| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07931675B2 |
Dynamic stabilization device including overhanging stabilizing member
Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members. |
| US07931672B2 |
Orthodontic pacifier/nipple appliance
Intraoral orthodontic pacifier/nipple appliances having integrated orthodontic functionality. The appliance has an integrated orthodontic mechanism. The bulb expands or moves upward and expands outward as a child sucks on it, to counteract inward pressure of the cheeks and the lateral portion of the lips caused by suction or sucking action. The invention also provides products including the orthodontic appliance, as well as methods of using the appliance and products including the appliance in the inhibition and treatment of certain malocclusions in the primary dentition of young children. |
| US07931668B2 |
Medical tool with retractible heads
A tool, such as a medical instrument that can provide a variety of different functions. Specifically, the present invention includes a variety of heads that each can allow the medical instrument to perform a different function. Each of the heads are operatively coupled to a holding apparatus of the medical instrument such as by the use of a sliding mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the medical instrument is a forceps with heads operatively coupled to each arm. This coupling is done in such a way that a head can fully retract into a position such that no portion of the second medical head extends beyond the holding apparatus when not in use. This means that at most one of the heads extends from the holding apparatus of the medical instrument as any one time. As such, a doctor can use a single tool to perform multiple functions, and thus reduce time spent looking for and/or retrieving the appropriate tool. |
| US07931666B2 |
Sheathless embolic protection system
A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device to be compressed for insertion thereof through a patient's vasculature so as to cross the stenosis in a low profile, and to enable release of compression thereof for expansion and deployment of the device at a location distal to the interventional procedure site. |
| US07931661B2 |
Apparatus and methods for performing transluminal gastrointestinal procedures
Methods and apparatus are provided for diagnosing and treating digestive or other organs (as well as other parts of the body) endoluminally and transluminally, via instruments passed into the GI tract per-orally and/or per-anally. The instruments may, for example, pass transluminally out of the stomach and/or the colon through a breach formed therein in order to conduct diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as gastroenterostomy. |
| US07931658B2 |
Temporary retention device
A retention device for anchoring indwelling catheters, sheath introducers, feeding tubes, ostomy bags or other medical devices beneath the skin of a patient includes an deployable section coupled to a medical device; following introduction into a patient, the deployable section is subcutaneously deployed, securely anchoring the device and coupled medical device for the duration of treatment. |
| US07931651B2 |
External fixation assembly and method of use
An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone. |
| US07931649B2 |
Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism
An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. At least one channel is included in the insulator which is configured to deliver fluid between the jaw members. |
| US07931647B2 |
Method of delivering energy to a lung airway using markers
An energy delivery device for treating tissue regions in a body conduit, such as a lung airway, may utilize one or more markers, rings, bands, or other visual indicators along an outer surface of the device body. The one or more visual indicators facilitate guidance of the device to effectively and efficiently treat the tissue according to a predetermined axial treatment as well as measure extension of a distal portion of the device, tissue length, and/or treatment length. The predetermined axial treatment may be contiguous, overlapping, or intermittently spaced apart as determined by the marker spacing distance. |
| US07931645B2 |
Dental laser treatment device
Described are a handpiece, a coupling, and a device with a laser source and handpiece for emitting a laser beam for dental treatment. In order to avoid damage to the healthy tooth tissue, an improved determination of the tooth temperature by measurement of at least part of the heat radiation emitted from the treatment area using a temperature sensor, preferably an infra-red sensor, is carried out. Upon reaching or exceeding a temperature threshold, the emission of the laser beam to the treatment area is interrupted or the power output of the laser source reduced or the user made aware of the violation of the threshold value using an acoustic or visual signal. The temperature sensor can be located, e.g., on the handpiece or on the coupling, such as on the coupling tube. |
| US07931632B2 |
Merchandise display systems for baby care articles
A merchandise system for disposable absorbent articles is provided. The merchandise display system includes a first line-up and second line-up of disposable absorbent articles designed to match a wearer's stage of development. The system also includes various color schemes associated with the first and second line-ups in order to facilitate consumers' identification and selection of the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer. A pre-packaged arrangement is also provided and includes one or more disposable absorbent articles having a configuration corresponding to a wearer's stage of development; one or more disposable wipes products having a configuration tailored to the stage of development corresponding to the disposable absorbent articles; and a package, the disposable absorbent articles, the disposable wipes products and the package being arranged relative to each other for distribution together as a single unit. |
| US07931630B2 |
Multi-functional and modular urine collection system
Multi-functional urine collection devices, embodiments of which can include a self-expanding container having a receptacle for receiving urine from the tubing, a pump for moving urine through the tubing and into a receptacle, extendable tubing that may be shortened and/or lengthened, and/or one or more meters for monitoring, measuring, transmitting or storing a characteristic from the urine. |
| US07931629B2 |
Sterile liquid materials distribution, consumption and material waste disposal method and apparatus
The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for packaging or containing, handling and managing of a variety of materials or other contents from a variety of sources which encounter use under various dynamic applications, conditions and for a plurality of purposes. The invention more specifically is directed towards one or more containers or packages, suitably fitted or used for the handling or managing of materials or other contents along one or more cycles or chains of use. The one or more packages or other containers described herein is intended for and/or used in one or more interconnections or associations with not only the “initial purpose” filling, transport, storage, dispensing, pouring, using, releasing of sterile or other fluids or material contents, but also used in association with, and for carrying out, the additional delivering and receiving of said fluids or materials, and the receiving and delivering of said fluids or materials via an ingress and egress, by a variety of ways, for a variety of functions and for a plurality of purposes. |
| US07931626B2 |
Device for administering an injectable product
The invention provides a injection device for administering an injectable product, including a base section adapted to receive a container from which a product dose is dispensed through a needle by displacement of a piston in the container, and a drive unit including a driven member, a drive element and a damping arrangement, the drive unit for applying a force to advance the piston in the container to dispense a dose, wherein the damping arrangement generally counteracts the drive force and counter forces. The invention also encompasses a needle safety sleeve and a blocking structure for use with injection devices. |
| US07931623B2 |
Trocar system
A trocar system includes a cannula having a cannula head and a cannula tube, and an obturator having a cap and either a rounded tip or a cutting blade. The head and cap form an ergonomically shaped bulbous handle. At least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula head may include a resilient non-slip material. The cannula head may also include a monolithic housing having a port with a Luer Lock fitting and an integrally formed passageway for receiving a stopcock valve. |
| US07931617B2 |
Safety syringe
A safety syringe includes a barrel, a push rod, a driving module, and a needle mount. The barrel includes a hollow passage and a barrel cover, and the push rod includes a pad disposed around a distal portion and pushed tightly along the hollow passage of the barrel, and the barrel cover includes a plunger, a driving module of a piston pump, and a needle mount having a cut surface at the piston pump, such that the distal portion of the push rod pushes the plunger to move forward, while the cut surface of the distal portion and the cut surface of the needle mount are pressed to separate with each other, and the plunger continues moving forward to offset the air pressure therein, so as to retract the needle mount into a push rod accommodating cavity to accommodate the needle safely after an injection is taken place. |
| US07931616B2 |
Insert molded catheter puller member connectors and method of making
The present invention provides a deflectable catheter whose puller member connections are accomplished with minimal, if any, surface deformation which could otherwise accelerate breakage under tension. The catheter includes a molded member that encases an end of a puller member to enable connection of the end to a fixed or movable structure in the control handle without significant surface deformation in the puller member. The molded member is of a thermoplastic material that encases a preformed end of the puller member, which may be a puller wire or a high modulus fiber material.The molded member may be configured as desired, for example, as a screw that is fastened to a structure in the control handle. Alternatively, the preformed end of the puller member, for example, a puller wire, can be directly connected to and jointly encased in the molded member with another preformed end of a second puller member, for example, a high modulus fiber material. Such a connected puller member whose distal portion is the puller wire and whose proximal portion is the high modulus fiber material can be well suited for control handle that employs pulleys for increased throw capacity. |
| US07931615B2 |
Infusion set
An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160). |
| US07931613B2 |
Module for a computer interface
The present invention provides a module for a computer interface including a transducer wherein the transducer receives a measurement value and makes this measurement value available for monitoring an individual's health by means of the computer interface, for example, for monitoring an individual's blood glucose level, wherein the measurement value is obtained by means of a sensor. |
| US07931612B2 |
Bypass valve
An intravenous fluid administration apparatus may include a proximal conduit having a spiked first end for attaching to a reservoir of fluid and a second end, a distal conduit, an intermediate conduit network providing fluid communication from the proximal conduit's second end to the distal conduit and including first and second constituent conduits that provide parallel paths from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit, a flow regulator so engaged with the first constituent conduit as to enable control of fluid flow therethrough, and a pressure-responsive valve so interposed in the second constituent conduit as to permit flow from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit through the second constituent conduit when a fluid pressure difference across the valve exceeds a threshold and to prevent such flow when the difference does not exceed the threshold. |
| US07931611B2 |
Ultrasonic wound debrider probe and method of use
An ultrasonic medical probe comprises an elongate shaft formed integrally with a head portion having a distal end face oriented at least partially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft is provided with an internal longitudinal channel or bore extending to the end face. The end face is formed with an indentation communicating with the channel or bore at a distal end thereof, whereby liquid is guided over an extended surface of the end face relative to the channel or bore. The head portion also has a lateral surface extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe. The lateral surface is provided with at least one outwardly or radially extending projection. The projection enables the application of ultrasonic cavitation energy to a tissue surface that is in contact with the lateral or side surface of the probe head. |
| US07931609B2 |
Extremity support apparatus and method
An extremity support apparatus having a second cuff, a first cuff, a bridge rod attached to the second cuff, and a tension rod attached to the first cuff and to the bridge rod is provided. The extremity support apparatus can place the support a first cuff in a cantilevered manner when a distal portion and a proximal portion of an extremity are supported in respective first and second cuffs. A method of supporting an extremity in a non-weight-bearing manner is also provided. |
| US07931602B2 |
Gaze guidance degree calculation system, gaze guidance degree calculation program, storage medium, and gaze guidance degree calculation method
Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a gaze guidance degree calculation system capable of implementing a compact and low-cost apparatus and surely obtaining a proper eye-flow. According to exemplary embodiments, a layout apparatus where a layout image is segmented into a plurality of regions, and positions of representative regions of the specific regions and gaze attraction strength indicating strength of gaze-attraction to the specific regions are calculated. Next, a plurality of the specific regions in the layout image are set by using a starting point as a reference, and gaze guidance strength indicating a degree of gaze-guidance from the starting point to the specific regions is generated based on the gaze-attraction strength of the representative points in the specific regions. |
| US07931599B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating a physiological parameter
A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment. The filters adaptively modify a set of averaging weights to optimally estimate the physiological parameters. |
| US07931595B2 |
Ultrasound triggering method to reduce cardiac arrhythmia
The invention relates to a triggered ultrasound imaging method for imaging of the myocardium, minimizing the risk of eliciting cardiac arrhythmia. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method of assessing cardiac perfusion. Destruction pulses are triggered such that they fall within the refractory period of the heart, while imaging pulses are triggered at any given time of the ECG cycle, preferably during end-systole. |
| US07931591B2 |
Surgical retractor
A surgical retractor includes a pair of parallel arms that are mounted to a toothed crossbar. One of the arms is fixed to one end of the crossbar, while the other arm is movable along the crossbar by means of a pinion. One or both of the arms includes on its upper surface a bar having a longitudinally extending flat surface. A rod is connected to the bar by means of a bracket. The bracket can be locked in position relative to the bar by a first set screw that engages the flat surface. A rod extends through an opening in the bracket and is retained in place there by a second set screw. The rod includes a circumferentially extending shoulder that engages the bracket so as to locate the rod in a desired position. One or more flat surfaces are formed on the rod adjacent the shoulder for engagement by the second set screw. One of the flat surfaces causes the rod to be positioned precisely as necessary to perform a surgical procedure, while the other of the flat surfaces enables the rod to be moved to an out-of-the way position and locked in place there. One or more retractor blades of the wire basket type are connected to the rod by means of universal clamps. The basket portions of the retractor blades are made of a malleable wire that enables the configuration of the blades to be changed by the surgeon as desired. |
| US07931588B2 |
System for assessment of colonoscope manipulation
A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies. |
| US07931586B2 |
Flexible instrument
A medical instrument assembly and robotic medical system are provided. The instrument assembly comprises coaxially disposed shafts, and a mechanically drivable interface to which the proximal ends of the shafts are mounted. The drivable interface has first and second actuating elements configured for independently axially rotating the shafts relative to each other, and a third actuating element configured for deflecting the distal end of one of the shafts. The robotic medical system comprises the instrument assembly, a user interface configured for generating at least one command, and a drive unit coupled to the drivable interface. The robotic medical system further comprises an electrical controller configured, in response to the at least one command, for directing the drive unit to drive the first and second actuating elements to independently axially rotate the shafts relative to each other, and to drive the third actuating element to deflect one of the shafts. |
| US07931583B2 |
Surgical method and auxiliary device to correct penis curvature
The invention refers to a device for correcting penis curvature. The device includes at least two first rules linked together by a junction and adjustable therebetween along a hypothetical plan containing the first rules, which has rotation and translation between the first rules. A flexible measurement element is connected to the junction of the first rules. At least two second rules each of which being respectively fixed to one of the first rules, and perpendicularly to the first rules. The second rules are able to move in translation along the second rules lengths. The first rules permit a determination of a central penis axis and tangential lines on a penis. The second rules are used in a determination of perpendicular lines on the penis. |
| US07931580B2 |
Methods and devices for percutaneously modifying organs to treat patients
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods. |
| US07931578B2 |
Methods and system for tissue cavity closure
Surgical systems for less invasive access to and isolation of an atrial appendage are provided. A suturing grasper compresses soft tissue structures and deploys one or more sutures through complimentary pledget(s) carried by the grasper. The pledgets are reinforced, containing support members that define the profile of the stitch and distribute stresses applied by the stitch, once tightened, over a length of tissue. This hardware may be applicable to other surgical and catheter based applications as well including: compressing soft tissue structures lung resections and volume reductions; gastric procedures associated with reduction in volume, aneurysm repair, vessel ligation, or other procedure involving isolation of, resection of, and reduction of anatomic structures. |
| US07931573B2 |
Exercise assisting apparatus
An exercise assisting apparatus includes a seat supporting buttocks and a foot base supporting the bottom of the feet, and is arranged to swing the seat for contracting leg muscles. An elevator mechanism regulates a position of the seat. A display and manipulator unit has a physique designating section providing a plurality of classes classified according to the user's height, and a moving direction instructing section with pushbuttons instructing the moving direction of the elevator mechanism. The elevator mechanism is controlled by an elevator controller, and includes a position adjusting section configured to read out a position of the elevator mechanism corresponding to the physique designated at the physique designating section for rough adjustment of the position of the elevator mechanism and a position modifying section configured to make a precise adjustment of the position of the elevator mechanism while the moving direction instructing section is manipulated. |
| US07931571B2 |
Hip flexion assist orthosis or hip knee extension assist orthosis
An apparatus suitable for imitating one or more muscle members of a human user during physical therapy, wherein the apparatus is configured to be used in conjunction with the human user having a waist and a leg having a knee. The apparatus includes an adjustable waist belt configured to be secured around the human user's waist and a lower leg support configured to encircle the human user's leg in a vicinity of the knee. The apparatus further includes an elastic member configured to provide an adjustable tensile resistance between the waist belt and the lower leg support. |
| US07931566B1 |
Exercise apparatus brake
Exercise apparatus, which may be an elliptical cross trainer, has a rotating inertial flywheel driven by user-engaged linkage exercising a user. A user-actuated brake engages and stops rotation of the flywheel upon actuation by the user. |
| US07931564B1 |
Assembled rock climbing device
An assembly rock climbing device having a rock climbing body comprised of several three-dimensional assembly blocks. Each of the assembly blocks has at least one surface and at least one assembly surface to be connected with adjacent assembly blocks. The assembly blocks are connected via their assembly surfaces to form the rock climbing body. The surfaces of the assembly blocks combine to form at least one climbing surface for users to climb. Rocks are disposed on the climbing surface for users to hold. |
| US07931563B2 |
Virtual trainer system and method
A system, apparatus and method for managing health of different individuals by means of a virtual trainer over a network. Reference training data is made available to at least one individual. The exercise motion of the individual or end-user is recorded by using a plurality of sensing elements. The exercise motion of the end-user is processed into a user data. The user data is forwarded to a remote server via a user communication device. A virtual coach application is provided in the remote server that compares the reference training data with the user data and provides a corrective feedback to the end-user. The corrective feedback to the end-user may be provided on the user communication device such as a personal computer, digital assistant, or mobile phone. |
| US07931562B2 |
Mobile data logging systems and methods
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military. |
| US07931558B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission which can establish properly separated gear ratios of forward ten gears or eleven gears and reverse two gears, which is simple and compact and can comfortably change gears. A fourth sun gear of a speed-changing dual planetary gear is connected to a speed-reducing common ring gear of a speed-reducing dual planetary gear through a first clutch, a speed-changing common carrier is connected to an input shaft through a second clutch and is selectively fixed by a second brake. A third sun gear of the speed-changing dual planetary gear is connected to the speed-reducing common ring gear of the speed-reducing dual planetary gear through a third clutch, connected to the speed-changing common carrier through a fourth clutch, and selectively to a first sun gear through a fifth clutch, and is selectively fixed through a first brake. A speed-changing common ring gear is directly connected to an output shaft. |
| US07931556B2 |
Automatic gearbox
The present invention relates to an automatic transmission (1) comprising at least one planetary stage (2) and at least one gear shifting element (3), wherein this gear shifting element (3) is disposed axially directly adjacent to the planetary stage (2), wherein a piston-cylinder arrangement (4) is provided for actuating the gear shifting element (3), wherein the planetary stage (2) comprises an internal gear (5), a sun gear (6) and a planet carrier (7), on which planet gears (8) are rotatably mounted, wherein the planet carrier (7) is connected non-rotatably to a transmission shaft (9), and wherein the pressure medium can be fed to the pressure chamber (10) of the cylinder (11) of the piston-cylinder arrangement (4) through a bore (12, 13) in the transmission shaft (9) and in the planet carrier (7). |
| US07931544B2 |
Implement grip assembly with hard cap
An implement grip assembly with an open ended tubular flexible grip assembled over a tubular implement handle. An end cap with deflectable portions is inserted in the open end of the handle and the deflectable portions frictionally engage the tubular handle for retention. The cap may also have surfaces detentably engaging corresponding surfaces on the flexible grip. A decorative medallion may be received on the cap and frictionally or magnetically retained thereon. |
| US07931532B2 |
Randomly awarded progressive jackpots
The invention is a method and a device for adding a bonus prize component to wagering games such as those played in gambling casinos. A player obtaining a predetermined combination in the underlying game wins the bonus prize. This might be a predetermined combination of playing cards in a card game or a predetermined combination on the reels of a slot machine. The bonus prize may require a separate side wager to qualify. The bonus prize is randomly chosen from a group of bonus prizes that includes an incrementing jackpot. The device for practicing the method includes a prize wheel that is spun to randomly choose the bonus prize, and an incrementing device with attached jackpot display for generating and showing the current amount of the incrementing jackpot. Upon winning the incrementing jackpot, the incrementing stops and the player wins the current amount shown on the display. The incrementing jackpot is subsequently reset and the incrementing resumed. |
| US07931530B2 |
Wagering game with time-based bonus
A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player. The controller is coupled to the display and, in response to receiving the wager input, is programmed to increment eligibility time to a counter of bonus-time eligibility. The counter is decremented as real time progresses. If the counter is greater than zero when a bonus game of the wagering game is triggered, the player is allowed to play the bonus game. |
| US07931529B2 |
System and method for operating on-line governmental lottery games
The present invention relates to a system and a method for facilitating governmental lottery games with a screening, a verification, and a subscription play function. A lottery agent system of the present invention includes a plurality of player terminals on which lottery players can play lottery games, including purchasing and receiving lottery tickets, an agent server for facilitating the purchase and screening of players and winning tickets, and a governmental lottery administrator for providing security or serial numbers for verification. The present invention further discloses a method for claiming awards for the winning tickets upon a drawing of winning numbers. Upon receiving information of the winning tickets, the state provides the agent server with claim validation numbers associated with the winning tickets for claims on lottery awards by winning players. |
| US07931524B2 |
Hunter arm
A hunter arm includes a bottom bar having a first end adapted for insertion into a trailer hitch of a pickup truck. A mast has a lower end pivotally attached by a first knuckle to a second end of the bottom bar. A first brace member has a lower end pivotally attached near the first end of the bottom bar and an upper end pivotally attached near the lower end of the mast to keep the mast in a vertical position. A boom has a first end pivotally attached by a second knuckle to an upper end of the mast. A second brace member has an upper end pivotally attached to center of the boom. An angle adjustment plate has a plurality of longitudinal notches there along affixed to the mast. A lower end of the second brace member can engage with any one of the notches in the angle adjustment plate to vary the angle of the boom extending outwardly from the mast. A pulley assembly has an upper end connected in a removable manner to a second end of the boom. A spreader bar includes two hooks which allows animal to hang down from the spreader bar to be skinned. |
| US07931523B2 |
Glass substrate for information recording medium and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium having a high level of cleanness and superior smoothness. The manufacturing method includes washing a disk-shaped glass plate with an acid washing liquid, removing at least part of a surface layer, which is formed on the surface of the glass plate, by performing grinding with diamond abrasion grains, and washing the surface with a neutral or alkaline washing liquid. |
| US07931520B2 |
Toy disk wheels and accessories therefore
In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy disk wheel. The disk wheel is defined to include a housing having first and second housing members, each housing member is substantially shaped as a half disk such that assembly of the first and second housing members forms a disk with a rounded outer surface to permit the housing to roll on a surface and a pair of outer sections. A transparent side portion is positioned along each outer surface of the pair of outer sections. Each transparent side portion includes a protuberance positioned about the center of the transparent side portion with a notch positioned thereon. The notch is used to accommodate an axle having ends which transverse the housing to rotatably position in the notches of both side portions. |
| US07931518B2 |
Process for preparing light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material, light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material and display filter
The present invention provides a process for preparing a light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material having an excellent light transmissive property, an excellent electromagnetic wave shielding property, an excellent appearance property and an excellent legibility by a simple method.A process for the preparation of a light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material comprising; (A1) printing a pretreatment agent for electroless plating comprising a noble metal compound and a mixture of silane coupling agent and azole compound or a reaction product thereof in a mesh pattern on a transparent substrate 11 to form a mesh-patterned pretreatment layer 12, and (A2) subjecting the pretreatment layer 12 to electroless plating to form a mesh-patterned metal conductive layer 13 on the pretreatment layer 12. |
| US07931511B2 |
Boat propulsion system
A boat propulsion system includes a gear shift mechanism arranged to transmit a driving force generated by an engine to first and second propellers at one of at least a low speed reduction ratio and a high speed reduction ratio, and a control section arranged to perform control so as to shift a speed reduction ratio of the gear shift mechanism based on first and second gear shift control maps when an acceleration command from a user is detected. The first and second gear shift control maps define a region to shift the speed reduction ratio of the gear shift mechanism using two parameters, preferably a rotational speed of the engine and a lever opening degree of a lever of a control lever portion. The boat propulsion system achieves both the acceleration performance and the maximum speed desired by a user. |
| US07931505B2 |
Portable device interfacing
A portable device interfacing system for use in a vehicle or other environments permits a portable device to be removably connected with another system, such as an audio system. The portable device interfacing system may include features that help to prevent liquid from damaging electronics of the system, align physical connections between the interfacing system and the portable device, safely secure the portable device in position, and/or permit the system to be expanded to support different portable devices. |
| US07931504B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a plug (20) and a socket (40). The plug (20) and the socket (40) have identical numbers of at least two plug contacts (201 to 208) and at least two socket contacts (401 to 408). At least two of the plug contacts (201 to 208) and at least two of the socket contacts (401 to 408) are conductively connected. |
| US07931502B2 |
Card edge connector and method for assembling the same
A card edge connector for electrically coupling between contact electrodes on an electric circuit board and harnesses includes: a housing with a board insertion opening; harness terminals coupling with the harnesses; and junction terminals coupling between contact electrodes and harness terminals. The contact electrodes include first and second contact electrodes on both of first and second surfaces of the board. Each first contact electrode is nearer one end of the board than each second contact electrode. The first and second contact electrodes on the first or second surface are aligned alternately along with a width direction of the board. A first or second end of the junction terminal contacting the contact electrode on the first or second surface extends from a first or second inner wall of the board insertion opening to reach a centerline of the board. |
| US07931501B1 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals and a shielding shell. The insulating housing has a base body and a tongue. Two sides of the front surface of the base body define two inserting slots. A propping portion is perpendicularly connected between two face-to-face insides of the inserting slot. The terminals are disposed in the insulating housing respectively. The shielding shell is mounted to the insulating housing, and has a tongue sheath with two side plates. A rear edge of each side plate extends rearward to form a fastening piece with a clipping opening. Two opposite edges of the clipping opening are further concaved oppositely to form a locating opening. The tongue sheath is sleeved around the tongue. The fastening piece is inserted rearward into the corresponding inserting slot, and the propping portion slides along the clipping opening until being buckled into the locating opening. |
| US07931499B2 |
Connector including flexible fingers and associated methods
A coaxial cable connector is to be attached to a coaxial cable including an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric therebetween. The coaxial cable connector includes a connector housing defining a ramp to receive an outer conductor thereagainst. A back nut has a ring base and a plurality of flexible fingers carried thereby to clamp against the outer conductor opposite the ramp. The connector housing and the back nut include respective portions defining a positive stop when fully engaged. A center contact is to be coupled to the inner conductor. There is at least one insulator member in the connector housing for carrying the center contact and comprising a radially outer support portion to radially support the outer conductor opposite the compressible ring. |
| US07931497B2 |
Electrical connector with an improved metal shell
An electrical connector (100) for being mounted onto a PCB includes an insulative housing (1); a set of electrical contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1); and a metal shell (3) coupled to the insulative housing. the metal shell (3) has a pair of nuts (310) integrally protruding therefrom and defining threaded holes (3101) for screws of a complementary plug screwed into, and a pair of board locks (5) integrally extending therefrom for being mounted onto the PCB. |
| US07931495B2 |
Stacked connectors having lower connector floatably assembled thereto
A card edge connector assembly for connecting a pair of electrical cards to a printed circuit board includes an upper connector and a lower connector. The upper connector includes a first housing defining a first elongated mating groove along a longitudinal direction with a plurality of first contacts by two sides thereof, and a recess is defined under the first elongated mating groove. The lower connector is moveably received within said recess and includes a second housing defining a second elongated mating groove with a plurality of second contacts by two sides thereof. A metallic member is attached to the upper connector for preventing the lower connector releasing from said recess. |
| US07931486B1 |
Electrical connector for missile launch rail
An electrical connector for testing of a missile launch rail is provided. A stationary housing is combined with a coupling ring to form an outer housing. An internal plunger is housed in the outer housing and spans the length of the outer housing. The stationary housing anchors to the missile launch rail, while the coupling ring is free to rotate about the internal plunger. The coupling ring is rotated via a hand grasp. The coupling ring rotation translates into forward and aft movement of the pin assembly. The connector provides forward and backward stops for limiting pin insertion and extraction moves to desired distances. Rotation via triple-start threads readily overcomes insertion and extraction resistance of a bulky multi-pin assembly and provides a smooth and controlled electrical connection. The size of the connector approaches that of a small conventional military standard 38999 series III connector. |
