to a coil, and a firing pin coupled to the core and disposed along a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly. A capacitor can be used to store electrical energy derived from an electrical pulse received by the detonation initiator. An electrical circuit can be used to monitor the charge on the capacitor and to discharge the capacitor through the coil of the linear actuator assembly to propel the core along the longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly when the charge on the capacitor reaches a charge threshold. |
| US07814829B2 |
Cylindrical body supporting device
A cylindrical body supporting device includes a pair of holders for respectively supporting both end sides in an axial direction of a rotary screen cylinder, and a pair of first eccentric bearings for rotatably supporting the pair of holders. The cylindrical body supporting device also includes an adjusting screw, a spur gear, a spline gear, lateral motors and the like collectively used for moving the pair of holders through the pair of first eccentric bearings, and a control device for activating the lateral motors to allow the pair of holders to approach and recede along the axial direction and thereby to support and release the cylindrical body and for activating the lateral motors to synchronously move the pair of holders in an identical amount in the same direction along the axial direction and thereby to move the cylindrical body in the axial direction. |
| US07814828B2 |
Protective device for holding a printing stencil
A stencil stretcher frame unit comprises a stencil stretcher frame for stretching a printing stencil, the stencil stretcher frame including a seat; a protective device accommodated in the seat and holding the stencil stretcher frame, the protective device including a plurality of protective bars configured to hold the printing stencil in a plane and to accommodate a circumferential edge of the printing stencil so as to cover the circumferential edge along a circumference of the printing stencil, adjacent ones of the plurality of protective bars being supported on each other at respective end areas of the protective bars so as to allow a relative movement with respect to each other; and a joining device configured to fasten the protective device to the stencil stretcher frame. |
| US07814826B2 |
Machines for making bales of disgregated material
Machines for making bales of disgregated materials, including a compacting chamber in which a pressing member moves towards and away from a stopping point for compacting the disgregated materials, the chamber having a larger lower surface which has a substantially flat surface provided with runoff holes, smaller surfaces each having a frame which serves as an attachment flange, an output door arranged to move in a vertical direction irrespective of whether the pressing plate has reached the stopping point, wherein the capacity of the chamber is variable to accommodate a possible excess in the disgregated materials introduced into the chamber to be compacted, and a telescopic box having on at least one of its walls through holes located in the proximity of the door. |
| US07814825B2 |
Oil delivery system for a popcorn popping machine
An oil delivery system for a popcorn popping machine to deliver cooking oil to a kettle of the popping machine. In one embodiment, the oil delivery system includes more or more containers of oil which are supported within a cabinet of the popping machine so that the outlet of each container is facing downwardly so as to be oriented along a vertical axis. Flexible tubing is provided to connect the outlets of the containers to a pump of the oil delivery system. Each container may comprise a flexible bag which is enclosed in a rectangular box. The outlets of the flexible bags include quick connect/disconnect connectors which are connected with quick connect/disconnect connectors provided on the flexible tubing. The oil delivery system is provided with a flow sensor to detect when a container of oil is empty and provide an alert to an operator to remove and replace the container with a filled container. An electronic valve is provided in the oil delivery system to control the flow of oil from the containers. |
| US07814821B2 |
Delivery device for mineral water bottle counter charges
The invention relates to a delivery device designed to carry Mineral Water Bottle (MWB) counter charges, by remote means, to a target Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during render-safe procedures. The delivery device is die-cut as a blank and folded into the desired form. The device includes at least one elongated tubular holding element for receiving a MWB counter charge with a lifting strap attached thereto that can easily be grasped by any remote means. The device is designed in such a way so as to provide automatic positioning of the MWB counter charges at the appropriate stand-off distance in relation to the IED. As well, the delivery device is fully collapsible so as to facilitate the storage and transportation of the device, and provides a quick and user-friendly system that facilitates the deployment of MWB counter charges. |
| US07814819B2 |
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). |
| US07814818B2 |
Modular table saw guarding system riving knife release mechanisms
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular saw guard system for a power saw of the type which has a table top, a rotatable circular saw blade that is vertically adjustable relative to the table top, wherein the system comprises a riving knife mechanism releasably mounted to the saw rearwardly of the blade, and being configured to be adjustable between retracted and extended positions relative to the blade, a blade guard mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife mechanism and a kickback prevention mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife mechanism when the riving knife mechanism is at least in its extended position, the kickback prevention mechanism being configured to engage a work piece as it is being cut by the blade and apply resistance to prevent the work piece from being expelled in the reverse direction. |
| US07814817B1 |
Manual setting and forming tools
The present invention is directed to kit or assembly of hand-held jewelry tools. The kit includes a least one pair of handles and one or more pairs of interchangeable jaws. Each set of jaws when attached to the pair of handles is adapted to perform a particular jewelry task. Because the kit includes a variety of interchangeable sets of jaws, it is possible to perform many different jewelry making tasks using the present kit. |
| US07814812B1 |
Removable nonrotatable handlebar grip assembly
A nonrotatable grip assembly for a handlebar that includes a tubular grip body, a pair of compression split rings and a pair of end caps configured to attach to the grip body. As the end caps are secured to the grip body, the compression split rings collapse and pinch against the handle bar to prevent the grip body from turning. |
| US07814811B2 |
Articulated robot
An articulated robot having a low lowest posture, a long up-down stroke, and such rigidity that the predetermined positional accuracy can be secured is provided.It includes a first arm (42) which is rotatable about a first horizontal axis (43), a second arm (44) which is rotatable about a second horizontal axis (45) at the other end of the first arm (42), a third arm (46) which is rotatable about a third horizontal axis (47) at the other end of the second arm (44), an up-down table (48) which is rotatable about a fourth horizontal axis (49) at the other end of the third arm (46), a fourth arm which is rotatable about the first horizontal axis (43) and rotatable about the second horizontal axis (45) at its other end, a first parallel link mechanism (53), a second parallel link mechanism (56), and a third parallel link mechanism (58). |
| US07814808B2 |
Worm gear mechanism and electric power steering apparatus equipped with the worm gear mechanism
Worm gear mechanism includes a driving worm, a torque delivering worm wheel meshing with the worm, and an auxiliary worm wheel superimposed on the torque delivering worm wheel. The auxiliary worm wheel has a pitch diameter greater than that of the torque delivering worm wheel. The auxiliary worm wheel is biased against the driving worm wheel via a biasing member in the form of a leaf spring. |
| US07814805B2 |
Automated pipette machine
A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough and having at least two seating surfaces provided on the body. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to correspondingly receive, sealingly mate and provide passage first end fluid communication with a second size of pipette tip. There is also provided an automated pipette machine which includes a tip ejector system including an arm that is movable between a first position and a second position wherein in the first position the arm is positioned to engage the tip during movement of the nozzle along a selected path and to prevent movement of the tip along the selected path while permitting the nozzle to move along the selected path, so that the movement of the nozzle along the selected path causes the nozzle and the tip to disengage from each other, and wherein in the second position the arm is positioned to avoid engagement with the tip during movement of the nozzle. |
| US07814804B2 |
Methods and apparatus to determine belt condition in exercise equipment
Systems, methods and machine readable media related to determining a condition of an exercise machine belt are disclosed. An example system includes a sensor to detect an event related to the exercise machine belt. The example system also includes a counter to selectively change a count based on the event as well as an output device to output a notification associated with the condition of the exercise machine belt based on the count. |
| US07814803B2 |
Torque sensor
A change in a magnetic resistance generated between a plurality of windows of a cylindrical member formed by a nonmagnetic material and a torsion bar is regarded to be a change in inductances of detecting coils to detect a steering torque. Coil yokes accommodating the detecting coils therein are disposed coaxially on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member and L-shaped bent tip portions of output terminals of the detecting coils are inserted into a hole of a circuit board of a control module. Terminal holding portions are provided on an inside of a moving track so that an interference with other components can be prevented. The circuit board of the control module is disposed perpendicularly to a direction of shaft centers of an input and output shafts. An output terminal of a detecting coil has a tip portion bent to take an L shape and formed perpendicularly to the hole of the circuit board. Therefore, the detecting coil and the control module can be directly connected. When a gear box mounting the control module thereon is to be disposed in a small engine room, space efficiency can be increased and a shock absorbing stroke of a shock absorbing mechanism can be maintained sufficiently. |
| US07814801B2 |
Bend sensor
A bend sensor according to one aspect of the present invention is a bend sensor for sensing a bend of a base member in a longitudinal direction comprising: the base member; and a plurality of strain sensitive elements which are disposed at different positions in a width direction on an one side surface of the base member and are disposed at two or more different positions in a thickness direction of the base member. |
| US07814797B2 |
Pressure sensor apparatus and pressure sensor built-in fluid control equipment
A pressure sensor apparatus which can provide an integrated fluid control apparatus in which a pressure sensor is easily replaced independently, as well as achieving a more compact structure, and a pressure sensor built-in fluid control equipment. A pressure sensor apparatus (21) includes a first passage block (22) in which a predetermined passage (22a) is formed, a second passage block (23) in which a predetermined passage (23a) is formed and which opposes to the first passage block (22) at a predetermined interval, and a pressure sensor (24) which is provided in an opposing surface of any one of the first and second passage blocks (23) and detects a fluid pressure in an inner passage (23b), and is integrated in a pressure regulator (16). |
| US07814796B2 |
Partial pressure measuring method and partial pressure measuring apparatus
Provided is a partial pressure measuring method and a partial pressure measuring apparatus by which a partial pressure distribution is easily measured in a vacuum chamber. The partial pressure measuring method and the partial pressure measuring apparatus includes: moving a local plasma source dedicated to partial pressure measuring provided in the vacuum chamber, to a location at which the measuring is to be performed; and measuring a partial pressure distribution in the vacuum chamber, by receiving emission of plasma generated by the local plasma source through a window which is formed in a wall part of the vacuum chamber and through which the emission passes, and thereby performing emission spectral analysis on intensity of the emission. |
| US07814789B2 |
Device for determining and/or monitoring the fill-level process variable of a substance in a container
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring the process-variable fill-level of a fill substance in a container. The apparatus of the invention is to satisfy high demands with respect to chemical resistance and/or cleanability, while permitting individual parts to be replaced. In accordance with the invention, a housing part (2) is provided, which is securable on the container. Furthermore, a conductive element (3) is provided, which, when mounted, extends into the container, and which is coupled with the housing part (2) by means of a disengageable connection (4). The disengageable connection (4) is located in the interior of the housing part (2). |
| US07814788B2 |
Liquid level sensor
An apparatus and method for determining the level of liquid in a container in an analytical instrument, typically an automated analytical instrument in a laboratory. The apparatus comprises: (a) an electrically conductive support; (b) an electrically conductive platform rising up from said electrically conductive support, said platform capable of supporting at least one container that is capable of containing a liquid, said platform having an area less than that of the electrically conductive support; (c) an electrically conductive element, such as, for example, the electrically conductive tip of a probe, the distance between the electrically conductive platform and the electrically conductive element capable of being reduced or increased by relative movement between the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive platform; and (d) a capacitance sensor coupled to the electrically conductive element (c) and arranged to provide an electrical signal representing the capacitance. |
| US07814781B2 |
Active and adaptive tire systems
An active and adaptive tire system is disclosed. The active and adaptive tire system comprises a tire and an active material configured to alter at least one characteristic of the tire in response to at least one condition. Also disclosed are an intelligent tire system and a method of monitoring a condition. |
| US07814780B2 |
Engine position tracking for internal combustion engines
A method for determining engine crankshaft position determines the position of a rotating crankshaft using one or many crankshaft position sensors. The sensor output signals representing crankshaft position are digitized and specific timing positions are derived. The sampled timing positions are compared to a known position template to determine crankshaft position. |
| US07814777B2 |
Background acoustic signal suppression in photoacoustic detector
The present invention relates to a photo-acoustic device (100) for photo-acoustic analysis of a sample such as exhaled human breath. The device includes a sample cell cavity (102) for containing the sample (116), a first light source (130) outside the sample cell cavity for emitting a first modulated light beam (114) at a wavelength in an absorbing range of the searched component. The first light beam is led into the cavity through a transparent cavity wall (106). The searched gas component absorbs the first light beam and first acoustic waves are thus generated which are picked up by the microphone (110). The microphone also picks up background acoustic waves caused by the laser light beam going trough the cavity wall. The device is further equipped with a noise cancellation system (120, 122) that generates a second set of acoustic waves in anti-phase with the background acoustic waves. |
| US07814776B2 |
Carbon nanotube-quartz resonator with femtogram resolution
Methods for sensing and building sensors provide for adding nanotubes to a sensor to improve characteristics such as the Q-factor associated with the sensor. Mass loading and damping characteristics of micromachined quartz crystal resonators on which a thin film of debundled single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) has been deposited are disclosed. An absolute mass sensitivity of ˜100 fg was experimentally measured by monitoring the continuous desorption of gases from SWNT surfaces in a vacuum ambient. |
| US07814775B2 |
Apparatus for controlling Z-position of probe
Apparatus of easily controlling the Z-position of the probe used in a microprobe analyzer. The apparatus has: (A) a holder, (B) a reference body having a reference surface that is at the same height as a surface of a sample, the reference body being placed on or in the holder, (C) a probe-positioning device for bringing the probe into contact with the reference surface, (D) a controller for controlling motion of the probe-positioning device in the Z-direction, (E) position-measuring apparatus for measuring the Z-coordinate of the probe at which it is in contact with the reference surface, (F) a memory for storing a positional coordinate outputted by the position-measuring apparatus, and (G) probe contact detection apparatus for detecting that the probe is in contact with the reference surface. |
| US07814772B2 |
Method for manufacturing a coiler drum and a coiler drum
A method for manufacturing a coiler drum to be used in a coiler furnace and a coiler drum. The method comprises the step of forming a trinickel aluminide containing surface layer onto a coiler drum body. |
| US07814769B2 |
Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use. |
| US07814767B2 |
Method and induction furnace for drawing large diameter preforms to optical fibres
An induction furnace capable of drawing large diameter preforms of up to 130 mm is described. The induction furnace has top and bottom chimneys surrounding the entire preform during operation of the furnace with an inert conditioning gas which is introduced into the top chimney and flows downward through the furnace body and bottom chimney without significant turbulence. A distributor ring inside the top chimney redirects flow from a circumferential direction to a downward direction. The top chimney also includes a resilient seal to releasably hold the top of the preform. The bottom chimney has a smoothly decreasing cross-sectional area preventing turbulence at the furnace exit. The furnace insulation is preferably a rigid self-supporting graphite cylinder. A method of drawing large diameter preforms either to an optical fiber or to a preform of smaller diameter using such a furnace is also described. |
| US07814766B2 |
System and apparatus for adjustable stacker bar assembly having vertical accommodation features
An adjustable stacker bar assembly includes a pad assembly having a lower pad that is mounted to a push bar. The lower pad is in direct contact with and independently mounted to the push bar. An upper pad is mounted to and spaced apart from the lower pad by a spacer. The spacer is free of contact with the push bar. The pads contact and push glass articles into an annealing furnace. The entire pad assembly is readily vertically movable relative to the push bar in the event that a workpiece is lodged beneath the lower pad. |
| US07814765B2 |
Float glass process for making thin flat glass and thin flat glass substrate made with same
The thin flat glass substrate, especially for display engineering, has a thickness of less than 1.5 mm, a length of at least 1800 mm, a width of at least 1800 mm and a difference between a smallest thickness and largest thickness of less than 50 μm. The float glass process for making the improved flat glass substrate provides flags (9) in the molten metal bath in the hot-spread region on both sides of the forming glass sheet, to minimize the variation in thickness of the thin flat glass substrate formed by the process. |
| US07814757B2 |
Operating algorithm for refrigerant safety system
A method of operating a directed relief valve to ventilate a refrigerant by sensing the concentration of refrigerant leakage from the air conditioning system, and if the first concentration exceeds a threshold, by sensing a second concentration. If the first and second concentrations exceed a predetermined concentration, the system will send a leak message to the operator and/or ventilate the refrigerant to the surrounding atmosphere. The system continuously monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is operative, but only periodically monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is inoperative. |
| US07814754B2 |
Method, system and mould-box for creating form-moulded items of edible ice
A method, a system, and a mould box for creating form-moulded items of edible ice from an ice mass. The method includes filling at least one mould created between a number of mould boxes with ice mass, and the introduction of cooling or heating medium into the mould boxes, where the flow of the cooling or heating medium is controlled by one or more control units in the mould boxes. |
| US07814753B2 |
Low profile attachment hanger system for a cooling liner within a gas turbine engine swivel exhaust duct
An exhaust duct assembly includes a cooling liner spaced apart from an exhaust duct case that articulate for use in a short take off vertical landing (STOVL) type of aircraft. The cooling liner assembly is attached to the exhaust duct case through a foldable attachment hanger system. The foldable attachment hanger system provides a low profile (foldable up/down) for a limited access installation envelope typical of a three bearing swivel duct (3BSD) which rotates about three bearing planes to permit transition between a cruise configuration and a hover configuration. In this way, each cooling liner segment may be formed as a complete cylindrical member requiring joints only between the swivelable duct sections. |
| US07814752B2 |
Decoupling control strategy for interrelated air system components
A fluid control system for an engine is disclosed. The fluid control system may have a first fluid control component, a second fluid control component, and a controller in communication with the first and second fluid control components. The controller may be configured to determine an operational change associated with the first fluid control component to achieve desired operation of the engine. The controller may also be configured to determine an effect the operational change will have on performance of the second fluid control component, and adjust operation of the second fluid control component to accommodate the effect substantially simultaneously with implementation of the operational change. |
| US07814750B2 |
Device for supplying pressure to a piston actuator
A device for supplying pressure from an energy storage device to a piston gear shifting actuator by way of a valve device is provided. A pressure regulating and/or control device is used to regulate and/or control the pressure applied to the piston actuator. The pressure regulating and/or control device regulates and/or controls the pressure according to at least one following quantity: temperature, in particular a transmission operating temperature, the load state of the motor vehicle provided with the transmission, and the slope of a surface along which the motor vehicle provided with the transmission runs. |
| US07814747B2 |
Exhaust gas aftertreatment installation and method
An exhaust gas aftertreatment installment and associated exhaust gas aftertreatment method utilizes a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter and an SCR catalytic converter. A particulate filter is provided upstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or between the latter and the SCR catalytic converter or downstream of the SCR catalytic converter. The time of regeneration operating phases of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter can be determined as a function of the nitrogen oxide content of the exhaust gas downstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or of the SCR catalytic converter and/or as a function of the ammonia loading of the latter. Moreover, a desired ammonia generation quantity can be determined for a respective regeneration operating phase. The installation and method are adopted for use for motor vehicle internal combustion engines and other engines which are operated predominantly in lean-burn mode. |