| US07931483B2 |
Lever-type connector
A lever-type connector having a housing that includes a contact receiving area, a slider receiving slot, a slider, a wire cover, an outlet, a lever provided with a connector and being rotatably and detachably disposed on the housing and the cover to slide the slider; a pair of arms that extend from both ends of the connector, and a pair of wall portions arranged at the pivotal end of the arms of the lever. The wall portions extend from a pivotal end of the arms, respectively, and oppose each other at end edges of the wall portions, respectively. The outlet arranged at the wire cover has a width set greater than a width of a contact receiving area in the housing. |
| US07931480B2 |
Electrical connector with new type of contacts
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing; an upper row of contacts and a lower row of contacts parallel to each other. Each contact includes a retention portion, a mating portion and a pressing arm extending from two opposite ends of the retention portion. Each pressing arm includes a bending portion and a contact tail extending from an end of the contact tail. An imaginary central plane defined in the insulative housing about which the mating portions and the retention portions of contacts of the upper row and the lower row are symmetrical. Wherein each pressing arm includes a bending portion extending to the central plane and a pressing portion extending from the bending portion, the pressing portions are overlapped seen from a direction along which the contacts are arranged. |
| US07931477B2 |
Low profile board-to-board connector mating pair with solder barrier
An electrical connector comprises a generally rectangular dielectric housing with a mating face and a mounting face. A plurality of terminal support posts extend in a direction from the mounting face towards the mating face and each support post has oppositely facing first and second sidewalls and a connecting surface. A plurality of terminal receiving cavities are spaced along a longitudinal axis of the housing for receiving terminals therein. A plurality of terminals are provided with each including a solder tail portion and a generally U-shaped contact portion. The solder tail portion is positioned along the mounting face and the contact portion includes a first, distal contact leg, a second, proximal contact leg spaced from and generally parallel to the first contact leg and a connecting portion extending between the first and second contact legs. The first contact leg extends along the first sidewall, the second contact leg extending along the second sidewall, and the connecting portion extending along the connecting surface. |
| US07931473B2 |
Multi-voltage pump with discreet voltage cords
A device for interfacing power from an electrical supply having power terminals, that permits implementation of a wide range of power cord lengths and voltage connection combinations. The device includes a body having a cord side and an appliance side. The body has four or more terminals located on the cord side of the body, with one terminal being a ground terminal. At least one electrical connecting device is adapted to connect terminals. In a first configuration, the device is used at a lower voltage. In a second configuration, the device is used at a higher voltage. |
| US07931469B1 |
Orthodontic anchor
An orthodontic anchor having a stem with a connecting portion and an emerging portion secured respectively to the ends thereof. The connecting portion is connected to bone by screws disposed in angled apertures and a cap envelops the emerging portion. A first transverse rib secured to the lower edge of the cap and a second transverse rib secured to the anchor between the connecting and emerging portions and an elastic band enveloping both transverse ribs. |
| US07931465B2 |
Object transferring device with a transfer arm having a substantially vertically movable gripper head
A device for transferring objects, in particular containers such as preforms or bottles, comprising a support (2) which is rotated about an substantially vertical rotational axis and which supports at least one transfer arm (3) with an inner radial part fixed to the support (2) and an outer radial part (6) adapted for sliding with respect to said inner radial part along an elongation axis held within a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of said support (2), the outer radial part (6) having a gripper head (13) adapted for supporting at least one object, wherein said head (13) is adapted for sliding, with respect to the inner radial part, along an elongation axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the support (2). |
| US07931462B2 |
Device and method for the manufacturing of a three-dimensional object
A device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layerwise solidification of a building material in powder form at the positions in the respective layer that correspond to the object to be manufactured is provided. A work plane (4) is provided, in which successively layers of the building material in powder form, which are to be solidified, are applied and are partially solidified. An application device (5) for applying a layer of the building material in the work plane or onto a previously solidified layer of the building material has an application surface (53) facing the work plane (4). An adjustment device (59, 60, 54) is provided that is constructed such that an angle (α) between the application surface (53) and the work plane (4) is adjustable. |
| US07931457B2 |
Apparatus for producing sub-micron fibers, and nonwovens and articles containing same
An apparatus for producing sub-micron fibers, and more specifically an apparatus for effecting formation of sub-micron fibers by fibrillation of polymer films, and nonwoven materials and articles incorporating them. |
| US07931450B2 |
Variable displacement pump
In a variable displacement pump, an outer peripheral surface approximately in an opposite side to a portion supported to an oscillation supporting point in a cam ring with respect to a pump shaft is formed as a convex surface portion holding a seal member brought into slidable contact with an inner peripheral surface of an outer case, and an inner peripheral surface of the outer case with which the seal member held to the convex surface portion of the cam ring is brought into slidable contact is formed as a circular arc surface around the oscillation supporting point. |
| US07931446B2 |
Treatment of turbine blades to increase hardness
Turbine blades, including airfoils, of aviation or industrial gas turbine engines are treated with boron to improve surface hardness and/or durability. Both stainless steel components and titanium components may be treated with boron. Elemental boron is diffused into the surface of the blade or other component, forming FeB and Fe2B in stainless steel components and titanium boride in titanium components. This treatment produces components with increased resistance to erosion caused by airborne particles and pollutants, extending the life of the components. |
| US07931444B2 |
Wind turbine with rotor blades equipped with winglets and blades for such rotor
A wind turbine includes a rotor with wind turbine blades each having a root end connected to a hub of the wind turbine and a tip end, the tip end of each of which being equipped with a winglet extending a distance in a direction perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the blade. A new and much more slim design of the outer part of the wind turbine blade is disclosed, i.e. with a shorter chord length designed within a narrow band of values defined with respect to the length of the winglet, i.e. the extension in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the blade. |
| US07931442B1 |
Rotor blade assembly with de-coupled composite platform
A rotor disk assembly with a platform spacer secured to the rotor disk and un-coupled from the rotor blades. Adjacent rotor blades are secured to the rotor disk slots by conventional means. The rotor disk includes a dovetail extending from the rim and positioned substantially midway between adjacent rotor blades. A platform spacer having a size and shape to occupy substantially the entire space formed between the adjacent rotor blades and the rotor disk rim is secured through a slot to the dovetail projecting from the rim. The platform spacer is a solid piece and forms the outer hot gas flow path between the blades. The platform spacer provides damping to the rotor blade assembly as well as eliminates hot gas flow migration below the platform. The platform space also un-couples the platform from the blades so that the load due to the platform is transmitted directly to the rotor disk and not through the blades, allowing for the blades to have improved LCF. Uncoupling the platform from the blade also eliminates the thermal mismatch between the platform and the blade which produces excessive levels of stress at this junction. With the un-coupled platform spacer of the present invention, the rotor blades can be formed from a single crystal material to allow for higher temperature limits and longer LCF of the assembly. |
| US07931440B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine
A vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a rotatable vertical shaft; a first horizontal shaft attached to the vertical shaft, and extending on either side of the vertical shaft; a first wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the first wind turbine extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft; a second wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade fixed at an operational angle with respect to the first wind turbine blade; a first and second motion limiting means attached to the vertical shaft, where each motion limiting means extends into the rotational travel of a turbine blade. |
| US07931437B1 |
Turbine case with inlet and outlet volutes
A one piece axial flow turbine case with an inlet volute and an outlet volute with an axial flow turbine positioned between the inlet and outlet volutes, in which the turbine vanes and blades can be installed or removed from one side of the case without disassembling the two volutes. The one piece turbine case eliminates the mating flange, the flange seal, and the flange bolts required in the two piece turbine volute case. The one piece axial flow turbine case reduces the part count, reduces the weight of the turbine, improves the reliability of the turbine, and improved the performance of the turbine. The annular guide vane assembly with an annular outer shroud having guide vanes extending from the shroud is inserted through an opening of the turbine case. The vane outer shroud extends aft to form an outer shroud for the turbine blades. |
| US07931436B2 |
Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines having such bearings
Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines using such bearings are provided. In this regard, a representative roller bearing for a gas turbine engine includes: a roller having a rolling surface and an end; a race having a flange and defining a raceway, the raceway terminating at the flange, the raceway being operative to receive the roller such that the rolling surface of the roller engages in rolling contact with the raceway; and a hard coating applied to the flange such that the end of the roller engages in sliding contact with the coating. |
| US07931431B2 |
Automated material handling system with load transfer vehicles
A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and are also movable under their own power within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area within the system, warehouse or vessel. |
| US07931429B2 |
Header trailer
A header trailer for transporting a header for a combine harvester has a chassis (1-4) and a support saddle (12) which is shaped so as to support stably a header (16) placed on the support saddle (12). The support saddle is mounted pivotably on the chassis (1-4). |
| US07931424B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing soil columns
A method and apparatus for constructing soil columns in-situ in the ground are disclosed for the purpose of improving the structure supporting capability of surface soils to support loads from buildings and other structures. Some embodiments use a surcharge ring or load to apply a stress to soil surrounding a construction site for a soil column. Methods according to the present disclosure may reduce impact on the environment because they may be performed with only one piece of normal construction equipment. In addition, gravel, crushed stone, cement or chemicals may not be required. |
| US07931421B2 |
Grating
A cover grating for a drainage channel or a similarly hollow body which can be installed in the ground is presented, wherein the cover grating is produced in a single piece and more particularly from a sheet metal strip, comprising at least two longitudinal webs extending on the underside of the cover grating and inlet slots formed in the cover grating between these longitudinal webs and comprising transverse webs resulting from the slot forming operation and extending on the lower side of the cover grating wherein the transverse webs are provided at each of their end regions with at least one receiving projection which at least partially engages in to a respective complementarily formed receiving slot in the longitudinal web. |
| US07931419B2 |
Connection of a first component to a second cylindrical component and method for mounting of the first and second components
A connection (4) of a first (2) to a second (3) cylindrical component for the transfer of circumferential and axial forces. The first component (2) has locking elements (9a) arranged on its circumference and at the end, the second component (3) has windows (12) associated with the locking elements (9a), and the first and second components (2, 3) can be plugged one into the other at the ends to form a positive interlock between the locking elements (9a) and the windows (12). |
| US07931418B1 |
Dehydrated dentifrice and toothbrush
A toothbrush has one or two part-spherical pockets formed in the brush surface. Balls or pellets of matching shape of dehydrated toothpaste are placed in the depressions, the brush is wetted and the pellets turn to a gel, ready for brushing. The pellets may be of various colors and flavors to entice children to brush their teeth and may be dispensed from a storage chamber carried in the tooth brush handle. |
| US07931416B2 |
Slide type writing tool having device for preventing dryness
A slide type writing tool having a dryness prevention unit. The writing tool includes a hollow shaft having at a first end thereof a nib hole. A knock part is inserted into an insert hole formed in a second end of the shaft. A cartridge is inserted into the shaft and is integrated with the knock part. A control module is made of an elastic material, such as rubber, and includes an O-ring part coming into close contact with the nib hole, a spherical door having a spherical surface, a tubular holder secured to the cartridge, a first hinge coupling the O-ring part with the spherical door, and a second hinge integrally coupling the spherical door with the holder. First and second springs are provided in the shaft to act elastic restoring force between the control module and the cartridge. |
| US07931411B2 |
Optical transmission apparatus to which optical cable is connected
An optical transmission apparatus includes a wiring board, an electronic device mounted on the wiring board, a connection part that mechanically connects the electronic device and the wiring board to each other in such a manner that the electronic device and the wiring board face each other at a certain distance and electrically connects the electronic device and the wiring board to each other, an optical cable connector that is in contact with the electronic device, and an optical cable connected to the optical cable connector. The optical cable connector has a part that is inserted between the electronic device and the wiring board. A signal is transmitted between the part and the electronic device. |
| US07931410B2 |
Machined cage for cylindrical roller bearing and method of manufacturing the same
A strength of a machined cage for a cylindrical roller bearing is increased without reducing a bearing life. An integral machined cage for a cylindrical roller bearing includes: a pair of side plates (42, 44); a plurality of columns (46), which are arranged in a circumferential direction, for connecting the pair of side plates (42, 44); pockets (48) formed between the adjacent columns (46); and relief portions (50) provided at four corners of each of the pockets (48), in which as viewed from a section perpendicular to an axis of the cage, the columns (46) have side surfaces each constituting a circular arc shape, and the relief portions (50) are in parallel to the side surfaces of the columns (46). |
| US07931409B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus for a driven wheel of a vehicle has an outer member, an inner member and rolling elements between the two. The outer member has a body mounting flange for mounting it to a knuckle of a suspension apparatus. The knuckle has a disc shaped bottom portion. The outer member is secured to the knuckle by fastening bolts. The body mounting flange abuts against the bottom portion of the knuckle. The inner side end of the inner member is closed by the knuckle. A plurality of pins is secured to the knuckle. Pin bores to receive the pins are formed on the body mounting flange. The pin bores radially positioning the outer member relative to the knuckle. |
| US07931408B2 |
Unit comprising a wheel bearing and at least one vehicle-sided fixed support
A unit, which has a wheel bearing and at least one vehicle-sided fixed support. The wheel bearing has at least one outer part which is rigidly fixed to at least one bearing seat which is embodied as an axial passage of a sheet metal molded part of the support, and at least one end section of the outer part is surrounded in a radial and supple manner, at least in the proximity of the passage such that the end section engages in an axial mariner behind the support. |
| US07931405B2 |
Sliding part
A sliding part comprises a first sliding member made of a steel, a second sliding member made of a steel, a first carbide film comprising a carbide and formed on the surface of the first sliding member, and a second carbide film comprising a carbide and formed on the surface of the second sliding member. The first sliding member and the second sliding member slide relative to each other while applying loads on each other. The carbide of the first carbide film and the carbide of the second carbide film differ from each other, and the hardness ratio of the first carbide film and the second carbide film is not more than 1.4. |
| US07931403B2 |
Position sensing composite cylinder
A fluid power composite cylinder that includes conductive and resistive material as part of the composite cylinder. The conductive and resistive material to provide a sensor feature that is used to assist position sensing electronic devices in sensing the position of a piston within the cylinder. |
| US07931400B2 |
Temperature sensor and related remote temperature sensing method
A temperature sensor includes a plurality of rectangular shaped amorphous magnetic alloy strips connected magnetically, wherein at least one of the strips has a predetermined ferromagnetic Curie temperature, and another strip has a magnetic permeability well exceeding 2,000. The temperature sensor may be used in a related remote temperature sensing method wherein the sensor is interrogated by a magnetic field and the temperature sensor's response signal is detected electromagnetically. |
| US07931398B2 |
Fluid blending methods utilizing either or both passive and active mixing
Fluid blending apparatus and methods are provided, the blending apparatus including components accommodating both passive and/or active mixing. The apparatus for performing the methods include a main body and closure connectable to define a chamber having a fluid outlet. A valved fluid inlet channel opens into the chamber and is tangentially oriented relative to a peripheral wall thereof so that fluid entering the chamber has a primary vortical flow circulation direction. A fluid injection channel opens to the inlet channel at an acute angle relative to direction of fluid flow through the inlet channel. A plurality of barriers is arrayed in the chamber to define interconnected inner and outer chamber portions. An impeller is rotatably mounted at the inner chamber portion and includes a plurality of blades oriented to urge flow from the inner chamber portion to the outer chamber portion. |
| US07931389B2 |
Cord reel including one or more electrical devices
In a number of embodiments, a cord reel can include: (a) an electrical cable; (b) a casing with a first exterior surface; (c) one or more electrical receptacles at the first exterior surface and electrically coupled to the electrical cable; and (d) a frame. The frame can include: (a) at least one wheel; and (b) a body coupled to the at least one wheel and the casing. In these embodiments, the casing is configured such that at least a portion of the electrical cable can be wound around a first portion of the casing. The electrical cable is configured to provide electrical power to the one or more electrical receptacles. The body can include: (a) a shaft portion with an end; and (b) a handle coupled to the end of the shaft portion. A length of the shaft portion can be adjusted between two or more lengths. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application. |
| US07931387B2 |
Light-emitting diode light source
An LED light source comprises a lower substrate having an upper surface which is formed with a groove and covered with an insulating layer in an area outside the groove, wherein the insulating layer is partially covered with a metal layer; an upper substrate disposed on a top of the insulating layer and formed with an opening in an area corresponding to the groove; a plurality of sub-substrates disposed on an inner bottom portion of the groove, wherein each said sub-substrate has a surface covered with a circuit layer, adjacent said sub-substrates are electrically connected to each other at respective adjacent ends thereof by a first metal lead, and each said sub-substrate is provided thereon with a plurality of LED chips, in which each said LED chip is connected by a second metal lead to a corresponding electrical connection point; and a light-transmitting colloid filled in the groove and the opening. The plurality of LED chips are thus integrally packaged in the groove to form the LED light source, which can be easily manufactured while having a small volume and providing high brightness. |
| US07931384B2 |
Method and apparatus for object viewing, observation, inspection, identification, and verification
In an object verifier having a housing and an object holder, an object may be placed in the object holder for observation by an operator. The object is illuminated using a collimated beam of white light that is generated by a light generator. The collimated beam of white light is passed through a beam splitter with the two portions of the collimated beam of white light presented to the object at a 90 degree angle one from the other. The interior of the housing includes a reflective surface for maximal illumination of the object. The observer may view the illuminated object through a viewing window and/or through a magnification window. The magnification window provides for the viewing of the object in greater detail. |
| US07931381B2 |
Lighting system for cooking appliance
A lighting unit for use in illuminating an oven cavity is internally, asymmetrically constructed and externally, substantially symmetrically constructed. Due to the symmetrical external construction, the lighting unit can be readily mounted in an oven cavity in multiple configurations to establish varying levels of illumination depending on the selected mounting arrangement. In particular, the lighting unit can be rotated prior to insertion in a side wall opening of the oven cavity, with the illumination intensity varying depending on the selected mounting position. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer shell is rectangular in shape to establish two distinct, potential mounting positions upon rotation of the lighting unit 180°, with the level of illumination varying in the order of at least 45% between the two mounting positions. |
| US07931379B2 |
Projection system, projection lens module, optical actuator and its driving method
A driving method of an optical actuator is applied to a projection system. The optical actuator includes a carrier, an optical element and an actuator component. The optical element is disposed at the carrier. The actuator component drives the carrier to rotate an angle. The driving method includes the steps of providing a driving signal having an initial section and a target section, and shifting the optical element between a position driven by the initial section and a position driven by the target section via the actuator component according to a first acceleration-deceleration section and a second acceleration-deceleration section. In addition, an optical actuator, a projection lens module and a projection system are also disclosed. |
| US07931376B2 |
Beam combining device and projector having such beam combining device
A beam combining device and a projector having such a beam combining device are provided. The projector includes a first color light source, a second color light source, a third color light source, a beam combining device, a light valve and a projection unit. The first color light source, the second color light source and the third color light source respectively emit first, second and third color beams. The beam combining device includes a polarization state converting module, a color separation unit and a polarization beam splitter. The optical path lengths of the first color beam emitted from the first color light source to the polarization beam splitter, the second color beam emitted from the second color light source to the polarization beam splitter, and the third color beam emitted from the third color light source to the polarization beam splitter are equal. |
| US07931374B2 |
Wavefront propagation from one plane to another
The present invention provides methods, systems and software for scaling optical aberration measurements of optical systems. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. Aberration data from the transmitted image is measured across the optical tissues of the eye at a first plane. A conversion algorithm is applied to the data, converting it to corrective optical power data that can be used as a basis for constructing a treatment for the eye at a second plane. |
| US07931372B2 |
Presbyopia correction using patient data
Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats presbyopia in a particular patient. The combination of distance vision and near vision in a patient can be improved, often based on input patient parameters such as pupil size, residual accommodation, and power need. Iterative optimization may generate a customized corrective optical shape for the patient. Threshold residual accommodation is established for presbyopia treatment. |
| US07931365B2 |
Replaceable-lens eyewear and kit
Eyewear having replaceable lenses, with an illustrative embodiment including a frame, two temples, temple-connecting members extending outwardly from opposing ends of the frame and affixing the temples to the frame; a nose bridge; bridge-connecting members extending outwardly from two points centrally located on the frame and affixing the nose bridge to the frame; nose pads; and a plurality of interchangeable lenses. The lenses, which may be sunglass lenses, are composed of somewhat pliable material and have a perimeter defining at least two collinear recesses, with the recesses capable of selectively and releasably coupling with the temple-connecting members and the nose bridge-connecting members, thus securing the lenses to the frame. A case with a padded interior and fitted storage recesses is used to protect eyewear and lenses not in use. |
| US07931364B1 |
Optical prescription insert carrier
An optical insert carrier that may retain a left and right lens having at least two opening holes. The optical insert carrier maybe attached to the back side of a pair of sunglasses having a right and left lens, wherein the back side is the side of the sunglasses that faces the wearer. The optical insert carrier is made from thin sheet or molded material in the range of 0.010 to 0.060 thickness. |
| US07931362B2 |
System for controlling engagement of a transfix roller with an image receiving member in a printer
A hydraulic system controls engagement of a transfix roller with an image receiving member in a printer. The system includes a motor having an output shaft, a translational member having a first end and a second end, one of the first and the second ends being mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the motor so the motor output shaft moves the translational member in a linear path, a hydraulic translator coupled to the other end of the translational member so movement of the translational member in the linear path displaces hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic translator to move a pair of links in a linear direction, a transfix roller having a first end and a second end, the first and the second ends of the transfix roller being mechanically coupled to the pair of links so the displacement of the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic translator moves the transfix roller in the linear direction for movement towards and away from an image receiving member, and a controller electrically coupled to the motor to send a motor control signal to the motor for controlling direction and speed of the motor output shaft. |
| US07931354B2 |
Circuit board for inkjet head
Second individual electrodes are formed and arranged in zigzag in two rows on one surface of a flexible sheet, and wirings connected to the second individual electrodes are arranged to pass between adjacent second individual electrodes of the other row. Formed on the other surface of the flexible sheet are electrode connection sections to be connected to the second individual electrodes through through-holes going through the flexible sheet. The electrode connection section has an area larger than the second individual electrode and is connected to an external electrode through solder. |
| US07931349B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a record head having nozzles that discharge liquid; a transporting path along which a medium is transported; a transporting mechanism that transports the medium along the transporting path; a sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element and disposed at a first position on the transporting path, the first position being located upstream relative to the record head in a transporting direction of the medium, the sensor outputting a signal in accordance with presence or absence of the medium at the first position; and a control unit that controls supply of power to the sensor and detects the presence or absence of the medium through the sensor. The control unit stops the supply of power to the sensor when the control unit detects a downstream end of the medium in the transporting direction, and resumes the supply of power to the sensor when the control unit detects an upstream end of the medium in the transporting direction. |
| US07931346B2 |
Electronic apparatus for suppressing heat generation from plurality of motors
An electronic apparatus suppresses heat generation from a plurality of motors and a control circuit for controlling the motors without stopping operation of the motors entirely. When copy operation starts, an internal temperature of a facsimile apparatus 1 is detected. If the detected temperature is lower than a threshold value 1, an MPU section 10 instructs a motor control section 33 to operate a scanner motor 23, a CR motor 34, and a PF motor 35 at the same time. If the detected temperature is not lower than the threshold value 1 and is lower than a threshold value 2, the MPU section 10 instructs the control section 22 to operate the motors in a time-sharing mode, such that the scanner motor 23 and the CR motor 34, or alternatively, the scanner motor 23 and the PF motor 35, simultaneously operate in combination. |
| US07931345B2 |
Motor vehicle brake system having a low pressure accumulator
A motor vehicle brake system having a hydraulic cable, via which a wheel brake module can be pressurized by a brake medium using brake pressure from a brake cylinder and to which a low pressure accumulator is connected for temporarily receiving excess brake medium, wherein the low pressure accumulator is connected to the hydraulic cable via a backflow line and a return pump interposed in the return line in order to return temporarily stored brake medium, the return pump being cyclically actuated for adjusting the pump capacity such that an activation occurs within each braking cycle during a portion of pump cycles that corresponds to the pump capacity, is intended to provide particularly high operational safety while also providing a comfortable pedal sensation. |
| US07931340B1 |
Tetraframe component of furniture
A method of fabrication of furniture by affixing a plurality of rods of similar length forming a frame comprising a plurality of tetrahedra and pentahedra with the frame having at least one planar surface for attachment thereto of a covering. |
| US07931338B2 |
Vehicle seat locking assembly
A vehicle seat locking assembly includes a vehicle seat locking pin for locking an associated vehicle seat back in a desired position when the locking pin is in a locked position, and a vehicle seat lever for moving the locking pin. One of the locking pin and the lever has a cam surface, and the other of the locking pin and the lever have a cam follower cooperatively engaged with the cam surface to move the locking pin to an unlocked position when the lever is moved to a release position. |
| US07931335B1 |
Car seat protector with chassis lock system
A car seat protector for covering and protecting a car seat from becoming soiled, where the car seat has a sitting area and a back rest, where the back rest has sides and a top, and where the car seat is mounted to a chassis such that the back rest is attached to the chassis and a gap is formed between the chassis and the back rest along the sides and the top of the back rest; and where the car seat protector comprises: a seat portion, comprising fabric of sufficient size and shape to cover the sitting area of the car seat; a back portion, comprising fabric of sufficient size and shape to cover the back rest of the car seat, where the back portion has sides and a top; a back side portion, comprising fabric extending from the sides and top of the back portion, where the back side portion is of sufficient size and shape to cover the sides and top of the back rest and extend beyond the gap formed between the chassis and the back rest; and a plurality of retention parts encased within the back side portion, such that the retention parts may be inserted into the gap formed between the chassis and the back rest. |
| US07931333B2 |
Automotive seat cushion with drain device
An automotive seat cushion with a drain device may include a seat cushion including a cushion pad which is disposed inside the seat cushion and a covering which is disposed outside the cushion pad and is connected to the cushion pad by a hog ring, a passenger classification sensor which is disposed between the cushion pad and the covering and detects whether a seat is occupied by an occupant or not, a drain hole which is formed by vertically penetrating the seat cushion, and a drain hole guide member which is inserted into the drain hole and engaged thereto to maintain a shape of the drain hole. |
| US07931329B2 |
Buffering structure for cargo box gate of truck
A buffering structure for the side gates of a cargo box of a truck is disclosed. The buffering structure includes front and rear side gates pivotally mounted on each side of the cargo box, and a middle column interposed between the front side gate and the rear side gate. Buffer members are interposed between the middle column and the front and rear side gates to resiliently support the front and rear side gates. Since the buffer member for resiliently supporting the front and rear side gates is installed on the middle column of the cargo box, deformation of the side gates is prevented and thus the lifespan of the cargo box is extended. Also, the generation of vibration and noise by friction comfort is reduced to improve driving comfort, as well as the smooth opening and closing of the side gates. |
| US07931328B2 |
Sidewall of a trailer including a logistics panel
A logistics panel includes a composite panel that is formed of inner and outer skins and a core member secured therebetween. The composite panel has top and bottom end portions and first and second side end portions. The composite panel further has an aperture set provided therethrough which defines at least one aperture which extends through the inner and outer skins and the core member and between the end portions. Multiple logistics panels can be used to form a sidewall of a trailer by joining the first side end portion of one panel to the second side end portion of an adjacent panel. Top and bottom rails are secured to the top and bottom end portions, respectively, of the panels. |
| US07931326B2 |
Tarp connector system and method of using same