| US07814744B2 |
Optimized NOx reduction system
An exhaust after-treatment system for an internal combustion engine includes a lean NOx catalyst having an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine flowing therethrough. A NOx absorber catalyst is downstream of the lean NOx catalyst. The NOx absorber is selectively regenerated to increase a NOx reduction efficiency of the exhaust after-treatment system. |
| US07814742B2 |
Integrated coal gasification combined cycle plant
The problem of a heat exchanger of a heat recovery steam generator being corroded by sulfuric acid is solved, and the gas temperature at the outlet of the heat recovery steam generator is set at a value equal to or lower than the dew point of sulfuric acid, thereby realizing an integrated coal gasification combined cycle plant with high efficiency. A flue-gas-desulfurization-type integrated coal gasification combined cycle plant includes a gasifier configured to convert pulverized coal to a gas fuel; an heat recovery steam generator configured to generate steam; a gas turbine which is operated by the gas fuel and which supplies a combustion exhaust gas to the heat recovery steam generator; a steam turbine which is operated by the steam generated by the heat recovery steam generator; a power generator connected to at least one of the gas turbine and the steam turbine; and a desulfurization equipment configured to desulfurize the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the heat recovery steam generator, the desulfurized combustion exhaust gas being exhausted into the atmosphere, wherein the heat recovery steam generator includes an acid-resistant feedwater heater which preheats boiler feedwater and which is provided at the downstream side of a main heat exchanger. |
| US07814740B2 |
Cord for rubber reinforcement
A cord for rubber reinforcement of the present invention includes a core strand including a plurality of strands (A), and a plurality of strands (B) disposed around the core strand. In the core strand, the plurality of strands (A) are finally twisted, and each of the plurality of strands (A) is formed of a plurality of reinforcing fibers (A) that are primarily twisted. Each of the plurality of strands (B) is formed of a plurality of reinforcing fibers (B) that are primarily twisted, and the plurality of strands (B) are finally twisted to be disposed around the core strand. The direction of final twist of the plurality of strands (B) is the same as the direction of primary twist in at least one strand (B) selected from the plurality of strands (B). The number of primary twists in the strand (B) is greater than the number of primary twists in the strand (A), and/or the number of final twists of the strands (B) is greater than the number of final twists of the strands (A). |
| US07814739B2 |
Riding type mower
A riding type mower includes: a vehicle body, a driver's seat mounted on the vehicle body; an operation part arranged around the driver's seat; a mower unit provided on the vehicle body; a shutter for closing a discharge port; a shutter moving mechanism for moving the shutter between a close position closing the discharge port and an open position opening the discharge port; and a lock mechanism for locking the shutter at the close position. The mower unit includes: a mower deck; a cutting blade installed inside the mower deck; the discharge port formed in the mower deck, through which mown grass cut by the blade is discharge from the mower unit to outside. A shutter operating tool for remotely operating the shutter moving mechanism to open and close the shutter is provided in the operation part. The lock mechanism is remotely operable from the operation part. |
| US07814738B2 |
Device and method for cultivating a crop, and also assembly of a device of this type and a crop
A device for cultivating a crop, such as a tree or plant, includes a rotary body which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. At least one cutting member is provided, which is fastened to the rotary body in such a way that the cutting member, during the rotation of the rotary body, defines a substantially circular path. The cutting member is configured in such a way that a crop located radially within the path can be cultivated along said the path. |
| US07814737B2 |
Methods and apparatus for guiding harvest residue
Methods and systems for harvesting crop rows employ a plurality of pairs of residue guides to guide harvest residue into rows that are left behind the harvesting machine in the place of the harvested crop rows. |
| US07814734B2 |
Packaging system and method for closed container detection
A packaging system (10), and associated components and methodology, that provides for automatic detection of a full, overfull, closed or partially closed container, even when mixed with other containers. An exemplary packaging method includes the following steps: (a.) determining the dimensions of a container; (b.) detecting a height of the container and its contents in one or more locations within a scan area of an open side of the container; (c.) comparing the detected height of the container and/or its contents to pre-specified criteria; and (d.) when the detected height exceeds the pre-specified criteria, generating a signal that indicates that the scan area includes a height that exceeds the pre-specified criteria. |
| US07814733B2 |
Packaging system with volume measurement
A system, and associated components and methodology, that automatically acquires data representative of the space left in each of a series of containers (32) in which one or more articles have been placed for packaging, and dispenses a controlled amount of dunnage material based on that data from a selected one of a plurality of dunnage dispensers (12). The system includes void volume data acquisition apparatus (11) for acquiring void volume data for the containers sequentially supplied thereto and for associating the sequentially acquired void volume data with the container. The system also includes a plurality of dunnage dispensers remotely located relative to the void volume data acquisition apparatus to dispense a controlled amount of dunnage material for insertion into one of the containers selectively transported to that dispenser from the void volume data acquisition apparatus. |
| US07814726B2 |
Break-away concrete form stake with self-sealing feature
Method for securing a foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method can include penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with one end of a stake, sealing a breach in the moisture barrier membrane around a periphery of the stake caused by the penetrating step, and removing a portion of the stake extending above the moisture barrier membrane. A sealing member can be disposed on the stake at a location along an axial length of the stake. |
| US07814717B2 |
Satellite ready building and method for forming the same
A satellite ready building comprises a plurality of studs and satellite wires positioned adjacent to the studs having a first termination and a second termination. A connector is coupled to the second termination of the wires. The first termination is coupled through the roof or the siding of the building. Drywall is installed in the house after the wires are installed. The first termination may be installed in a radome positioned on the roof of the building. |
| US07814713B2 |
Catalyst system for polymerizing cyclic olefin having polar functional group, polymerizing method using the catalyst system, olefin polymer produced by the method and optical anisotropic film comprising the olefin polymer
A catalyst system capable of producing a cyclic olefin polymer having a polar functional group and a high molecular weight with a high yield in which a catalyst is not deactivated due to polar functional groups of monomers, and a method of producing polymers using the same are provided. The catalyst system for polymerization of olefin according to the present invention has good thermal and chemical stability, and thus, in the method of preparing polyolefin using the catalyst system, the deactivation of a catalyst due to a polar functional group of the monomer can be prevented, and thus a high yield of the cyclic olefin polymer with a high molecular weight can be obtained when a ratio of the catalyst to the monomer is 1:5000, and the removal of a catalyst residue is not required. |
| US07814712B2 |
Shock suppressor
A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base, a sliding holder assembly and a connecting device. The first base has an elongated first sliding channel in a first direction. The second base is parallel to the first base and has an elongated second sliding channel in a second direction. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first and second sliding channels. The sliding holder assembly is mounted between the connecting device and at least one of the bases. The first base is connected with one of the convex ends of the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in a first unidirectional sliding direction. The second base is connected with the other convex end of the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a second unidirectional sliding direction. |
| US07814711B2 |
Interior wall system
A leveling assembly for an interior wall system is disclosed. The wall system is composed of a number of wall panels configured for installation in a building having a ceiling and a floor. The assembly includes at least one elongate floor channel secured to the floor and a floor rail longitudinally disposed within the floor channel. The floor rail supports one or more of the wall panels. A number of levelers are positioned along the floor channel. The levelers permit the floor rail to be vertically spaced apart from the floor channel. The levelers are adjustable to level the floor rail in relation to the floor. |
| US07814709B1 |
Pipe boot
A pipe boot includes a plurality of co-axial hollow cylindrical sections joined by an annular shoulder between successive sections. A first annular bead and a second annular bead surround each tubular section with the first annular bead positioned radially outward of each annular shoulder. The second annular bead is spaced a short distance from the second annular bead leaving an annular trough between them. |
| US07814706B2 |
Dual-action breakaway gate safety system
A safety system for use with a boom gate. The boom gate includes a boom and a boom operator for moving the boom between a down position and an up position. The safety system also has a boom deflection detector for detecting deflection of the boom, such as deflection caused by collision of the boom with a vehicle. A control system is provided for actuating the boom operator to move the boom to the up position whenever deflection is detected. |
| US07814705B2 |
Automatic storm shutter
An automatic storm shutter. A shutter is hingeadly attached to a wall over a structure opening. An actuator is attached to the shutter, and releasably engaged with a support, which is rigidly attached to the wall. When external atmospheric pressure descends, as would happen at the approach of a wind storm such as a tornado, gas pressure within the actuator automatically releases the actuator from the support, which permits the shutter to quickly close as urged by gravity, to cover the structure opening and protect it from storm winds. An alternate embodiment is disclosed wherein one or more additional shutters are installed below the automatic storm shutter. The shutters are mutually attached with an elongate member. When the automatic storm shutter automatically closes, so also do the shutters below. |
| US07814700B2 |
Device and system for attracting animals
A device is disclosed for attracting predetermined species of animals based on fractal geometry and the animal's own color perception. The device includes a planar object having at least two opposed faces and a shape unique to the fractal dimension of the predetermined animal species which the device is designed to attract. A light emitting surface is disposed on at least one face of the planar object. The surface is covered with light generating elements adapted to emit a light color based on color perception of the predetermined specific species, which color wavelength and brilliance is unnatural in normal surroundings relative to that species' own color perception. Finally, a mechanism is provided for mounting the object and enabling oscillatory-like movement in the object about an axis thereof. |
| US07814694B2 |
Muzzle loading rifle with breech plug having gas seal facility
A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal. |
| US07814690B2 |
Reusable folding shopping list with embedded magnifying lens
The invention is an organizational shopping aid that provides categories listing common items that are procured in a supermarket with an embedded magnifying lens to assist in the reading of the small font text found on labels. The objective of this device is to provide an organizational tool that can be incorporated into daily routine and stored easily in a variety of manners that the appeal is not limited to one segment of society. |
| US07814689B2 |
Quick coupler
A quick coupler includes mounting structure for mounting the coupler to a machine, and for mounting the coupler to an implement. The mounting structure on the coupler includes wedge coupling surfaces and a tube. The mounting structure on the implement includes hooks for engaging the tube, and complementary wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces wedge together during coupling to produce and tight fit and solid hold between the coupler and implement. The mounting structure is robust, and can accommodate future possible wear. The kinematic impact on the performance of the implement due to the use of the quick coupler is minimized. |
| US07814685B1 |
Shoe heel cover
A shoe heel cover is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the shoe heel cover includes a resilient cover body having a generally convex back portion, a pair of spaced-apart side portions extending from the back portion and a cover interior defined by the back portion and the side portions. A cushion is provided on the cover body in the cover interior. A method of protecting a heel of a shoe having a shoe body is also disclosed. |
| US07814684B1 |
Shoe insole apparatus
A shoe insole apparatus includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The panel has a shape for being positioned within a shoe. The panel includes a front edge, a back edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A cushion member is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge and the front edge. The cushion member is positioned between the top and bottom sides. The cushion member is resiliently compressible. The cushion member extends between 1 inch and 3 inches toward the back edge along the first lateral edge. The panel is positioned within a shoe. |
| US07814681B2 |
Surf boot with passive draining
The invention is a surf booty with integral one-way flow valves. The invention operates such that when the wearer of the boot steps onto a surface, the pressure thus directly created, with no other pumping provision, drives fluid trapped within the boot out through a valve or valves that are configured to only pass fluid in the outward direction. |
| US07814680B2 |
Overshoe unit for indoor use
An overshoe unit for indoor use made up of soft, flexible yet durable material consisting of a sole component, walling circumferentially affixed thereto, an overarching roofing component affixed to lateral portions of the walling and flexible anchoring flange components with upwardly inclined extension components extending from the topsides thereof, with all anchoring flange components and upwardly inclined extension components being affixable to the inner aspect of the roofing component with each flexible anchoring flange component being featured by the presence of upwardly inclined slits in each, thereby serving to create flexible fingerlike extensions in each, all functioning to dependably, hold the overshoe unit about footwear inserted therein and with a tail component posteriorly affixed thereto. |
| US07814679B2 |
Method of fabricating abrasive having sliding and grinding effects
An abrasive is fabricated to obtain sliding and grinding effects. In the abrasive, grinding particles are wrapped by a wrapping material. Various sizes and shapes of molds and micro components can be finely polished to obtain mirror-grade surfaces. |
| US07814677B2 |
Dryer extension and method of drying an object
A dryer extension assembly connects with a hand-held dryer for dispensing heated air beyond an exhaust outlet of the dryer. The extension assembly is constructed from one or more interconnectable tube sections, an adapter section, and a stand section. Each tube section has a plurality of apertures defined through the outer wall and the inner wall for outletting heated air directed through the tube section. The number of interconnectable tube sections essentially enables the user to select an overall length of the extension assembly. The adapter section couples the dryer to a first or top tube section and the stand section receives the last or bottom tube section. The stand section enables the user to stand the extension assembly in a vertical position such that the hand-held dryer is held aloft by the extension assembly. |
| US07814676B2 |
Alignment system and method thereof
A method for alignment comprises calculating the proper alignment position for a plurality of planar items based on at least one datum per planar item of the plurality of planar items, instructing a tooling system to form a tooling aid for providing the proper alignment position in a planar substrate lamination apparatus, and inserting the tooling aid into the planar substrate lamination apparatus for the proper alignment of the plurality of planar items in the planar substrate lamination apparatus. |
| US07814675B2 |
Apparatus and method for aiding in hanging an object on a wall
An apparatus for aiding in hanging an object on a wall comprises an elongate horizontal bar having a longitudinal axis and a top surface and at least two holders slideable on the bar along the longitudinal axis. Each of the holders includes at least one projection for holding an object hanger at the desired mounting location while a fastener is used to mount the object hanger on the wall. The assembly may optionally include at least one level mechanism for indicating when the apparatus is level. Positioning at least two of the at least two holders spaced apart from each other on the bar allows for properly positioning and mounting the object hangers held by the projections at the desired locations on the wall. |
| US07814674B2 |
Wear gauge
A gauge for measuring the wear of selected cooperating surfaces of an adapter is disclosed. The gauge includes a plurality of rollers adapted to contact the selected cooperating surfaces of the adapter. A trigger mechanism is provided to cooperate with the rollers to indicate if the adapter is out of tolerance in respect of given dimensional targets. |
| US07814672B1 |
Framing square apparatus
The framing square apparatus provides immediate visual confirmation of a square relationship between two spaced apart surfaces or points. A user need only visually reference the position of the line between squares of the apparatus to determine such. The apparatus is provided with two squares, three squares, or four squares. The number of squares determines the number of points that can be established in square relationship. The line is selectively tied or knotted through the orifice of each square, as desired. The apparatus saves considerable time in determining square between two points, surfaces, corners, or the like. And, using more than two squares provides reference of additional points. |
| US07814670B2 |
Laser level detection system
A laser level detection system which detects a reference plane of laser at an arbitrary position includes a plurality of level detection units and an operation unit which displays a detection result of each of the level detection units and can operate each of the level detection units, and the laser level detection unit, which has detected the reference plane of the laser, outputs the detection result and an own identification signal of the level detection unit, and the operation unit displays the detection result and a receiving result of the identification signal of the level detection unit. |
| US07814664B2 |
Folding utility knife
A folding utility knife has a handle and a blade holder pivotally mounted on he handle. The blade holder is movable between (i) a closed position with the blade holder pivoted inwardly toward the handle, (ii) a cutting position with the blade holder pivoted outwardly relative to the handle, and (iii) a blade release position located between the closed position and the cutting position. A blade release actuator is located on the blade holder and is movable between (i) a first position preventing release of a utility knife blade located on the blade holder, and (ii) a second position permitting release of a utility knife blade located on the blade holder. A locking member is movable between (i) a blade locking position with the blade holder located in the cutting position that prevents movement of the blade release actuator from the first position to the second position, and (ii) a blade release position with the blade holder located in the blade release position that permits movement of the blade release actuator from the first position to the second position to, in turn, release a utility knife blade from the blade holder. |
| US07814663B2 |
Modular power tool
A modular power tool incorporates a modular drive system and modular handle set that is reversible for use with both a left hand and right hand configuration. The modular drive system and handle set of the modular power tool of this invention reduces the need for derivative circular saw designs by introducing common components. |
| US07814662B2 |
Cutting tool, method of making the same and method of using the same
The present invention relates to a stripping tool with longitudinal and transverse blades that assist in stripping and removing sheathing from heavy gauge wire and cable. The cutting device comprises an elongated U-shaped structure with an angularly offset portion. A first blade or series of blades extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device to cut the sheath within the U-shaped structure longitudinally. A second blade or series of blades associated with the offset portion extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to cut the sheath transversely. |
| US07814660B2 |
Scrubbing razor
The scrubbing razor includes a housing and one or more cutting blades with a rounded cutting edge. The housing includes a top cover, a tubular outer safety ring mounted to the top cover, and one or more tubular anchor rings disposed within the tubular outer safety ring and mounted to the top cover. The one or more cutting blades are mounted to the one or more tubular anchor rings. |
| US07814659B2 |
Method of manufacturing fluid dynamic bearing assembly
In a method of manufacturing a dynamic bearing assembly having a shaft and a sleeve whose inner circumferential surface faces an outer circumferential surface of the shaft, the shaft is inserted into a bearing hole from an upper end opening toward a bottom end opening of the bearing hole. Upon inserting the shaft into the bearing hole, fluid is fed from the bottom end opening toward the upper end opening of the bearing hole with a fluid feed apparatus. |
| US07814655B2 |
Heat sink in the form of a heat pipe and process for manufacturing such a heat sink
A heat sink designed as a heat pipe has an interior space in a body of the heat sink that is closed toward the outside. The interior space has at least one vapor channel and at least one fluid space connected with the vapor space and having a porous or capillary structure. The heat pipe is made using the DCB process to connect each end of posts within the interior space directly with one of the two opposing walls forming the interior space. |
| US07814652B2 |
Method of making through-hole vias in a substrate
A sensor assembly for sensors such as microfabricated resonant sensors is disclosed. The disclosed assembly provides improved performance of the sensors by providing a thermally insensitive environment and short pathways for signals to travel to processing components. Further, the assembly provide modular construction for the sensors and housing modules, thereby allowing replacement of the sensors at a lower cost. The assembly includes a sensor module including a sensor formed on a conductive substrate with a cavity formed on one surface. The substrate has conductive vias extending from the cavity to a second surface of the substrate. A housing assembly accommodates the sensor and includes a rigid housing, preferably made from a ceramic. An electronic component, such as an amplifier, is mounted on the rigid housing. The electronic component electrically engages the vias substantially at the second surface of the substrate. The electronic component receive signals from the sensor through the vias. The signals are then processed through an amplifier and a digital signal processor using a modified periodogram. |