The invention consists of a system for connecting tarps to a vehicle, comprising: a) bows for supporting tarps, the bows comprised of: i) one or more tarp connectors, each of the tarp connectors having a pair of channels for accepting a support pole and ii) one or more corner connectors adapted to receive an end of one of the tarp connectors; b) a plurality of tarps, each tarp secured to the tarp connectors by wrapping the tarp around the support pole and inserting the support pole into the channel of the tarp connector, wherein the bows are combined with the tarps to create an enclosed cargo area for the vehicle. |
| US07931324B2 |
Vehicle side article transporter device
The present invention is a container for a light-duty automobile such as a light-duty pickup truck or sport-utility vehicle having at least one opening, operably associated with the quarter panel of an automobile, an inner wall operably associated with the container, and a cover having a closed position and an open position operably associated with the opening. The cover includes a door inner, and a door outer. The invention also includes a first rail positioned between the container and the quarter panel. The container is integrally formed with the first rail, and is located between the first rail and the inner wall. The first rail supports the container, and the cover can be moved from the open position to the closed position, allowing access to the container. |
| US07931323B1 |
Fail-safe travel bar lock for RV slide-out room
An electromechanical travel bar lock assembly disables the flow of power to the power drive that moves a RV slide-out room between the traveling position and the deployed position. The assembly includes a bar for removably securing between the wall of the vehicle and the facer board of the slide-out room to prevent the room from moving. The travel bar is provided with an actuator that actuates, directly or indirectly, a switch means incorporated into the circuitry of the power drive so that power is not permitted to flow from its source to the drive, and the slide-out room cannot be moved when the travel bar is positioned between the vehicle wall and the facer board. The actuator, switch, and circuitry may embody any one of several different configurations and/or combinations. |
| US07931321B2 |
Bus stretcher conversion kit
A framework for supporting stretchers and method of assembling includes a sub-frame having an adjustable length header bar assembly and adjustable height outer frame legs connected to opposing ends of the header bar assembly. A secondary stretcher support is positioned laterally interior of and parallel with each outer frame leg, each of the secondary stretcher support and outer frame leg including stretcher holders. Interframe connectors are transversely positioned between pairs of sub-frames and pairs of secondary stretcher supports. Stretcher handles seat in the stretcher holder and the secondary stretcher support. The framework is configured to fit within varying dimensions of a mass transit vehicle and can be a component of a vehicle conversion kit. The kit can further include tools for assembling the framework, assembly instructions, and a crate for storing and transporting at least the framework, supports, tools, and assembly instructions. |
| US07931320B2 |
Self-adjusting load bar
A method is provided for assembling a load bar assembly. The method includes providing a first linear stage having a first alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar assembly in a first direction. A second linear stage is provided that includes a second alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first alignment mechanism is positioned with respect to the second alignment mechanism such that the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are prevented from being back-driven. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are configured to lock if one of the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism fails. |
| US07931318B2 |
Bumper attachment portion structure
The present invention provides a bumper attachment portion structure that can ensure the deformation stroke of a side member when a vehicle impacts such that the vehicle is offset to one side in a vehicle width direction of a bumper. When a load that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is inputted to a bumper attachment portion during an offset impact, an attachment releasing structure portion in a bumper bracket releases the state of attachment at a vehicle width direction inside part of that bumper attachment portion to thereby cause a point of origin of bending in the bumper attachment portion to be positioned in a vehicle width direction outside part. |
| US07931315B2 |
Bumper beam for automobile
A bumper beam includes two tubular bodies formed by tube hydroforming that extend left and right. The tubular bodies are joined to each other in a parallel state. The tubular bodies each have a rectangular vertical cross-section shape including top and bottom and front and rear sides. The tubular bodies are disposed in a line from top to bottom, and opposing surfaces thereof are joined together across the entire length in the longitudinal direction. |
| US07931314B2 |
Vehicle door outer handle system
A vehicle door outer handle system is provided in which a pair of electrodes and a circuit board on which is provided a detection circuit for detecting a change in capacitance between the electrodes are housed within an operating handle formed from a handle main body and a cover covering the outer side of the handle main body, the operating handle being disposed on an outer side of a vehicle door, and the electrodes (43) being patterned on the circuit board (44), the operating handle thereby being made thin. |
| US07931313B2 |
Magnetic latch mechanism
A latch with dual rotary magnets is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment. |
| US07931312B2 |
Apparatus for opening and closing door
A door-operating lever is disposed on a base plate of a control unit. A door-operating knob includes an operation output portion that engages with a door-operating lever. When the door-operating knob is operated to open or close a door of a vehicle, the operation output portion engages with the door-operating lever in such a manner that the door-operating lever is rotated in a desired direction to cause a closed-door holding unit or an opened-door holding unit to release the door. |
| US07931305B2 |
Security document with transparent windows
The invention concerns a security document (1) comprising a transparent window (12) in which a first optical element (15) is arranged and a second transparent window (13) in which a second optical element (16) is arranged. The first transparent window (12) and the second transparent window (13) are arranged on a carrier (11) of the security document (1) in mutually spaced relationship in such a way that the first and the second optical elements (15, 16) can be brought into overlapping relationship with each other. The first optical element (15) has a first transmissive microlens field and the second optical element (16) has a second transmissive microlens field, wherein a first optical effect is produced upon overlap of the second microlens field with the first microlens field. |
| US07931302B2 |
Laterally extendible mud flap mounting assembly for vehicles
A mud flap mounting assembly for vehicles providing an elongate laterally extending central support beam defining a medial channel slidably carrying similar elongate mud flap extensions extendible from each opposing end to positions laterally outward of the vehicles' rear tires. The central support beam is secured to a ball mount receiving box beam extending rearwardly from the vehicle by two medial spacedly adjacent depending fastening arms carrying two vertically spaced fasteners extending therethrough above and below the receiving box beam. A mud flap mounting arm carrying a depending mud flap is fastened to the laterally outer end portion of each mud flap extension. A collar carried at the inner end portion of each mud flap mounting arm and having a releasable fastener positionally secures and maintains the mud flap extension and mud flap mounting arm to the central support beam. |
| US07931300B2 |
Anti-tip system for a power wheelchair
An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible. |
| US07931299B2 |
Low risk deployment airbag cushion
The application relates to an airbag with a venting assembly. An air bag cushion can include at least one panel and a tether that forms the venting assembly. The tether can include an attachment portion to attach the tether to a panel of the air bag cushion, an opening, at least one passive vent, and a discrete vent. The passive venting system can be formed by folding the tether over upon itself so that the opening and vents substantially lie above and below one another. |
| US07931295B2 |
Garnish
A garnish includes a garnish body which covers a folded air bag and a locking portion which is inserted to be locked in a mounting hole in a mounting base on a vehicle body. The locking portion holds the garnish body which is pressed by the air bag when the air bag is inflated to move so as to form a projecting space for the air bag. The locking portion includes a locking main body portion which is inserted to be locked in the mounting hole and a connecting piece portion. The connecting piece portion includes a locking base portion on which the locking main body portion is provided, connecting portions which are connected to a rear surface of the garnish body, and deformable portions lying between the locking base portion and the connecting portions and is molded integrally with the garnish body. The deformable portions deform to extend a distance between the locking base portion and the connecting portion when the garnish body moves towards a vehicle interior side. |
| US07931289B2 |
Airfoil shape for bicycle
The bicycle may have a frame and a seat post. A cross section of the seat post may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration may provide for a reduction in drag. A battery pack may be mounted to a rear side of the seat post. |
| US07931285B2 |
Tag axle attachment for an off road agricultural applicator vehicle
The present invention provides a tag axle attachment for an off-road agricultural vehicle. The tag axle attachment allows agricultural vehicles to meet roadway weight restrictions imposed by the federal and state governments while also allowing the vehicle to perform optimally in the field. The tag axle is assembled such that it can be hydraulically lowered into a deployed position when the agricultural vehicle is on the roadway and hydraulically raised into a stowed position when the agricultural vehicle is in the field. The tag axle assembly is mounted to the chassis rails of an agricultural vehicle and positioned to fit between the chassis rails when stowed and minimizes the load per axle of the vehicle when deployed. |
| US07931283B2 |
Frame assembly for in-line skate
An in-line skate frame assembly has a rigid frame and an elongate grinding insert releasably engaged with the frame. The frame and insert are secured together to the sole of a shoe or boot by frame bolts extending through upper portions of the frame and insert. The frame has spaced side walls with downwardly facing recessed regions in which the insert is mounted. The insert extends along a major portion of the length of the frame and has a downwardly facing, centrally located grinding surface which terminates short of the opposite ends of the insert. Different inserts with grinding surfaces of different shapes and lengths are releasably secured to the frame for performing alternative grinding maneuvers. |
| US07931280B2 |
Electric discharge lamp control unit with sealing structure
The present invention provides an electric discharge lamp control unit which is capable of enhancing air-tightness in the electric discharge lamp while suppressing increase in the size thereof. The electric discharge lamp control unit for controlling lighting ON/OFF of an electric discharge lamp includes an electronic component in which a circuit element is implemented and which has a connector section for connection to an outside thereof; and a casing for housing the electronic component which includes a base on which the electronic component is mounted and a cover which covers the base. The thorough hole is sealed with the electronic components on the inner side of the base. |
| US07931276B2 |
Brush seal
A brush seal, comprising: a bristle arrangement with a plurality of bristles; and a joint securing the bristles together; plates flanking the bristle arrangement; and a feature on the plates to receive the joint. A brush seal, comprising: a plurality of bristles, each having a first end and an opposed second end; and plates receiving the bristles therebetween, each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the bristles extend past the first end of the plates and the second ends of the bristles reside between the first and second ends of the plates. A method of repairing a brush seal, comprising the steps of: providing a brush seal having a bristle arrangement secured between plates; removing the bristle arrangement from the plates; providing a replacement bristle arrangement; and placing said replacement bristle arrangement between the plates. |
| US07931267B2 |
Sheet feed device with sheet tray guide unit
A sheet feed device includes a sheet tray and a guide unit. The sheet tray is configured to store a recording medium including a recording sheet. The guide unit is configured to support detachably the sheet tray. The guide unit includes a rotary member that is configured to contact an outer bottom surface of the sheet tray while contacting an outer side surface of the sheet tray, and rotate with mounting and detachment of the sheet tray. An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing a latent image on a surface thereof, an exposure unit for exposing the image bearing member to form the latent image, a developing unit for developing the latent image with toner to form a visible image, a transfer unit for transferring the visible image onto the recording medium, and the sheet feed device. |
| US07931261B2 |
Signature hopper with lap straightening device
A signature hopper is provided comprising a first drum having a first gripper for a lead edge of a folded signature, a second drum having a second gripper for an open edge of the folded signature, the second gripper having a gripper finger with an end curled in a direction of rotation of the second drum, a dipper blade for pushing the open edge from the first drum toward the second drum so as to contact the gripper finger and a stationary signature guide spaced with respect to the first drum, the signature contacting the signature guide as the first drum rotates the signature past the signature guide. |
| US07931259B2 |
Sheet presser unit for folding unit
A sheet folding apparatus includes a sheet supporting member which has an inclined surface to support a stack of sheets, a sheet position adjuster which adjusts a position of the stack of sheets along the inclined surface, a sheet pressing unit which presses the stack of sheets from a lower side of the stack of sheets to an upper side of the stack of sheet, and a folding unit which folds the stack of sheets pressed by the sheet pressing unit. |
| US07931256B2 |
Hybrid humidifier for a fuel cell
Disclosed in a hybrid humidifier for a fuel cell that has a plurality of humidifying tubes, each of the tubes defining thereon a plurality of through holes. Also disclosed is a method for humidifying dry air in a hybrid humidifier. |
| US07931253B1 |
Quick coupling and uncoupling tube assembly
A coupling assembly for joining two fluid conduits together, consisting of a female component and a male component. Female component integrally construction of resilient material has a portion for snugly mating with a male component on one end, another portion for attaching a conduit on the opposing end, and internal valve means. Male component, that snugly press fits into the female component, has a mating portion with internal valve means and a conduit attachment portion. Valve means of assembly permits fluid flow when both components are fully engaged and terminates fluid flow when they are disengaged. Both components can be effortlessly couple together with a relatively low compressive force and automatically separate with a relatively low tensile force. |
| US07931252B2 |
Steam valve
A steam valve is provided with a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve rod provided for the valve body. The valve body has a bottom portion to which a recessed portion is formed, and the recessed portion has an edge, which is positioned on an upstream side of a place at which a shock wave is generated in steam flowing through a steam path defined by the valve body and the valve seat. |
| US07931247B2 |
Apparatus for mounting a jack device
An apparatus for mounting a jacking device is provided, which is fixed to a flat surface of a trunk compartment in a vehicle, and can conveniently mount the jacking device through pushing of the jacking device from the front to the rear. The mounted state of the jacking device is maintained by restraining the jacking device from being moved in all directions. The jacking device mounting apparatus includes a lower plate fixed to a flat surface in a vehicle, on which a jacking device is mounted; an upper plate placed over the lower plate and spaced apart from the lower plate to from a first space therebetween, a center portion of the upper plate being cut to form a second space; a locking pin for locking a forward of the upper plate; and locking-pin fixing brackets for fixing the locking pin. |
| US07931244B1 |
Device for equidistant bracketing of fixtures
A device for equidistant mounting of fixtures with bracket rails, axles, mounting brackets, and fixture clamp assembly. |
| US07931243B2 |
Speaker with monitor mountable stand
A speaker system with a mount pivotally secured to a speaker frame for detachably securing the speaker system to a display monitor is disclosed. The mount pivots relative to the frame so as to allow the display monitor to be operably received between the mount and frame thereby holding the speaker system in place. A securing structure is preferably provided to hold the mount at a desired position, and resilient padding is preferably provided between the frame, mount and display monitor. The mount can also have a substantially planar bottom surface which allows the speaker system to rest on a desktop simply by positioning the substantially planar bottom surface of the mount on the desktop. |
| US07931242B2 |
Support assemblies for pipes, conduits and tubes
Wall-mounted type support strut assemblies attach pipes, conduit, and tubes to surfaces in a sanitary manner. The strut assemblies repel contaminants, are easy to inspect, and are easy to clean. |
| US07931235B2 |
System for deicing the leading edge of a nose inlet cowl turbine engine
The invention concerns a system for deicing the leading edge of a nose inlet cowl for a turbine engine. The invention is characterized in that one of the two elements formed by the pressurized hot air supply duct (6) and by the protective casing (15) is longitudinally rigid, while the other of said elements comprises at least two mutually nested parts adapted to slide sealingly relative to each other; and said two elements (6, 15) are, on one side, rigidly fixed to one of said partitions (5) of the structure box (10), while, on the other side, said two elements are rigidly linked to each other (in 18) and are adapted to slide jointly relative to a sliding bearing (17) provided in the other partition (16). |
| US07931231B2 |
Engine anticipation for rotary-wing aircraft
A flight control system and method which determines an expected power required data in response to a flight control command of the at least one model following control law and utilizes the expected power required data to perform at least one action to control an engine speed. |
| US07931226B2 |
Method and machine for forming logs of web material, with a mechanical device for forming the initial turn of the logs
The rewinding machine includes a winding unit; a feed path of a web material; a separator device to sever the web material upon completion of winding each log; an insertion path of the winding cores towards the winding unit; a movable mechanical member to facilitate forming a first turn of web material around each winding core inserted in the insertion path. |
| US07931225B2 |
Water hose winding device
The present invention provides a water hose winding device. The winding device main body includes a water hose winding rack, a water inlet adapter, a water hose exit guide hole, a driving motor, and a gearing component. The water outlet end of the water hose is configured with a wireless winding control mechanism, which includes a radio signal transmitter and a control switch. The winding device main body is configured with a radio signal receiver to receive the wireless control signal transmitted by the radio signal transmitter, and the driving end radio signal receiver is electrically connected to the driving motor. When the driving end radio signal receiver receives the wireless control signal, it can start or shut off the driving motor. |
| US07931221B2 |
Mobile crusher unit
A mobile crusher unit is provided having a supporting framework (12) which is includes at least a crusher unit (13), a feed conveyor (11), and a dumping conveyor unit (14), and which can be relocated by means of a crawler undercarriage. To minimize construction height and weight the supporting framework and the traveling gear are configured as one unit, with parts of the supporting framework (12) serving as parts of the traveling gear, and with the crawlers (16) of the crawler vehicle protruding into recesses of the supporting framework. |
| US07931220B2 |
White pozzolan manufactured from post-consumer waste glass, products incorporating the same and methods of manufacturing the same
A clean dry white glass powder useful as a substitute for Portland cement in concrete, in paints, and for other known uses for glass powder produced conventionally can be produced from unsorted post-consumer waste glass, including a substantial fraction of non-glass items, by employing glass pulverizing equipment to reduce waste glass to small fragments, allowing removal of trash, employing a multistep washing process to clean the glass fragments, in the preferred embodiment using aggregate cleaning equipment, drying the fragments, preferably using fluidized bed techniques, and grinding the glass to a desired particle size, preferably using a ball mill, in combination with an air classification step to produce a bright white glass powder of uniform particle size. |
| US07931216B2 |
Double valve set
A double valve set includes a housing, a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The housing includes an outlet tube formed thereon. The first nozzle is disposed in the outlet tube. When used alone, the first nozzle is adapted to transfer the natural gas. The second nozzle is detachably connected to the outlet tube. The second nozzle can be used to transfer the tanked gas without having to remove the first nozzle from the outlet tube. |
| US07931208B2 |
System for user interaction with a computer system
Provided is a system for user interaction with a computer system. The system includes a printed surface having visible graphical information indicating a user selectable operation, and coded data. The coded data has a plurality of marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern having a rotationally invariant structure and an orientation target structure. The system further includes an optical sensing device for capturing images of the coded data, and a processor for determining relative rotation of the coded data from the images. |
| US07931206B2 |
Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a radiation plate, a feeding circuit substrate on which a feeding circuit including a resonant circuit including an inductance element is provided, the feeding circuit being electromagnetically coupled to the radiation plate, and a wireless IC chip including a connection electrode, the wireless IC chip being disposed on the feeding circuit substrate. A mounting electrode is provided on the feeding circuit substrate. The frequency of signals sent and received using the radiation plate substantially corresponds to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. The wireless IC chip is electromagnetically coupled to the mounting electrode. |
| US07931204B2 |
Electronic microchip token and its fabrication process
A generally disc-shaped token of the type having a body produced by multiple injection of plastic material and method of fabricating the same, which includes a core produced by a first injection of plastic material and having a central portion defining the central portion of the body of the token and a peripheral portion with radial projections defining at least part of the edge of the body of the token. The core incorporates an insert including a contactless electronic microchip identification device buried in the central portion during the first injection and retained at its periphery by projections or fingers attached to the injection mold and defining openings in the core. The body of the token includes a covering layer produced by a second injection of plastic material around the peripheral portion of the core to produce in conjunction with the core the whole of the edge and the annular peripheral portion of the body of the token. A decorated label is fixed to each face of the token. The token may be used as a gaming chip or a casino chip. |
| US07931200B2 |
Image transformation device
This patent describes an alternative form of user interface for operating a device such as a camera comprising a card which is inserted in a machine. On the face of the card is contained a visual representation of the effect the card will have on the output of the machine. Preferably the camera device is capable of transforming a sensed image substantially in accordance with the transformation of a standard image comprising the visual representation and the transformation of the sensed image is printed out on the printer. Alternatively the machine comprises a book reader and the card includes a book's content for display by the book reader as indicated by the visual representation on the front of the card. On one surface of the card, the visual representation of the effect is displayed, and on a second surface, an optically encoded representation of the effect able to be read by a sensing device of the machine and decoded so as to produce the effect. |
| US07931198B2 |
Modular architecture sensing and computing platform
A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted. Larger systems are capable of supporting more sophisticated processing. A scaled up version of the modular platform provides an outdoor weather resistant community computing server. |
| US07931188B2 |
Combination pizza box and leveling device
An embodiment of the present invention is a combination of a pizza box and leveling device for the pizza box. The pizza box has at least one sidewall that is formed having two adjacent panels with a cavity between the adjacent panels, and, a bottom that has at least one slot. The at least one slot is substantially aligned with and provides access to the cavity. And, the leveling device has at least one portion thereof formed for insertion into the at least one slot and further into the cavity of the sidewall of the pizza box so as to detachably attach the leveling device to the pizza box. |
| US07931187B2 |
Injection molded solder method for forming solder bumps on substrates
A flexible unitary mask has a plurality of through holes. A substrate has a plurality of wettable pads in recessed regions defining volumes. The through holes are aligned with the wettable pads. Molten solder is directly injected through the through holes of the flexible unitary mask into the volumes with the wettable pads, such that the through holes and the volumes with the wettable pads are filled with solder. The solder is allowed to solidify, forming a plurality of solder structures adhered to the wettable pads. The flexible unitary mask is peeled from the substrate after the solder has solidified. |
| US07931186B2 |
Method of teaching eyepoints for wire bonding and related semiconductor processing operations
A method of teaching an eyepoint for a wire bonding operation is provided. The method includes (1) selecting a group of shapes from a region of a semiconductor device for use as an eyepoint, and (2) teaching the eyepoint to a wire bonding machine using at least one of (a) a sample semiconductor device, or (b) predetermined data related to the semiconductor device. The teaching step includes defining locations of each of the shapes with respect to one another. |
| US07931182B2 |
Steerable surgical stapler
Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one delivery mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the delivery mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body organ/tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image. |
| US07931178B2 |
Suspended load ergonomic backpack
A suspended-load backpack designed to permit the load to move relative to the wearer during walking and running so that the large movements between the load and the wearer of the backpack reduce the fluctuations of vertical motion of the load with respect to ground. Because the hip (and thus the pack body) goes up a down a good deal during walking, a large relative movement between the wearer and the load reduces the absolute excursion of the load. This movement may be, in turn, transferred to a motor through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical or mechanical energy. Such movement of the suspended-load relative to the wearer also reduces the forces on the wearer's body while walking or running, thus reducing the likelihood of orthopedic injury. The suspended-load backpack includes a suspension system having a first portion connected to shoulder straps directly or through an interface and a second portion connected to the pack body and a compliant mechanism that permits the second portion of the suspension system and the pack body to move up and down relative to the first portion of the suspension system in accordance with a gait of the wearer of the backpack. |
| US07931177B2 |
Storage container for use in a boot
A storage container for use in a boot of a motor vehicle, which container is fastenable on the lower side of a rear parcel shelf and, for loading, is movable into at least one loading and/or unloading position, and which includes a frame, a supporting surface and at least one essentially inelastic side wall connecting the supporting surface to the frame, wherein the side wall can be deformed, and therefore the height of the storage container can be varied. A module for fitting a storage container in a vehicle is also included. |
| US07931174B2 |
Dispensing mechanism using long tubes to vary pressure drop
A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing. |
| US07931166B2 |
Container cap
A cap device for use with a container or bottle includes adjacent first and second portions, each portion including a structure different than the other for accessing the contents of a container. The first portion may include an opening, such as a straw opening or pour opening, and a cover pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. The second portion may define a trough and include a drinking implement, such as a sipper, that is pivotal between retracted and extended configurations. The drinking implement includes first and second sections, the first section being rotatable between retractable and locked configurations. Contents of the container may be accessed when the second section is in the locked configuration. The drinking implement may be moved to the retracted configuration only when the second section is in its retractable configuration. |
| US07931164B2 |
Foldable portable container
A foldable portable container is described. The container end walls are hinged to the floor of the container and are attached to the roof by a hinged slide mechanism whereby vertical displacement of the roof causes the simultaneous folding or unfolding of the opposing container end walls. |
| US07931161B2 |
Wall mountable wire grid organizer system with removable accessories
A wall mountable wire grid organizer rack assembly includes a support grid structure including a perimeter frame and a plurality of transverse support members connected with the perimeter frame. A plurality of accessories are removably connected with the support members, and at least one stretch removable adhesive strip is arranged between the support grid and the wall for securing the rack to the wall. |
| US07931158B1 |
Tool suspension rack that can bind and fasten a tool easily and quickly
A tool suspension rack includes a support board provided with two through holes, and an elongate flexible clamping strap extending through the two through holes of the support board and provided with a plurality of barb-shaped locking pieces extending through at least one of the two through holes of the support board and locked on a side of the support board. Thus, the locking pieces of the clamping strap in turn extend through the two through holes of the support board to clamp and tighten the tool between the clamping strap and the support board easily and quickly, thereby facilitating a user mounting the tool onto the tool suspension rack. |
| US07931156B2 |
Product management display system with retaining wall
A merchandise display system includes a base-and-divider assembly. The base-and-divider assembly includes a base portion adapted for operative coupling to a front rail, and a divider portion for dividing displayed merchandise into rows. The divider portion protrudes from the base portion such that the divider portion separates the base portion into a first portion and a second portion. A spring-urged pusher is mounted to a pusher track for pushing merchandise toward the front of a shelf. A retaining wall curves inwardly from a front edge of the divider portion along at least a portion of the first portion. |
| US07931151B2 |
Suspension packaging system
A suspension packaging system can include a foldable member configured to form a cavity as well as a suspension device for suspending an article to be packaged within the cavity. The suspension portion can include foldable portions configured to cooperate with a retention member having pockets. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member. The entire device, with the exception of the retention member, can be made from a single piece of material, such as corrugated cardboard, which thus reduces waste and simplifies bulk distribution of such a suspension packaging system. |
| US07931149B2 |
System for storing and activating an in vivo imaging capsule
A storage unit is provided for removably storing an in vivo imaging capsule. The capsule may have a housing and an optical dome. The storage unit may include a recessed space formed for accepting the capsule. A magnet for magnetically activating and deactivating the capsule may be provided in the storage unit, for example in the lid. The storage unit may also include a capsule holding unit comprising at least two protruding elements to removably hold the capsule in the storage unit, wherein the protruding elements are positioned to grip the capsule housing. |
| US07931148B2 |
Double hinge display package and method of use
A clamshell package for supporting an article is provided including a covered manufacturing hinge adapted to divide the clamshell into first and second parts adapted to form a cavity. The first and second parts partially overlap to form a flange adjacent the manufacturing hinge. The second part includes an uncovered operating hinge, about which the second part is adapted to pivot away from the first part to an open position. The clamshell package includes a panel adapted to engage the manufacturing hinge and flange to retain the manufacturing hinge in a folded position, with the panel being spaced from the operating hinge. |
| US07931143B1 |
Toolbox
A toolbox includes two pivotally connected shells, a buckling unit and at least one tool-holding unit. Each of the shells includes at least two primary partitions formed on an internal side thereof, a compartment defined between the primary partitions, a row of ribs formed one each of the primary partitions, and gaps each defined between two adjacent ones of the ribs. The bucking unit can buckle the shells to each other. The tool-holding unit is engaged with the rows of ribs of selected one of the shells. |
| US07931137B2 |
Case turner for a roller conveyor
A case turner comprising a powered roller conveyor with a bump turn and a tapered roller just downstream of the bump turn to assist in turning cases completely 90°. The larger diameter of the tapered roller is on the opposite side of the conveyor from the bump turn. |
| US07931129B2 |
Rapid take up and vibration proof adjuster mechanism
A slack adjustment system for a disk brake includes a biasing member to adjust slack in a brake system. The biasing member operates independently of pressure applied to a brake actuator. A locking member prevents adjustment when adjustment is not necessary. Release of the locking member allows the biasing member to adjust a resting position of brake pads independent of driver applied brake pressure. |
| US07931126B2 |
Lubricator for equipment exposed to pressure
A lubricator (1) includes a coaxial compartment (3) with a shaped seat (4) upon which a sliding shutter (5) consisting of a front shaped plug (6) and an intermediate stem (7) with a back beat (8) associated with a first stop pin (9), operates; in the rear threaded end (10) of the compartment (3) a security dowel (11) with a front beat (12) associated with a second stop pin (13), screws on. A counter spring (15) engages itself between pins (9) and (13). The stem (7) of the shutter and the dowel (11) present peripheral helical grooves (14, 14′) with a spiral developing in the opposite direction as to the threading (10) of the compartment (3) and the threading of the dowel (11) itself. |
| US07931125B2 |
Shaft seal with lubrication device
A shaft seal assembly for use with a reciprocating or rotating shaft includes a shaft seal, a lubricant-storing ring, and a retainer. The retainer and ring can be formed as a subassembly and then combined with a shaft seal. The seal includes an annular body portion, a first sealing lip portion, and a first pocket portion. The first sealing lip portion has a substantially uniform axial dimension and is adapted to sealingly engage a shaft. The first pocket portion includes a plurality of pockets, each having an opening toward the first sealing lip portion. The plurality of pockets are each adapted to collect a working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a first direction and to dispense the working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a second direction. The assembly provides a lubricated shaft and seal that improves the effective life of the shaft seal. |
| US07931122B2 |
Manhole construction safety and work platform device
The invention is a manhole construction safety and work platform device having a scaffold catwalk for working on a manhole, providing the safety and work platform with adjustable braces engaging the side of a conical manhole casing. The inner perimeter of the device circumferentially defines a central access opening in order to slidably accept, receive, and fit around the conical section of the manhole casing, as typically used in the utility construction industry. The scaffold catwalk has a safety barrier means on the working surface to provide a safe working environment along the outer perimeter. As is common in the industry, the conical section of the manhole casing may be an asymmetrical conical section. One objective of the present invention is to provide a scaffolding platform supported with at least three adjustable brace members to securely support the said platform against the sidewall of any shape of manhole casing. |
| US07931121B2 |
Transfer platform
A transfer platform for safely transferring a lineman from a helicopter to a utility pole includes a cylindrical hollow member dimensioned to closely fit over the top of the pole, the member having an open lower end and a top cap closing the upper end thereof, the top cap abutting the top of the pole when the member is positioned on the pole, a step extending sidewardly from the member, the step being substantially parallel to and lower than the top cap and an equipment support assembly extending sidewardly from the member. An aperture is formed in the member beneath the underside of the step and an adjustable shim assembly extends through the aperture into the hollow of the member. |
| US07931118B1 |
Baffle for sound suppression
A baffle for use in a sound suppressor for a firearm utilizing proximal and distal faces with at least one joining wall positioned between the proximal and distal faces, and forming two expansion chambers between the proximal and distal faces. The joining wall has a bore hole and at least one opening in the wall itself and at least one opening from the bore hole into at least one of the expansion chambers positioned between the proximal and distal faces of the baffle. The joining wall may be either curvilinear, curvilinear stepped, planar or angled in shape. Openings are provided on the proximal face and the distal face of the baffle. At least one face of the baffle is either flat, curvilinear, curvilinear stepped, or asymmetrical to the axis of the baffle. |
| US07931116B2 |
Tetrahedral loudspeaker
In some embodiments, a subwoofer enclosure includes a substantially triangular first face, second face, third face, and fourth face, a first corner at an intersection of the first, second and third faces, a second corner at an intersection of the first, second and fourth faces, a third corner at an intersection of the first, third and fourth faces, a fourth corner at an intersection of the second, third and fourth faces, wherein an angle between the first corner and a midpoint between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, wherein an angle between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, and a subwoofer driver attached to the third face, having a free air resonant frequency less than one hundred Hertz. |
| US07931114B2 |
Adapter or appliance with a user interface window
An adapter or an appliance for use with an independently operable consumer electronic device having a user interface. The adapter comprises a holding device forming a device cavity capable of admitting the consumer electronic device in a predetermined orientation. An access opening into the device cavity exposes a portion of the consumer electronic device when the consumer electronic device is in the predetermined orientation. The portion of the consumer electronic device exposed includes at least a portion of the user interface. |
| US07931107B2 |
Vehicle kinetic energy utilization transmission system
The kinetic energy utilization transmission system is installed on a vehicle having a prime mover, a chassis with four wheel suspension system, a gear differential and opposing pinion input shafts, lateral wheel drive axles, drive wheels, and braking mechanism. The system includes a torque modulator configured for engagement and disengagement with an overdrive gear transmission operably connected to a flywheel or flywheel system. Upon application of the braking mechanism, the vehicle decelerates, the resultant vehicle generated kinetic energy being transmitted to the flywheel via the modulator and overdrive transmission, which multiplies the rotation, i.e. input RPM's, received from the modulator. In so doing, the overdrive transmission maximizes available braking effect. As the vehicle is decelerated by the transfer of energy to the flywheel, the loss of speed is compensated for by the proportionally increasing torque demand through the modulator which, in conjunction with the step-up from the overdrive transmission, enables the continuation of flywheel acceleration and thus energy storage. This stored energy is transmitted back through the system to the drive wheels. The overdrive transmission also acts as a step-down transmission when kinetic energy is drawn from the flywheel to provide power to accelerate the vehicle. |
| US07931105B2 |
Structure for mounting batteries onto electric vehicles
A structure for mounting a battery onto an electric vehicle comprising: a body member, which is made from metal, forming a body of the electric vehicle a battery case, which is made from resin, containing the battery charging electric power for driving the electric vehicle; a framework member, which is made from metal, being embedded in the battery case; and a connecting member connecting between the framework member and the body member. |
| US07931104B2 |
Machine having cooling system and method
A machine includes a body having a cooling air inlet and a cooling air outlet, and having an engine compartment therein. A second compartment is positioned vertically above and fluidly connected with the engine compartment. At least one open-air operator station is positioned on a deck of the body, and a cooling system draws cooling air in a flow path through the engine compartment, into the second compartment and exhausts the cooling air in a forward direction away from the operator station. |
| US07931103B2 |
Electric vehicle with power takeoff
A vehicle includes an independent suspension for supporting at least first and second wheel ends relative to the vehicle, and a transmission having an input shaft and an auxiliary power output shaft and a respective drive shaft coupled to each wheel end, and an electrical power source, and a variable speed electric motor electrically coupled to the electrical power source and mechanically coupled to the input shaft, where the transmission is configured to apply power from the electric motor to the auxiliary power output shaft dependently or independently of the application of power from the electric motor to the drive shafts. |
| US07931097B2 |
Microwave linked laser control system, method, and apparatus for drilling and boring operations
A laser control system and apparatus for guiding a drilling or boring operation during a trenchless technology implementation. In most if not all trenchless technology applications, direction of the pipe or utility structure through the earth is of utmost importance. Proper directional guidance throughout the trenchless technology implementation ensures not only that the resulting utility infrastructure is placed properly, but also ensures that the trenchless technology operation, does not hit or otherwise damage (such as through vibrations) existing utilities and other underground objects. The laser control system and apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser, a housing having a laser sight, a camera in optical communication with the laser sight a microwave transmitter having an antenna, with the transmitter being operatively coupled to the camera, and a microwave receiver. |
| US07931094B2 |
Aeration device
A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil. |
| US07931088B2 |
Methods for treating a well by simultaneously introducing into a mixer streams of water, a viscosity-increasing agent, and a particulate and introducing the mixture into the well
A method is provided for treating at least a portion of a well. The method includes the steps of: (a) simultaneously introducing into a mixer at least: (i) a first stream comprising water; (ii) a second stream comprising a dry, hydratable, viscosity-increasing agent for water, wherein the second stream is substantially free of water; and (iii) a third stream comprising a non-hydratable, insoluble particulate; wherein at least the first and second streams are not mixed prior to being introduced into the mixer; (b) mixing the first, second, and third streams in the mixer to form a pumpable mixture, wherein: (i) the mixer creates at least a sufficiently-high shear rate to disperse the viscosity-increasing agent and the insoluble particulate in the pumpable mixture; and (ii) the pumpable mixture has or is capable of developing a substantially-higher viscosity than the viscosity of the first stream; and (c) introducing a treatment fluid comprising the pumpable mixture into a wellbore. |
| US07931087B2 |
Method of fracturing using lightweight polyamide particulates
Lightweight polyamide particulates may be used in treatment of subterranean formations, including hydraulic fracturing and sand control methods, such as gravel packing. The polyamide particulates typically have an apparent specific gravity (ASG) between from about 1.05 to about 2.0 and are stable at temperatures up to 500° C. The polyamide particulates may be used in combination with a filler which further serves to increase the strength and temperature stability of the resulting composite. Fracture conductivity may be increased by the placement of the low density polyamide particulates as a partial monolayer. |
| US07931086B2 |
Heating systems for heating subsurface formations
Methods and systems for heating a subsurface formation are described herein. A heating system for a subsurface formation includes a sealed conduit positioned in an opening in the formation and a heat source. The sealed conduit includes a heat transfer fluid. The heat source provides heat to a portion of the sealed conduit to change phase of the heat transfer fluid from a liquid to a vapor. The vapor in the sealed conduit rises in the sealed conduit, condenses to transfer heat to the formation and returns to the conduit portion as a liquid. |
| US07931085B2 |
Internal release connector and method
A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger. |
| US07931079B2 |
Tubing hanger and method of compensating pressure differential between a tubing hanger and an external well volume
A tubing hanger and method for reducing loads and stresses on sealing boundaries in a tubing hanger is provided. The tubing hanger has an inner cavity that is sealed with respect to an external well volume present in for example the surrounding tree architecture and wellhead. A control line extends through the inner cavity to communicate with downhole equipment. A pressure compensator is configured to adjust pressure differential between the inner cavity and the external well volume. |
| US07931077B2 |
Top drive drilling apparatus
A well drilling apparatus (10′) (top drive) designed to be suspended from a travelling block (6′) in a drawworks and laterally supported by a dolly (9′) running together with the well drilling apparatus along tracks or rails fixed to a derrick. The drilling apparatus (10′) comprises at least one driving motor (5′), one power transmission (4′) powered by the at least one driving motor (5′), a drive shaft (70) driven from the power transmission (4′) and designed to be connected to a drill string, load transferring means, and a torque arresting device (3′) fixed to and depending from the power transmission (4′). The load transferring means is in the form of a load frame module (1′) that relieves the drive shaft (70) and the power transmission (4′) at the same time as the load frame module (1′) forms a central component module that the other main components of the well drilling apparatus are releasable connected to. |
| US07931070B2 |
Sliding screen door
In a sliding screen door in which a net is formed to be capable of expansion and contraction, and is formed to be capable of freely opening and closing by horizontal pulling, a net guide forms the net guide into a straight line shape in a condition of being led out from a frame member, and a movement of a net-holding member that follow the net guide is made smooth, and many of the guiding elements form the net guide for guiding the lower end of the net and include an approximately u-shape composed of a bottom portion and rising wall portions, and are formed into a series of guide rails that are serially in contact with each other by means of rising wall portions of the adjoining guiding elements, and a net-holding member which is engaged with the guide rails so as to be movable along the guide rail. |
| US07931069B2 |
Active tension device for a window covering
A tension device that prevents a window covering from operating properly until the tension device is installed. The tension device incorporates a drive wheel, casing, anchoring arm and drive stud. The drive stud has two sections, one keyed and one cylindrical. Before the tension device is installed, the keyed section of the drive stud engages the drive wheel and the casing, thereby preventing them from rotating relative to each other. When the tension device is installed, the drive stud must be inserted into the anchoring arm causing the keyed section of the drive stud to disengage the drive wheel and thereby allow the drive wheel to rotate relative to the casing. |
| US07931067B2 |
Movable partitions with lateral restraint devices and related methods
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, at least one bracket is substantially rigidly coupled to a hinge of the first structure and a laterally adjacent hinge of the second structure. The at least one bracket may include multiple brackets. Some described methods include a laterally restraining lower edge of a movable partition as well as the installation of lateral restraint brackets including the plumbing, spacing and squaring of the structures in conjunction with such installation. |
| US07931062B2 |
Pneumatic tire with leno cap ply and method of making same
A pneumatic tire containing a tread, a carcass having at least one belt ply disposed below the tread, and a cap ply located between the carcass and the tread. The cap ply comprises at least one layer of an open construction leno weave tape having a pair of warp yarns in the longitudinal direction and a weft yarn in the weft direction. The pair of warp yarns comprises a first warp yarn and a second warp yarn, where the second warp yarn has a force of elongation of between about 1 and 40% the force of elongation of the first warp yarn, where the second warp yarn is in tension, and where the second warp yarn has an elongation at break of greater than 2%. The leno weave tape is disposed in a flat pattern around the circumference of the carcass in the area of the belt ply. A method of making a pneumatic tire is also disclosed. |
| US07931058B2 |
Flexible work table to miter and cut materials
A novel multi-purpose portable and flexible work table is presented herein. The work table can be used to secure material or workpiece to perform, at different heights, such actions as cutting, welding, soldering, gluing, painting, mitering, and shaping. The work table contains detachable sub-components that permit placing material or workpiece at specific positions to ensure that better tolerances and finishes of workpieces are created. |
| US07931057B2 |
Cut guide for a workbench system
A workbench system in one embodiment includes a first and a second plurality of dog holes in a planar work surface defining a first and a second axis extending in the work surface plane, and a plurality of cutting guides, each of the plurality of cutting guides including a body defining a first securing portion on a first side of the body and a second securing portion on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, a first stem extending downwardly away from the body and configured to fit into one of the first plurality of holes, and a guide member defining a guide plane which intersects the first axis and the second axis. |
| US07931055B2 |
Log debarking tool and tool tip
A tool for a ring-rotor log debarker, including an elongate, curved body for being attached by one end to a ring rotor of a log debarker. At least one attachment hole extends through the curved body of the tool on a free end opposite the one end attached to the ring rotor, and communicates with the first and second upstream and downstream oriented surfaces. A tip is placed onto the free end of the tool body, and includes an attachment hole sized and positioned for alignment with the at least one attachment hole in the tool body and for receiving a bolt through the aligned attachment holes for securing the tip to the tool body. |
| US07931054B2 |
Modular router with secondary release lever
A routing machine comprises a base unit and a motor unit, which is releasably connected to the base unit. The motor unit defines a motor axis is configured for insertion into the base unit substantially in the direction of the motor axis. A depth adjustment latch is provided on the base unit. A release latch is provided on the base unit. The release latch is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release latch is configured to provide a positive stop for the motor unit when the release latch is in the first position, such that the motor unit is blocked from release from the base unit while allowing the motor unit to move along the motor axis. The motor unit is free to release from the base unit when the release latch is in the second position. |
| US07931048B2 |
Water conditioner
A water conditioner includes a plate located diametrically across a pipe and a plurality of posts in lines on, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the plane and extending from either side thereof, to be close to the periphery of a pipe with which the water conditioner is located. There may also be a plurality of ribs extending from either side of the plate and adjacent the posts for providing a plurality of discreet paths through the water conditioner. |
| US07931046B1 |
Steam trap with inverted bucket float
A steam trap includes an inverted bucket in a bucket chamber. The bucket has a vent hole formed in an upper portion thereof. The vent hole is formed along a vent hole axis, which may be angled so that the bucket rotates from the venting propulsion. The chamber has an outlet orifice formed in a sidewall thereof. There is a spaced vertical distance between the outlet orifice and an upper interior surface of the chamber. Preferably, the bucket is not attached to the chamber and configured to move vertically and horizontally in the bucket chamber, but not flip over. The bucket and the interior sidewalls of the chamber are configured so that the bucket can substantially cover the outlet orifice when the bucket is pulled against the interior sidewall at the location of the outlet orifice by a flow of fluid out of the outlet orifice. |
| US07931041B2 |
System and method for controlling liquid level in a vessel
A system includes sensors configured to measure vessel parameters. A signal processing unit receives sensor output signals and generates a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth filtered output signals representative of liquid level, gas flow rate, feed-liquid flow rate, vessel pressure, and vessel temperature, respectively. A flow demand control unit receives the first filtered output signal and generates an output signal representative of feed-liquid flow demand. A shaping unit receives the second, fourth, and fifth filtered output signals and generates an output signal representative of shaped gas flow rate. A liquid level control unit controls the liquid level within predetermined limits by controlling one or more components based on the output signals from the flow demand control unit, the shaping unit, and the third filtered output signal. |
| US07931038B2 |
Portable container covering system
A portable, light-weight, removable system for covering an open dumpster or refuse container mechanism. This instant system is designed for easy installation, removal and storage. Once installed, the system covers the open dumpster container, preventing accumulation of rain, snow, sleet, and any mix thereof inside the container and/or contents of the container. |
| US07931034B2 |
Spray arm bearing and dishwasher with a spray arm arrangement
The invention relates to a spray arm bearing (1) with a bearing element (2), for mounting a spray arm (20) and a flow-guide device (3), connected to the bearing element (2), whereby the bearing element (2) comprises a through opening for the passage of fluid. According to the invention, the base area (D2) of the flow-guide device (3) corresponds to the base area (D1) of the through opening or lies within the base area (D1) of the through opening. |
| US07931028B2 |
Skin injury or damage prevention method using optical radiation
A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface. |
| US07931024B2 |
Cushion for a patient interface
A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has a pleat and varied wall thicknesses about the device in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion. |
| US07931022B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing inhalator medicament
An apparatus and method for delivering a plurality of medication includes providing first and second medicament on a medicament pack in separate containers for preventing either medicament from interfering with the stability of the other. In accordance with the method, the medicaments are preferably delivered in a single inhalation. |
| US07931021B2 |
Support device for respiratory interface
A patient interface support that supports a patient interface of a PAP device and generates a pre-selected engagement pressure at the patient interface to create a seal between the patient interface and the patient's airflow passages when the interface support is in use while alleviating the strain on the patient's head. The patient interface support includes a base for attachment to a support surface; and, a support extension having a joint; a patient interface mount; and, biasing means. The joint movably connects the support extension to the base, the patient interface mount supports the patient interface, and the biasing means generates a pre-selected engagement pressure at the patient interface to create a seal between said patient interface and the patient's airflow passages when said interface support is in use. |
| US07931015B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling diesel engine
A diesel engine may be stably controlled without an exhaust gas temperature at an upstream side of a turbocharger, by a method for controlling a diesel engine that includes: detecting an engine rotation speed; detecting or estimating a lambda value; estimating an exhaust gas temperature at an upstream side of a turbocharger by using relationship between the lambda value and an exhaust temperature; determining whether the estimated exhaust gas temperature exceeds a first predetermined reference value; and limiting an engine output power and/or regeneration of a CPF when the estimated exhaust gas temperature exceeds the first predetermined reference value. |
| US07931012B2 |
Method for identifying a fuel quality and for operating an internal combustion engine and an engine control unit
A method for identifying the fuel quality and for operating an internal combustion engine, as well as an engine control unit, in which the temperature of at least one sheathed-element glow plug of the engine is controlled, an engine response after a temperature change is compared to an engine response before the temperature change, and from the result of this comparison, the fuel quality is derived. |
| US07931006B1 |
Valveless rotary internal combustion engine
A rotatably alternating air or water cooled two-stroke internal combustion engine comprising a cylindrical casing, and a rotor comprising two radially extending vanes affixed to a shaft rotatably mounted within the casing upon two end plates. Two longitudinally extending walls affixed to the casing. Sealing strips provided between said walls, the shaft, the vanes, the casing and the end plates respectively. Working and supercharging interior chambers between the vanes and the walls. The casing and/or the end plates equipped with ports which communicate with the interior chambers, allowing for intake of combustible air-fuel mixture and exhaust thereafter. Ignition means delivering a spark at the end of each working cycle. An extendable and adjustable connecting rod assembly converting the oscillating bi-directional rotary motion of the output shaft into a continuous unidirectional motion of the main shaft. A self lubricating mechanism incorporated into the engine. |
| US07931001B2 |
Valve train of an internal combustion engine having a cylindrical valve tappet
The invention proposes a push-rod valve train having an adjustable valve tappet (1). This has an outer part (2a, 2b), an inner part (8) and a lost-motion spring (10), which forces the inner part (8) towards a relative position, at least one retainer ring (23), which is fixed in an annular groove (21) of the outer part (2a, 2b) and which interacts with a stop face (22) of the inner part (8), being provided for fixing the relative position, said retainer ring having lugs (28) extending radially inwards and separated by a fitting gap (27). In this the free movement of the valve push rod (15) relative to the lugs (28) is assured by the provision of a torsional locking means (30a, 30b), which serves to fix the radial position of the fitting gap (27) inside the annular groove (21). |
| US07931000B2 |
Valve timing controller
A first one-way valve is provided in a first advance passage connecting a hydraulic pump to a control advance chamber. A second one-way valve is provided in a first retard passage connecting the hydraulic pump to a control retard chamber. A first control valve is provided in a second advance passage to bypass the first one-way valve for communication of the first advance passage. A second control valve is provided in a second retard passage to bypass the second one-way valve for communication of the first retard passage. The first control valve operates by the pilot pressure to close the second advance passage at advance controlling and opening it at retard controlling. The second control valve operates by the pilot pressure to close the second retard passage at retard controlling and open it at advance controlling. |
| US07930999B2 |
Cooling water passage structure of internal combustion engines
A cooling water passage structure of internal combustion engines is provided which can contribute to a scale-down of the external form of the engine and also can prevent deformation of the cylinder bores. The cooling water passage structure comprises a water jacket for the flow of cooling water provided on the peripheries of a plurality of cylinder bores; and a lateral suction passage 9a, 9b integrally formed with a side wall of a cylinder block 2 having bolt holes formed for fastening a cylinder head 3. The lateral suction passage runs through by the cylinder bores at a height in the vicinity of the water jacket bottom and is arranged on the outside of, and perpendicular to the bolt holes. On the rear surface of the cylinder head 3 is mounted a water passage block 15 and on the front end part of the cylinder block 2 is provided a water pump housing 10. |
| US07930996B2 |
Durable bone with soft core
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, relates a method of manufacturing an animal chew by molding two body portions of a first material each having at least one concave surface and one or more through holes, attaching the two portions together such that the concave surfaces face one another to form a hollow body portion, injecting a second material into the hollow body portion to fill at least a portion of the hollow body and form areas of exposed regions of the second material by filling the one or more through holes. In a second exemplary embodiment, the two portions may have the concave surfaces over-molded with a second material which fills the one or more through holes. In a third exemplary embodiment, a separate shape of a second material may be molded in a configuration having dimensions complementary to the two half portion and holes when the portions are combined. |
| US07930995B2 |
Bird feed tray
A bird feed tray has an integral, unitary body. The tray is separated into a plurality of segments by partitions and circumscribed by an outer wall or rim. Each segment has dual surfaces which are sloped both downward toward the outer rim and inward to form a drain trough. The troughs terminate at the outer rim. A number of drain holes are provided adjacent to the outer rim. Water which collects on the surface of the tray funnels down into the troughs, where it is discharged through the drain holes. |
| US07930987B2 |
Electric steering device for watercraft and control method of electric steering device
An electric steering device includes a steering retaining device arranged to retain a steering angle against an external steering force applied from outside of a watercraft to an outboard motor main body. A reverse input shutoff clutch, for example, is preferably used as the steering retaining device. A steering retaining state in which a steering angle of the outboard motor main body is retained can be detected from a steering condition of the outboard motor main body, and a control is made to stop electric power from being supplied to an electric motor steering the outboard motor main body. Accordingly, the steering retaining device retains a steering angle while steering is retained, and thus the electric power supply to the electric motor can be stopped, which allows electric power to be saved. The steering retaining device provides an electric steering device for a watercraft in which no electric power is required when applying a steering retaining force for retaining a counter-steering state. |
| US07930986B2 |
Watercraft steering device and watercraft
A steering wheel, operable by an operator, can be electrically connected to an electric motor to provide an actuation signal corresponding to the amount of a steering wheel operation to the electric motor, a reaction motor for applying a reaction to the steering wheel, and an ECU for controlling the electric motor are provided. The ECU can include at least one of an operation status detection device for detecting an operation status corresponding to the steering wheel operation, a running status detection device for detecting a running status of the watercraft, an outboard motor status recognition device for recognizing a status of the outboard motor, such as the installation number thereof, and an electric motor status detection device for detecting a status of the electric motor. The ECU can also include a torque computation device for making a torque target value larger depending on the detection value from the at least one device, and a reaction motor control device for controlling the reaction motor in accordance with the torque target value computed by the torque computation device. |
| US07930985B2 |
Sports board
A sports apparatus configured to support a rider upon the water surface is disclosed and may comprise either a compartment in the top surface configured to accept personal articles and a watertight cover to prevent damage and loss of personal articles or a propulsion source. The sports apparatus can have a V-shaped hull to add stability when used in the waves. The propulsion source is powered by either a combustion or electric motor that is controlled by a user interface on the board. |
| US07930983B2 |
Sewing machine, data creation apparatus and embroidery method for sewing on curved surface
Sewing workpiece is set on a holding frame in such a manner that a predetermined sewing reference line of the sewing workpiece forms an inclination of a given angle δ relative to a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis of the holding frame. Desired sewing pattern data are corrected in accordance with a predetermined correction function with the given angle δ as a variable. Sewing is performed onto the sewing workpiece by the holding frame being relatively rotated and linearly moved in accordance with the corrected sewing pattern data. Thus, a desired pattern corresponding to the sewing pattern data can be sewn onto the workpiece in generally parallel relation to the predetermined sewing reference line. |
| US07930981B2 |
Adjustable riffler assembly
An adjustable riffler can be used in a piping system connecting a pulverizer and a furnace. The adjustable riffler includes a support member, at least two plates spaced apart along an axis, and at least one inclined flange. The two plates include a fixed plate attached to the support member and a translatable plate positioned adjacent to the fixed plate. The translatable plate is translatable along the axis with respect to the fixed plate. The at least one inclined flange is connected to one of the fixed plate and the translatable plate and extends along the axis between the plates to form a channel between the fixed plate and the translatable plate. |
| US07930977B2 |
Non-lethal projectile ammunition
Non-lethal ammunition for a riot gun assembles a bi-chambered projectile body and an impact nose, the assembly being spin-stabilized and nose-heavy such that the nose will impact first at the target. The rearward end of the assembly is mounted into the forward end of a shell casing having a high-energy gas expansion chamber, the mounting forming a low-pressure chamber at the rearward end of the projectile. A cup-shaped multi-port gas diffuser plug, spaced from the projectile body, directs burnt propellant gases from the expansion chamber into the low-pressure chamber to expel the projectile at a relatively low velocity. A sleeve interiorly of the gas diffuser plug closes the ports and is degraded by the burnt gases to provide a complete burning of the propellant. |
| US07930976B2 |
Slow burning, gasless heating elements
A structure includes a substrate of a first material and a second material coating at least a portion of the substrate, where the second material is different from the first material, where the first and second materials, upon being thermally energized, react with each other in an exothermic and self-sustaining alloying reaction that propagates from a first location within the structure along a travel path to a second location within the structure at a rate that depends upon one or more characteristics of the first and second materials. |
| US07930975B2 |
Deconfinement device for the casing of a piece of an ammunition
A deconfinement device for the casing of a piece of ammunition enclosing an explosive load able to be ignited by a priming fuse, said device comprising a connecting ring linked to the casing and enabling the priming fuse to be joined to said casing, wherein said device incorporates a structure to ensure a weakened and shearable link between said fuse and said connecting ring, said link being sheared further to an increase in the pressure inside said casing, said connecting ring incorporating a base forming a plate that can be projected onto said explosive load during the ignition of said fuse, said base being able to be fractured by the presence of pressure inside said body of said projectile. |
| US07930972B2 |
Method of improving the production of foam during the preparation of drinks from a cartridge and device for its implementation
Apparatus and method of obtaining a frothy drink from a cartridge, the cartridge being made up of at least one chamber containing at least a preparation for a drink. Where the cartridge is injected with a predetermined volume of fluid, a first part of which essentially consists of air which is compressed in the cartridge to a pressure lower than the pressure at which the cartridge opens or the drink flows freely through the cartridge and a second part of which consists of water, or possibly of a mixture of air and water, which is injected after the first part into the cartridge so as to make it possible to obtain the drink by causing the internal pressure to increase until the cartridge opens or the drink flows freely through the cartridge thus allowing the drink to be discharged and froth to be formed. |
| US07930967B2 |
Method for antimissile protection of vehicles and implementing device