| US07814650B2 |
Process of fabricating microelectronic structures
The present invention is directed toward methods of fabricating components for microelectronic devices, microelectronic devices including memory cells or other components, and computers including memory devices. One embodiment is directed toward a method of fabricating a memory cell on a workpiece having a substrate, a plurality of active areas in the substrate, and a dielectric layer over the active areas. The method includes constructing bit line contact openings in the dielectric layer over first portions of the active areas and cell plug openings over second portions of the active areas. The method also includes depositing a first conductive material into the bit line contact openings to form bit line contacts and, into the cell plug openings to form cell plugs. Then, a trench is formed through an upper portion of a plurality of the bit line contacts and portions of the dielectric layer between bit line contacts. |
| US07814649B2 |
Method of making circuitized substrate with filled isolation border
A method of making a circuitized substrate which includes a plurality of contiguous open segments along a side edge portion of the at least one electrically conductive layer thereof, these open segments isolated by a barrier of dielectric material which substantially fills the open segments, e.g., during a lamination process which bonds two dielectric layers of the substrate to the conductive layer. |
| US07814643B2 |
Method for reducing off-track gain for a disk drive actuator
A method of redefining nodal points of rotation comprises providing an actuator assembly with a comb, a pivot having an axis of rotation, comb legs on one side of the pivot, a voice coil motor, an arm, and a head gimbal assembly mounted to the arm with a head opposite the arm; defining a first nodal point of rotation for the actuator at a position that is on the arm between the pivot and the head; defining a second nodal point of rotation for the actuator at a position adjacent to the pivot and the coil; moving the first nodal point in a radial direction away from the axis toward the head; and moving the second nodal point in a radial direction away from the pivot to a geometric center of active legs of the coil. |
| US07814642B1 |
Stator of electric rotating machine
A method of manufacturing an electric rotating machine having a stator that includes a stator core having slots formed at an inner periphery thereof, and a stator winding constituted by conductive wires wound on the slots. The stator winding includes in-slot portions accommodated in the slots and turn portions each connecting each adjacent two of the in-slot portions outside the slots. The stator core includes a core member having at least three tooth portions extending in a radial direction of the stator core and a core back portion integrally connecting the tooth portions at a radially end side thereof. The core member is configured such that each of the first tooth portions folded toward the core back portion is capable of unfolding to extend between a corresponding adjacent two of the in-slot portions when the core member is at a predetermined axial position with respect to the stator winding. |
| US07814638B2 |
Method of manufacture for reaction-injection-molded cart
One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is a reaction-injection-molded galley cart (10) for an aircraft. This cart (10) includes a body, which is configured to move along a passenger aisle of the aircraft. The body is comprised of a one-piece plastic shell (12) having a first side portion (28), a second side portion (30) spaced apart from the first side portion (28), a top side portion (24) extending between the first side portion (28) and the second side portion (30), and a bottom side portion (32) extending between the first side portion (28) and the second side portion (30). This one-piece plastic shell (12) includes at least one layer (36) of a reaction-injection-molded material. |
| US07814628B2 |
Grid for a battery plate, method of producing the same, and battery using the same
A grid for a battery plate is made by forming a metal sheet is formed into a grid-like shape. Rupture due to torsion or stress concentration does not occur in a basal portion of a wire which is drawn out from a node of the grid, thereby preventing corrosion due to electrolyte from advancing so as not to cause a crack of corrosion in an early stage. The invention provides also a battery using the grid for a battery plate, a method of producing the grid for a battery plate, and a battery using it. |
| US07814620B2 |
Hinge
A hinge includes a hinge assembly and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a stationary housing defining a cavity. A damper body rotatablely installed in the cavity has a head protruding to form a cylindrical guiding portion and a pushing portion defining two side ends apart from each other. At least one of the side ends has a step-shaped profile to make the width of the pushing portion between the side ends nonuniform, and rotatable sheets and stationary sheets are received in the cavity and alternately disposed on the guiding portion and the pushing portion. The stationary sheets are fixed to the stationary housing. Each of the rotatable sheets protrudes inwardly to form a retaining portion. The side ends of the pushing portion alternately contact the retaining portions and contact the retaining portions at intervals when the elastic force of the hinge assembly is released to drive the damper body rotating. Damper resin is filled between the adjacent stationary sheets and rotatable sheets. |
| US07814619B2 |
Opening and closing device
An opening and closing device which includes a roughly cylindrical stator, a concavo-convex stator cam provided at an end of the stator, a ring-like rotor rotatably disposed relative to the stator, a rotor cam opposedly protruding from an inner periphery or outer periphery of the rotor, and a spring pushing the rotor against the stator. The rotor cam slides on the concavo-convex stator cam during the opening and closing operations. In this structure, the opening and closing device is openable roughly up to 180°, and a force in the opening direction is applied to a movable housing even when the movable housing is opened not less than 165°. Accordingly, this opening and closing device eliminates wobbling in the opening and closing direction, and ensures reliable opening and closing operations and retention at a predetermined angle. |
| US07814616B2 |
Pressure hinge device for glass door or panel
A hinge assembly including first and second hinge portions that are pivotable relative to one another. A pivot pin has opposite ends and is rotatably mounted in one hinge portion. The pivot pin and the other hinge portion are configured to allow the ends of the pivot pin to be threadably fastened to the other hinge body. |
| US07814615B1 |
Blower attachment for raking debris
A raking attachment for an air stream generating device is adapted to direct an air stream generated by air stream generating device into a loosely defined plane. The raking attachment comprises a generally triangular shaped top wall, an opposing triangular shaped bottom face, side walls and an inlet throat with the side walls joined to at least a portion of the top wall and the bottom face wherein the top wall, bottom face and side walls extend longitudinally from the inlet throat. The top wall also extends beyond a terminal end of the bottom face and terminates in an end wall that is disposed at a angle relative to the top wall. |
| US07814611B2 |
Wiper blade
This invention relates to a wiper blade (20) having a connecting part (32) which is mounted on a carrying element (24) of the wiper blade (20) and has a pivot pin (42, 96, 106, 138, 146, 164, 178) of a joint (30) whose free end is connected to a wiper rod (28, 70, 80, 90, 118, 136, 150). It is proposed that the joint (30) includes a cap (54, 114, 128, 160, 190) which covers the connecting part (32) and is attached to it, and during operation the wiper blade (20) and the wiper rod (28, 70, 80, 90, 118, 136, 150) are secured in the installed position. |
| US07814607B1 |
Concrete edger and keyway device
During the construction of a building it is necessary to smooth the concrete, create a keyway for the wall and produce a slight curve on the edge of the concrete slab. The current device will enable the operator to perform all three tasks with one tool. The position of the keyway may be adjusted depending on the specific requirements of the construction project. |
| US07814606B2 |
Toothbrush
A toothbrush including a brush head, bristle clusters protruding from a cleaning surface of the brush head and a depression disposed in the surface and surrounding at least one bristle cluster, the depression having a bottom into which the bristle cluster penetrates and in which the bristle cluster is fixed. |
| US07814605B1 |
Floor washing system
A floor washing system includes a foot covering that with a sole, a heal end and a toe end. A panel has a bottom side, a top side and a peripheral edge. The panel includes a peripheral lip that is coextensive with the peripheral edge. The panel has a front edge, a back edge and a pair of lateral edges. The panel has a break therein extending through the lateral edges to define a first portion and a second portion of the panel. A coupler extends between and secures together the first and second portions at a selected length from each other. A plurality of cleaning assemblies is removably attached to the bottom side of the panel. The foot covering is positioned on a foot, the sole placed on the top side of the panel and the cleaning assemblies used to clean a floor. |
| US07814604B2 |
Device with multi-structural contact elements
A contact device with resilient contact elements is disclosed. The resilient contact elements have primary structures and secondary structures. The primary structures and secondary structures have contact surfaces for engaging a working surface. The primary structures are preferably molded structures with hardness value between 10 to 90 Shores A. The secondary structures are nodules, squeegees, arrays of nodules or squeegees and matrices but are preferably bristle structures formed from plastic resins, wherein the device is configured clean dentition. |
| US07814603B2 |
Powered toothbrush with polishing elements
An electric toothbrush system or toothbrush head is disclosed. The cleaning head in accordance with the embodiments of the invention includes at least one movable section that is configured to rotate, vibrate, oscillate or a combination thereof and has at least one prophy-cup structure and/or one or more polishing elements protruding therefrom. Preferably, the cleaning head also includes bristle tufts. The cleaning head can be configured to detachably couple to a motorized handle. The motorized handle can include a rechargeable battery that is configured to couple to a recharging station. |
| US07814602B2 |
Hairbrush
A hairbrush and method of brushing are provided in which tangled hair may be brushed out at a better rate and with less pain. The hairbrush includes bristles that are mounted on revolving track portions so that when the bristles encounter a tangle or a resistance in the hair, the bristles are free to rotate. The hairbrush further includes a thumb button to adjust the resistance of the revolving track portion from a freely rotating position to a fixed position. |
| US07814600B2 |
Corrosion protection system for a construction including a stay cable
The invention relates to a corrosion protection system for a stay cable construction including a multiplicity of tension members made of parallel steel tensile elements, extending between a first anchorage and a second anchorage, and comprising two opposite ends, the first end co-operating with the first anchorage and the said second end co-operating with the second anchorage. The corrosion protection system involves the use of tensile elements which are not provided with a permanent corrosion protection during their fabrication. This corrosion protection system includes: a plurality of stay pipes, each freely surrounding a tension member made of unprotected tensile elements, a dehumidification device which produces dry air, supply pipes supplying the dry air to predetermined points situated on the first anchorage, the second anchorage, and the stay pipes, a ventilation device pushes the dry air in the supply pipes, surveying, measuring, controlling and testing facilities. |
| US07814599B2 |
Travel support mechanism for movable conveyor bridge
A travel support device for a conveyor bridge 4 having a swivel joint 12, a two-axis tilting joint 10 and a roller table 8. A portion of the tilting joint 10 is mounted to the swivel joint 12 and another portion of the tilting joint 10 is mounted to the roller table 8 such that the tilting joint 10 rotates about a defined longitudinal axis 30 and an axis 32 transverse of the longitudinal axis 30. |
| US07814595B2 |
Towel presenting and washing machine and a method for operating same
There is provided a towel presenting, washing and drying machine, including first and second spaced-apart rollers each rotatable in a clock-wise and counter-clockwise sense; a bath having liquid inlet and outlet ports located between the rollers supporting a plurality of rod members for guiding a towel section in a meandering fashion in the bath; means for cleaning the towel section in the bath; at least one drying drum disposed outside the bath between the rollers, at least one motor and transmission means coupled to the rollers and the drying drum, and a controller for timely selectively operating each of the rollers and the drying drum. A method for automatically presenting a clean towel section for drying purposes and for washing and drying soiled towel sections in a towel presenting and washing machine, is also provided. |
| US07814590B2 |
Accessory panel for diagnostic platform, patient bed and other support surfaces
Embodiments herein provide a flexible accessory panel with apertures from which items may be suspended. In particular, receptacles for fluids draining from a patient may be suspended from the apertures, which are retained at a level below that of the patient, maintaining a gravitational flow. Maintaining downward flow of the draining fluids limits the backflow of draining fluid to the patient and reduces the risk of infection. |
| US07814589B2 |
Terrace comforter
The terrace comforter is made by a shell with many tubes of the same width and length sitting side by side from one end of the shell extended to the other end. Each tube consists of several and the same number of baffled boxes separated by walls between them. There are one or two small holes on the baffled walls in each box so that the filling materials can be blown into the box with a metal tube inserted through the holes on those baffled walls into the box and stay there for a long period of time before moving into the next boxes. The height of boxes can be the same or different as long as the space in each box is large enough for the filling material to expand to its fullest volume. |
| US07814588B2 |
Patient bed with a retractable side barrier
A bed with a movable side barrier comprising a barrier element and a body is disclosed. The barrier element is associated with a deformable parallelogram mechanism hinged to a frame of the bed, said mechanism includes a deployment bar hinged between two parallel arms, and the barrier element is constrained to slide along vertical guide means carried by the body. |
| US07814587B2 |
Apparatus for applying motion simulating a moving vehicle to an infant's carrier
An apparatus for applying a motion simulating a moving vehicle to an infant's carrier. A platform supporting the carrier is suspended on flexible members in an open-topped enclosure. A pair of crank shafts with cranks upon which are mounted frictional members positioned under the platform. The frictional members cause the platform to rise and fall and sets it into complex motion on the flexible members while the motion of the frictional members gently bounces an infant in the carrier. By varying the length of the flexible members and the speed of the crank shafts, a user may find a setting effective at calming the infant and inducing sleep. |
| US07814586B1 |
Portable shower system
A base assembly has a major section with an open top, a minor section with a top panel and a cover plate with a down-turned flange. The cover plate is positioned over the major section. Springs between the cover plate and the major section hold the cover plate in an inoperative orientation above the major section and an operative orientation in contact with the major section. A J-shaped tube has a lower end operatively coupled with the minor section and extending upwardly from the top panel. The J-shaped tube has an upper end with a primary sprinkler head positioned over the major section. A water path includes an input coupling on the major section for receiving water from a hose. The water path includes an output coupling on the top panel for removably receiving the lower end of the J-shaped tube. |
| US07814584B2 |
Bathing apparatus
Disclosed is a bathing apparatus for a child that comprises a tub and a cradle. The tub is nestable with the cradle and includes a bottom wall and at least one side wall, each wall having an inside and an outside surface. The bottom wall includes a heat conductive means for conducting heat from the outside surface to the inside surface thereof. The cradle comprises a tub receiving portion and a base. The tub receiving portion is adapted for nestable engagement with the tub and further includes a heat generating means. When the tub is nested with the cradle, the heat generating means makes physical contact with the heat conductive means of the tub so as to allow heat transmission thereto. An electric switch is located electrically between the heating element and a power source. The electric switch is preferably a thermostat for deactivating the heat generating means when the water in the tub reaches a selected temperature. A water spraying means is preferably included that may be actuated to circulate water from the tub, through the pump, through the spray nozzle, and back into the tub. |
| US07814580B2 |
Flexible flange apparatus for connecting conduits and methods for connecting same
The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes an outer flange and a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) extending downwardly therefrom. The flexible sleeve has a sufficient degree of flexibility to accommodate connection between offset, misaligned, angled, or otherwise incongruous plumbing fixture discharges and waste drain pipe outlets. In one embodiment, the flexible sleeve includes at least one corrugated portion to aid the desired flexibility. An upper portion of the flexible sleeve may include an inwardly extending lip portion to accommodate the desired seal between the plumbing fixture discharge and the flange apparatus. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described. |
| US07814574B2 |
Convertible garment
Garments are convertible between multiple configurations so as to have an alternate appearance and/or be wearable as a different type of garment. Pants may be alternately configured so as to expose one of at least two possible surface treatments. The pants include a reversing panel having front and rear flaps that can be alternately wrapped around the left or right side. A garment alternately configurable for wear as a skirt or as a pair of short pants includes front and rear conversion tails. The front conversion tail is alternately affixable to the front or to the rear of the garment; the rear conversion tail is alternately affixable to the rear or to the front of the garment. A garment is also alternately configurable for wear in a sleeveless, wraparound manner, or for wear as a sleeved garment. |
| US07814573B1 |
Self-sizing cap with diverse headband segments
A self-sizing cap provides a secure, optimum fit upon a wearer's head over a range of sizes. The cap includes a crown and a headband in the form of a plurality of headband segments extending circumferentially along the lower peripheral edge of the crown of the cap. A first headband segment is located along a back portion of the crown and is constructed of a uniaxially resiliently stretchable material oriented for stretching along circumferential directions. A second headband segment is constructed of a substantially non-stretchable material, preferably a perspiration-absorbing material, and is located along a front portion of the crown. Third headband segments are located along side portions of the crown, placed between the first and second headband segments, and are constructed of a biaxially resiliently stretchable material. The diverse characteristics of the headband segments, together with the specific locations and extent of the particular headband segments, accomplish a secure and comfortable fit with increased ease while providing an authentic aesthetic appearance that mimics a custom-fitted cap. |
| US07814568B2 |
Process for producing flexible panels comprising laminates of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes
A flexible panel including a plurality of individual laminates, the laminates being built of at least two monolayers of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes bonded together, the direction of the polymeric tapes being the same in every monolayer and the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer, wherein the laminates are stacked on top of each other and secured to each other by separated bonding points or bonding lines. |
| US07818815B2 |
Communication device
With regard to data, stored in mobile phone 40, whose a security level is high and contents whose copyrights are protected, mobile phone 40 encapsulates data and contents, and includes the encapsulated data or the encapsulated contents. Further, mobile phone 40 processes the encapsulated data as a perfect encapsulated object utilizing only a method which is not authorized access to the encapsulated data by an executed program (E.g. Downloaded Java Applications). Java AP downloaded to mobile phone 40 instructs a perfect encapsulated object to process the encapsulated data in the perfect encapsulated object by using a method belonging to the perfect encapsulated object. Therefore, this invention makes it possible to ensure securities for programs to be provided through the network without losing diversifications of programs. |
| US07818813B2 |
Server apparatus and control method
An encrypted document file and related file are received (S42), and character strings are extracted from the related file. The document file is registered in a database (150) together with the extracted character strings (S45). |
| US07818812B2 |
Article and system for decentralized creation, distribution, verification and transfer of valuable documents
A universally known and accepted unique item that is independently identifiable and difficult to counterfeit is used as an authenticator item. The identity of this item is included in an authorization calculation which can only be accomplished by an authorizing authority. The authenticator can be a serial numbered item such as a currency bill or note. The document may be created anywhere in plain paper, electronic or other forms. Creation may be by any of an issuing authority, an agent, a bearer and even the buyer. The document's authenticity may be verified without communication back to the issuing authority. The invention allows cancellation to prevent negotiation of an electronic document regardless of how many copies are extant in computers or other form merely by defacing or destroying the associated authenticator. |
| US07818810B2 |
Control of document content having extraction permissives
Control of an original document content having permissives includes systems, computer program products and methods that include limiting extractions from the original document to discrete defined portions by enforcing one or more extraction permissives associated with the document and decrypting the document to allow displaying the document only through a document control editor that is capable of identifying and enforcing the extraction permissives. The method may further include assembling a manuscript having an extracted portion from the original document and one or more extraction permissives associated with the extracted portion, wherein the extracted portion can be displayed in decrypted form only through the document control editor. The manuscript may be sent to a publishing authority of the original document for receiving permission to publish the manuscript containing the extracted portion and further receiving a new permissive in the manuscript inserted by the publishing authority and directed to the extracted portion. |
| US07818808B1 |
Processor mode for limiting the operation of guest software running on a virtual machine supported by a virtual machine monitor