The present invention relates to a method for antimissile protection of vehicles having a very short response time with practically no false alarms and not requiring the use of means such as decoys or conventional laser jammers, while providing the best possible protection. It is characterized in that at least one curtain of plasma filaments is created between these vehicles and the probable launch point of these missiles, this curtain being intended to blind the target-seeking device of the missiles. |
| US07930964B1 |
Machine gun
A Gatling-type minigun eliminates the hazards to the operator of the minigun associated with hang fire and overpressure situations by providing a vented rotor assembly to redirect high-pressure gases and associated debris forward of the rotor assembly and away from the operator. |
| US07930960B2 |
Universal machinery fence system
A universal machinery fence system includes an L-shaped fence or a box shaped fence and clamp block which clamps to a rail extrusion with a half dovetail on the front on the edge of a table saw, band saw, shaper, router table, mortiser, or other woodworking or metal working machines. A U-shaped front rail is provided for attaching the fence to the cast iron table of a table saw, shaper, or band saw. The band saw fence U-shaped rail is predrilled to fit the table fence mounting holes of the most popular 14″ band saws. Optional extruded front rails are also provided for attaching the fence to shop made 0.750″ tables such as used on a drill press. Also provided is a fence rail extrusion for mounting the fence on the front and back of the popular 1.125″ size router table. An optional extruded front rail which is adjustable in height is also provided for attaching the fence to shop made tables between 0.750″ and 1.5″ in thickness. A re-saw guide fitted to the fence extrusion has a convex surface for supporting a workpiece on edge allowing the operator to easily adjust for blade drift. An optional micro-adjuster allows the fence to move accurately in small increments. A router table with holes and slots allows the fence to be used to guide the workpiece in the router table mode and then be used to guide the router or a saw on top of the workpiece. |
| US07930959B1 |
Table saw accessory
A mounting system for a table saw accessory such as a power feed. A carrier is slidably mounted on a rail or flange at the rear of the saw table so that it may traverse the rear of the table. The rear of the saw fence is secured to the carrier. A mounting plate for the power feed is on either the carrier or the fence allowing the power feed to be moved between use and out-of-the-way positions. In the out-of-the-way position, the power feed allows the user to safely feed materials into the cutting blade area. |
| US07930958B2 |
Blade housing for electronic cutting apparatus
A blade housing for an electronic cutting apparatus includes an outer housing having a distal end, an inner housing coupled to the inner housing and longitudinally selectively adjustable relative thereto and a blade rotatably coupled to the inner housing with a sharpened distal end. Adjustment of the inner housing relative to the outer housing adjusts an amount of the blade that protrudes from the distal end of the inner housing. |
| US07930956B2 |
Multi-spindle screw machine, and improved tool arm for use therein
An improved Davenport® multi-spindle automatic screw machine has a tool arm (14) mounted on a shaft (41) for rotational movement relative to a revolving head cap (13). A needle bearing (42, 42) is operatively arranged between the shaft and the revolving head cap. The bearing is radially loaded as said bearing is installed and that the individual needles of same remain elastically deformed by the radial load immediately after said bearing has been installed. The shaft has a hardened surface (52) that is engaged by the needles. The diameter of the shaft hardened surface portion is greater than the diameters of the adjacent shaft portions. Annular recesses (51, 53) extend into the shaft at either end of the hardened portion. These recesses have frusto-conical surfaces (55) that act as ramps to guide insertion of the press-fittable needle bearing into the space between the shaft and the head cap. |
| US07930951B2 |
Rack and pinion steering gear with self-adjusting rack bearing
A steering gear assembly with a pinion shaft, rack, housing and rack bearing. A biasing assembly biases the rack bearing against the rack and into engagement with the pinion. The biasing assembly includes a gross adjustment member secured to the housing, a bearing assembly with a bearing member coupled with the rack bearing and a first adjustment member. A first biasing member is coupled with the bearing member and first adjustment member which are relatively moveable to thereby define a compliance zone to allow for dimensional variations in the meshing of the rack and pinion. An adjustment biasing assembly is operably disposed between the gross adjustment member and the bearing assembly. The adjustment biasing assembly is disposed entirely within the housing, includes a second biasing member, and urges the first adjustment member toward the rack bearing in continuously-variable axial movements while preventing movement away from the rack bearing. |
| US07930948B2 |
Device for leaching extraction and assessment
A apparatus and process for quantifying of contaminants, wherein the apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing to support a sample, and a gel elastomer inside the enclosure. The gel elastomer is capable of absorbing the contaminants that are leached from the sample. The gel may be a PDMS gel, and is preferable coated on a, or the side wall of the apparatus. After a period of time, the gel is analyzed for the presence and amount of contaminants. |
| US07930945B2 |
Method for measuring the flow velocity of a medium while applying a magnetic field to the measurement volume put through
A method is provided for measuring the mean flow velocity of an electrically conductive medium while applying a magnetic field to the measurement volume put through and decoupling an electric signal induced in the measurement volume. The fluctuating part of the electric signal, which is based on stochastic fluctuations of the flow velocity due to turbulent motion, is captured as a time-dependent wanted signal. By the weighted integration of the wanted signal the mean flow velocity over predefined time intervals is determined. |
| US07930944B2 |
ASIC compensated pressure sensor with soldered sense die attach
An ASIC compensated pressure sensor includes a sense die, an ASIC chip, and supporting elements. The sense die includes a metallized surface for attaching the sense die to a mounting surface. The resulting solder joint provides a hermetic seal that is resistant to a wide range of media associated with different environmental conditions. The mounting surface can contain the ASIC and electronics for compensation or can be attached to another mounting surface, which contains the ASIC and electronics. Either configuration can include collars of different styles for ease of assembly and in turn can be attached to a mating connector. The mounting surface can possess a closely matched coefficient of thermal expansion to the sense die in order to enhance electrical stability of the output signal over a wide temperature and pressure ranges. |
| US07930933B2 |
Method and device for diagnosing at least one gas exchange valve of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine
A method and a device for the diagnosis of at least one gas exchange valve of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine that is on the one hand reliable and on the other hand does without additional sensor equipment are described. In a first operating state of the internal combustion engine, at least one gas exchange valve of the at least one cylinder is activated. In a second operating state of the internal combustion engine, all the gas exchange valves of the at least one cylinder are deactivated and therewith closed in stationary fashion. Sound waves produced by the internal combustion engine are acquired. It is checked whether a significant change occurs in a quantity characterizing the acquired sound waves upon a transition from the first operating state to the second operating state. In this case, an erroneous opening of the at least one gas exchange valve is recognized. |
| US07930926B2 |
Determination of permeability from damping
Permeability of a fluid through a saturated material is determined by measuring the dynamic response of that saturated material to shaking vibrations and/or shear wave propagation, and then mapping the dynamic response (preferably, viscoelastic stiffness and damping properties) to an invented model (called “KVMB”) that yields the property of permeability. The preferred embodiments may use shear waves, inertial effects, and/or transmission effects, but preferably not compression, to force fluids through the pores. The mapping preferably predicts two possible mappings to permeability, coupled and uncoupled. The preferred methods are both internally consistent and directly related to known laws of physics rather than dependent on empirical calibrations. In use, for example, one may use a porosity log (conventional neutron or sonic) and recordings of SH-waves to obtain damping ratio, followed by locating of the damping ratio on a KVMB map that depends on porosity, and choosing of one of the two possible permeabilities indicated by the mapping, wherein the best choice is typically the largely coupled case. |
| US07930925B2 |
Method of measuring hydrogen concentration in member and device of measuring hydrogen concentration
An art of hydrogen concentration measurement in which the hydrogen concentration of any given location of an object to be measured can be nondestructively obtained is provided.The steps comprises: placing an electromagnetic ultrasonic sensor 2 in the proximity of, or on, the surface of an object to be measured 8, said electromagnetic ultrasonic sensor 2 generating a magnetic field in which the magnetic flux density changes at high frequency on the wall body of the object to be measured 8 and receiving a longitudinal ultrasonic wave whose vibration is deflecting in the direction parallel to the thickness direction and a transverse ultrasonic wave whose vibration is deflecting in the direction at an angle of substantially 90° with respect to said longitudinal direction; allowing the electromagnetic ultrasonic sensor 2 to generate a changing magnetic field so that the longitudinal ultrasonic wave and the transverse ultrasonic wave form a resonant state and receive the longitudinal ultrasonic wave and the transverse ultrasonic wave generated in the object to be measured 8; detecting the resonance frequencies of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave and the transverse ultrasonic wave; calculating a predetermined resonance property index using said resonance frequencies of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave and the transverse ultrasonic wave; and calculating the hydrogen concentration of the object to be measured 8 with reference to a reference material database 7 which stores the relation between the hydrogen concentration of a member with the same member specifications as those of said object to be measured and the resonance property index. |
| US07930922B2 |
Soot generation amount estimation apparatus for internal combustion engine
A soot generation amount estimation apparatus obtains a generation speed of a precursor of soot (accordingly, the concentration of the precursor) in consideration of formation of the precursor from fuel, thermal decomposition of the formed precursor, and formation of soot from the formed precursor, and estimates a generation speed of soot (accordingly, the concentration of soot (the generation amount of soot)) in consideration of formation of soot from the precursor, which depends on the concentration of the precursor, and oxidation of the formed soot. The apparatus employs a reaction model in which the reaction process in which soot is generated from fuel is divided into two steps; i.e., a reaction process in which a precursor is generated from fuel and a reaction process in which soot is generated from the precursor. Thus, phenomena, such as a “delay in soot generation” in the reaction process in which soot is generated from fuel, can be accurately simulated. |
| US07930921B2 |
Impact detector and controller for pseudoexperience device
An impact detector includes a first determination unit operable to determine whether or not an absolute value of an acceleration in a direction of Y axis exceeds 1G, and an impact determination unit operable to output a predetermined impact detection signal which indicates detection of impact in a direction of Z axis in response to an absolute value of an acceleration in a direction of X axis exceeding 1G within a predetermined time period T after the first determination unit determines that the absolute value of the acceleration in the direction of Y axis exceeds 1G. |
| US07930920B2 |
Method for designing clothing and equipment for law enforcement, and the method for homologating such clothing and equipment
A method for designing clothing and equipment for protecting law enforcement officers comprising the following steps: equipping a dummy with cinematic and/or load sensors, —positioning an impact application device to apply impacts on a target zone of the impact dummy, and the apply these impacts without the protection and the recording of the resulting measurements, the mounting of a form of protection on the target zone of the dummy, —the application of these impacts on the protected dummies, and the reading of the ensuing measurements, —the deduction of the energy absorbed from the measurements the value and/or attenuation of the impact force by the protection, —if the value(s) are superior to the threshold values, the clothing or equipment can be tagged as acceptable, —otherwise, structural modifications must be made to the protective clothing or equipment with the purpose of improving these values. Application of standardized tests for levels of protection in order to facilitate the choice of equipment for its intended usage. |
| US07930916B2 |
Locking device and key
There is disclosed a key required to have a reduced mechanical strength. When an authentic key is inserted into the keyway in a locking device, only a plunger member starts to move from a standby position toward an operative position. When the plunger member is pushed to the operative position, an operating lever located in the locked position swings to the unlocked position. The operating lever unlocks a locking mechanism that is in a locked state. When an inauthentic key is inserted in the keyway, the plunger member and sleeve member move together to the operative position. The operating lever in the locked position does not swing. Thus, the operating lever maintains the body portion of the locking mechanism locked. |
| US07930911B1 |
Apparatus and method for cooking and dispensing starch
An apparatus and method for cooking and dispensing starch to a commercial laundry machine comprising a mixing tank for mixing and storing a starch and water solution which is attached to a means for discharging the starch and water solution to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a shell and tube heat exchanger, either one-phase or two-phase, used for cooking the starch and water solution to form cooked starch. As the starch and water solution is passed through the tube side of the heat exchanger, it is cooked using heat energy from a heating source contained in the shell side of the heat exchanger. The cooked starch is then dispensed through a manifold valve system to one or more commercial laundry machines. After the cooked starch is dispensed, a solenoid valve opened to flush the apparatus with fresh water. A programmable computer receives a request from a commercial laundry machine for a desired starch level, discharges the starch and water solution through the apparatus for cooking, and dispenses the cooked starch to the requesting laundry machine through a series of discharge and manifold valves. The programmable computer controls the solenoid valve for flushing the apparatus with water, the discharging means and a means for recirculating the starch and water solution. |
| US07930910B2 |
Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine is provided. The drum type washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force that rotates the drum. The washing machine may also include a supporting plate to rotatably support a rotational shaft extending between the motor and the drum, and a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet. Such an arrangement may increase washing capacity by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing an external size of the cabinet. |
| US07930906B2 |
Slider needle with built-in center strip
A slider needle (1) having a partition element (15) clipped through an insertion slit (19) in the needle base body (2). The partition element (15) is shaped such that it can be easily inserted in the needle base body 2, but is still securely held, optionally with some play, as a result of positive engagement. The partition element comprises, preferably as a one-piece component, a spring part (25) and a foot extension (26) interacting with the bottom (17) of the slider slit. Preferably, the foot extension 26 has two sections (27, 28, 27a, 28a) that are bent in opposite directions, either in a transverse or a longitudinal direction of the otherwise flat partition element (15). In the region of the insertion slit (19), the back (18) of the needle base body (2) has an indentation (24) so that the bent over sections (27, 28, 27a, 28a) cannot project beyond the needle back (18). |
| US07930905B2 |
Methods for manufacturing low water peak optical waveguide incorporating a porous core mandrel
A method of manufacturing a cylindrical glass optical waveguide preform having a low water content centerline region, for use in the manufacture of optical waveguide fiber, is disclosed. The centerline region of the glass optical waveguide preform has a water content sufficiently low such that an optical waveguide fiber producible from the glass optical waveguide preform of the present invention exhibits an optical attenuation of less than about 0.35 dB/km, and preferably less than about 0.31 dB/km, at a measured wavelength of 1380 nm. Method of manufacture of a porous core mandrel used in the manufacture of such a glass optical waveguide preform is also disclosed. |
| US07930904B2 |
Method of making an optical fiber having voids
Microstructured optical fiber and method of making. Glass soot is deposited and then consolidated under conditions which are effective to trap a portion of the consolidation gases in the glass to thereby produce a non-periodic array of voids which may then be used to form a void containing cladding region in an optical fiber. Preferred void producing consolidation gases include nitrogen, argon, CO2, oxygen, chlorine, CF4, CO, SO2 and mixtures thereof. |
| US07930902B2 |
Mechanism for conveying an article
A pusher mechanism for pushing bottles formed in an I.S. machine from a dead plate to a conveyor. The pusher mechanism includes a pusher finger assembly which is supported by a housing and is movable about an axis of support and about the parallel axis of rotation of the housing. A pair of servo motors effect the desired rotation of the two axes through cam profiles each of which has at least one Bezier curve segment with a parameter of one curve linked to a parameter of the other curve. |
| US07930900B2 |
Charm clasp for pearl necklaces and bracelets
A charm clasp having a torus shape and formed as two pivotally connected arcuate parts which are adapted to encircle and releasably attach to a segment of a necklace formed as a strand of pearls, this clasp including an eyelet for attachment of a charm thereto. |
| US07930898B2 |
A/C drain line device
An air conditioning drain device essentially comprising a tubular pipe assembly, a flapper assembly, and a service port assembly. The device automatically engages a flapper valve that prevents the reverse flow of condensate water from entering a dwelling unit that shares a common drain line with multiple units, while at the same time allowing for quick and easy flushing of blockages in the drain line without causing water damage to the interior of the dwelling unit. |
| US07930893B2 |
Automated ice transport device and method
An automated ice transport device and method that can service one or more remote locations is provided. When ice is needed, the container is automatically filled, and then is transported mechanically along a predetermined pathway to the ice storage device in need, where the ice is dispensed therefrom. The container is returned to the source of ice following the predetermined pathway, remaining there until ice is needed at a location. |
| US07930891B1 |
Transition duct with integral guide vanes
A transition duct used in a gas turbine engine to direct the hot gas flow from the combustor into the turbine section of the gas turbine engine. The transition duct includes a plurality of guide vane integral with the duct. The transition duct includes a circular shaped inlet end for connection to a can combustor and a rectangular and arched shaped outlet end for connection to a first stage turbine section. the guide vanes extend within the flow path between inner and outer projections each having a curved opening in the shape of the airfoil each airfoil includes inner and outer airfoil ends with retainer slots formed between the airfoil ends and the duct projections that form shear pin retainer slots. Shear pin retainers are secured within the slots to secure the guide vanes to the duct in a thermally uncoupled manner to reduce thermal stresses. The guide vanes can be made from a single crystal material for higher gas flow temperatures. |
| US07930881B2 |
Exhaust system for lean burn IC engine including particulate filter and NOx absorbent
An exhaust system for a lean burn internal combustion engine includes a particulate filter (CSF), a first NOx absorbent (NOx(1)) disposed upstream of the filter and a second NOx absorbent (NOx(2)) disposed downstream of the filter. |
| US07930878B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapidly thawing frozen NOx reductant
According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid reductant tank for supplying liquid reductant to a selective catalytic reduction system is disclosed. The tank includes a tank cavity for holding a liquid reductant and being at least partially defined by one or more side walls; a liquid reductant supply line at least partially situated within the tank cavity and for communicating liquid reductant from the tank cavity to outside of the tank cavity; and a heating element situated at least partially within the liquid reductant supply line and for thawing frozen reductant situated within the supply line during cold start conditions to obtain liquid reductant for use in a selective catalytic reduction system. |
| US07930873B2 |
Two piece peripheral mower blade
A two piece peripheral mower blade is designed to cut and mulch grass at high volume. The blade is constructed of two pieces. The blades attach to a shaft via spaced apart hubs to which the pieces attach, and the two pieces of the blade interlock to provide a two piece peripheral mower blade. |
| US07930872B2 |
Drive system for a flail mower
A direct drive system for the rotating cutter shaft assembly in a flail mower includes a internally splined collar having a thermal interfitment within and welded attachment to a rotating shaft assembly. An externally splined shaft from a drive motor mounted to the flail mower housing fits into the internally splined collar to provide rotational force to the rotating cutter shaft assembly. |
| US07930871B1 |
Cutterbar support for a crop harvesting header
A system for supporting a cutterbar of a crop harvesting header includes a first arm pivotably secured to the header and including a first portion configured to support the cutterbar, and a second portion including a torsion device connected to an adjustment assembly, the second portion configured to be pivotably rotatable about an axis by the adjustment assembly to selectably increase or decrease a force appliable to the first portion in order to raise or lower the first portion with respect to the header. The adjustment assembly includes a second arm interconnecting the torsion device and a first adjustment device having a first segment, the first adjustment device configured to movably receive a second adjustment device. The first segment follows a predetermined path in a first or second direction with respect to the axis in response to movement of the second adjustment device with respect to the first adjustment device. |
| US07930869B2 |
Inserter control method
An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck. |
| US07930867B2 |
Low-speed inerting means and device for using said inerting means for packaging a food product
Low-speed inerting elements for depleting a receptacle of oxygen, include at least one hollow duct (2232), with walls (2233) of the hollow duct (2232) that are directed towards the receptacle (31) being made of a material including pores. |
| US07930866B2 |
Engineered structural members and methods for constructing same
A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy, glass-reinforced polyurethane (foamed or unfoamed), or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising a thermoplastic material, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising a thermoplastic material provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure. Certain embodiments of the present invention include reinforcing members having a plurality of lobes or arms. Additional embodiments include indentations along the reinforcing members, such as the arms, to aid in bonding between the thermoplastic outer material and reinforcing member within the thermoplastic material. |
| US07930865B2 |
Method of installing an interlocking floor system
A method of installing an interlocking floor system includes surface preparation, assembly of the polymeric panels making up the interlocking floor system and affixing a turf material over the polymeric panels. |
| US07930861B2 |
Building, building walls and other structures
A tough, water-proof building system provides wall, ceiling, and floor structures, as well as accessories. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. Walls have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members extending, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. The spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with insulating foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel/wall panel. A building floor can be supported from the load-bearing wall, at locations on the floor support members which are below the top of the load-bearing wall. |
| US07930855B2 |
Automatic opening/closing apparatus for vehicle
A cost-reduced, downsized automatic opening/closing apparatus for vehicle is achieved by reducing the number of components thereof. A case of a driving unit is provided with a drum housing portion, and a driving drum is rotatably accommodated in the drum housing portion. An electric motor is attached to the case, and the driving drum is driven for rotation by the electric motor. A cable connected to a sliding door is wound around the driving drum. By rotation of the driving drum, the sliding door is opened and closed as being drawn by the cable. The case is provided with a substrate housing portion integrally with the drum housing portion, and a control substrate for controlling an operation of the electric motor is accommodated in the substrate housing portion. |
| US07930847B2 |
Durable display apparatus with retention lip
An advertising display apparatus comprising a hollow receiving tube with an essentially closed distal end and an essentially open proximal end enclosed within a base region, means for retaining a preprinted material inserted through said base region, wherein the hollow receiving tube comprises a plurality of faces where at least one face is transparent and through which said preprinted material may be viewed. The plurality of faces comprising the hollow receiving tube are preferably of a convex shape. Included within the base region is a retention lip which extends into and partially occludes the essentially open proximal end of the hollow receiving tube. The base region may include additional fitments to allow for attachment of the display apparatus to surfaces not of a flat horizontal orientation. The base region may further include means for producing light or sound. |
| US07930846B2 |
Inspection wallet
A inspection wallet in the form of a paddle comprising a sleeve to define a front pocket and a rear pocket, the front pocket having a window and the rear pocket retaining a book of inspection insets having a status side, the inserts foldable for inserting into the front pocket across a divide in the status side and having an alternative message either side of the divide to enable each message to be shown through the window, the inserts having a counterfoil in the book consistent with a reverse side to the status side to provide a record of inspection. |
| US07930843B2 |
Track trencher propulsion system with component feedback
A system and process for controlling propulsion and steering of a track trencher excavation machine powered by an engine includes a multiple mode propulsion and steering control system that performs a plurality of functions depending on a selection of one of a plurality of operational modes. A controller generates a vehicle propulsion hydrostatic drive signal optionally using a track drive hydraulic pressure or a track drive speed as a variable for modifying the propulsion drive signal. The controller optionally uses a hydraulic attachment drive pressure as a variable for further modifying the propulsion drive signal. |
| US07930840B1 |
Toe protection apparatus
A toe protection apparatus for use with a foot or footwear, featuring a rounded steel toe cover with cushioning liner affixed within, a bracket affixed to the top of the steel toe cover, a housing fastened to the bracket, the housing surrounding the steel toe cover and the bracket, the housing further comprising a housing top, a rounded front, opposite vertical sides, and a housing bottom, the housing bottom coplanar with the steel toe cover bottom, a hook and loop affixed to the housing top and the rounded front, an adjustably fastened under foot strap for encircling the housing top and housing sides and the foot or footwear of a user, an adjustably fastened heel strap for encircling a foot heel or a footwear heel and the rounded front of the housing. |
| US07930833B2 |
Portable trimmer having rotatable power head
A portable, hand-operated trimmer has a head module that is removably connected to a power control module. The head module has a power head enclosing an electric motor that is operatively connected to a trimming blade. The power head is selectably settable in a plurality of angular positions with respect to a head support, including a neutral position representing 0 degree rotation, 45 degree flexion and dorsiflexion positions, and 90 degree flexion and dorsiflexion positions. The power head also encloses a stator cartridge that is connected to the housing of the power head by a plurality of fastening members. The head support rotates about the stator cartridge and is engaged by way of a movable engagement pin that is received within a selected recess defined in the stator cartridge. The power head housing and stator cartridge further define molded sockets to receive corresponding pivot arms of the head support. An O-ring is disposed about one of the pivot arms to dampen free rotation. The power control module provides power to the power head through a removable rechargeable battery or through direct connection to conventional household power. |
| US07930829B2 |
Compact utility knife
A compact utility knife includes a blade holder slidably connected to a handle. A trapezoidal utility blade detachably mounts to the blade holder via a blade lock mechanism. A slide lock mechanism selectively retains the blade holder in its extended or retracted position relative to the handle. When the blade holder is extended, the blade holder and a majority of the blade extend forwardly of a forwardmost point of the handle. Extending the blade holder significantly increases an overall length of the knife such that the knife is comfortable to use when in the extended position and longitudinally compact when in the retracted position. The knife includes a blade lock mechanism. An aperture in the front of the handle creates a gap between the blade and the handle to discourage debris on the blade from transferring to the handle when the blade is retracted. |
| US07930828B2 |
Shaving apparatus
A shaving apparatus has at least one cutting unit (3) having an outer shaving surface (7) for contacting the skin, interrupted by hair entry apertures (8), an internal cutter (5) which is drivable for movement along the hair entry apertures (8) for cutting off hairs projecting through the hair entry apertures (8). A suspension member (6) via which the external cutter is suspended relative to the holder (2) is tiltable relative to the holder (2) about a tilting axis (17) located more closely to a first peripheral portion (18) of the shaving surface (7) than to a second peripheral portion (19) of the shaving surface (7) opposite to said first peripheral portion (18) of said shaving surface (7). |
| US07930824B2 |
Method of manufacturing ink jet recording head
A method of manufacturing an ink jet recording head includes the steps of: forming an adhesive layers and the side walls of a flow path on a substrate; pasting a dry film, which is a part of a flow path forming member, on the side walls; and forming discharge ports in the layer. |
| US07930819B2 |
Component supply unit and surface mounter
It is intended to allow for readily performing a cover tape setting operation. In the present invention, a tape guide 110 for guiding a component supply tape 35 includes a front guide section 120 provided with an open surface 128 opened on one side thereof in a continuous manner in a tape feed direction, so as to allow a cover tape 37 to be taken in and out relative to the front guide section 120 through the open surface 128. This configuration makes it possible to perform the setting operation for the cover tape 37 through given operational steps, under a condition that the tape guide 110 remains fixed to a component supply unit 40. |
| US07930817B2 |
Method of manufacturing a thermally assisted magnetic head
A method comprises an opposing step of arranging a light-shielding film 50 having a recessed surface 52 and a pinhole 54 formed within the recessed surface 52 such that an end face 54X of the pinhole 54 of the light-shielding film 50 on the recessed surface 52 side and a light exit surface 4B oppose each other, while the shortest distance A52 between the light-shielding film 50 and a medium-opposing surface S in a thickness direction of the light-shielding film 50 is shorter than the shortest distance A54 between the end face 54X of the pinhole 54 on the side opposite from a transparent substrate 58 and the light exit surface 4B; a light-emitting step of causing a light-emitting device 3 to emit emission light 3A; and a detecting step of detecting the light transmitted through the pinhole 54 after being emitted from the light exit surface 4B. |
| US07930815B2 |
Conductive pattern and method of making
A method of forming an electrically-conductive pattern includes selectively electroplating the top portions of a substrate that corresponds to the pattern, and separating the conductive pattern from the substrate. The electroplating may also include electrically connecting the conductive pattern to an electrical component. Conductive ink, such as ink including carbon particles, may be selectively placed on the conductive substrate to facilitate plating of the desired pattern and/or to facilitate separation of the pattern from the substrate. An example of a conductive pattern is an antenna for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device such as a label or a tag. One example of an electrical component that may be electrically connected to the antenna, is an RFID strap or chip. |
| US07930812B2 |
Toolless rack mounting rail installation latch
A method and apparatus for providing toolless rack mounting rail installation using a pin having a latch. A retention device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes stepped features and a dual locking mechanism that are configured to engage standard apertures of rack systems. The locking mechanism is configured to extend beyond the surface of a pin when in a normal position, but may be depressed to allow the retention device to be easily inserted or removed without the use of tools. |
| US07930810B2 |
Rivet fastening air tool
A rivet fastening air tool for rivets includes a supplying actuator, an implanting actuator, and a switching valve. The supply actuator receives a rivet row, tears off a fragile portion of a front-row rivet, and supplies it in a loaded position. The implanting actuator retains a head portion of the rivet supplied in the loaded position, and moves the rivet in a direction of being pulled out of a communicating bore of the rivet. The switching valve is provided in an air supply route which reaches the supplying actuator. When the head portion of the rivet is moved in the direction of being pulled out, the switching valve is switched by the implanting actuator so that the supplying actuator is returned. |
| US07930808B2 |
Flexible connection and release device and method
A flexible connection and release device which allows quick release while under load. The device comprises a first link; a second link; a first sling having one end attached to the first link; a second sling having one end attached to the second link; a tab attached to the first sling; a grommet contained in the tab; a curved length of a first flexible cable connected between two fixed points in the first sling on either side of the tab; a second flexible cable; and a pin or a third flexible cable. The links are connected together with multiple turns of the second flexible cable which forms a loop at its center. The curved length of the first flexible cable is passed through the loop in the second flexible cable and through the grommet so that a part of the first flexible cable protrudes from the grommet. The pin or third cable is passed through the protruding part of the first flexible cable to lock the first flexible cable in place. |
| US07930807B2 |
Cleat holding device
The present invention is a holding device for a rope, cable, wire and the like hereafter referred to as rope and more particularly a sliding cam rope cleat comprised of a holding device, a slideable cam member controlled by a sliding handle and two passageways therethrough for the rope member. While the sliding handle is engaged in the open position, the cam member will not be resident in the first passageway and a rope member may be freely inserted and drawn. However once the sliding handle is engaged in the clamping position, the cam member will partially obstruct the first passageway and the tapered serrated bottom of the cam member will engagingly grip and secure the inserted rope member. Subsequently, the holding device provides for a quick release of the secured rope member by returning the sliding member to its first open position thereby disengaging the tapered serrated cam member for the inserted rope member. In addition, the holding device offers a second passageway which serves as a storage receptacle for any slack in the rope member. |
| US07930806B2 |
Tie knot member
There is provided a tie knot member for an elongated strip of fabric. The tie knot member includes a shell having a truncated, conical shape with a cardioid-like cross-section. The shell has a base end with a lower aperture. The shell has a top end with an upper aperture. The shell has a rear portion extending between the base end and the top end. The rear portion includes a cusp and a pivotable connector connecting the shell across the cusp. The pivotal connector is so positioned to retain the shape of the shell, whereby when the elongated strip of fabric is passed through the shell and the shell is spread at the top end, the upper aperture is enlarged and the lower aperture is reduced, thereby cinching the lower aperture against the elongated strip of fabric. |
| US07930805B2 |
Retained tension multiple ball lock cable tie
A cable tie is disclosed. The cable tie comprises an elongate metallic strap, a metallic locking head, first and second metallic roller means and first, second and third protuberances. In operation, the combination of the roller means and the protuberances serves to increase the retained tension in the elongate strap. |
| US07930803B2 |
Foldable device
A folding apparatus (1) having transmitter and receiver cases (2, 10), a hinge mechanism (20) for pivotally connecting one end of the transmitter case and that of the receiver case to each other, and a hinge cover (C). The hinge mechanism is connected to corners (15a-16b) of the one end of the transmitter case and of that of the receiver case. The corners (15a-16b) are projected in the direction orthogonal to the one end of each of the transmitter and receiver cases, and the hinge mechanism is installed between the projected corners of the cases. The hinge cover has a pair of box-shaped cover members (7, 8), and a cross-section of each cover member taken in the direction orthogonal to the one end has an ellipse shape. The cover members are arranged so as to face to each other, covering and holding the hinge mechanism located between the projected corners of the transmitter and receiver cases. A fixing means for fixing the pair of the cover members to each other is provided at the one side of the pair of the cover members that are arranged faced to each other, and this one side is a side close to the one end of at least either the transmitter case or the receiver case. Design and mechanical strength of the connection section of a folding apparatus having the pair of apparatus cases are improved. |
| US07930802B2 |
Castor that is braked solidly and stably without producing vibration
A castor includes an upright support post, a brake ring secured on the support post, a castor body rotatably mounted on the support post, two rollers rotatably mounted on the castor body, a first locking member movably mounted on the castor body, a second locking member movably mounted on the castor body, and a brake handle pivotally mounted on the castor body. Thus, when the castor is locked, each of the two rollers is locked onto and cannot be rotated relative to the castor body, and the castor body is locked onto and cannot be rotated relative to the support post, so that the castor will stop rotating when being braked so as to provide a double-braking effect. |
| US07930798B2 |
Steam cleaning appliance
The present invention discloses a steam floor mop, comprising a handle; a central body inside which a manual water pump, a water tank, and a steam generator are housed; and a floor brush connected flexibly to the central body, wherein the manual water pump, the water tank, and the steam generator are connected to the floor brush by means of pipes; said handle is connected directly to the piston rod of the manual water pump and serves to manipulate the operation of the manual water pump; said floor brush is covered by a cleaning cloth. In accordance with the steam floor mop of the present invention, by only pushing the handle of the steam floor mop, the steam can be generated and distributed to the floor brush so that the cleaning work having an effect of high temperature disinfecting and sterilization can be realized. It is not needed to power on the water pump additionally so as to supply water to the steam generator to generate the steam. |
| US07930794B2 |
Cleaning tool
A cleaning tool and an effective technique for realizing a higher cleaning effect in a cleaning tool having a cleaning element for wiping a region to be cleaned is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes an elongate cleaning element holder and a cleaning element to be attached to the cleaning element holder. The cleaning element holder has a holding part extending elongate while having components extending in a direction crossing the extending direction of the cleaning element holder. The cleaning element has an insert region into which the holding part is inserted. The cleaning element is attached to the cleaning element holder while being twisted along an extending portion of the holding part through insertion of the holding part into the insert region. |
| US07930786B2 |
Method for determining load size and/or setting water level in a washing machine
In a washing machine comprising a tub, an agitator, and a pressure sensor, a size of a fabric load may be determined and/or an operational water level may be set based on a time of supplying water to reach a timing water level in the tub and on variation in an output from the pressure sensor during agitation of the water and fabric load with the water at a agitation water level in the tub. |
| US07930784B2 |
Infant mattress with curved top surface
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus to be used as an alternative infant mattress having a curved top surface which is formed based on a curve comprising a segment of sine wave and a segment of tail line. The segment of sine wave preferably consists of a partial wave crest and a full wave trough. The length of the apparatus is preferably identical to the wave length of the sine wave. |
| US07930782B2 |
Gels, gel composites, and gel articles
A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles. |
| US07930780B2 |
Adjustable bed frame assembly
A bed frame comprises a lower support structure having a head end and a foot end and a carriage arranged for translational movement on the lower support structure. An upper support structure is mounted on the carriage. The upper support structure includes a seat and an upper body support section pivotally connected thereto. A support arm is pivotally connected between the lower support structure and the upper body support section. An actuator is connected to the lower support structure. A lever arm is connected between the actuator and the carriage. Application of force from the actuator to the lever arm moves the carriage on the lower support structure while applying a lifting moment to the upper body support section. The support arm is arranged such that movement of the carriage toward the head end of the lower support structure also produces a lifting moment on the upper body support section. |
| US07930779B2 |
Mattress cover
A mattress cover for covering a portion of a mattress that generally has a top surface and a plurality of side panels. The mattress cover generally comprises a waterproof cover, a fabric cover and at least one fastener to secure the fabric cover to the waterproof cover. The waterproof cover has at least one waterproof layer or portion for covering at least a portion of the top surface of the mattress. The at least one waterproof layer or portion has a plurality of edges. The fabric cover is removably securable to the waterproof cover. |
| US07930778B2 |
Pinch-preventing unit for bed guardrail
A pinch-preventing unit for bed guardrail includes a guardrail, a bed frame, and an actuating unit. The actuating unit is provided with a gap cover, which is located at a lower edge of the guardrail to close a gap existed between the lower edge of the guardrail and a top of the bed frame when the guardrail is in a lifted position for use, so as to ensure the safety use of the guardrail. |
| US07930774B2 |
System for creating motion in a liquid, in particular resulting in waves at the surface thereof
System for creating a liquid motion in a pool comprising: a means for introducing intermittently a gas into the liquid a gas flow means adapted for increasing the pressure of the gas, said increase resulting in gas flow and a control means for controlling the flow of the gas at the end opening of the end piping assembly at least in function of the height of the liquid. |
| US07930769B2 |
Garment with retractable fringes
A garment with fringes includes a pocket for securing a fringe, and a retraction cord terminating in a ring encircling the fringe for pulling the fringe into the pocket during a time when a freely hanging fringe is to be avoided. Preferably, an entrance to the pocket is provided with a circumferential resilient stiffening device to facilitate entry of the fringe into the pocket, and the entrance may be provided also with a closure, such as a snap, to prevent the fringe from falling out of the pocket. The entrance may be provided also with a closure, such as a snap, to prevent the fringe from falling out of the pocket. A tether may be provided attached to the ring to facilitate a pulling of the ring out of the pocket for the resumption of normal deployment of the fringe. |
| US07930767B2 |
Body form-fitting rainwear
A body form-fitting rainwear is provided. In the rainwear a first waterproof layer comprises a polymer material treated with an oleophobic composition to form an air permeable polymer material. The first waterproof layer couples to a first fabric layer. The first fabric layer faces the body and couples to a first side of the first waterproof layer. A second fabric layer couples to a second side of the first waterproof layer. A stretch knit couples to the second fabric layer, the stretch knit being constructed to pull the rainwear to the body. The first waterproof layer, first fabric layer, second fabric layer and stretch knit are formable about a human body and are constructed to accommodate one or more human appendages. The rainwear may for example form a shirt, pant, underwear, long underwear, hat hood or one piece body suit. |
| US07934265B2 |
Secured coprocessor comprising means for preventing access to a unit of the coprocessor
The present invention relates to a coprocessor comprising a calculation unit for executing a command, and a securization device for monitoring the execution of the command and supplying an error signal having an active value as soon as the execution of the command begins and an inactive value at the end of the execution of the command, if no abnormal progress in the execution of the command has been detected. The coprocessor further comprises means for preventing access to at least one unit of the coprocessor, while the error signal is on the active value. Application is provided particularly but not exclusively to the protection of integrated circuits for smart cards against attacks by fault injection. |
| US07934260B2 |
Virus immunization using entity-sponsored bypass network
An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system are described that in some instances may provide access to at least one bypass network, provide distribution of an anti-viral agent onto a communications network associated with a virus, using the at least one bypass network, and provide an entity-sponsored assurance of a transmission characteristic of the at least one bypass network with respect to the providing the distribution. |
| US07934251B2 |
Managed peer-to-peer applications, systems and methods for distributed data access and storage
Applications, systems and methods for securely and remotely operating a remote computer from a local computer over a network while providing seamless, firewall-compliant connectivity. Secure and remote operation includes authenticating at least one remote computer for connection to at least one computer over the network and/or at least one local computer for connection to at least one remote computer over the network; establishing a secure connection between the at least one local computer and the at least one remote computer over the network; and integrating a desktop of at least one remote computer on a display of at least one local computer. The connections may be made over a public network, as well as through multiple firewalls without loss of functionality. |
| US07934250B2 |
Method and apparatus for using performance and stress testing on computing devices for device authentication
A method for authenticating a device including the steps of measuring at least one performance parameter of the device to obtain a measurement; and comparing the measurement of the at least one performance parameter with a previously stored measurement of the at least one performance parameter to determine an identity of the device. An apparatus and an article of manufacture for authenticating a device is also disclosed. |
| US07934248B1 |
Network policy enforcement dashboard views
A network compliance application performs a method of coalescing violation data based on rule and policy violations by retrieving network event data indicative of compliance with a set of policies, in which each of the policies has a set of rules. The application computes, for each of the policies, violations, each violation indicative of a deviation from a particular rule, and displays a summary view indicative of a plurality of policies in the set of policies, the summary view indicative of violations attributable to each of the policies. From the displayed summary view, the application receives a detail selection corresponding to a subset of the displayed violations in the summary view; displays, for the received detail selection, a violation view having a sequence of ranked violation entries corresponding to the detail selection. |
| US07934244B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and data processing method
A digital broadcasting system for transmitting/receiving a digital broadcasting signal and a data processing method are disclosed. A program table information has an identifier identifying mobile service data and main service data in a broadcasting signal. The program table information is mulitiplexed with the mobile service data and main service data. Then, broadcast receiving system can receive and output the mobile service data by parsing the program table information and using the identifier. |
| US07934243B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and data processing method
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A time zone identifier is inserted into program table information of a broadcasting signal and the broadcasting signal is transmitted/received. The digital broadcasting system can calculate a local time of a region, in which the digital broadcasting system is located, using the time zone identifier. Accordingly, although the position of the digital broadcasting system is changed, it is possible to process the broadcasting signal related to the local time without an error. |
| US07934241B2 |
Video on demand system with selectable options of configurable random-access control
The present invention provides a method for an interactive media services system to provide media to a user through an interactive media services client device. The client device is coupled to a programmable media services server device. The method includes the step of implementing an interactive media guide. Additionally, the client device is implemented to present the interactive media guide to the user. A system operator is provided an interface to the programmable media services server. Control options are provided within the interface to allow the system operator to configure a plurality of rental options available to the user. Finally the interactive media service system is implemented such that the plurality of rental options can be executed by the user in a requested active media session. |
| US07934240B2 |
Video on demand system with dynamic enablement of random-access functionality
The present invention provides a method for an interactive media services system to provide media to a user through an interactive media services client device. The client device is coupled to a programmable media services server device. The method includes the step of implementing an interactive media guide. Additionally, the client device is implemented to present the interactive media guide to the user. A system operator is provided an interface to the programmable media services server. Control options are provided within the interface to allow the system operator to configure a plurality of rental options available to the user. Finally the interactive media service system is implemented such that the plurality of rental options can be executed by the user in a requested active media session. |
| US07934239B1 |
Method and system to daisy-chain access to video resources
A method and system to control at least one video resource daisy-chain access system. A first embodiment is a method to operate a video resource daisy-chain access system. The method includes requesting from a coordinator access instructions to receive a broadcast stream from a broadcast source; connecting to the broadcast source, or one of the re-broadcasting clients already receiving the broadcast stream, as instructed by the coordinator; optionally registering with the coordinator as a potential re-broadcasting source for new clients; optionally accepting connection requests from new clients for re-broadcasting of the received broadcast stream; and playing back on the client the received broadcast stream. A second embodiment is a video resource daisy-chain access system. The system includes a coordinator; a broadcasting source having a communication link with the coordinator; a first client having a communication link with the coordinator and a communication link with the broadcasting source; and a second client having a communication link with the coordinator and a communication link with the first client. These embodiments can be applied in several wired and wireless communication applications, even combinations of wired and wireless technologies including, but not limited to, IEEE 802.16 wireless applications, and equivalent technologies. |
| US07934237B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US07934235B2 |
Channel control system for exiting from an interactive program guide
An apparatus and method for browsing and viewing television programs while viewing a television program guide. In other words, a user is able to remain inside the program guide while viewing various television programs. In another aspect, a server system operator is provided an interface with flexible options for configuring user controls for viewing television programs while inside program guides in client devices. |
| US07934233B2 |
Method and system for providing complementary information for a video program
A method for providing complementary information 226 for a video program is provided that includes receiving complementary information 226 for a video program. A query is received from a consumer. The query is related to a specified portion of the complementary information 226. A query response is provided to the consumer based on the specified portion of the complementary information 226. |
| US07934230B2 |
IPTV architecture for dynamic commercial insertion
Dynamic delivery of different commercials to different viewers is achieved using a network node within an IPTV packet-switched network that is coupled to receive both a multicast television program and commercial programs. The network node is able to identify one or more subscribers to the multicast television program and to identify targeted commercial programs for each of the subscribers. The network node further includes a commercial inserter for inserting the respective targeted commercial program for each of the subscribers into the multicast television program to produce respective customized programs and to transmit the customized programs towards the respective subscribers. |
| US07934229B1 |
Generating options for repairing a computer infected with malicious software
A security module interfaces with a set of infection repair modules. Each repair module can perform a specific repair of an infection. Some of the repair modules utilize context information about the computer, such as the availability of a non-infected backup file. Further, the repairs performed by some repair modules are fine-grained while repairs of other repair modules are coarse-grained. The security module identifies malicious software infecting a computer and generates an infection object for each infection. The security module selectively routes the infection objects to the repair modules. In response, the repair modules provide repair objects representing repairs that the repair modules can perform on the infection. The repair objects have scores describing their thoroughness and complexity. The security module ranks the repair objects based on their scores and selects certain repairs for repairing the malicious software infections. |
| US07934226B2 |
Optical pickup apparatus
An optical pickup apparatus comprising: a photo detector configured to receive light reflected from a medium; a housing mounted with the photo detector; and a projecting portion projecting from the housing, the projecting portion including a displacement preventer configured to prevent displacement of the photo detector or an adhesive relative to the housing, the displacement preventer including a fixing portion formed to extend along a plurality of directions, the photo detector being provided on the housing by applying the adhesive to the displacement preventer. |
| US07934224B2 |
Method, interface and apparatus for discovering a location of a device
A system, method, Application Programming Interface (API) and device for discovering a location of a device, for example, to provide location information for a Location Based Service (LBS). The device includes a memory, a display, and a processor operably coupled to the memory and the display. The processor may be arranged to provide a user interface (UI) on the display, retrieve location cues in response to a location request, forward location cues to a location server and receive location information back from the location server. The location information may be a location query page associated with a new place ID if the location cues do not correspond to the location server cues or the location information may be a previously discovered place ID associated with the server location cues if one or more of the location cues correspond to one or more of the server's location cues. |
| US07934221B2 |
Approach for proactive notification of contract changes in a software service
An approach is provided for proactive notification of contract changes in a software service. According to the approach, when the executable code of a composite application operable to access the service is generated, an initial copy of a contract that describes the service is retrieved. A baseline representation of the contract is generated based on the initial copy of the contract. When the composite application is being executed, a determination is made based on the baseline representation whether the contract has experienced any changes. In response to determining that the contract has experienced a change, a notification is sent indicating that the contract has experienced the change. |
| US07934220B2 |
Method and system for optimizing file table usage
An operating system directed to using special properties of a common inter-process communications mechanism (IPC), namely UNIX domain socket-pairs or stream-pipes alternatively as a storage medium for file-descriptors of UNIX processes. When a file-descriptor is written into a socket-pair, and closed in the UNIX process, the file remains open, but occupies no space in the process' file-table. The file-descriptor may later be read out of the socket-pair to reestablish it in the file-table, and access it. This property is implemented in an IPC mechanism of UNIX operating system whereby a process such as a dispatcher may manage more connections and processes than its file-table size allow. This provides scalability improvements of the UNIX operating system. |
| US07934215B2 |
Smart scheduler
A smart scheduler is provided to prepare a machine for a job, wherein the job has specific requirements, i.e., dimensions. One or more config jobs are identified to configure the machine to meet the dimensions of the job. Information concerning the machine's original configuration and groupings of config jobs that change the machine's configuration are cached in a central storage. The smart scheduler uses information in the central storage to identify a suitable machine and one or more config jobs to configure the machine to meet the dimensions of a job. The smart scheduler schedules a run for the config jobs on the machine. |
| US07934213B2 |
Device driver rollback
A system and method for device driver management/installation is provided. The device driver management system can be employed by a user to selectively rollback a currently installed device driver to one or a plurality of previously installed device driver(s). Additionally, the system can be employed by the user to revert to a pristine state of not having the device driver installed at all, for example, the NULL driver (e.g., in the situation in which the first driver installed on the device causes machine instability). The system stores information associated with driver(s) running on a specific device and allows a user to selectively revert to any one of a plurality of previously installed device driver(s), for example, if they experience a problem with a newer driver. Rollback point(s) can be stored, for example, in the system registry. |
| US07934211B2 |
Multi-level patching operation
Techniques for performing a multi-level patching operation are described. According to one such technique, before a particular patch is applied, the data containers that are targeted by the particular patch are identified. A determination is made as to whether any of these target data containers already has been targeted by any previously applied patch. A determination also is made as to whether any other data container that contains (immediately or otherwise) any of the target data containers already has been targeted by any previously applied patch. If any target data container or any other data container that contains a target data container already has been targeted by a previously applied patch, then the particular patch is not applied to the target data containers. |
| US07934208B2 |
Method for transparent on-line dynamic binary optimization
A generalized on-line solution for achieving transparent binary optimization using pre-existing profiling facilities and virtual memory remapping of text regions. An optimization environment is initialized which comprises a debugger program, a profiling facility, and an optimizer. A running target program is attached to the debugger program, wherein the debugger program monitors process execution of the target program. Responsive to monitoring the running target program, profile data of the running target program is collected using the profiling facility. The profile data is provided to the optimizer, wherein the optimizer analyzes the profile data and existing code of the running target program. Responsive to a determination to optimize the existing code based on the profile data, optimized code is generated for the running target program. The optimized code is provided to the debugger program, wherein the debugger program inserts the optimized code into a virtual address space of the running target program. |
| US07934206B2 |
Service level executable environment for integrated PSTN and IP networks and call processing language therefor
A service level executable environment (SLEE) in a telecommunications network linking a PSTN and a packet (e.g., IP) network is provided. The SLEE includes a scripting language, a compiler adapted to compile scripts written with said scripting language into executables, and a plurality of dynamically loaded shared libraries, wherein the dynamically loaded shared libraries are distributed over the IP network and executables can utilize dynamically loaded shared libraries from different locations in the IP network. |
| US07934197B2 |
Maintaining code integrity in a central software development system
A central software development system comprises a code processor and a code authenticator. The code processor converts modified free source code received by the system to program code such as executable code or bytecode. The code authenticator selectively signs the program code using an encryption key associated with one or more devices for which the program code is designed, e.g., a computer or mobile phone. The central system may also include a code scanner. The code scanner verifies the modified free source code, e.g., by scanning the modified free source code or intermediate code generated by the code processor for impermissible code patterns. The code authenticator signs the program code if the modified free source code is verified. The impermissible code patterns may correspond to at least one of proprietary, malicious or virulent code sequences. |
| US07934191B2 |
Method and modules for generating client-server applications
A multi-model-view-controller (MMVC) design pattern for generating client-server applications, which overcomes the disadvantages of the MVC design pattern. In an application generated according to the MMVC design pattern initial data is provided by the server model via the controller to the client model. Subsequent data is requested from the server model by the controller and passed to the client model. The initial and subsequent data are fetched according to predetermined rules. The predetermined rules can be based on personal details of the user, such as identity or role, on the server or client computing platforms, on the application, or other factors. |
| US07934185B1 |
Method of simulating bidirectional signals in a modeling system
A method of modeling a design in a high level modeling system that supports unidirectional data flow, may comprise identifying a bus-block to represent a connectivity of a bi-directional bus in an system. The bus-block may be represented in serial relationship with the bus. Taps may interface the bus via the bus-block. During simulation, the bus-block emulates behavior of a tri-state buffer in series with an input line for the tap interface. During synthesis, pairs of unidirectional input and output lines of opposite data-routing orientation, which may emulate bus ports to the bus-block, may be collapsed to a single bus port. The synthesis may further generate a netlist that may dispose a tri-state buffer between a tap input and the bus. The netlist may also represent layout of the tri-state buffer for driving an output of the tap. |
| US07934183B2 |
Method and apparatus for simulating behavioral constructs using indeterminate values
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that simulates behavioral constructs of a register transfer level design using indeterminate values. The system may receive hardware description language code which includes a construct that behaves differently depending on the value of an expression, e.g., the construct may execute different portions of code based on the value of a control expression, or it may store data in different storage locations based on the value of an index expression, etc. In response to determining that the expression's value is indeterminate, the system can execute two or more alternatives that are controlled by the expression, and then merge the results in some prescribed way. An embodiment of the present invention can enable a user to reduce the discrepancy between the results generated by a register transfer level simulation and the results generated by the associated gate level simulation. |
| US07934180B2 |
Incremental speculative merging
An incremental speculative merge structure which enables the elimination of invalid merge candidates without requiring the discarding of the speculative merge structure and all verification results obtained upon that structure. Targets are provided for validating the equivalence of gates g1i and g2i, and the fanout references of g1i and g2i are provided to a controllable multiplexer set to output g1i. Upon determining nonequivalence of g2i, of failing to proved equivalence, the multiplexer is switched to output the g1i fanout reference, thus undoing the incremental speculative merge. |
| US07934179B2 |
Systems and methods for logic verification
Methods and systems for simulating logic may translate logic design into executable code for a multi-processor based parallel logic simulation device. A system may implement one or more parallel execution methods, which may include IPMD, MPMD, and/or DDMT. |
| US07934178B2 |
Layout method of semiconductor circuit, program and design support system
A method of a layout a semiconductor circuit has obtaining transistor characteristic information on the basis of layout information about regions formed with transistors, obtaining a polynomial expression representing a relationship between characteristic values of a circuit including of the transistors and the transistor characteristic information, calculating a plurality of characteristic values corresponding to plural sets of transistor characteristic information by use of the polynomial expression, selecting part of the plurality of characteristic values on the basis of a restriction about the characteristic values, the layout information or the transistor characteristic information; and obtaining the transistor characteristic information or the layout information corresponding to the selected characteristic values. |
| US07934177B2 |
Method and system for a pattern layout split
A method for splitting a pattern layout including providing the pattern layout having features, checking the pattern layout to determine the features that require splitting, coloring the features that require splitting with a first and second color, resolving coloring conflicts by decomposing the feature with the coloring conflict and coloring the decomposed feature with the first and second color, and generating a first mask with features of the first color and a second mask with features of the second color. |
| US07934175B2 |
Parameter adjustment method, semiconductor device manufacturing method, and recording medium
A parameter adjustment method for a plurality of manufacturing devices to form a pattern of a semiconductor device on a substrate using the manufacturing devices includes: adjusting a parameter adjustable for a manufacturing device serving as a reference manufacturing device; obtaining a first shape of a pattern of a semiconductor device to be formed on a substrate; defining an adjustable parameter of another to-be-adjusted manufacturing; obtaining a second shape of the pattern formed on the substrate; calculating a difference amount between a reference finished shape and a to-be-adjusted finished shape; repeatedly calculating the difference amount by changing the to-be-adjusted parameter until the difference amount becomes equal to or less than a predetermined reference value; and outputting as a parameter of the to-be-adjusted manufacturing device the to-be-adjusted parameter. |
| US07934174B2 |
Method and apparatus for using a database to quickly identify and correct a manufacturing problem area in a layout
One embodiment provides a system for using a database to quickly identify a manufacturing problem area in a layout. During operation, the system receives a first check-figure which identifies a first area in a first layout, wherein the first area is associated with a first feature. Next, the system determines a first sample using the first check-figure, wherein the first sample represents the first layout's geometry within a first ambit of the first check-figure, wherein the first sample's geometry is expected to affect the shape of the first feature. The system then performs a model-based simulation using the first sample to obtain a first simulation-result which indicates whether the first feature is expected to have manufacturing problems. Next, the system stores the first simulation-result in a database which is used to quickly determine whether a second feature is expected to have manufacturing problems. |