In one embodiment, a processor mode is provided for guest software. The processor mode enables the guest software to operate at a privilege level intended by the guest software. When the guest software attempts to perform an operation restricted by the processor mode, the processor mode is exited to transfer control over the operation to a virtual-machine monitor, which runs outside this processor mode. |
| US07818807B1 |
System and method of logical prefetching for optimizing file scanning operations
Scanning of a file for malware is performed by prefetching data needed for the scan. The sequence of data to be prefetched is determined based on a previous malware scan of the file. Logical prefetching functionality is used to monitor a sequence of data accesses during the previous malware scan. The sequence is saved and is then later usable to prefetch data in anticipation of a next malware scan of the file. |
| US07818806B1 |
Apparatus, system, and method for offloading pattern matching scanning
Diagnostic software often requires pattern matching scanning to be performed to detect problems such as computer viruses or unwanted intruders. A computing system offloads pattern matching scanning from a central processing unit to a graphics processing unit. |
| US07818804B2 |
Empirical privilege profiler (EPP) for software programs
A system is described for dynamically generating an application-specific, system-level privilege profile that describes the aggregate exercise of system-level privileges by a plurality of software application instances. In particular, the system includes a plurality of client computing devices for capturing empirical information relating to the exercise of privileges by the plurality of software application instances executing on top of a plurality of instances of a platforms residing within the plurality of client devices. The plurality of client devices each uploads the empirical information to an EPP server, which is also included within the system. The empirical privilege profiler system dynamically generates the profile based the empirical information. In this way, the system may facilitate adherence to the Principle of Least Privilege by revealing system-level privilege use by an application, monitoring of system-level privilege use, and detection of system intrusions. |
| US07818801B2 |
File system event tracking
Automated file system event tracking and reporting techniques are described in which file system events requested by a user application are intercepted and recorded prior to the request being permitted to pass to the file system for execution. Similarly, file system responses to a prior captured file system event are also intercepted and recorded. Predefined patterns of file system event may be aggregated and reported as a single event. |
| US07818796B2 |
Bridged cryptographic VLAN
The invention comprises three extensions of the IEEE 802.1Q VLAN bridge model. The first extension is the cryptographic separation of VLANs over trunk links. A LAN segment type referred to as an encapsulated LAN segment is introduced. All frames on such a segment are encapsulated according to an encryption and authentication code scheme. The second extension is the division of a trunk port into inbound and outbound ports. The third extension is a protocol that automatically infers for each outbound port in a bridged VLAN, a set of LAN segment types for the port that minimizes the number of transfers between encapsulated and unencapsulated segments required to transport a frame in the bridged VLAN. |
| US07818785B2 |
System and method for secure information handling system memory
Enhanced network security is provided through an intermediate network device, such as a switch or router, which stores in local memory a session key created based on session parameters. Subsequent attempts to communicate information through the session require authorization at the intermediate device by verification of the session key. For example, selected parameters from a protocol data unit are extracted to form a key, such as an IP address, MAC address, VLAN ID, socket number and application fields. Network accessible memory physically located in an infrastructure device provides an alternative repository for session-based information to enhance network communication security. |
| US07818779B2 |
Digital broadcast transmission device and method thereof, and digital broadcast reception device and method thereof
According to the present invention, in a content delivery managing section 16, transmission channels and transmission timing are allocated to contents layered according to content properties or respective contents constituting a program. In a content transmission section 10, on the basis of the transmission channels and transmission timing allocated in the content delivery managing section 16, coded bit sequences 101a to 101n of respective contents are multiplexed with timing information 102 such as decoding timing information, combination timing information, presentation timing information and reproduction start timing information for the contents generated in a timing information generating section 14 to generate transmission bit sequences 105a to 105n, and they are transmitted. |
| US07818778B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US07818776B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US07818775B2 |
System and method for recording and time-shifting programming in a television distribution system with limited content retention
Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to record broadcast programming for at least one television channel for a period of time, wherein the recording is performed upstream from subscribers in a television distribution system, and further including after the period of time, keeping recorded programming by request from at least one subscriber. And further wherein the request is for at least one television program contained in the recorded programming or for a time window for a particular channel. According to another embodiment a subscriber requests that broadcast programming be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and wherein the subscriber may request the programming be saved for later viewing by the subscriber between the time the programming was broadcast and a later point in time. |
| US07818774B2 |
Internet protocol conversion module for televisions
An interface module for use between a signal source and a receiver has an input, a processor, and an output. The input receives a signal from the signal source. The received signal contains MPEG files formatted according to an Internet Protocol. The processor strips the Internet Protocol formatting from the received signal and reformats the received signal as a receiver signal containing an MPEG transport stream. The output makes the reformatted signal available for supply to a port supported on a chassis of the receiver. |
| US07818773B2 |
Audio and video transmission and receiving system
A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape. |
| US07818771B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and program products for controlling presentation of an experiential data stream responsive to conversations in a shared social space
Apparatus, methods, and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to enable a presentation device to automatically accommodate conversations in a social space. This system monitors a first playback position in a time dimension of an experiential data stream on a local device for at least one local audience member, and monitors one or more utterances received by the local device. Then, the system enables the presentation of the experiential data stream in response to the step of monitoring. |
| US07818770B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and program products to support a shared viewing experience from remote locations
Apparatus, methods, and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to establish a control link, establish a human communication channel, and create a shared social space that enables a local audience member and a remote audience member to simultaneously experience a recorded experiential data stream, whereby the local audience member and the remote audience member are enabled to communicate over the human communication channel about the experiential data stream. |
| US07818769B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implementing dynamic program guides on mobile devices
Mechanisms are provided for allowing a mobile device to dynamically obtain program guide data. A mobile device having the capability of playing media streams is configurable to dynamically request program guide structure information followed by program guide content information. In one example, the program guide structure information allows a user to begin navigating the program guide data in an active and dynamic manner. Program guide content information including data such as program titles, times, icons, and links are then downloaded and displayed as needed. Potentially limitless amounts of program guide data can be provided on a mobile device. Program guide content information can be provided in a generic manner while allowing user layout customization. Program guide information can also be preemptively provided to a mobile device based on a variety of criteria. |
| US07818768B2 |
User interface for interactive television systems
An interactive television system transmits and displays a television program having an associated channel. The system also transmits and displays an interactive television mode indicator if the displayed television program supports an interactive television mode. The interactive television mode is activated in response to a request from a viewer of the television program to activate the interactive television mode. The system updates a channel status list to indicate that the television program is being viewed in the interactive television mode. The system is also able to handle requests for activating an online television mode. When changing channels, the channel status list is used to restore a previously activated interactive television mode or online television mode for a particular television channel. Two different indicators may be transmitted and displayed to indicate whether the television program supports an interactive television mode and/or an online television mode. |
| US07818761B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US07818754B2 |
Operating system event tracking and logging
A system and method for logging events processed by an operating system is provided. The events logged can include interrupt and non-interrupt events, and can include user-defined events. Information concerning the interrupt events is initially written, during event handling time, into a first buffer while information concerning non-interrupt events is initially written, during event handling time, into a second buffer. Information from the two buffers is then written to a third buffer not during event handling time. Separating the interrupt event buffer from the non-interrupt event buffer rather than having one buffer, and writing relatively small amounts of data during event handling time to memory, rather than transporting data to slower non-memory mapped devices allows the event logger to be less intrusive and facilitates greater accuracy in event logging. Data stored in the third buffer can be accessed by a viewing component, which facilitates displaying data in a manner useful to diagnose operating systems. |
| US07818751B2 |
Methods and systems for scheduling execution of interrupt requests
In process control based on partition setting which is a process corresponding to a plurality of operating systems (OSs), a configuration is implemented in which an interrupt request can be processed efficiently. In process control for switching processes which are based on the plurality of OSs, it is configured to set an interrupt processing partition as an interrupt processing execution period corresponding to an interrupt processing request so as to coincide with a pre-set partition switching timing. Further, a processing schedule is set, taking a maximum allowable delay time, a minimum allowable delay time into account. As a result of the present configuration, an increment in the number of partition switching processes can be kept to 1, and thus efficient data processing becomes possible. |
| US07818750B2 |
Method for controlling software modules
The invention relates to a method for controlling data-processing software modules (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein the data to be processed are organized in files, and wherein the processing is performed in a plurality of successive processing sections and the files in one processing section are processed by at least one software module (4, 5, 6, 7). To prevent the propagation and spreading of deviations occurring during the processing in the software modules (4, 5, 6, 7) in subsequent processing sections, information about the data processed are collected in the software modules (4, 5, 6, 7) of the processing sections and are signalized to a control system (8), said control system (8) comparing the information signalized and stopping the processing in a subsequent processing section if the comparison of the information revealed that a predetermined, admissible maximum deviation has been exceeded. |
| US07818746B2 |
System and method for benchmarking using a multi-threaded load generator
According to one embodiment, a benchmarking system comprises a processor and a multi-threaded load generator. The multi-threaded load generator uses events for managing processing by the threads. The load generator utilizes a thread for spinning and using a CPU cycle counter to determine time for issuing loads to a system under test in accordance with a defined workload. |
| US07818742B2 |
Portal federated applications and portal federated web applications
A customer portal application can reference a module. The files of the module can be combined with the files of the customer portal application wherein the files of the customer portal application take precedence. |
| US07818739B2 |
Virus detection system, method and computer program product for handheld computers
A method and system are provided for updating software on a handheld computer in communication with a client computer system operable to connect to a network. Software installed on the handheld computer is identified with the client computer. Moreover, information on the identified software is transmitted from the client computer to a server connected to the network. Further, updated versions of the software installed on the handheld computer are transferred from the server to the client computer based on the identified software that is installed on the handheld computer. Still yet, the software installed on the handheld computer is updated with the updated versions transferred to the client computer. |
| US07818736B2 |
Dynamic update mechanisms in operating systems
To dynamically update an operating system, a new factory object may have one or more new and/or updated object instances. A corresponding old factory object is then located and its version is checked for compatibility. A dynamic update procedure is then executed, which includes (a) changing a factory reference pointer within the operating system from the old factory object to the new factory object. For the case of updated object instances, (b) hot swapping each old object instance for its corresponding updated object instance, and (c) removing the old factory object. This may be performed for multiple updated object instances in the new factory object, preferably each separately. For the case of new object instances, they are created by the new factory and pointers established to invoke them. A single factory object may include multiple updated objects from a class, and/or new object instances from different classes, and the update may be performed without the need to reboot the operating system. |
| US07818734B2 |
Methods and systems for transferring data over a network
A method of distributing a software upgrade to user computer systems having a software application installed thereon is disclosed. A determination is made as whether the software upgrade is to be a forced upgrade or a recommended upgrade for a first user based on a parameter related to the first user or the software upgrade. A determination is made as to whether a software upgrade file is to be downloaded to a user computer using a trickle mode or a burst mode. |
| US07818733B2 |
Improving bundle control in computing environment
Provided is a method for managing sets of OSGi bundles in a manner that enables a developer to control the order in which bundles are activated, both within and among OSGi start levels. Also provided is a method for eliminating multiple instances of the OSGi class loaders that are typically generated for each bundle. A bundle consolidator tool is provided that combines multiple bundles in a set of bundles into a master bundle that appears to the OSGi framework to be a single bundle. An activator method enables the developer to specify the order in which individual bundles are initiated and terminated. In addition, a single class loader thread is employed to activate the individual bundles. The bundle consolidator tool also analyzes the target bundles for name space collisions and, in the event a collision is detected, the tool is programmed to modify byte codes to eliminate the collision. |
| US07818732B2 |
Transfer syntax notational system and method
The system and method for defining messages of communication networks in a formal notation called Transfer Syntax Notation One (“TSN.1”) and compiling TSN.1 message definitions into a software message parser using a TSN.1 compiler are provided. The parser is designed to speed up the development of wireless communication software. It translates messages between the implementation specific, programming language and platform dependent representations and the standard defined, programming language and platform independent representations. The messages described using the TSN.1 notation can be communicated to wireless device protocol stacks over a variety of networks, which utilize a number of protocols and implement OSI 7 Layers Protocol Model, including such layers as Transport, Network, and Data Link. The message parser generated by the TSN.1 Compiler can be easily incorporated into a user application, and can run on many popular software development platforms, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, SUN Solaris, and other Unix systems. |
| US07818727B2 |
Using a high level programming language with a microcontroller
An integrated circuit card is used with a terminal. The integrated circuit card includes a memory that stores an interpreter and an application that has a high level programming language format. A processor of the card is configured to use the interpreter to interpret the application for execution and to use a communicator of the card to communicate with the terminal. |
| US07818725B1 |
Mapping communication in a parallel processing environment
An the integrated circuit comprises a plurality of processor cores interconnected by an interconnection network. A method for generating instructions to be executed in the integrated circuit comprises accepting a plurality of programs, at least some of the programs including one or more communication operations to communicate with other programs; mapping each program to one or more of the processor cores; determining correspondence among communication operations in the programs; and mapping communication for corresponding communication operations to resources associated with the interconnection network. |
| US07818724B2 |
Methods and apparatus for instruction set emulation
Methods and apparatus provide for translating a software program page by page from a first instruction set architecture (ISA) into a second ISA using one or more of a set of processors of a multi-processor system; and executing the translated software program using a dedicated other processor of the multi-processor system. |
| US07818714B2 |
Integration of process and workflows into a business application framework
Process is integrated into a business application framework on which the process is built. The same programming model used by the framework is used for managing data operated on by the process and for interacting with and controlling the process. |
| US07818708B2 |
Method and system for developing post-layout electronic data automation (EDA) applications
A method and system for processing geometrical layout design data to manufacture an electronic circuit is provided. The method includes extracting the geometrical layout design data from one or more data-format files. The method further includes segregating the geometrical layout design data extracted from one or more data-format files into each of a structural data, a spatial data, and a raw-geometry data. Thereafter, one or more predefined operations are performed on one or more of the structural data, the spatial data, and the raw-geometry data. |
| US07818704B1 |
Capacitive decoupling method and module
The present invention is directed to a capacitive decoupling module and method for an integrated circuit that features providing multiple capacitive elements to decouple the power rails from the integrated circuit. The multiple capacitive elements are spaced-apart, along a first direction, from the integrated circuit. A first set of capacitive elements is closer to the integrated circuit than a second set of capacitive elements. The first set has a smaller capacitance than the second set. |
| US07818699B1 |
Dynamic core pipeline
A circuit configuration for a pipeline core to be implemented in a programmable integrated circuit (IC) is dynamically specified by providing a single code set embodying an expanded netlist representative of a dynamic circuit configuration of the pipeline core. The code set, which includes one or more parameter variables that determine the length and width of the implemented pipeline core, is synthesized by setting the parameter variables to selected constant values to generate a reduced netlist embodying a static circuit configuration for the implemented pipeline core. |
| US07818697B2 |
Method for improving yield of a layout and recording medium having the layout
A yield of a semiconductor layout may be improved by selecting a pattern that does not satisfy at least one of multiple rules within the layout, adding a margin to a predetermined value of the at least one of the rules associated with selected pattern, based on a ground rule and a recommended rule of each of the rules, calculating an overall fail rate of at least one of the rules that varies according to the addition of the margin, and determining an adjusted margin to be added based on the calculated overall fail rate. |
| US07818694B2 |
IC layout optimization to improve yield
Optimizing an integrated circuit design to improve manufacturing yield using manufacturing data and algorithms to identify areas with high probability of failures, i.e. critical areas. The process further changes the layout of the circuit design to reduce critical area thereby reducing the probability of a fault occurring during manufacturing. Methods of identifying critical area include common run, geometry mapping, and Voronoi diagrams. Optimization includes but is not limited to incremental movement and adjustment of shape dimensions until optimization objectives are achieved and critical area is reduced. |
| US07818687B2 |
Dynamic graphic user interface
A Graphical User Interface or “GUI” for use with a computer operating systems that operates dynamically according to the user's preferences. Each element of the GUI is surrounded by a dynamic edge which allows the user to combine two or more elements together to create a visually coherent unit in real time. Users can merge or fuse together two or more edges together thus creating a combined group that has aspects and qualities from the constituent elements. Particular colors and color combinations can be created by the user along with user selected shapes and sizes of individual elements selected from a library of element shapes and sizes. The grouped elements can then be separated back to the individual elements for use in different applications or other groupings as later desired by the user. |
| US07818686B2 |
System and method for accelerated web page navigation using keyboard accelerators in a data processing system
A system and method for accelerated web page navigation using keyboard accelerators in a data processing system. A navigation layer is provided within a web browser application to enable pre-processing of a markup language within a web page retrieved from a web server. Multiple sequentially and/or individually accessible pages (i.e., paged content) of the web page are detected and functionality of one or more buttons of a keyboard is associated with one or more navigation functions of the web page (i.e., keyboard accelerators are enabled). The keyboard accelerators include a right directional arrow button of the keyboard associated with a transition within the web page from a first page of the multiple individually accessible pages to a next sequential page, a left directional arrow button of the keyboard associated with a transition within the web page from a first page of the multiple individually accessible pages to a previous sequential page, and a numeric button of the keyboard associated with a corresponding page number of individual pages of the web page. |