| US07934168B2 |
Storage medium storing program and information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes an LCD and a touch panel, for example. On the LCD, a plurality of operation items making up of a series of operating procedures by means of a touch panel are displayed, and a current operation item out of them is highlight. Whether or not the current operation item is executed is determined on the basis of coordinate data via the touch panel, and whether or not a state attained by execution of a previous operation item has not been maintained is determined. In a case that it is determined that the previous operation item has not been maintained, the display of the current operation item is changed to a normal manner. |
| US07934165B2 |
System and method for drag-and-drop workflow editing in a multifunction peripheral (MFP)
The invention relates to a drag-and-drop workflow editor associated with a multifunction peripheral (MFP). In one embodiment, a drag-and-drop workflow allows a user to define multiple source, transformation, and destination processes in a graphical, drag-and-drop workflow editor. In some embodiments, the source processes may be dynamic processes that are executed at different times. |
| US07934164B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method thereof, and program
The number of folders to be displayed required to restrict and display folders on a lower hierarchy of a folder expanded by the folder opening and closing module is determined based on the number of folders included in the lower hierarchy to be expanded, and the height of the window. The folders included in the lower hierarchy are displayed to have the determined number of folders to be displayed. |
| US07934163B2 |
Method for portlet instance support in a graphical user interface
A method for responding to a request, comprising accepting the request, mapping the request to a control tree wherein the control tree is a logical representation of a graphical user interface (GUI) and wherein the control tree includes a set of controls which are related hierarchically to one another, advancing the control tree through at least one lifecycle stage based on the request, wherein the control tree includes at least one portlet control that represents at least one portlet, providing the request to a portlet container that contains the at least one portlet, and aggregating the output of each of the at least one portlets and providing the output to the GUI. |
| US07934162B2 |
Running state migration of platform specific graphical user interface widgets between heterogeneous device platforms
A scaleable graphical user interface system for migrating the running state of graphical user interface widgets between heterogeneous device platforms includes a platform independent presentation model. The current running state of a first platform specific presentation operating on a first heterogeneous device platform may update the running state of the platform independent presentation model. The platform independent presentation model may be customized to generate a second platform specific presentation for a second heterogeneous device platform. The running state of the platform independent presentation module may be applied to the second platform specific presentation module to implement the current running state from the first heterogeneous device platform on the second heterogeneous device platform. |
| US07934160B2 |
Slide kit creation and collaboration system with multimedia interface
A slide kit creation system and method allows reviewers of a slide kit to insert non-textual comments, such as audio comments, to be associated with selected slides. In one embodiment, audio comments are transmitted to a host computer by telephone, and may be posted on the host computer for access by other reviewers. The audio comments may also be transcribed in text form. In another embodiment, comments may be associated with various portions of a video, in the same manner. A video navigation bar is coded to indicate which portions of the video are associated with comments. Alternatively, certain attributes of the video can be altered to indicate the presence of comments associated with specific scenes of the video. |
| US07934159B1 |
Media timeline
A media timeline is described. In an implementation, a method includes receiving a request from an application at an application programming interface (API) to interact with a plurality of media. Based on the request, a media timeline is generated. The media timeline is for exposure via the API to the application and includes a plurality of nodes. The media timeline defines a presentation of a first media referenced by a first node with respect to a second media referenced by a second node. |
| US07934155B2 |
Method and electronic device for reducing size of an electronic collection of media elements
A method is used to reduce a size of an electronic collection of media elements (41, 43, 45). The method includes the steps of assigning a weight to each media element (41, 43, 45) in the collection and reducing size of the media elements (41, 43, 45) in dependency of a desired overall collection size reduction and the weight assigned to each media element (41, 43, 45). An electronic device includes logic circuitry operative to perform the method of the invention. |
| US07934153B2 |
Visual document structure indicator system
Systems and methods for represent and manipulate (i.e., processing) the underlying structure of a structured document (e.g., a mark-up language document), while maintaining a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) environment. The traditional WYSIWYG editor view is paired with a Visual Document Structure Indicator (VDSI) pane to allow for both WYSIWYG and structure editing within a single interface. The VDSI pane includes left pane and upper pane, which are configured along the left and top borders, respectively. The document editor allows document content to be created, edited, and maintained in the WYSIWYG environment while keeping document structure information available to the user. |
| US07934152B2 |
Method and apparatus for extraction
The present invention pertains to the field of computer software. More specifically, the present invention relates to one or more of the definition, extraction, delivery, and hyper-linking of clips, for example web clips. |
| US07934143B1 |
Parity insertion for inner architecture
A coding system for digital data includes a constrained encoder module that generates encoded data based on a first constrained code, a bit insertion module that inserts at least one bit location in the encoded data, an error correcting code (ECC) encoder module that generates ECC parity bits based on the at least one bit location and the encoded data, and an inner encoding module that generates inner-code parity bits based on the encoded data and programs the inner-code parity bits into the at least one bit location. |
| US07934142B2 |
Encoding method to QC code
In an encoding and/or decoding method utilizing a self-orthogonal Quasi-Cyclic (QC) code whose parity check matrix is expressed by at least one circulant matrix, a code sequence is generated which satisfies a check matrix. The check matrix is designed so that a column weight w of each circulant matrix is three or larger and a minimum hamming distance of the code is w+2 or larger. |
| US07934141B2 |
Data protocol
A method of transmitting data according to a data transmission protocol wherein the data is transmitted as a plurality of data frames and each data frame includes an error checking field comprising at least two sub-fields, the data of the first sub-field being formed by a first error checking method performed on data of the frame and the data of the second sub-field being formed by a second error checking method performed on the said data of the frame, the first and second methods being such that the data of the first sub-field has different error checking properties from those of the data of the second sub-field. |
| US07934140B2 |
Method of encoding and decoding using LDPC code
A method of encoding/decoding using an LDPC code is disclosed, by which performance is enhanced and by which complexity is reduced. In encoding/decoding using an LDPC code defined by an (n−k)xn parity check matrix H, the present invention includes the step of performing the encoding/decoding input source data using the parity check matrix H including Hp and Hd to meet H=[Hd|Hp] (where Hd has (n−k)×k dimensions, Hp has (n−k)×(n−k) dimensions), wherein if the Hp comprises a plurality of zXz sub-matrices, each of the sub-matrices is an identity matrix or a zero matrix and wherein a column weight of each column of the Hp is at least 2. |
| US07934138B2 |
Low density parity check code-based hybrid automatic repeat request method
A transmission method based on a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) scheme for in a communication system. A codeword is generated using a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code. Parity bits of the codeword are classified on a basis of a transmission priority. Parity bits with an identical transmission priority are grouped. An information bit group of the codeword and parity bit groups with the identical transmission priority are shuffled in a predefined pattern. A packet is generated from the shuffled information bit group and the shuffled parity bit groups based on the transmission priority. The generated packet is retransmitted in response to a retransmission request. The transmission method can obtain the effect of channel interleaving by setting a transmission priority according to importance of puncturing target blocks, shuffling blocks with the same priority, and shuffling and transmitting bits configuring each block. |
| US07934137B2 |
Message remapping and encoding
Techniques for remapping messages prior to encoding to improve performance are described. L designated messages among K total messages are remapped to L remapped messages, which are associated with L codewords having larger relative distance between these codewords, where L may be much less than K. The L designated messages may be more frequently used messages and/or more important messages. The remapping allows the L codewords with larger relative distance to be sent for the L designated messages, which may improve performance. A transmitter remaps an input message to a remapped message, encodes the remapped message to obtain a codeword, and sends the codeword to convey the input message. A receiver decodes a received codeword to obtain a decoded message and demaps the decoded message to obtain a demapped message, which is an estimate of the input message sent by the transmitter. |
| US07934133B2 |
Detector of abnormal destruction of memory sectors
The invention relates to an integrated circuit comprising at least one microprocessor [12] linked to at least one non-volatile memory [14] that can be accessed by sectors. The integrated circuit comprises a detector [20] for discovering when a threshold number of bad sectors has been exceeded in said non-volatile memory [14]. |
| US07934127B2 |
Program test system
An improved automated software testing system provides the ability to generate and reuse test cases over multiple platforms. Keywords and natural language are used in test case creation, simplifying the process for non-technical business users. Business users can write test cases without scripts. Test cases can be generated even before the application to be tested is available. Data substitution provides ability for test cases to adapt to changing data. Abstraction allows use of all third-party and custom software test tools to be incorporated. Persistent data handling allows capture of data generated during test execution for later use. Testing can be performed entirely automatically or can incorporate some manual interaction. Test results, screen captures of the system tested, along with environment and machine variables are saved in results logs for later review. |
| US07934125B2 |
Ranged fault signatures for fault diagnosis
Process data is analyzed, the process data having been generated during a manufacturing process to detect a fault. One or more process variables of the manufacturing process that contributed to the fault are determined. A relative contribution of each of the one or more process variables to the fault is determined. A fault signature having relative contribution ranges for at least one of the one or more process variables is generated, the relative contribution ranges based on the determined relative contributions. |
| US07934123B2 |
Prolonging the remaining useful life of a power supply in a computer system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that prolongs a remaining useful life of a power supply in a computer system. First, performance parameters of the power supply are monitored. Next, the remaining useful life of the power supply is predicted based on the monitored performance parameters. Then, an operational regime of the power supply is adjusted based on the predicted remaining useful life to prolong the remaining useful life. |
| US07934116B2 |
Disaster recover/continuity of business adaptive solution framework
A framework and method for use in determining appropriate information technology system disaster recovery and operational continuity solutions for an enterprise. In one embodiment the method includes identifying (504) business processes associated with achieving a defined mission of the enterprise. Assets of the information technology system are grouped (508) into one or more functional sub-system/data class groups and one or more of the business processes are selected. The functional sub-system/data class groups are mapped (524) to the selected business processes to establish a correspondence between each selected business process and one or more of the functional sub-system/data class groups. Thereafter, each functional sub-system/data class group corresponding with each selected business process is associated (602) with a solution class included in a three-dimensional disruption tolerance decision matrix. |
| US07934115B2 |
Deriving clocks in a memory system
A computer program product and a hub device for deriving clocks in a memory system are provided. The computer program product includes a storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for facilitating a method. The method includes receiving a reference oscillator clock at the hub device. The hub device is in communication with a controller channel via a controller interface and in communication with a memory device via a memory interface. A base clock operating at a base clock frequency is derived from the reference oscillator clock. A memory interface clock is derived by multiplying the base clock by a memory multiplier. A controller interface clock is derived by multiplying the base clock by a controller multiplier. The memory interface clock is applied to the memory interface and the controller interface clock is applied to the controller interface. |
| US07934113B2 |
Self-clearing asynchronous interrupt edge detect latching register
A digital circuit may have at least two asynchronous clock domains with a controller responsive to a first domain clock signal and a target responsive to a second domain clock signal. A first domain control signal pulse is generated in response to the first domain clock signal for controlling the target. Each assertion the first domain control signal pulse is detected and used to form a second domain control signal pulse synchronized to the second domain clock signal. The target is controlled using the second domain control signal pulse. If the target is a clear-on-read register, contents of the clear-on-read register are latched in a feedback register in response to the first domain control signal pulse and provided to the controller. Each bit of the clear-on-read register is reset in response to the second domain control signal pulse only if the corresponding latched content of each bit in the feedback register is a logical one. |
| US07934112B2 |
Rate verification of an incoming serial alignment sequence
A technique for rate verification of an incoming serial alignment sequence includes receiving an incoming serial stream. A determination is then made as to whether an align sequence is recognized in the incoming serial stream. When an align sequence is recognized, a check is made to determine if an appropriate number of align primitives are received during a predetermined number of clock periods. If the number of received align primitives matches the predetermined number, then a rate-verified align detect signal is asserted. |
| US07934109B2 |
Low power mode unipolar current/voltage mode interface
Embodiments of a power consumption reduction process for memory interfaces are described. A power management process reduces the amount of time that current flows in a high or low terminated, current or voltage mode unipolar bus interface by reducing the amount of time the bus remains in a logic state that requires current flow. |
| US07934107B2 |
Power management system and method
A power management system comprises a power management module configured to determine a power draw limit for operating an electronic device by a power source, the power management module configured to control use of power-consuming elements of the electronic device based on a prioritization of the power-consuming elements to limit a power draw by the electronic device from the power source to the power draw limit. |
| US07934103B2 |
Detecting and countering malicious code in enterprise networks
A system and method for detecting and countering malicious code in an enterprise network are provided. A pattern recognition processor monitors local operations on a plurality of local machines connected through an enterprise network, to detect irregular local behavior patterns. An alert may be generated after an irregularity in behavior pattern on a local machine is detected. Irregular behavior alerts from a plurality of local machines are analyzed. If similar alerts are received from at least a threshold number of local machines over a corresponding period of time, one or more countermeasure operations are selected based on the analysis of the irregular behavior alerts. The selected countermeasure operations are communicated to the local machines and performed by the local machines. |
| US07934100B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium
An information processing system includes a unit that selects a time stamp authority to which a request for generation of a time stamp, the time stamp authority to be selected is different from a time stamp authority selected in a last selection process which has been performed; a unit that acquires the time stamp from the selected time stamp authority; a unit that generates link information specifying an order in which time stamps; a controller that causes verification information including the time stamp, identification information of the time stamp authority, the link information, that are associated with each other; a unit that receives a time stamp verification request with regard to digital data; and a unit that compares an invalidated time stamp applied to digital data to be verified with a time stamp to thereby specify a time range in which the invalidated time stamp is applied. |
| US07934098B1 |
System and method for capturing and applying a legal signature to documents over a network
An electronic signature capture system and process meets the legal requirements of a valid electronic signature while also providing electronically signed documents that have the appearance, and thus equivalent acceptability, of a traditional pen-and-ink signature. The documents can be signed using a mouse, a stylus, a touch screen, a graphics tablet, or other suitable input device to draw a signature analogue on the screen similar to signing a paper document with a pen. A fingerprint image, retinal scan image, or other similar biometric input may be captured in addition to or instead of a signature. The signature analogue is saved and linked to a particular user and to particular documents. The signature analogue may be combined with the document in a composite image file, or the signature analogue may be applied dynamically to appropriate document components to assemble an executed document as needed. |
| US07934094B2 |
Method, system and apparatus to support mobile IP version 6 services
For establishing a MIPv6 security association between the mobile node (10) roaming in a foreign network (20) and a home agent (36) and for simplifying MIPv6-related configuration, MIPv6-related information is transferred in an end-to-end procedure over an AAA infrastructure by means of an, preferably extended, authentication protocol. A preferred embodiment uses EAP as basis for the extended authentication protocol, creating EAP extensions by incorporating the MIPv6-related information as additional data in the EAP protocol stack, for example as EAP attributes in the EAP method layer of the EAP protocol stack or transferred in a generic container attribute on the EAP layer or the EAP method layer. A major advantage of the proposed MIPv6 authentication/authorization mechanism lies in the fact that it is transparent to the visited domain (20), allowing AAA client (22) and AAAv (24) to act as mere pass-through agents during the procedure. |
| US07934092B2 |
Electronic device having improved security
An electronic device comprising an embedded computer system is provided. The device comprises a processor supporting a real-time operating system (RTOS). The processor further supports user and supervisor modes. The computer system is programmed such that only code portions directly controlling essential hardware in the device are run in supervisor mode. |
| US07934087B2 |
Techniques for secure event recording and processing
Techniques for secure event recording and processing are provided. An application produces an event. The identity of the application is associated with the event, and the event and identity information are packaged in a secure environment as a secure event package. Subsequent consuming applications: receive the secure event package; validate the identity information; and acquire other metadata for processing the event, which is included within the secure event package. |
| US07934086B2 |
Multi-tiered boot list
An aggregated server blade system includes a plurality of individual server blades and a management module which can be designated as a bootable device. A boot list maintained and executed in each server blade includes a management module entry in its list of bootable devices. In response to the management module entry being selected or otherwise made active as the bootable device for a particular blade, an alternative bootable-devices list maintained on the management module is referenced and the boot process proceeds according to the alternative list. |
| US07934085B2 |
System and method for passing data directly from application to BIOS
Disclosed is an application program which can directly access a transmit buffer of a serial port. Data written into the transmit buffer by the application program is transferred into a receive buffer of the serial port via a switching element. The computer BIOS is enabled to directly access the receive buffer and therefore read the data written by the application program. The state of the switching element may be controlled by the application program to selectively allow data transfer from the transmit buffer to the receive buffer. A jumper plug may be used to create a short circuit between the transmit buffer and the receive buffer instead of closing the switching element. |
| US07934082B2 |
Information processing apparatus and exception control circuit
An information processing apparatus performs switching between an exception handler and normal processing. The information processing apparatus includes a processor a data processing unit that performs a particular processing upon receiving a processing request from the processor; an interrupt controller that issues an interrupt request to the processor; and an exception control unit that controls the interrupt controller, wherein the data processing unit is connected with the exception control unit via a dedicated line. The data processing unit includes a notification unit that notifies, via the dedicated line, the exception control unit of status information indicating current status of the data processing unit, and based on the notified status information and setup information set by the processor, the exception control unit judges whether to cause the interrupt controller to issue to the processor an interrupt request to execute an exception handler. |
| US07934078B2 |
System and method for retiring approximately simultaneously a group of instructions in a superscalar microprocessor
An system and method for retiring instructions in a superscalar microprocessor which executes a program comprising a set of instructions having a predetermined program order, the retirement system for simultaneously retiring groups of instructions executed in or out of order by the microprocessor. The retirement system comprises a done block for monitoring the status of the instructions to determine which instruction or group of instructions have been executed, a retirement control block for determining whether each executed instruction is retirable, a temporary buffer for storing results of instructions executed out of program order, and a register array for storing retirable-instruction results. In addition, the retirement control block further controls the retiring of a group of instructions determined to be retirable, by simultaneously transferring their results from the temporary buffer to the register array, and retires instructions executed in order by storing their results directly in the register array. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the status of the instructions to determine which group of instructions have been executed, determining whether each executed instruction is retirable, storing results of instructions executed out of program order in a temporary buffer, storing retirable-instruction results in a register array and retiring a group of retirable instructions by simultaneously transferring their results from the temporary buffer to the register array, and retiring instructions executed in order by storing their results directly in the register array. |
| US07934076B2 |
System and method for limiting exposure of hardware failure information for a secured execution environment
A method and apparatus for limiting the exposure of hardware failure information is described. In one embodiment, an error reporting system of a processor may log various status and error address data into registers that retain their contents through a warm reset event. But the error reporting system of the processor may then determine whether the processor is operating in a trusted or secure mode. If not, then the processor's architectural state variables may also be logged into registers. But if the processor is operating in a trusted or secure mode, then the logging of the architectural state variables may be inhibited, or flagged as invalid. |
| US07934075B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring inputs to an asyncrhonous, homogenous, reconfigurable computer array
A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously and operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. When one computer (12) attempts to communicate with another it goes to sleep until the other computer (12) is ready to complete the transaction, thereby saving power and reducing heat production. The instructions executed by the computers (12) can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly. In one application, the sleeping computer (12) is awakened by an input such that it commences an action that would otherwise required an interrupt of an otherwise active computer. For example, one computer (12f) can be used to monitor an input/output port of the computer array (10). |
| US07934073B2 |
Method for performing jump and translation state change at the same time
A method for performing a jump and translation state change procedure at the same time is disclosed. The method includes: carrying out a series of instruction processing in a first function in a first translation state; and executing a jump instruction which jumps to a target address in a second function and initiates and completes a translation state change to a second translation state at the same time; wherein an address of a next instruction after the jump instruction is stored as a return address in a first register. |
| US07934072B2 |
Solid state storage reclamation apparatus and method
A method and apparatus are disclosed for reclaiming solid state storage with limited write cycles such as flash memory. Through the use of shared storage for common data patterns, physical space may be conserved or reclaimed in a solid state device. The apparatus may use internal mappings and/or external device drivers to handle the reclamation of unused space. By enabling reclamation of physical space, the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods may provide more efficient read and write access and improved wear leveling. |
| US07934070B2 |
Streaming reads for early processing in a cascaded memory subsystem with buffered memory devices
A memory subsystem completes multiple read operations in parallel, utilizing the functionality of buffered memory modules in a daisy chain topology. A variable read latency is provided with each read command to enable memory modules to run independently in the memory subsystem. Busy periods of the memory device architecture are hidden by allowing data buses on multiple memory modules attached to the same data channel to run in parallel rather than in series and by issuing reads earlier than required to enable the memory devices to return from a busy state earlier. During scheduling of reads, the earliest received read whose target memory module is not busy is immediately issued at a next command cycle. The memory controller provides a delay parameter with each issued read. The number of cycles of delay is calculated to allow maximum utilization of the memory modules' data bus bandwidth without causing collisions on the memory channel. |
| US07934068B2 |
Storage system and method of taking over logical unit in storage system
A storage apparatus includes a drive unit in which a logical unit is formed, and a controller unit for accessing the logical unit by controlling the drive unit according to an access request sent from a host apparatus. The storage apparatus issues a logical unit takeover request to the other storage apparatuses, allocates a logical unit of another storage apparatus that will accept the transfer of the logical volume to its own logical unit according to a takeover approval sent from other storage apparatuses in response to the takeover request, and thereafter migrates data of the own logical unit to a logical unit of another storage apparatus. Subsequently, the path is switched so that the access request from the host apparatus is given to one of the other storage apparatuses. |
| US07934066B2 |
Extensible application backup system and method
An archive method and system receives a backup request for a target dataset used by an application on a primary storage system to be backed up on a secondary storage system. Different applications may each have a corresponding proprietary application format for storing their datasets. An application translator module is loaded into an extensible backup manager that converts between a proprietary application format associated with the target dataset and a predetermined storage format used by the extensible backup manager. The application translator module converts from the proprietary application format into the predetermined storage format when the baseline backup of the target dataset has not yet been performed. An incremental backup uses the application translator module to convert from the proprietary application format associated with the application into the predetermined storage format of the extensible backup manager. Once completed, a data mover component causes the incremental backup and the baseline backup of the entire target dataset, if scheduled, to be moved from the primary storage to the secondary storage and stored in the predetermined storage format rather than the proprietary application format associated with the application. |
| US07934064B1 |
System and method for consolidation of backups
A system, method and computer program product for consolidation of incremental backups, wherein each incremental backup includes data and a backup map with links that point to data of current and/or previous backups, including selecting a plurality of incremental backups to be consolidated; combining the links in the backup maps of the selected backups into a single set of links; consolidating the selected backups to a new backup that contains the latest data from the selected backups, the latest data determined based on the links in the single set; updating the links in the single set to point to the data in the new backup; and storing the updated links in the new backup as part of a backup map of the new backup. The selected backups comprise one initial full backup and at least one incremental backup. In the combining step, the addresses from the backup maps of first backup of the selected sequence of backups up to the last created backup is checked. The selected incremental backups are organized into a tree. |
| US07934062B2 |
Read/write lock with reduced reader lock sampling overhead in absence of writer lock acquisition
An improved reader-writer locking for synchronizing access to shared data. When writing the shared data, a writer flag is set and a lock is acquired on the shared data. The shared data may be accessed following the expiration of a grace period and a determination that there are no data readers accessing the shared data. When reading the shared data, the writer flag is tested that indicates whether a data writer is attempting to access the shared data. If the writer flag is not set, the shared data is accessed using a relatively fast read mechanism. If the writer flag is set, the shared data is accessed using a relatively slow read mechanism. |
| US07934060B1 |
Lightweight coherency control protocol for clustered storage system
A lightweight coherency control protocol ensures consistency of data containers, such as a file, and associated data buffers stored on one or more volumes served by a plurality of nodes, e.g., storage systems, connected as a cluster. Each data buffer is associated with a current cache sequence number comprising a load generation value and an update count value. The load generation value is incremented every time an inode of a file is loaded into a memory of the storage system. Once the inode is loaded and its load generation value is set, then the appropriate buffer of a buffer tree for the file is loaded into the memory. The update count value is incremented each time the buffer is updated with a write request/operation. Therefore, each buffer loaded into memory is tagged with the load generation value and an update count from the time that buffer is loaded. |
| US07934059B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for preventing lockout and stalling conditions in a multi-node system with speculative memory fetching
A method of preventing lockout and stalling conditions in a multi-node system having a plurality of nodes which includes initiating a processor request to a shared level of cache in a requesting node, performing a fabric coherency establishment sequence on the plurality of nodes, issuing a speculative memory fetch request to a memory, detecting a conflict on one of the plurality of nodes and communicating the conflict back to the requesting node within the system, canceling the speculative memory fetch request issued, and repeating the fabric coherency establishment sequence in the system until the point of conflict is resolved, without issuing another speculative memory fetch request. The subsequent memory fetch request is only issued after determining the state of line within the system, after the successful completion of the multi-node fabric coherency establishment sequence. |
| US07934057B1 |
Logic for implementing a dual clock domain read access with predictable timing for bi-directional inputs/outputs
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and method for providing predictable timing for read operations in a multiport memory device. Accordingly, an embodiment is directed to a multiport memory system, comprising a single port memory core synchronized to a first clock, multiple access ports synchronized to at least a second clock, and a multiplexer logic coupled to the core memory and the plurality of access ports. The multiplexer logic arbitrates access to the memory core between multiple access ports. Each access ports includes an uncertainty detect logic that measures data path latency, and an uncertainty adjust logic that operates to selectively add data path delay to increase the measured path latency to a predictable value. |
| US07934054B1 |
Re-fetching cache memory enabling alternative operational modes
A re-fetching cache memory improves efficiency of a system, for example by advantageously sharing the cache memory and/or by increasing performance. When some or all of the cache memory is temporarily used for another purpose, some or all of a data portion of the cache memory is flushed, and some or all of a tag portion is saved in an archive. In some embodiments, some or all of the tag portion operates “in-place” as the archive, and in further embodiments, is placed in a reduced-power mode. When the temporary use completes, optionally and/or selectively, at least some of the tag portion is repopulated from the archive, and the data portion is re-fetched according to the repopulated tag portion. According to various embodiments, processor access to the cache is enabled during one or more of: the saving; the repopulating; and the re-fetching. |