| US07818679B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for enabling near real time collaboration on an electronic document through a plurality of computer systems
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for collaborating on an electronic document. According to the method, a data structure may be maintained at each of the computer systems participating in the collaborative session that represents the contents of a shared document. When user input is received at one of the computer systems modifying the document, the data structure is updated to reflect the modification. In response to the modification, the changes to the data structure are periodically identified and collected as a revision that identifies only the changes made to the data structure as a result of the edits made since the previous revision was taken. The revision is packaged and transmitted to each of the participants in the sharing session. The revisions are merged into the copy of the data structure stored at the participating computer systems. |
| US07818677B2 |
Single window navigation methods and systems
A user interface (UI) in the form of a single navigable window enables a user to navigate to and between multiple different functionalities that are provided by a single application program. Novel use is made of a navigation model that manages the user's navigation activities to and between the different functionalities. Navigation instrumentalities enable the user to navigate among the different functionalities and include links to each of the different functionalities as well as browser-like navigation buttons. Context-sensitive command sets can also be provided along with the single navigable window. The context sensitive command sets include commands that automatically change as the user's computing context changes, e.g. as the user moves from functionality to functionality. The single application can be defined as a software platform that is extensible to receive and incorporate different functionalities. The functionalities can be provided as software modules that can be sent over a network such as the Internet. The extensible software platform provides a basis to offer a subscriber or fee-based service where different subscribers can, for a fee, access different functionalities via a network such as the Internet. |
| US07818671B2 |
Virtual navigation of menus
Menus within an application may be virtually navigated. While a user is virtually navigating the menus and exploring the user interface (UI) elements using the virtual menus, the system's current focus is maintained. Virtual navigating menus assist a user in learning the commands that are associated with an application. Instead of having to physically navigate to the menus that change the system focus, a user may virtually navigate to a menu to learn what commands or features an application supports. The virtual menus behave just as the regular menu items behave within the application without the state of the application changing. |
| US07818669B2 |
Scrolling facility with fixing mechanism
The invention relates to a scrolling facility for moving information (I) shown in a display area (3), with recognition means for identifying higher-ranking elements (1) from the displayed information (T) and fixing means for fixing the position (Fix) of at least one higher-ranking element within the display area, with the fixing means being embodied such that the at least one higher-ranking element remains fixed while at least one of the subordinate elements (2) assigned to the higher ranking element (1) is visible in the display area (3). |
| US07818664B2 |
Multimodal XML delivery system and method
The present invention is a computer software product and method including an XML parsing module, a translation module communicatively coupled to the XML parsing module and an output module communicatively coupled to the translation module, the output module configurable by the end user to execute a predefined event responsive to the processing of an associated XML tag. The predefined event may be selected from a group consisting of audio output modification, visual output modification, and tactile output modification. These output modifications may include, but are not limited to, voice inflection, voice gender, voice volume, voice pitch, voice speed, visual display modification, visual display cues, tactile device output modification and the like. |
| US07818662B2 |
Integrating line-of-business application data with documents
Merging data from LOB applications into document templates within productivity applications without the need for custom programming is provided. A document template within a productivity application is provided, and an XML schema is attached to the document template. The XML schema allows the LOB application data to be modeled generically using a business object paradigm. Meta-data is accessed from the LOB application. Using the attached XML schema, a user may mark-up the document template with schema nodes corresponding to the meta-data from the LOB application. Data from the LOB application may then be accessed and merged into the schema nodes, creating a data-merged document. Data may be further interactively merged from the LOB application into the data-merged document. |
| US07818654B2 |
Addressing strategy for Viterbi metric computation
There is provided an addressing architecture for parallel processing of recursive data. A basic idea is to store a calculated new path metric at the memory location used by the old path metric, which old metric was employed to calculate the new metric. If m metric values are read and m metric values are simultaneously calculated in parallel, it is possible to store the new, calculated metrics in the memory position where the old metrics were held. This is advantageous, since the size of the storage area for the path metrics is reduced to half compared to the storage area employed in prior art Viterbi decoders for the same performance with regard to path metric computations. |
| US07818644B2 |
Multi-stage test response compactors
Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of a so-called “X-press” test response compactor. Certain embodiments of the disclosed compactor comprise an overdrive section and scan chain selection logic. Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology offer compaction ratios on the order of 1000×. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed compactor can maintain about the same coverage and about the same diagnostic resolution as that of conventional scan-based test scenarios. Some embodiments of a scan chain selection scheme can significantly reduce or entirely eliminate unknown states occurring in test responses that enter the compactor. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of on-chip comparator circuits and methods for generating control circuitry for masking selection circuits. |
| US07818643B2 |
Method for blocking unknown values in output response of scan test patterns for testing circuits
A method includes compressing control patterns describing values required at the control signals of blocking logic gates, by linear feedback shift register LFSR reseeding; bypassing blocking logic gates for some groups of scan chains that do not capture unknown values in output response of scan test patterns for testing circuits; and reducing numbers of specified bits in densely specified ones of the control patterns for further reducing the size of a seed of the LFSR. |
| US07818636B1 |
Method and apparatus for improving memory operation and yield
A memory circuit comprises a first memory that stores data in a plurality of memory locations that are associated with memory addresses. A memory interface communicates with said first memory. A second memory communicates with said memory interface and stores memory addresses of defective memory locations that are identified in said first memory. |
| US07818635B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver
In a digital broadcast receiver, when a bit error rate (BER) is larger than a threshold in a BER determining part, power is supplied to a first tuner and a second tuner for diversity reception. When the BER is smaller than the threshold, power supply to one of the first tuner and the second tuner is stopped for single reception. This structure allows power supply to one of the tuners to be stopped in excellent reception environments, thus reducing power consumption. |
| US07818628B1 |
Fast port failover in a network switch
A network switch comprises a port that includes a redirect circuit and a loopback circuit that selectively redirects an egress frame to the redirect circuit when the port is non-operational. The redirect circuit replaces a destination port identifier associated with the egress frame to create a modified frame. The loopback circuit loops back the modified frame in an ingress direction. A transfer circuit transfers the modified frame to another port identified by the destination port identifier. |
| US07818627B2 |
Systems and methods for gathering debug information
System and methods are disclosed for gathering debug information of a storage system of a computer system without requiring additional external hardware directly connected to the controller of the storage system. |
| US07818624B2 |
Processor bus for performance monitoring with digests
A method for monitoring event occurrences from a plurality of processor units at a centralized location via a dedicated bus coupled between the plurality of processor units and the centralized location. In particular, the method comprises receiving, at the centralized location, data indicative of cumulative events occurring at one of the processor units, and storing the data in a first temporary memory. The data is then stored in a register based on a tag identifier affixed to the data in an instance where the tag identifier provides indicia of one of the plurality of processor units. |
| US07818620B2 |
Program failure analysis system, failure analysis method, and emulator device
A CPU forced stop signal is used as means for stopping execution of a program executed on a ROM by a CPU of a target system. A time required for stopping the CPU from the issuance of the CPU forced stop signal between an ICE device and the CPU is considered and set, and a CPU forced stop signal issuance position which is prior to a stop target position is determined. Based on a real-time tracing function of the CPU, at an issuance position and timing of the CPU forced stop signal on the execution of the program, the CPU forced stop signal is issued, the CPU is stopped, and the event is acquired. By this means, an arbitrary number of events of the program can be acquired regardless of the number of breakpoint registers. |
| US07818616B2 |
Warm reboot enabled kernel dumper
In one embodiment, a method of a kernel dumper module includes generating a dump file associated with a kernel when the kernel crashes, storing the dump file to a functional memory upon applying an overwrite protection to a core dump of the dump file, restarting the kernel through a warm reboot of the kernel such that the core dump is not erased from the functional memory, and transferring the core dump to a system file using the kernel. |
| US07818610B2 |
Rapid crash recovery for flash storage
Recovery is expedited for crashes involving flash memory. Rather than requiring an entire flash memory to be read to reconstruct lost information, only a subset of the memory need be read thereby reducing system down time, among other things. In particular, state information such as a logical to physical mapping is captured via a checkpoint operation periodically. Moreover, a deterministic usage pattern is employed to facilitate recovery of actions performed after a checkpoint. |
| US07818609B2 |
Methods and systems for managing corrupted meta-data in a computer system or network
A method for managing data in a computer system comprises identifying a data-set that has data unit protection that is suspected of having been corrupted, suspending a data unit protection process for the data-set; deferring re-establishing the data unit protection process for the data-set until issuance of a request for an I/O operation for the data unit; and re-establishing the data unit protection process for the data-set in response to the request and before the I/O operation is conducted. The data has a data unit protection invalidity indicator for indicating that the data-set has data unit protection that is suspected of having been corrupted; and the data unit protection process is suspended in the presence of the data-set protection invalidity indicator. Meta-data protection that is suspected of having been corrupted may be used to identify a corrupted data-set. |
| US07818596B2 |
Method and apparatus of power management of processor
Briefly, a processor and a method of setting a performance state of a turbo mode enabled processor. The method includes determining an effective performance state over a predetermined time period, calculating a target performance state based on core utilization and the effective performance state over the predetermined time period and setting the turbo mode enabled processor to a turbo mode performance state. |
| US07818593B2 |
Power conversation for devices on a shared bus using bus busy and free signals
A method of operating a shared bus comprises sending a wake-up signal on the shared bus. The wake-up signal comprises a sequence of signals, each signal of the sequence being one of a signal indicating the bus is free and a signal indicating the bus is busy. A microcontroller to effect this method is also contemplated. A wake-up device for a shared bus has a first latch to recognize a signal indicating one of said shared bus being free and said shared bus being busy and selectively output a recognition signal and a second latch to, after receipt of the recognition signal, recognize a signal indicating another of the shared bus being free and the shared bus being busy and selectively output a power-on signal. The latches may be D-type flip flops. |
| US07818591B2 |
Techniques for measuring network channel resistive loss between a power-sourcing apparatus and a powered device
A method and apparatus are provided for determining resistive power loss through a channel between Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and a Powered Device (PD). The method includes (1) receiving indication that a PSE signal measurement is available from the PSE or a PD signal measurement is available from the PD, (2) selecting, as an input parameter to a processing operation, at least one of the PSE signal measurement or the PD signal measurement, (3) performing the processing operation to calculate a resistance value indicative of the resistive power loss through the channel between the PSE and PD based on the input parameter, and (4) outputting the resistive power loss value as a result of carrying out the processing operation. |
| US07818589B2 |
Data transfer apparatus and image forming apparatus
A data transfer apparatus has a plurality of data transfer interfaces, and one of the plurality of data transfer interfaces has a PHY, the PHY being made in a reset state when the data transfer interface is not used. |
| US07818588B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for dynamic data-driven privacy policy protection and data sharing
A method of sharing telematics data for a vehicle with service providers can include receiving the telematics data for the vehicle, where the telematics data dynamically changes over time, and comparing the telematics data with a privacy policy associated with the vehicle. The privacy policy can specify rules for selectively releasing items of the telematics data to one or more service providers. Data items of the telematics data can be selectively provided to the service providers according to the comparing step. |
| US07818585B2 |
Secure license management
Systems, methods, and computer program products for secure license management. A host computer runs in a trusted state. A license manager is installed on the host computer. The license manager is configured to provide access to one or more software programs. The one or more software programs are accessible only through the license manager. The license manager is bound to the trusted state of the host computer, such that if the trusted state ceases to exist, then the license manager is not executable and the one or more software programs are not accessible. The host computer can be a TCPA (Trusted Computing Platform Alliance) enabled computer. |
| US07818579B2 |
Information processor having information dispersing function
An information processor has an information dispersing function, a dividing unit for dividing a first data (DT0) into n pieces of disperse information, and executing secret sharing scheme capable of restoring the first data (DT0) by using arbitrary k pieces (1 |
| US07818575B2 |
Efficient retrieval of cryptographic evidence
An efficient protocol for retrieving cryptographic evidence may be selected by evaluating a local policy and a number of relevant factors. Furthermore, updated cryptographic evidence may be prefetched during a time period in which there is a low volume of requests for cryptographic evidence. This low volume time period may be defined, approximately, as an overlapping window in which both a first cryptographic evidence publication and a second cryptographic evidence publication are valid. |
| US07818572B2 |
Security system and method
A first embodiment provides a process and system for simple, secure exchange of random numbers between two devices by combining a random number and a secret code (e.g., password) to generate a first challenge code, extracting the random number using the password at the second device, combining the first random number with a second random number, and returning the combination to the first device, which extracts the second random number from the second challenge code using its first random number. A CRC can be added to authenticate the sender. Another embodiment provides a system and method for generating a seedless pseudo-random number. The Yet another embodiment provides a system and method for generating data encryption coding with variable clocking. |
| US07818569B2 |
Data protection and cryptographic functions using a device-specific value
A digital value is generated in an integrated circuit such that the generated value substantially depends on circuit parameters that vary among like devices. The generated digital value is then used, for example, to access protected information in the device or to perform a cryptographic function in the integrated circuit. |
| US07818567B2 |
Method for protecting security accounts manager (SAM) files within windows operating systems
A method for protecting Security Accounts Manager (SAM) files within a Windows® operating system is disclosed. A SAM file encryption key is generated by encrypting a SAM file via a syskey utility provided within the Windows® operating system. The SAM file encryption key is then stored in a virtual floppy disk by selecting an option to store SAM file encryption key to a floppy disk under the syskey utility. A blob is generated by performing a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Seal command against the SAM file encryption key along with a value stored in a Performance Control Register and a TPM Storage Root Key. The blob is stored in a non-volatile storage area of a computer. |
| US07818565B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing protocol enforcement rules
A protocol management system is capable of detecting certain message protocols and applying policy rules to the detected message protocols that prevent intrusion, or abuse, of a network's resources. In one aspect, a protocol message gateway is configured to apply policy rules to high level message protocols, such as those that reside at layer 7 of the ISO protocol stack. |
| US07818552B2 |
Operation, compare, branch VLIW processor
A VLIW processor is provided with an architecture which includes fetching and executing circuitry which when combined with operation, compare, branch (OCB) instructions realizes no processing branch penalties. The OCB instructions are provided with two direct branch fields or with two indirect branch fields. |
| US07818549B2 |
Event driven digital signal processor with time constraints
The present invention relates to an event driven digital signal processor 1 comprising: a central arithmetical unit 5, a register 4, a controller 3, an instruction memory 2, and input/output devices. The instruction memory 2 is arranged to include time performance constraints and events. An event control unit 6 is arranged to recognize an event and to control processing to be carried out as a consequence of the event while fulfilling the time performance constraints. The controller 3 is arranged to suspend processing of the time performance constraints after initiating operations in the event control unit 6. The controller 3 resumes processing when advised by the event control unit 6. |
| US07818546B2 |
Pipeline processing communicating adjacent stages and controls to prevent the address information from being overwritten
A bus apparatus for transferring information between a bus master and a bus slave includes a plurality of pipeline registers capable of transmitting information from the bus master to the bus slave by a pipeline processing; and a plurality of management devices that manage each pipeline register. Also, the management device includes: a holding state keeping unit that keeps a holding state as information indicating whether a current stage's pipeline register corresponding to the management device holds information; an adjacent stage's holding state specifying unit that specifies the holding state of a previous stage's pipeline register that transmits information to the current stage's pipeline register and the holding state of a subsequent stage's pipeline register to which information from the current stage's pipeline register is transmitted; and a transfer control unit that determines whether information held by the corresponding pipeline register is transferred. |
| US07818545B2 |
Information processing unit and store instruction control method
In order to increase the operation efficiency of the operation register for holding store data when executing store instructions to store data in a predetermined store area on the main memory or the cache memory, in the present invention, an instruction processing section is adapted so as, when an operation register holding the operation result is determined causes the operation result to be issued from the operation register to store buffers as store data; when the store data are held by the store buffers before the store instruction is held by store ports, a restraint section restrains a reset section from setting a store data hold flag to OFF at a point of time when the store instruction is held by the store ports to maintain the store data hold flag to ON. |
| US07818538B2 |
Hashing and serial decoding techniques
A serial decoding technique may employ one or more circular shift register strings in which an input to an element of a shift register string may be gated by either an address input or the inverse of the address input. An output word line of the decoder may be driven by a respective shift register stage in the case of a single shift register string, or by a logical combination of shift register stages from respective shift register strings in the case of multiple shift register strings. |
| US07818536B1 |
Methods and apparatus for storing content on a storage system comprising a plurality of zones
Some embodiments are directed to a technique for storing and/or locating content units stored on an object addressable storage (OAS) system, wherein each content unit is identified by an object identifier. The OAS system may comprise a plurality of zones, each of which stores content units. A mapping process may be defined that maps object identifiers for content units to zones on the OAS system. Thus, the storage location for a content unit on the OAS system may be the zone on the OAS system to which the object identifier for the content unit maps. |
| US07818535B1 |
Implicit container per version set
When a client requests creation of a production file system or logical unit number (LUN) of storage, a sparse metavolume and a container file system built on the sparse metavolume are implicitly created for containing the production file system or LUN. By implicitly creating one container file system for each production file system or LUN, it is possible to hide the management of the container file system from the client or end user. The creation of snapshot copies in the container file system can also be hidden from the client or end user. Customer service level expectations and thin provisioning can be met automatically by storage policies implemented upon the container file system and the underlying sparse metavolume. |
| US07818531B2 |
Storage system condition indicator and method
A storage system condition indicator and method provides a visual display representing the operating condition of a set of storage devices. Various operating conditions may be defined based on available storage capacity and capacity to store data redundantly. One or more indicators may be used to represent the operating condition of the set of storage devices. The indicator(s) may be used to indicate whether additional storage capacity is recommended and, in a storage array, which slot in the array should be updated with additional storage capacity. |
| US07818530B2 |
Data management systems, articles of manufacture, and data storage methods
Data management systems, articles of manufacture, and data storage methods are described. According to one aspect, a data management system provides a data storage system configured to store data of a plurality of client protected computer systems, wherein the data storage system comprises a plurality of storage devices individually having a respective capacity, and a quantity of the data of the protected computer systems to be stored exceeds capacities of individual ones of the storage devices and storage control circuitry coupled with the data storage system and configured to assign individual ones of the individual storage devices to store data for respective ones of the protected computer systems. |
| US07818527B2 |
Wrapper circuit and method for interfacing between non-muxed type memory controller and muxed type memory
A wrapper circuit effectively converts a muxed-type memory (having time-multiplexed address and data lines) into a non-muxed type memory as seen by the controller (a non-muxed type memory controller). Wrapper circuit includes a select circuit (e.g., multiplexer) and an input/output buffer. The select circuit receives write data and an address from a non-muxed type memory controller and selects either the write data or the address according to a first control signal. The input/output buffer receives the selection among the write data and the address and passes the write data or the address to a muxed type memory. The input/output buffer also passes read data received from the memory to the memory controller. |
| US07818525B1 |
Efficient reduction of read disturb errors in NAND FLASH memory
Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block. |
| US07818524B2 |
Data migration systems and methods for independent storage device expansion and adaptation
A method of data migration for independent storage device expansion and adaptation is disclosed. The method migrates user data of a first storage unit being pre-expanded or pre-adapted to relevant regions of a second storage unit being post-expanded or post-adapted in multiple batches and includes the following steps. A number corresponding to a start data stripe of the first storage unit is provided in each batch. A data stripe migration quantity is determined. Data stripe user data of the determined data stripe migration quantity subsequent to and including the start data stripe of the first storage unit is duplicated and stored in relevant regions of the second storage unit. Subsequent to duplicating and storing each batch, the original user data of data stripes of the determined data stripe migration quantity subsequent to and including the start data stripe of the first storage unit remains undamaged. |
| US07818515B1 |
System and method for enforcing device grouping rules for storage virtualization
A system includes one or more storage devices and virtualization software configured to aggregate storage in the one or more storage devices into a virtual storage device accessible to a storage consumer. The virtualization software may include a group validation layer comprising a device-independent interface configured to validate a proposed group configuration operation on the one or more storage devices. The device-independent interface may be used to verify that the proposed configuration operation would, if completed, result in a configuration capable of supporting a desired virtualization functionality. The device-independent interface may allow an application to manage the one or more devices as a unit known as a virtual device group. |
| US07818510B2 |
Selectively monitoring stores to support transactional program execution
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that selectively monitors store instructions to support transactional execution of a process, wherein changes made during the transactional execution are not committed to the architectural state of a processor until the transactional execution successfully completes. Upon encountering a store instruction during transactional execution of a block of instructions, the system determines whether the store instruction is a monitored store instruction or an unmonitored store instruction. If the store instruction is a monitored store instruction, the system performs the store operation, and store-marks a cache line associated with the store instruction to facilitate subsequent detection of an interfering data access to the cache line from another process. If the store instruction is an unmonitored store instruction, the system performs the store operation without store-marking the cache line. |
| US07818508B2 |
System and method for achieving enhanced memory access capabilities
A computer system, related components such as a processor agent, and related method are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the computer system includes a first core, at least one memory device including a first memory segment, and a first memory controller coupled to the first memory segment. Further, the computer system includes a fabric and at least one processor agent coupled at least indirectly to the first core and the first memory segment, and also coupled to the fabric. A first memory request of the first core in relation to a first memory location within the first memory segment proceeds to the first memory controller by way of the at least one processor agent and the fabric. |
| US07818503B2 |
Method and apparatus for memory utilization
One embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus for utilizing memory. The method includes reserving a first portion of a cache in a processor for an inbox. The inbox is associated with a first thread being executed by the processor. The method also includes receiving a packet from a second thread, wherein the packet includes an access request. The method further includes using inbox control circuitry for the inbox to process the received packet and determine whether to grant the access request included in the packet. |
| US07818502B2 |
Selectively powering down tag or data memories in a cache based on overall cache hit rate and per set tag hit rate
A CPU incorporating a cache memory is provided, in which a high processing speed and low power consumption are realized at the same time. A CPU incorporating an associative cache memory including a plurality of sets is provided, which includes a means for observing a cache memory area which does not contribute to improving processing performance of the CPU in accordance with an operating condition, and changing such a cache memory area to a resting state dynamically. By employing such a structure, a high-performance and low-power consumption CPU can be provided. |
| US07818497B2 |
Buffered memory module supporting two independent memory channels
A memory system is provided that enhances the memory bandwidth available through a memory module. The memory system includes a memory controller and a memory module coupled to the memory controller. In the memory system, the memory controller is coupled to the memory module via at least two independent memory channels. In the memory system, the at least two independent memory channels are coupled to one or more memory hub devices of the memory module. |
| US07818490B2 |
Partial block data programming and reading operations in a non-volatile memory
Data in less than all of the pages of a non-volatile memory block are updated by programming the new data in unused pages of either the same or another block. In order to prevent having to copy unchanged pages of data into the new block, or to program flags into superceded pages of data, the pages of new data are identified by the same logical address as the pages of data which they superceded and a time stamp is added to note when each page was written. When reading the data, the most recent pages of data are used and the older superceded pages of data are ignored. This technique is also applied to metablocks that include one block from each of several different units of a memory array, by directing all page updates to a single unused block in one of the units. |
| US07818489B2 |
Integrating data from symmetric and asymmetric memory
Data stored within symmetric and asymmetric memory components of main memory is integrated by identifying a first data as having access characteristics suitable for storing in an asymmetric memory component. The first data is included among a collection of data to be written to the asymmetric memory component. An amount of data is identified within the collection of data to be written to the asymmetric memory component. The amount of data is compared within the collection of data to a volume threshold to determine whether a block write to the asymmetric memory component is justified by the amount of data. If justified, the collection of data is loaded to the asymmetric memory component. |
| US07818487B2 |
Multiple module computer system and method using differential signal channel including unidirectional, serial bit channels
A computer system for multi-processing purposes. The computer system has a console comprising a first coupling site and a second coupling site. Each coupling site comprises a connector. The console is an enclosure that is capable of housing each coupling site. The system also has a plurality of computer modules, where each of the computer modules is coupled to a connector. Each of the computer modules has a processing unit, a main memory coupled to the processing unit, a graphics controller coupled to the processing unit, and a mass storage device coupled to the processing unit. Each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other to provide independent processing of each of the computer modules in the computer system. |
| US07818483B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for improving SATA target device detection
Methods and apparatuses for improving detection of a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (“SATA”) target device by a storage initiator over a link. The storage initiator receives a Frame Information Structure (“FIS”) and determines whether the FIS is valid. In direct response to a determination that the FIS is invalid, the storage initiator immediately resets the link to the SATA target device. |
| US07818482B2 |
Amplifier connected to and identifying plurality of content reproducing devices with respective audio speakers
An AV receiver 1 is connected to a DVD player AVP1 and a CD player AVP2 via an IEEE1394 bus. The AV receiver 1 stores a command receiving terminal 161 connected to a remote controller receiver RE1 as being associated with the DVD player AVP1, and a command receiving terminal 162 connected to a remote controller receiver RE2 as being associated with the CD player AVP2. The AV receiver 1 transmits a control command that is received via the remote controller receiver RE1 to the DVD player AVP1 and a control command that is received via the remote controller receiver RE2 to the CD player AVP2. |
| US07818481B2 |
Computer system and monitor with peripheral interfaces
The present invention relates to a computer system and a monitor with peripheral interfaces. The computer system includes a monitor, a host, and a transmission cable. The monitor includes a plurality of peripheral interfaces and an integrated interface. The peripheral interfaces are utilized to connect corresponding peripheral devices, and the peripheral interfaces are connected with the integrated interface. The transmission cable is configured for connecting the integrated interface and the host, and transmitting peripheral signals from the peripheral devices to the host. |
| US07818474B2 |
Provisional load sharing buffer for reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity and improving reliability and lifetime
The present invention is directed towards reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity by sharing the buffering activity between a provisional load sharing buffer (PLSB) and a time shift buffer (TSB). The HDD may be included in a digital host communications terminal (DHCT). Initially, the PLSB buffers initial streaming programs to accommodate for channel changes. Additionally, the streaming program is buffered in a standard definition quality regardless of the format of a connected television. Once a predetermined time has passed determined by the size of the PLSB without a channel change, the TSB begins buffering the streaming program. The TSB can then switch between buffering a high definition quality to a standard definition quality of a streaming high definition program depending on other factors to further decrease the HDD activity. Additionally, the TSB can be disabled to prevent buffering of the streaming program. |
| US07818473B2 |
Embedded locate records for device command word processing
A method of packaging locate record commands for device command word (DCW) processing is provided. A first locate record command is packaged into DCW prefix parameter data. The first locate record command includes first search and first seek arguments, a first intent count argument, a first transfer length factor argument, and a plurality of remaining arguments. A plurality of truncated locate record commands is embedded in the DCW prefix parameter data as concatenations to the first locate record command. Each of the plurality of truncated locate record commands include a unique search argument, intent count argument, and transfer length factor argument. Seek argument parameters for each of the plurality of truncated locate record commands are calculated by taking an offset from the first seek argument and the first search argument, applying the offset to each of the plurality of truncated locate record commands. The plurality of remaining arguments is shared. |
| US07818471B2 |
Input/output module for a programmable controller
An input/output module for a programmable controller is provided. The input/output module has a digital input channel, and in order to prevent power losses previously incurred internally within the module, an electrical source is provided internally within the module for evaluating the status of a sensor connected to the digital input channel. The module receives no electrical energy via the digital input channel but outputs it. A reduction is thus achieved in the power loss incurred internally within the module. A method for operating an input/output module for a programmable controller is also provided. |
| US07818470B2 |
Adaptive interrupt on serial rapid input/output (SRIO) endpoint
A serial buffer is configured to transmit a plurality of received data packets through a data packet transfer path to a host processor. A doorbell controller of the serial buffer monitors the number of data packets transmitted to the host processor through the data packet transfer path, and estimates the number of data packets actually received by the host processor. The doorbell controller generates a doorbell command each time that the estimated number of data packets corresponds with a fixed number of data packets in a frame. The doorbell commands are transmitted to the host processor on a doorbell command path, which is faster than the data packet transfer path. The doorbell controller may estimate the number of data packets actually received by the host processor in response to a first delay value, which represents how much faster the doorbell command path is than the data packet transfer path. |
| US07818469B2 |
USB device and peripheral device changing functional module to activate in accordance with descriptor
In a USB device comprising a plurality of functional modules that includes a control circuit for switching a functional module to be activated from among the functional modules included in the USB device according to a potential level of a power applied from a host connected to the USB device. The control circuit includes: a voltage detector for discriminating a voltage value of power; a switch for controlling powers to be applied to the respective functional modules; and memories for storing descriptors relating to the USB device. The control circuit makes power applied to a functional module to be activated by the switch into ON state according to a discrimination result of the voltage value of the power by the voltage detector, thereby transferring the descriptors stored in the memories to a host. |
| US07818457B1 |
Apparatus for multi-chassis configurable time synchronization
Systems and methods are disclosed for time synchronization of operations in a control system. Synchronization networks and devices are provided for transferring synchronization information between controllers in a distributed or localized control system, which is employed in order to allow operation of such controllers to be synchronized with respect to time. Also disclosed are synchronization protocols and hardware apparatus employed in synchronizing control operations in a control system. |
| US07818453B2 |
Address transition and message correlation between networks nodes
A method, system and network element for providing an address transition if a connection point at one end of a connection is changed from a first network node to a second network node of a cellular network is provided. An address information and at least one alternative address information are transmitted in a signaling message from the first network node to the second network node. One of the address information and the alternative address information is selected at the second network node and used for re-establishing the connection towards the other end of the connection. Thereby, the new point of connection is allowed to re-establish the connection towards the other end of the connection, even if it can only communicate using one of the two addresses. Furthermore, signaling messages, e.g. messages relating to charging, lawful interception, and/or customized applications, received from different network nodes can be correlated based on the alternative addresses. |
| US07818448B2 |
Method for the insertion and processing of information for the control, by a node, of the broadcasting of a data stream going through a basic network of a heterogeneous network, and corresponding nodes
A method for insertion of information for control of broadcasting of a data stream in a heterogeneous network, the network including an entry sub-network conveying first packets and a basic network conveying second packets. The sub-network is connected to the basic network by an entry node forming the second packets. The node receives first packets from the sub-network, associates an access level with each first packet from a plurality of access levels, as a function of a predetermined policy of association, forms each second packet by enclosing at least a first packet or part thereof into the second packet, the enclosed first packets or part thereof being associated with a same access level, for each second packet, inserts, into a field of the second packet representing the broadcast control information, the same access level, and transmits the formed second packets into the basic network. |
| US07818445B2 |
Methods and devices for obtaining a broadcast-like streaming content
Obtaining a broadcast-like streaming content by an assembling device from a distributed storage. The assembling device obtains erasure-coded fragments associated with sequential segments of streaming content from fractional-storage servers, approximately at the same rate that the fragments are being stored on the servers and shortly after the fragments are stored. And wherein the streaming content is segmented, encoded into the fragments, and stored on the servers progressively as the streaming content is made available. |
| US07818444B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for multi-bitrate content streaming
An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets. |
| US07818443B2 |
Low power digital audio decoding/playing system for computing devices
The present invention is a computer system adapted to play audio files. The computer system includes a central processing unit, a storage unit, a first operating system, an interfacing unit, and a second operating system. The first operating system can control at least the CPU. The interface unit can interface with an external digital media device that may store a plurality of compressed audio files. The second operating system is capable of controlling the computer system operating in an audio playback mode. The power of the computer system is turned on and the computer system plays the plurality of compressed audio files in the audio playback mode when the external digital media device is in communication with the interface unit. |
| US07818442B2 |
Streaming media encoder with front panel control interface
A streaming media encoder for encoding and delivering media content is disclosed. The streaming media encoder has a media input interface for receiving a media stream, a media encoder for receiving the media stream from the input interface and encoding the media stream, thereby producing an encoded media stream. The media encoder has a first confidence monitor for displaying a video image from the received media stream, a second confidence monitor for displaying a video image from the encoded media stream, and a network interface for providing the encoded media stream to a network. |
| US07818441B2 |
Methods and systems for using a distributed storage to its maximum bandwidth
Using a distributed storage to its maximum bandwidth including the following steps: for each group of at least one assembling device, selecting a subgroup of fractional-storage CDN servers according to at least one criterion, whereby a plurality of server subgroups are selected for a plurality of assembling device groups. And retrieving, using a pull protocol, by the assembling devices from the subgroups of servers, erasure-coded fragments associated with multiple segments of contents, until the aggregated bandwidth used for retrieving the fragments approaches the aggregated bandwidth of the servers included in the subgroups, and as long as the aggregated bandwidth used for delivering each segment does not exceed the aggregated bandwidth of the servers storing the fragments generated from the segment. |
| US07818439B2 |
Transmission apparatus, reception apparatus and transmission/reception apparatus for image and/or audio data and other than image and/or audio data
The present invention provides a transmission/reception apparatus capable of achieving both a high processing speed and good extensibility in performing communication protocol processes. Used for transmitting data in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol and receiving data transmitted in accordance with the predetermined communication protocol, the transmission/reception apparatus has a configuration capable of executing communication protocol processes by using hardware (in first and second communication-protocol-processing units) and software (in first and second control units). The hardware or the software can be selected properly in accordance with the type of data. For example, a communication protocol process for data regarded as a heavy processing load can be carried out by using the hardware at the high processing speed whereas a communication protocol process for data regarded as a light processing load can be carried out by using the software, which offers the good extensibility. |
| US07818436B2 |
Method and apparatus for external interface user session management in storage system controllers
Methods and systems for managing user access to a storage system controller are provided. In particular, user login requirements and permissions are administered, and individual user and external user interface pairs are tracked, through a user table and a session table established as part of the storage system controller. The external user interfaces may be interconnected to the storage system controller through different networks and/or protocols. User authentication and access levels are established with reference to a user table, while sessions for different user and external interface pairs are maintained in the session table. |
| US07818425B2 |
System and method for regulating electronic messages
A system for regulating e-mail comprises a database of information profiling legitimate e-mail usage. When an e-mail is received at the system, it is scrutinized relative to the information in the database. If the e-mail is found to be legitimate based upon this evaluation, it is delivered to the intended recipient. If, however, the e-mail appears on the basis of the evaluation to be the last in a series of illegitimate e-mails or otherwise has characteristics inconsistent with the profile of legitimate e-mail usage, the e-mail may not be delivered and the postmaster and administrator at the source of the e-mail is contacted. |
| US07818421B2 |
Autonomous handling management system, autonomous handling management method, and program
An autonomous handling management system performing autonomously system handling management based on handling management policies. Determination means requests execution of workflow described in a handling management policy, and execution means executing the workflow detects, based on a stop determination rule, an abnormal state based on constraint not described in the policy description. Execution means, upon detecting the abnormal state, stops execution of workflow in accordance with the request from specific determination means or request on a specific control target, to thereby partially stop autonomous control and allows a debug operation to be efficiently executed by an administrator. |
| US07818420B1 |
System and method for automatic remote notification at predetermined times or events
The present invention provides a system and method for automatic remote notification that includes eliciting and receiving, into a server, triggering information from a client, wherein the triggering information includes specifications of a first communication to be sent, a destination for the first communication, and a first triggering event for sending the first communication, receiving arming information from the client and arming the sending of the first communication to be sent based on the triggering information, and conditionally sending the first communication from the server to the first destination based on occurrence of the first triggering event. The specification of the destination for the first communication includes an electronic address of a first communications device of a person, the specification of the first triggering event includes information that defines an amount of time, and the arming includes starting a timer that triggers upon elapse of the amount of time. |
| US07818417B2 |
Method for predicting performance of distributed stream processing systems
A method comprises estimating a performance of a processing system using queuing theory wherein the processing system comprises a network that accepts at least one input message stream from a plurality of publishing clients, transforms the at least one input message stream into at least one output message stream utilizing the plurality of transforms distributed in a first assignment among the plurality of brokers, and delivers the at least one output message stream to at least one of the plurality of subscribing clients, performing optimization upon the assignment of the plurality of transforms using the estimated performance to produce a second assignment, and reassigning the plurality of transforms in accordance with the second assignment. |
| US07818416B2 |
Communications system and method for accessing a server and preventing access blocking and minimizing network traffic
A communications system and method includes a database for storing problem magnitudes relating to failed attempts at accessing servers using connection engines. An intelligent routing engine could be a server operative with the database, which queries the database and delays any further attempts at accessing the server using the first connection engine if the problem magnitude exceeds a predetermined threshold. Reattempts can be made after a sufficient delay. A plurality of connection engines can be used by a client for accessing a server. The connection engines are preferably distributed among a plurality of subnets and/or IP addresses and a different connection engine can be chosen based on a desired route with minimum problems. |
| US07818415B2 |
Systems for communicating current and future activity information among mobile internet users and methods therefor
The invention relates, in one embodiment to a computer-implemented method implemented via the Internet for coordinating an activity between a user of a mobile Internet device and other users communicating through the Internet. The method includes receiving activity information pertaining to the event from the user via the mobile Internet device. The activity pertains to an activity occurring during a time period that overlaps the time the activity information is received. The method further includes transmitting the activity information to a backend database coupled to the Internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile Internet device. The method further includes rendering the activity information accessible to at least one recipient via the Internet. The recipient represents a subset of the users coupled to the Internet and having access privilege to information pertaining to the event involving the user. |
| US07818412B2 |
Selection of sensors for monitoring phenomena considering the value of information and data sharing preferences
A system that facilitates selecting a sensor from amongst a plurality of sensors from which to request data is described. The system includes a receiver component that receives a value of information for data that corresponds to a segment of a phenomenon model that models a phenomenon. The receiver component also receives user-defined preferences regarding sharing data from at least one sensor. The system further includes a selector component that selects the at least one sensor from amongst a plurality of sensors based at least in part upon the value of information and the preferences. The determination of the value ascribed to sensors may include considerations of the utilitarian benefit of reduction of uncertainty to a population of people. |
| US07818410B1 |
System and method of implementing major application migration
A method of managing migration in enterprise-computing systems is provided. The method includes inventorying information about each of a plurality of legacy servers and each of a plurality of applications, wherein the inventory information identifies the one or more applications installed on each of the legacy servers. The method includes defining a maximum number K of applications to migrate during a wave from the legacy servers to a plurality of preferred servers. The method also includes selecting a number Q of applications to migrate during the wave from the legacy servers to the preferred servers, where Q is less than or equal to K. The method further includes installing the Q applications on the preferred servers, and retiring the legacy servers whose applications have been migrated to the preferred server. |
| US07818404B2 |
Dynamic run-time configuration information provision and retrieval
A system employing a storage device and a host for configuration information exchange between the host and the storage device. In operation, the host manages host configuration information in a data management layer of a communication model, and communicates the host configuration information to the storage device by one or more data communication layers of the communication model. Likewise, the storage device manages storage device configuration information in the data management layer of the communication model, and communicates the storage device configuration information to the host by one or more data communication layers of the communication model. |
| US07818400B2 |
Interactive communications appliance
An interactive communications appliance for broadcasting personalized information is disclosed. The interactive communications appliance comprises a transceiver for receiving personalized information transmitted via a wireless link. A memory stores the personalized information and an audio device broadcasts the personalized information to a user. |
| US07818399B1 |
Methods of expanding commercial opportunities for internet websites through coordinated offsite marketing
An e-commerce outsourcing system and method provides hosts with transparent, context-sensitive e-commerce supported pages. A plurality of visually perceptible elements associated with and identifying a source of a host's web page are stored in the form of data in a computer database for future use. The host includes one or more links within a page on the host website that correlate with a selected commerce object, which may be contextually related to material in the page. The commerce object can be a buying opportunity for a product of a third-party merchant, a product category containing a plurality of products of third-party merchants, or a dynamic selection indicator of a merchant's product. A plurality of hosts may choose to link to the same commerce object. Upon activation of the link displayed by a particular host website, a visitor computer is served with a page displaying the visually perceptible elements associated with that specific host's website and information associated with the commerce object correlated to the link. Where the commerce object is a dynamic selection indicator, the content is selected at the time of activation based upon an analysis of the page containing the activated link. |
| US07818391B2 |
System and method to facilitate ordering point migration
A system includes a first node that broadcasts a request for data. A second node having a first state associated with the data defines the second node as an ordering point for the data. The second node provides a response to the first node that transfers the ordering point to the first node in response to the request for the data. |
| US07818389B1 |
Packet buffer apparatus and method
In managing and buffering packet data for transmission out of a host, descriptor ring data is pushed in from a host memory into a descriptor ring cache and cached therein. The descriptor ring data is processed to read a data packet descriptor, and a direct memory access is initiated to the host to read the data packet corresponding to the read data packet descriptor to a data transmission buffer. The data packet is written by the direct memory access into the data transmission buffer and cached therein. A return pointer is written to the host memory by the direct memory access indicating that the data packet descriptor has been read and the corresponding data packet has been transmitted. In managing and buffering packet data for transmission to a host, descriptor ring data is pushed in from a host memory into a descriptor ring cache and cached therein. Data packets for transmission to the host memory are received and cached in a data reception buffer. Data is read from the data reception buffer according to a data packet descriptor retrieved from the descriptor ring cache, and the data packet is written to a data reception queue within the host memory by a direct memory access. A return pointer is written to the host memory by the direct memory access indicating that the data packet has been written. |
| US07818388B2 |
Data processing system, method and interconnect fabric supporting multiple planes of processing nodes
A data processing system includes a first plane including a first plurality of processing nodes, each including multiple processing units, and a second plane including a second plurality of processing nodes, each including multiple processing units. The data processing system also includes a plurality of point-to-point first tier links. Each of the first plurality and second plurality of processing nodes includes one or more first tier links among the plurality of first tier links, where the first tier link(s) within each processing node connect a pair of processing units in the same processing node for communication. The data processing system further includes a plurality of point-to-point second tier links. At least a first of the plurality of second tier links connects processing units in different ones of the first plurality of processing nodes, at least a second of the plurality of second tier links connects processing units in different ones of the second plurality of processing nodes, and at least a third of the plurality of second tier links connects a processing unit in the first plane to a processing unit in the second plane. |
| US07818385B2 |
Method and apparatus for forwarding emails to previous recipients
The illustrative embodiments of the present invention described herein provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for forwarding a reply email message. The process dynamically inserts email addresses associated with a plurality of recipients of an original email message and with an email address associated with the sender of the original email message into a recipient field of the reply email message. The email address associated with the sender of the original email message is identified to form an identified email address, wherein a copy of the reply email message is unsent to the identified email address. However, the identified email address remains part of the recipient field. In response to receiving a send command, the reply email message is sent to the email addresses associated with the recipient field excluding the identified email address. |
| US07818384B2 |
Simultaneous synchronous split-domain email routing with conflict resolution
An email address may be associated with more than one inbox on more than one server. An email sent to such an address may not be delivered automatically to all the inboxes because mail transfer agents follow a rule that each email address is uniquely associated with one inbox on one server, so such agents stop after delivering email to the first inbox. A switching mail transfer agent processes email to deliver to more than one inboxes associated with the address substantially synchronously and substantially without duplicates being delivered to the same inbox. |
| US07818380B2 |
Method and system for broadcasting safety messages to a vehicle
A method and system is provided for broadcasting vehicle safety messages to one or more vehicles. In an embodiment, the system comprises an input device, processor, transmitter, receiver, memory module, display, and user interface. The input device is used for generating a vehicle safety message. The processor is coupled to the input device and is programmed to identify vehicles within a geographic region affected by the safety message. The transmitter is coupled to the processor for broadcasting the safety messages to the identified vehicles. The receiver is located on the vehicles for receiving the broadcasted safety message. The memory module is coupled to the receiver for storing the safety message. The display is operatively coupled to the memory module for indicating the receipt of the safety message to the vehicle driver. The user interface is coupled to the display for selecting the safety message to be communicated to the user. |
| US07818376B2 |
Off record chat
A method and implementing instant messaging processing system are provided in which a user's presence and on-line status in a chat session are not broadcast to the chat or instant messaging participants until the user chooses to allow or enable such broadcast. Additionally, the user is enabled to selectively exclude other specified users from seeing the user's on-line status. A “preferences” screen is presented to a user to enable the user to input his or her privacy preferences during a subsequent chat session before the user actually logs-into the chat session. The instant messaging system includes means by which a local instant messaging user is enabled to view all remote users within the chat application who are monitoring the user's on-line status as a result of having the user included in the remote users' buddy lists, as well as the ability to view the on-line state of those remote users. Further, an “off the record” mode may be selectively enabled by the user to preclude remote users from recording the communications being transmitted during a chat session. |
| US07818375B2 |
Providing advanced instant messaging (IM) notification
Systems and methods for providing advanced instant messaging (IM) notification are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an event message, which is received prior sending of an initial message by a user, is used to generate a notification to a contact. The notification indicates to the contact that the user is preparing to initiate a chat session prior to opening a chat window. |
| US07818369B2 |
System and method for displaying digital image files
A digital image displaying system includes a DPF and an electronic device communicating with the DPF. The DPF has identification information. The electronic device includes a DPF detecting submodule, a image storing submodule for storing digital image files, a DPF managing submodule, and an information transmitting submodule. The DPF detecting submodule detects identification information of the at least one DPF, the DPF managing submodule stores the identification information therein, the information transmitting submodule transmits network location paths of the digital image files of the image storing submodule to the at least one DPF, the at least one DPF receives the network location paths and displays the digital image files stored in the image storing submodule according to the network location paths. A method for displaying digital image files is also provided. |
| US07818365B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for online and offline interactive applications on mobile devices
A system, method and computer program product for exchanging data between a client and information sources via a server. The invention operates by obtaining data objects from a plurality of sources, wherein the data objects have native data formats specific to the sources. The data objects are converted to a common data format, and are then transmitted to the client. At the client, the data objects are modified. The modified data objects are compliant with the common data format. The modified data objects are transmitted to the server, where they are converted to the native data formats specific to the sources associated therewith. Then, the converted modified data objects are transmitted to the associated sources. |
| US07818358B2 |
Microprocessor with random number generator and instruction for storing random data
A microprocessor includes a storage element that accumulates a variable number of bytes of random data. The microprocessor also includes a counter that maintains a count of the variable number of bytes accumulated in the storage element. The microprocessor also includes an instruction translator that translates an instruction specifying an address in a memory coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor also includes a store unit that stores to the memory at the address the variable number of bytes of random data from the storage element in response to the instruction translator translating the instruction. In one embodiment, the microprocessor atomically stores the count and the bytes accumulated in said buffer to the system memory. In one embodiment, an interrupt unit disables interrupts after the instruction translator translates the instruction and enables interrupts after execution of the instruction. |
| US07818356B2 |
Bitstream buffer manipulation with a SIMD merge instruction
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing bitstream buffer manipulation with a SIMD merge instruction. The method of one embodiment comprises determining whether any unprocessed data bits for a partial variable length symbol exist in a first data block is made. A shift merge operation is performed to merge the unprocessed data bits from the first data block with a second data block. A merged data block is formed. A merged variable length symbol comprised of the unprocessed data bits and a plurality of data bits from the second data block is extracted from the merged data block. |
| US07818355B2 |
System and method for managing content
A system for managing media files having different format characteristics includes a transcoder, a content store, and a plurality of clients. The content store is capable of storing a media file in a first format. The clients are each associated with one or more media file formats and capable of playing media files to users. The transcoder is capable of receiving a request identifying a media file from a first client and, in response to receiving the request, retrieving the media file from the content store in a first format. The transcoder is also operable of modifying the media file from the first format to a second format associated with the first client and, while modifying the media file from the first format to the second format, transmitting a modified portion of the media file to the first client. |
| US07818352B2 |
Converting SPARQL queries to SQL queries
RDF store database designs and efficient techniques for converting SPARQL queries to SQL queries are described that provide faster triplet access, and which can reduce the computational overhead and cost associated with storing large volumes of RDF metadata. In various embodiments RDF data can be stored in de-normalized tables tailored to provide efficient query and storage performance. The provided query conversion techniques provide reliable and efficient query performance. |
| US07818349B2 |
Ultra-shared-nothing parallel database
An ultra-shared-nothing parallel database system includes at least one master node and multiple slave nodes. A database consisting of at least one fact table and multiple dimension tables is partitioned and distributed across the slave nodes of the database system so that queries are processed in parallel without requiring the transfer of data between the slave nodes. The fact table and a first dimension table of the database are partitioned across the slave nodes. The other dimension tables of the database are duplicated on each of the slave nodes and at least one of these other dimension tables is partitioned across the slave nodes. |
| US07818347B2 |
Timeline condition support for an abstract database
Embodiments of the invention relate data retrieved from the logical fields of an abstract database using a timeline. The logical fields specified by a database abstraction model are extended to include attributes that specify where data corresponding to a logical field occurs on a timeline. Query results may be displayed by ordering query results as points (for an event) or segments (for a duration) on the timeline. Further, query processing techniques disclosed by the present invention allow users to include temporal operators such as “before,” “after,” “during,” and “within” in an abstract query. Temporal operators provide users with the ability to include temporal relationships in an abstract query, without having to construct a complex conditional expression from more primitive logical operators (e.g., “ands” and “ors”). |
| US07818345B2 |
Method for constituting a database concerning data contained in a document
A method for forming a storage device containing data, concerning blocks defining the composition of one or several pages of a document and associated with the storage device receiving all of the data and the content of the blocks identified by an identifier. The invention includes: collecting, at the storing device, block after block, and for each block, data concerning each block and associating the identifier and the data, with a site in the storage device; collecting the content of each block corresponding to a text and creating a text file wherein the content of the text block is transferred; and associating the identifier of each text block and each text file with a site in the storage device. |
| US07818344B2 |
System and method for providing nested types for content management
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for providing nested variables in a content management system. These mechanisms and methods for providing nested variables in a content management system can enable users to model types that can be used within other type definitions. This differs from the Type Inheritance feature in that types that make use of the nested type feature do not extend their functionality but define a property definition having a value defined by all property definitions in the nested type. For example, user can create a type address with property definitions such as street, city, zip code, etc. The user can then create another type person that has property definitions such as “name” and home address and business address. The two address property definitions can be represented by the address type, each with the address type's property definitions. Embodiments may further provide the ability to have abstract types and link property types. |
| US07818341B2 |
Using scenario-related information to customize user experiences
Methods for using scenario solution-related information to generate customized user experiences are provided. Upon receiving a user query, a plurality of results is returned, each result being representative of a scenario solution which may be utilized to address a particular issue relevant to the received query. At the time of authoring, each scenario solution is organized based upon one or more keywords and/or one or more categories (i.e., namespaces). Data associated with a namespace/keyword corresponding to a returned search result may be mined to determine information beyond basic scenario solution search results that may be of interest to the user. As the namespace(s)/keyword(s) in association with which to organize a particular executable scenario solution is determined by the author of the scenario solution, other information associated with the same namespace/keyword (and/or a namespace/keyword having a relationship thereto) is likely to be more relevant than information organized based upon keywords alone. |
| US07818339B1 |
Systems and methods for processing medical data for employment determinations
Methods and systems are described for automated processing of medical information for employment determinations. Based on an employment screening procedure for an applicant, medical information queries are automatically generated to provide instructions to medical providers for conducting physical exams and laboratory tests and for retrieving medical records. After medical information is collected according to the queries, the medical information and related requirements codes are displayed to program administrative personnel in a user-friendly format to assist in making an employment determination. |
| US07818336B1 |
Methods, systems, and products for searching social networks
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for searching social networks. A device is encountered that sends a query. The query comprises a search packet. A content search is performed according to a query parameter described by the search packet. The content search is then repeatedly performed according to a duration parameter described by the search packet. |
| US07818334B2 |
Query dependant link-based ranking using authority scores
Query dependent ranking uses an authority score. A base set is determined as the union of a result set to a received query, an inlinking-set, and an outlinked-set. The inlinking-set is determined by sampling a predetermined number of uniform resource locators (URLs) linking to each result. The outlinked-set is determined by sampling a predetermined number of URLs linked to by each result. A neighborhood graph consists of the vertices of the base set and the edges between the vertices in the base set. An authority score for each URL in the base set is computed using a Stochastic Approach to Link Structure Analysis (SALSA) technique. The authority scores are used to rank the result set. |
| US07818329B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic multimedia narrative enrichment
A method and apparatus is disclosed that receives an input narrative in a particular media format, and produces therefrom a multimedia enriched version of the input narrative. In one embodiment, a method is provided for enriching an input narrative with multimedia content, wherein the method includes the step of selectively segmenting the input narrative to form queries pertaining to different portions or elements of the input narrative. The method further comprises retrieving multimedia artifacts from one or more multimedia repositories, wherein each retrieved multimedia artifact is associated with one of the queries, and selecting a subset of the retrieved multimedia artifacts, wherein the subset includes artifacts comprising different types of multimedia content. The input narrative is then combined with respective multimedia artifacts of the subset, in order to provide an enriched and enhanced narrative. |
| US07818328B2 |
API for obtaining unambiguous representation of objects in a relational database
Various techniques for providing an application program interface (API) that facilitates the retrieval of information stored in a configuration repository directly from the configuration repository are provided. The API provides a direct channel of communication into the configuration repository through which a user can obtain an unambiguous representation of the objects in the configuration repository. When requested, the API retrieves an object or objects from the configuration repository, translates the retrieved result into an intermediate, well-defined representation that unambiguously represents the requested object or objects, and provides the requestor the unambiguous representation of the object or objects. |
| US07818325B1 |
Serving geospatially organized flat file data
A flat file data organization technique is used for storing and retrieving geospatially organized data. The invention reduces transfer time by transferring a few large files in lieu of a large number of small files. It also moves the process of locating a given data file away from the file system to a proprietary code base. Additionally, the invention simplifies database management by having quadtree packets generated on demand. |
| US07818321B2 |
Method and system for generating and providing rich media presentations optimized for a device over a network
The present invention provides rich media presentations to a requesting device when required. Attributes of the requesting device are determined and used to create optimized code for the requesting device. The attributes may include information relating to the operating system of the requesting device; a media player; a bandwidth parameter; presence or absence of a firewall, permissions related to the requesting device, and the like. A virtual player is created that includes code to play media files. A presentation package is created that sets the presentation attributes for the multimedia experience. A media package is created that instructs the virtual player what multimedia content to play. |
| US07818319B2 |
Dynamic document context mark-up technique implemented over a computer network
Various techniques are disclosed for generating markup information to be displayed on a client computer system. A document (e.g. a web page) is selected for viewing via a web browser on the client system. Selected information relating to the document is parsed and analyzed using selected keyword information. In a specific implementation, the selected keyword information is provided by an entity other than the end user. Using the selected keyword information, specific context in the document is selected to be marked up. Markup operations may be implemented on at least a portion of the selected document context and displayed at the client system. |
| US07818317B1 |
Location-based tasks
In some embodiments, techniques for computer security comprise reducing the deceptiveness of electronic communications. |
| US07818314B2 |
Search fusion
Search results are assigned scores based on visual aspects of surrogate representations of the search results which are to be displayed to a query submitter in a search results summary overview. That is, the surrogate representations are relatively short summaries or excerpts of the search results that may be presented in place of the search results themselves, thus enabling an overview of various search results to be perceived by a user concurrently. The search results are assigned scores based on the presence, position, and form of some or all of the query within the corresponding surrogate representations. The search results may be sorted or filtered based on the assigned scores. Assigning scores to the search results based on visual characteristics of the surrogate representations mimics how a user may assess the relevance of the search results when viewing a search results summary page. |
| US07818313B1 |
Method for distributing processing of queries over a cluster of servers in a continuous processing system
A method, in a continuous computation system, for processing a set of registered queries over a cluster of servers includes creating an execution plan for processing a set of queries over a cluster of servers, where the continuous computation system creates the execution plan by analyzing the semantics and requirements of the queries to determine how to distribute processing across the cluster. Analysis of a query can include determining whether input messages for the query can be processed independent of each other, whether input messages for the query can be partitioned into groups that can be processed independent of each other, whether the query includes an aggregator function, and whether the query includes a subquery. |
| US07818311B2 |
Complex regular expression construction
A mechanism is provided to facilitate complex textual pattern matching. Regular expressions are specified utilizing a set of rules of various simplicity/complexity. These rules are subsequently employed to generate a more complex regular expression described by the rules, which can be passed to a regular expression engine to identity textual patterns as a function thereof. |
| US07818310B2 |
Predisposition modification
A method and system for predisposition modification are presented in which a set of attributes for selective modification of the attribute profile of an individual are determined to enable the individual to modify their predisposition for acquiring an attribute of interest. The attribute of interest can be input in the form of a query attribute along with a minimum strength of association value which serves as a threshold to ensure that the results will provide at least a minimum degree of statistical certainty that the individual will acquire the attribute of interest upon modifying their attribute profile. |
| US07818309B2 |
Method for managing data access requests utilizing storage meta data processing
A method and system are provided for managing requests to access data in a computer environment. In one aspect of the present invention, a request manager receives a request associated with meta data corresponding to data that is maintained separately from the meta data. In another aspect, the request manager informs a data object manager of an anticipated request that will be received by the data object manager to enable it to prepare for the anticipated request. The data object manager commences preparing for the anticipated request in response to being informed of the anticipated request to facilitate a reduction in data access time. In one example of a computing environment utilizing one or more aspects of the invention, a storage subsystem comprising a data object manager prepares for the anticipated request by pre-fetching data blocks from storage media into a cache. |
| US07818308B2 |
System and method for document section segmentation
A system and method for facilitating the processing and the use of documents by providing a system for categorizing document section headings under a set of canonical section headings. In the method for categorizing section headings, there may be a process of training a database and matching methods to categorize different but equivalent document section headings under canonical headings and categories. Once trained, the system may match and categorize the document sections with little to no supervision of the categorization for large sets of documents. |
| US07818307B1 |
System and method of providing electronic access to one or more documents
The present invention provides a system and method of providing electronic access to one or more documents. In one embodiment, a storage device retains eligibility information relating to each document. Eligibility information provides the system with information such as the document type, the applicable line of business, governmental regulations, time sensitive information, and security requirements. If a given document is determined to be eligible, the processing unit of the present invention retrieves one or more preference instructions provided by the customer. The preference instructions are reviewed to confirm 1) whether the customer has authorized electronic access to a given document and 2) the mode of electronic transmission favored by the customer. In one embodiment, the present invention is connected to a computer network such that the customer may be provided electronic access to his or her documents through a web interface. |
| US07818305B2 |
Hierarchical triggers for database
The present invention introduces the concept of a super-trigger to allow for multi-level hierarchical triggers in a database application. The super-trigger may be created by identifying one or more triggers as sub-triggers, and defining a condition in the super-trigger, the result of the condition depending from a result of one or more of the sub-triggers. Upon execution, information may be retrieved regarding a result for each of the sub-triggers. The condition may then be evaluated using these results, and an action may be performed if the condition is met. |
| US07818293B2 |
Method and system to synchronize updated versions of a document edited on a collaborative site that are under document management control
A method and system for synchronizing versions of a document on a collaborative site and on a content management repository is disclosed. The method and system comprises determining that a document has been modified on the collaborative site by a listener/updater mechanism. The method and system further comprises providing a hidden save of a copy of the document to the content management repository by an authorized user of the collaborative site. In one embodiment, a system and method in accordance with the present invention uses the Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) protocol. This listener/updated mechanism permits users to retain the highly-collaborative aspect of wikis, but automatically updates and retains the document in a more formal content management repository making it available for other Content Management applications. |
| US07818285B1 |
System and method of using a sales management system to generate printed products
Information stored in a corporate database is monitored and used to determine when certain business-related events have occurred. Event information is transmitted over the Internet to a print production facility, where it is used to fire one or more event rules, which in turn automatically generate print requisitions or print production orders. In one variation, print requisitions are routed through an existing and commercially available procurement system before a print production order is generated. The system can monitor and handle events from multiple corporations, each having its own business-related event rules, and each potentially having its own procurement approval system. |
| US07818280B2 |
Method for predicting depth distribution of predetermined water temperature zone, method and system for delivering fishing ground prediction information of migratory fish
A linear regression equation, η1=α(ε×h)+β, is obtained based on a depth h to a water zone of a predetermined water temperature, respective densities ρ1 and ρ2 of upper and lower layers above and below the water zone, and an absolute dynamic topography η1 obtained based on data measured by satellite (ε=(ρ2−ρ1)/ρ2). Further, h′ (depth of the water zone of the predetermined water temperature at each of a large number of spots) is determined according to this equation, η2=α(ε′×h′)+β, based on ε′ for each of the large number of spots calculated based on historical data, an absolute dynamic topography η2 at each of the large number of spots based on data measured by satellite, and the values α and β. |
| US07818278B2 |
Large scale item representation matching
A two-phase process quickly and accurately identifies representations of the same items within a collection of item representations. In the first phase, referred to as a “blocking phase,” frequency information indicating the frequency with which terms appear within the collection of item representations is used to quickly identify “candidate pairs” (i.e., pairs of item representations that have a relatively high probability of matching). The blocking phase results in a reduced subset of the data for further analysis during the second phase. In the second phase, referred to as a “matching phase,” the candidate pairs are analyzed using fuzzy matching functions to accurately identify “matching pairs” (i.e., representations of the same items). |
| US07818273B2 |
System and method for cortical simulation
A cortical simulator optimizing the simulation scale and time through computationally efficient simulation of neurons in a clock-driven and synapses in an event-driven fashion, memory efficient representation of simulation state, and communication efficient message exchanges. |
| US07818268B2 |
System and method for mail verification
A system and method is provided for transmitting mail verification data over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving and authenticating at least a portion of mail identification (ID) data. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mail verification application is adapted to store at least a verifying portion (e.g., an identifiable code portion, a shipping portion, a recipient portion, etc.) of mail ID data in memory. The mail ID data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. At least an authenticating portion of the mail ID data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device, which communicates with the mail ID device over a wide area network, transmits at least the authenticating portion of the mail ID data to the mail verification application operating on the mail ID device. The mail verification application then compares the authenticating portion of the mail ID data with the verifying portion stored in memory. If the authenticating portion of the mail ID data is authenticated, mail verification data is sent to the reception device. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the mail verification data includes authenticating data, securing data, sender data, recipient data, mail-content data, downloadable-product data, sender-web-page data, and/or third-party-web-page data. |
| US07818267B1 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for online, multi-carrier, multi-service parcel shipping management determination of ratable weight for multiple carriers
The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that apply, in response to a request by any particular user of a plurality of users, each Carrier's rules for determining a ratable weight, including calculating a “dimensional weight” according to physical dimensions and weight of a particular parcel, and determining a “billable weight” according to physical dimensions, dimensional weight and actual weight of a particular parcel. The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that determine, in response to a request by any particular user of a plurality of users, whether each of the plurality of Carriers supports shipping the particular package. For each of the Carriers that support shipping the particular parcel, the present invention applies the Carrier's parcel shipment pricing rules to the ratable weight of the particular parcel and to other factors regarding the Shipper's shipping requirements in order to determine a price that each Carrier would charge for shipping the particular parcel. |
| US07818265B2 |
System and method for facilitating property comparisons
A system and method allowing a user to quickly receive a ranked comparison of homes for sale based on default criteria or criteria of the user's choice. An interactive website is provided into which a home buyer can enter details of several properties under consideration for purchase and receive a ranked comparison list in order of best value for money. Homebuyers may change the weightings of the criteria according to their preferences. An alternate home price is calculated for the homes ranked below first such that they have the same perceived value per dollar as the top ranked home. Finally, there is an option for the homebuyer to share results with the online community. |
| US07818261B2 |
Method and system for managing licenses to content
Process for enabling a content provider and its users to easily manage licenses for intended uses for selected or provided content. Licensing information for content previously provided to a user or acquired by the content provider, a digital fingerprint, and/or a digital identifier are employed to uniquely identify a particular instance of the selected/provided content and manage licenses to use this content Once the selected content is provided for processing, the invention can notify the user of at least one of four conditions: (1) a user is currently licensed for at least one type of use for the selected content; (2) if a previous license to the selected content is expired, a current license does not include the selected use, or the user doesn't have or has an expired license to use the selected content, and identify steps to obtain a current license for at least one type of use; (3) if a license to use the selected content is not available from the content provider; and (4) identify substantially similar content that is available from the content provider for a license for at least one type of the intended use for one or more of conditions (1), (2), and (3). |
| US07818255B2 |
Logon and machine unlock integration
A method of avoiding a second login of user information in an encrypted disk computer system includes a communications path for transferring user login information. The login information is acquired and used by a first software module which authenticates the user to decrypt a disk with an encrypted operating system. The same login information is transferred using the communications channel to a second use which logs the user into the decrypted operating system. The method also supports multiple users through maintenance of multiple users credentials. |
| US07818254B1 |
Application apparatus and method
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for receiving and assessing an application made by an applicant. In one aspect, the apparatus includes: computing means configured or programmed to present a plurality of application forms to the applicant, to receive the forms once completed from the applicant and to assess the application; input means for the applicant to complete and return the forms to the computing means; and communication means for communicating or sending the assessment of the application to the applicant; wherein the computing means is configured or programmed to construct second and subsequent forms of the plurality of forms progressively on the basis of information provided by the applicant by means of the input means in the completed and received forms, to assess the application, and to communicate the assessment by means of the communication means. |
| US07818247B2 |
Trading tools for electronic trading
Tools for trading and monitoring a commodity on an electronic exchange using a graphical user interface and a user input device. The tools will aid the trader in determining the status, trends in the market, and the trader's position in the market. |
| US07818243B1 |
Displaying strikes between bids and asks in a market over time using polygons
A system for displaying strikes between bids and asks in a market over time includes a computer system. The computer system receives data for a plurality of strikes reflecting values specified in the strikes for a plurality of strike variables. The computer system generates a display of the received data. The display includes multiple polygons each representing a strike between a bid and an ask. Each polygon includes multiple contiguous parallelograms each associated with one or more different strike variables. One or more dimensions of each parallelogram each reflecting a value specified in the represented strike for a strike variables associated with the parallelogram. The display includes a strike variable axis representing a range of values for an additional strike variable. Each polygon is positioned with respect to the strike variable axis according to the value specified in the represented strike for the additional strike variable. The display includes a time axis with respect to which each polygon is positioned according to the time at which the represented strike occurred. |
| US07818241B2 |
Index rebalancing
This invention relates to hedge fund indexing in general and methods and systems for constructing and maintaining investable hedge fund indices in particular. |
| US07818239B1 |
Dividend accounting
Methods of allocating dividends to a set of long positions. The methods may comprise the steps of identifying a set of short positions and matching the set of short positions with selected long positions from the set of long positions. The methods may also comprise the step of allocating a manufactured dividend to each of the selected long positions. Each manufactured dividend may originate from one of the set of short positions. The methods may additionally comprise the step of allocating a real dividend to any long positions remaining in the set of long positions. |
| US07818238B1 |
Upside forward with early funding provision
A system for and method of providing a forward contract with an upside return and the possibility of early valuation are presented. The prices of the underlying financial instruments are allowed to float to a limited extent. Moreover, the party taking the short position is allowed to cash out early, without having to unwind the entire contract. The contact may be used, for example, by a corporation that wishes to raise capital using equity instruments. |