| US07934052B2 |
System and method for performing host initiated mass storage commands using a hierarchy of data structures
Disclosed is a mass storage system and method for breaking a host command into a hierarchy of data structures. Different types of data structures are designed to handle different phases of tasks required by the host command, and multiple data structures may be used to handle portions of the host command in parallel, thereby allowing increased performance. The disclosed embodiments include a flash memory controller designed to allow a high degree of pipelining and parallelism. |
| US07934050B2 |
Microcomputer for flash memory rewriting
A microcomputer and method are provided capable of restarting a rewrite program without the need for changing a mode using an external terminal when rewriting nonvolatile memory fails. A CPU of a microcomputer executes a rewrite program to clear FLASH status 0 of flash memory and rewrite all areas in it. The CPU finally writes a rewrite completion code to FLASH status 0. The CPU executes a determination program to read FLASH status 0 of the flash memory. The CPU reads ID status information when read data does not match the rewrite completion code. The CPU re-executes the rewrite program when the data matches ID status information. |
| US07934049B2 |
Methods used in a secure yet flexible system architecture for secure devices with flash mass storage memory
A device with mass storage capability that uses a readily available non secure memory for the mass storage but has firmware (and hardware) that provides security against unauthorized copying of data. This is true even though the firmware itself is stored in the non secure mass storage memory, and therefore potentially vulnerable to hacking. An indication of the authenticity of the firmware must be present before it will be executed by the device. This protects the device contents from unauthorized duplication or tampering. Additional functionality can be added to the device with additional firmware applications, and the authenticity of those additional applications will also be verified before they will be executed. This further prevents unauthorized copying or tampering of secure content through any mechanisms that may be unscrupulously introduced. Any data within the mass storage memory may also be encrypted. |
| US07934044B2 |
Method for expediting data access of universal serial bus storage device
A method for expediting data access of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) storage device is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a data transmission procedure without the need of sending command block wrappers (CBW) is executed if a read command for reading data of a large memory space is received, and the addresses of the read commands are continuous. In a second embodiment, several write commands of continuous addresses are stored in a buffer area and combined into a larger single request command before sending to the USB storage device, so as to reduce the number of times of sending CBW and command status wrapper (CSW) required for the data transmission. In a third embodiment, more data are read and stored in a buffer area in advance when a read command is received, such that the next command can read data from the buffer area to improve the speed of reading data. |
| US07934043B2 |
Data processing apparatus for controlling access to a memory based upon detection of completion of a DMA bus cycle
A data processing apparatus contains a first bus connected to a first memory, a first central processing unit (CPU) being accessible to the first memory via the first bus, a first Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller being accessible to the first memory via the first bus, and a monitor circuit connected to the first bus and monitoring addresses transferred on the first bus. The addresses transferred on the first bus are transmitted from the first DMA controller to the first memory via the first bus. The monitor circuit compares the address transferred on the first bus with a preset monitor target address. The CPU acquires the comparison results by the monitor circuit. If the comparison results show an address match, then the CPU accesses the first memory. The CPU can in this way access the first memory at a correct timing. |
| US07934042B2 |
Voltage indicator signal generation system and method
The present invention provides for a system comprising a peripheral component interface (PCI) host bridge. The PCI host bridge is configured to be coupled to a PCI bus, and to receive a system reset signal, to generate a PCI bus reset signal based on the received system reset signal, to detect a PCI operational mode of the PCI bus, and to generate a voltage indicator signal based on the detected PCI operational mode. A voltage regulator is coupled to the PCI host bridge and configured to receive the voltage indicator signal and to regulate a signaling voltage for the PCI bus based on the voltage indicator signal. |
| US07934040B2 |
Storage router and method for providing virtual local storage
A storage router (56) and storage network (50) provide virtual local storage on remote SCSI storage devices (60, 62, 64) to Fiber Channel devices. A plurality of Fiber Channel devices, such as workstations (58), are connected to a Fiber Channel transport medium (52), and a plurality of SCSI storage devices (60, 62, 64) are connected to a SCSI bus transport medium (54) The storage router (56) interfaces between the Fiber Channel transport medium (52) and the SCSI bus transport medium (54). The storage router (56) maps between the workstations (58) and the SCSI storage devices (60, 62, 64) and implements access controls for storage space on the SCSI storage devices (60, 62, 64). The storage router (56) then allows access from the workstations (58) to the SCSI storage devices (60, 62, 64) using native low level, block protocol in accordance with the mapping and the access controls. |
| US07934038B1 |
Embedded network media access controller
A media access system in an integrated circuit device having programmable resources for interfacing to a network. The media access system has at least one embedded media access controller configured to provide access to and from the network via a physical layer interface, programmable resources coupled to the embedded controller via a client interface, tie-off pin inputs coupled to the embedded controller for receiving a configuration vector for configuring the embedded controller without having to use a microprocessor for such configuration with the client interface being for communication between the embedded controller and the programmable resources for access to and from the network, and the embedded controller including a multi-mode interface coupled to the client interface for coupling to the programmable resources, the multi-mode interface including a plurality of Media Independent Interface modes, the multi-mode interface configured to be coupled to the physical layer interface. |
| US07934037B2 |
Extended Secure-Digital (SD) devices and hosts
Systems and methods for communicating using various protocols through the Secured Digital (SD) physical interface are disclosed. The invention covers, among others, single-mode and multi-mode hosts, single-mode and multi-mode devices, as well as techniques for initializing these hosts and devices in order to facilitate the aforementioned communication. |
| US07934030B1 |
Disk drive comprising code segments for interfacing with a component such as a read channel
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head actuated over the disk, and a read channel for processing a read signal generated by the head. The disk drive further comprises a plurality of code segments including a read channel interface procedure having an input parameter comprising a pointer to a data structure. The data structure comprises a command ID identifying one of a plurality of routines, input data for use by the routine identified by the command ID, a pointer to a data structure for use by the routine identified by the command ID, and output data returned by the routine identified by the command ID. |
| US07934029B2 |
Data transfer between devices within an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit 2 is provided including multiple devices 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 for communicating via an interconnect 16. A sending device 18 includes a sideband signal indicating the use of a representation of a repeating data word in place of that repeating data word itself. The receiving device can then form the repeating pattern of data words in response to receipt of the representation. This reduces the bandwidth consumed upon the interconnect 16. |
| US07934028B1 |
Managing queue capacity in a messaging queue in a computing environment
A method and system for automatically managing alarms in an environment where a period of time could pass before the cause of the alarm is addressed is explained herein. The method includes automatically increasing the maximum depth of a queue (i.e. the maximum capacity of a queue to store data) in response to an indication that the current depth of the queue exceeds a high-level alarm setting. Upon determining that the depth of the queue has fallen below the original high-level alarm setting, the maximum depth of the queue is automatically returned to the original maximum setting. In addition, a low-level alarm may be disabled in conjunction with increasing the maximum depth and reactivated upon returning the maximum queue depth to the original setting. |
| US07934025B2 |
Content terminated DMA
A Content-Terminated Direct Memory Access (CT-DMA) circuit autonomously transfers data of an unknown length from a source to a destination, terminating the transfer based on the content of the data. Filter criteria are provided to the CT-DMA prior to the data transfer. The filter criteria include pattern data that are compared to transfer data, and transfer termination rules for interpreting the comparison results. Data are written to the destination until the filter criteria are met. Representative filter criteria may include that one or more units of transfer data match pattern data; that one or more units of transfer data fail to match pattern data; or that one or more units of transfer data match pattern data a predetermined number of times. |
| US07934022B2 |
Methods and systems for deriving connectivity information among telecommunications devices
A system for deriving connectivity information among telecommunications devices. The system includes a system including a database identifying the telecommunications devices and ports associated with each of the telecommunications devices. A bus master consolidation point (BMCP) is in communication with the system over a network. A data and power consolidation point (DPCP) is in communication with the BMCP over a first bus connection. A patch panel is in communication with the DPCP over a second bus connection, the patch panel including a controller for transmitting and receiving port identification data. The patch panel forwards received port identification data to the DPCP over the second bus connection, the DPCP forwards receiving port identification data to the BMCP over the first bus connection and the BMCP the forwards port identification data to the system over the network. The system correlates received port identification data with the database to determine connectivity among the telecommunications devices. |
| US07934020B1 |
Managing network data transfers in a virtual computer system
A virtual computer system, including one or more virtual machines (VMs), is connected to a computer network by multiple network interface cards (NICs). The VMs are supported by a kernel, which includes a resource manager for allocating system resources among the VMs, including network data bandwidth. A NIC manager is loaded into the kernel as a driver or is integrated into the kernel, for selecting NICs over which outgoing network data is transferred, including providing functions such as failovers and failbacks, as well as load distribution. Implementing the NIC manager in the kernel provides NIC teaming functions to each of the VMs without having to implement a NIC teaming solution in each of the VMs, adding to the simplicity, flexibility and portability of the VMs. In addition, integrating the NIC manager into the kernel improves the kernel's ability to manage the VMs and to implement network resource allocations for the VMs. |
| US07934018B1 |
Methods and apparatus for synchronizing configuration data
An agent in a storage area network stores a first identifier (e.g., a checksum value) for first zone configuration data previously used to configure a zone in the storage area network. The agent derives the first identifier from contents of the first zone configuration data. Further, the agent retrieves second zone configuration data presently used to configure the zone in the storage area network. The second zone configuration data is potentially different than the first zone configuration data. Based on contents of the second zone configuration data, the agent then produces a second identifier for the second zone configuration data. The agent then compares the first identifier and the second identifier to identify whether the first zone configuration data is different than the second zone configuration data. A user can control behavior of zoning importation and activation depending whether current zone configuration data has been changed. |
| US07934017B2 |
Method and system for providing transparent location of computing systems to virtualized application workspaces
Methods and systems for providing transparent access between computing systems connected to separate networks are provided. Example embodiments provide Grid Location Services (“GLS”) which, in one embodiment integrates multicast DNS (mDNS) technologies with DNS technology to achieve transparent configurability of servers. In one example, an Application Workspace System “AWS” provides a GLS module that transparently provides for the reconfiguration of computing systems, when an AWS service is added, removed, or fails, without reconfiguring all the entities that use those services. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US07934013B2 |
Synchronous rate adapter
Systems and methods for transporting client data received at a first rate over an interconnect at a second, higher rate, wherein the client data is combined with dummy data according to a pattern that minimizes the amount of buffer space required to store the received client data. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving client data at the first rate, buffering the client data, retrieving the client data, combining the client data with dummy data according to the pattern, and transmitting the combined data at the second rate. The pattern comprises K blocks, of which a first number contain P w-bytes of client data, and of which the remainder contain P+1 w-bytes of client data. The remainder of the space in the blocks is stuffed with dummy data. The pattern may also include a residual slot that contains one or more bytes of client data. |
| US07934009B2 |
Discovery information for IP multicast
A method for broadcasting over an IP multicast network an offer of multimedia services received in form of a bundle of transport streams, comprises attributing for each offer (offer 1, offer 2) a determined service provider offer localization (LN0,1, LN0,2) of the IP multicast network, and creating a file of offer information (701) describing for each offer a relation to it attributed service provider offer localization. For each offer transport stream information is extracted from its bundle, the transport stream information comprising a transport stream identification (TS1,1 ? TS1,4, TS2,1 TS2,3) for each transport stream. For each transport stream identification is attributed a determined stream localization (LN1,1 LN1,4, LN2,1 LN2,3) within the IP multicast network. For each offer is created a file of stream information (702, 703) describing for each transport stream a relation to its attributed stream localization. |
| US07934007B2 |
Server side TFTP flow control
Methods and apparatuses for server side flow control. Receive a request from a first client device to multicast a file as a plurality of packets of data from a server device to multiple client device; transmit the plurality of packets of data from a server to the multiple client devices using a multicast trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP); and apply, by the server, one or more flow control techniques not defined by the multicast TFTP. |
| US07934005B2 |
Subnet box
The invention provides an external in-line device (“Subnet Box”) placed between a network and an access point to achieve secure Wi-Fi communications without needing to modify the access point. The Subnet Box comprises an embedded token and will authenticate users based on pre-stored access rights. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the Subnet Box comprises: a first communications port for intercepting data packets communicated to and from a wired communications network; a second communications port for intercepting data packets communicated to and from a wireless access point, wherein the wireless access point is an edge device of the wired communications network; a database comprising a number of serial numbers each associated with a client token and a secret cryptographic key; and a processor for determining whether a computing device having a client token can access the wired communications network via the wireless access point. The processor establishes a secure tunnel between the computing device and the first communications port. |
| US07934002B2 |
Presenter client operations
An improved networked computer communications system handles arbitrary streams of data, and transports at varying speeds those streams where intermediate updates can be dropped if they are obsoleted by later arriving data updates, optimizing the utilization of network and node resources. A conferencing system allows conference participants to share all or a portion of the display seen on their computer screens. The conferees may be at sites removed from each other, or may view a recorded presentation or archived conference at different times. Conference participants are either “presenters” who can modify the display or “attendees” who cannot modify the display. A pointer icon, which can be labeled to identify the conferee, is displayed on the shared image area. Each conferee can modify the position of his or her own pointer, even when not presenting, so that every participant can see what each conferee is pointing to, should a conferee choose to point to an element of the display. |
| US07933998B2 |
Dynamic CAN bus system configuration and messaging
A method and system for communicating over a controller area network (CAN) bus (14-22) enables messages to be routed from a controlling software component (46-50) to one or more processor-enabled peripheral devices (24-44) on a discrete basis over the CAN bus (14-22) to control the plurality of processor-enabled peripheral devices (24-44). By overlaying a hardware device protocol on a CAN bus protocol to realize CAN bus messaging, the controlling software components (46-50) can discretely communicate with the external processor-controlled peripheral devices (24-44) using the multiple multi-drop CAN busses (14-22). In addition, a method and system for handling registration of a processor-enabled peripheral device (24-44) with a controlling software component (46-50) includes creating a logical connection between the processor-enabled peripheral device (24-44) and the controlling software component (46-50) and breaking the logical connection between the processor-enabled peripheral device (24-44) and the controlling software component (46-50) if the processor-enabled peripheral device (24-44) is removed and re-introduced or if the controlling software component (46-50) is reset for re-registration purposes to provide plug-and-play capabilities and dynamic registration of processor-enabled peripheral devices (24-44). |
| US07933996B2 |
Providing customer-selected solutions for multiple datacenter website hosting
Methods of the present inventions allow for providing customer-selected solutions for multiple datacenter website hosting. An exemplary method may comprise the steps of registering, via at least one customer interaction server, a domain name to a registrant, offering, via the at least one customer interaction server, to host at least one customer website resolving from the domain name in a first datacenter, a second datacenter, or the first datacenter and the second datacenter, provisioning, via the at least one customer interaction server, (if the registrant selects hosting the at least one customer website in the first datacenter and the second datacenter) at least one hosting server in the first datacenter and at least one hosting server in the second datacenter to host the at least one customer website; and hosting the at least one customer website on the at least one hosting server in the first datacenter and at the least one hosting server in the second datacenter. |
| US07933991B2 |
Preservation of file locks during checkpoint and restart of a mobile software partition
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer-usable program code for preserving file locks while moving a software partition from an origination network file system client data processing system to a destination network file system client data processing system is provided. A request for a file is received. A determination is made as to whether the request is for a file that is within a software partition. Responsive to a determination that the request is for a file within a software partition, a determination is made as to whether the request is a lock request. Responsive to a determination that the request is a lock request, a determination is made as to whether the software partition is being restarted. Responsive to a determination that the software partition is being restarted, the lock request is blocked from being sent to a remote network file system server. |
| US07933990B2 |
Agile network protocol for secure communications with assured system availability
A plurality of computer nodes communicate using seemingly random Internet Protocol source and destination addresses. Data packets matching criteria defined by a moving window of valid addresses are accepted for further processing, while those that do not meet the criteria are quickly rejected. Improvements to the basic design include (1) a load balancer that distributes packets across different transmission paths according to transmission path quality; (2) a DNS proxy server that transparently creates a virtual private network in response to a domain name inquiry; (3) a large-to-small link bandwidth management feature that prevents denial-of-service attacks at system chokepoints; (4) a traffic limiter that regulates incoming packets by limiting the rate at which a transmitter can be synchronized with a receiver; and (5) a signaling synchronizer that allows a large number of nodes to communicate with a central node by partitioning the communication function between two separate entities. |
| US07933989B1 |
Predictive threat assessment
A system for processing monitoring device data that includes a central processing server in communication with at least one monitoring device operable to receive the monitoring device data. The system further includes a processing rules data store having processing rules corresponding to the one or more identifiable targets and risk factor data that is linked to the occurrence of the event. The central processing server is configured to obtain a processing rule corresponding to the at least one target from the processing rules data store, perform a predictive analysis in which one or more risk factors in the monitoring device data are used to calculate a probability that the event will occur in generating a threat assessment, and generate a notification of the potential threat if the probability that the event will occur is higher than a predetermined threshold. |
| US07933988B2 |
Method and system for monitoring performance of a client-server architecture
An arrangement which jointly exploits an agent component installed in a server-side portion of client-server architecture for emulating requests of actual clients of the client-server architecture and measuring a server execution time indicative of a time elapsed between reception of an emulated end-user request at a server component and generation of a result of said emulated end-user request at said server component; information stored in a server log file about a hit end to end response time, i.e., the time elapsed between the instant in which the end-user sends a request to the server component and the instant in which result of the request reaches the end-user. From the server execution time and the hit response time, the delay due to the network connecting the server-side portion of the client-server architecture to a client-side portion may be determined. The network delay and the server execution time are then used for monitoring performance of the client-server architecture by distinguishing network related problems from server-related problems or even from client-related problems. |
| US07933983B2 |
Method and system for performing load balancing across control planes in a data center
A system and method analyzes resource usage within a utility data center (UDC) and recommends options to maximize efficient usage of these resources. Information is gathered about the current resources allocated to control planes within the UDC, including resource loads and threshold limits within each plane. Criteria used to analyze efficiency includes customer size and prioritization within the UDC, as well as, historical and trending information, and peak resource usage. |
| US07933981B1 |
Method and apparatus for graphical representation of elements in a network
A process to increase the readability of topology diagrams and to simultaneously show multiple relationships for a large number of elements or nodes in a network. Redundant relationships or connections between nodes are systematically hidden but in such a way that the removed relationships or connections can be inferred from the remaining relationships in the diagram. As a result, diagram elements or nodes are positioned closer to respective related elements and overlapping relationship lines, or connections, in the diagram are greatly reduced. |
| US07933980B2 |
Reliable management communications path algorithm using in-band signaling and high priority context processing
Disclosed herein is a highly reliable management communication path to the CPU of a network device using in-band signaling by periodically servicing the Ethernet MAC, such as during system tick and/or watchdog timer refresh interrupts. The servicing selectively processes frames that are uniquely destined to or originating from a managing device. There are several possible techniques to uniquely identify frames as management frames. For example, one technique to identify a management frame involves the addition of an Ethernet MAC address to be used only for management frames, another technique employs a dedicated VLAN to be used only for management frames, a third technique employs a dedicated Layer 2 frame type for management frames, and another technique involves configuring the Ethernet MAC to operate in promiscuous mode and only process frames sent and received as unicast frames using a fixed source or destination MAC address. |
| US07933968B1 |
Token-based personalization of smart appliances
A radio frequency identification (RFID) token is used with appliances to access profile data to personalize the appliance. Each token contains a pointer to a relay location on a network with a further pointer indicating a profile location where user-profile data is stored. When a user wants to use an appliance, he/she places the token near the appliance and the appliance accesses the data from the site indicated (pointed to) by the relay location. The profile location may contain many different types of data such as speed dial lists, media preferences, preferred product classifications, etc. The appliance could obtain just the information it required, for example if the database were XML-tagged, by filtering out irrelevant content and personalize itself accordingly. When multiple users wish to use a single appliance, for example a television, each may place his/her token near the appliance and the appliance may then combine relevant profile data accordingly to develop a single composite profile to use to personalize the appliance. |
| US07933965B2 |
Computer program code device for extending business systems to a mobile workforce
Systems, software, and methods for reliable wireless communication are provided. In one aspect, a computer program control device, called a node, is configured to be transmitted from a first device for receipt and processing on a second, disparate device. The node comprises a collection of managed objects or managed object representations that is effective to control said disparate device. In one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the node is configured to control the processing of multiple data types. |
| US07933964B2 |
Shell sessions
Embodiments described herein are based on the principle that shells execute commands as units of characters sent within a message. Accordingly, embodiments herein provide for establishing a remote processing session for commands by using a binding mechanism that binds a series of commands to a remote shell using a message rather than a binary stream of data. More specifically, embodiments herein provided for a mechanism of encapsulating both a command and a binding mechanism (e.g., a shell identifier and/or shell token) into a single message. Accordingly, the binding mechanism can be used throughout the lifetime of the session and allows for modeling the shell processor session (its lifetime) as a series of commands, rather than as a series of characters. In addition, note that because the binding mechanism for the shell sessions is sent within messages, the problems associated with binary or character-by-character establishment of current shell sessions are overcome. |
| US07933962B1 |
Reducing reliance on a central data store while maintaining idempotency in a multi-client, multi-server environment
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for reducing reliance on a central data store while maintaining idempotency in a multi-client, multi-server environment. During operation, the system receives a request to perform a transaction from a client at a server, wherein the request includes a request identifier and an idempotence-risk flag. The system then determines if the idempotence-risk flag is set. If not, the system: processes the request at the server to produce a result, and stores the request in a request-cache local to the server. The system also stores the request in the central data store, and returns the result to the client. |
| US07933961B2 |
Email rating system and method
A novel email rating system for enabling a user to rate an email based on characteristics selectable from several categories. In one example embodiment, a sender's email is received by an email receiver. The sender of the email is identified. If the sender is a person whose emails are to be rated by the receiver, cumulative ratings and other information associated with the sender and the recipient are retrieved from a database over a network. The retrieved ratings for the sender are displayed to the receiver either on the email or in a pop-up window. Various other information and selectable options are also displayed for the receiver. After reading the email, the receiver can rate the email in any of a plurality of defined categories such as, for example, usefulness, educational, motivational, helpfulness, productivity, spelling/grammar. |
| US07933960B2 |
System and method for solving ambiguous meanings of unknown words used in instant messaging
A system and method for identifying an unknown word's likely definition based upon a common social networking group is presented. A user receives a message and selects an unknown word in the message. In turn, the recipient client identifies a common social networking group between the sending client and the recipient client. The recipient client then uses the common social networking group to identify the unknown word's definitions using one or more unknown word repositories, such as the sending client unknown word repository, the recipient client unknown word repository, or a mutual client unknown word repository, which corresponds to a mutual client included in the common social networking group. Once the recipient client identifies the unknown word's definitions, the recipient client orders and displays the definitions based upon the common social networking group and social networking group frequency values. |
| US07933959B2 |
Notification breakthrough status and profile
Techniques and tools are described for notifications of events, such as receipt of messages, and specifically to tools and techniques related to breakthrough notification profile and status. For example, it is determining whether a profile is active and whether a contact associated with an event is identified as having a status related to the profile. If the profile is active, a notification related to the event is issued only if the sender has the status. If the profile is not active, the notification is issued whether or not the sender has the status. |
| US07933958B2 |
Real-time blog interaction
The present invention is a system, method and apparatus for for real-time blogging. In a preferred aspect of the invention, a real-time bi-directional blogging system can include a blog and a bi-directional syndication interface to the blog. Importantly, an instant messaging system can be coupled to the syndication interface of the blog. The instant messaging system of the present invention can include a chat server and at least one chat client. Notably, a bot can be coupled to the chat server. The bot can be programmed to communicate blog postings received in the chat server to the chat client or clients. The bot can be further programmed to communicate responses to the blog postings received from the chat client or clients to the blog through the syndication interface. |
| US07933948B2 |
Computer-readable medium to multiplex multiple application server requests over a single database connection
In a system for avoiding section collision for application server requests over a single database connection, the database server assigns query identifiers to each instance of the same cursor opened for the same processing level within an application, allowing multiple instances of the same cursor to be processed in parallel without section collision. The application server assigns a command source identifier to each statement sent over a single database connection to uniquely identify the application source of the statement. This applies for multiples of the same statement sent by different application sources within the same application, for a single statement containing multiple application sources, and for multiple statements from different applications multiplexed over a single database connection. These statements can be processed separately from and in parallel with the each other without section collision. |
| US07933927B2 |
Method and apparatus for building index of source data
An online index building operation is disclosed for building an index from source data with minimal loss of availability to the source data. The source data can be maintained in a relational database system, such as in a tablespace of a DB2® environment. The disclosed operation creates a consistent image of the source data as of a point-in-time and creates an index from the consistent image. Then, the disclosed operation repeats the acts of making the image consistent as of a subsequent point-in-time and updating the index to reflect the subsequent consistent image until substantially caught up with the current changes to the source data. If not caught up, the disclosed operation continues unless it is falling behind at which point the operation terminates. If it is caught up, the disclosed operation locks access to the source data, updates the image to reflect any final changes, updates the index, and allows access to the index. |
| US07933920B2 |
Database system and a method of data retrieval from the system
Metadata pertaining to real data stored in at least one database (DB) are collected and managed at a single meta DB server, and metadata that match a retrieval request are extracted by search of the meta DB server. Even when a plurality of DBs and DB servers for managing DBs are present on a network, all metadata that match the retrieval request can be extracted independently of the DBs that the metadata pertain to. Hence, all data that match a retrieval request can be obtained from a single server, independently of the actual locations of the distributed DBs and DB servers. |
| US07933917B2 |
Personalized search method and system for enabling the method
A method and system for storing information on a search result selected by a user with respect to a predetermined query, reflecting the user's preference by utilizing the information when the user inputs an identical query and requests a search, and providing a personalized search result in which user preferences are reflected. More particularly, a personalized search method and system utilizing favorites of a web browser in which a personalized search result is provided to each user by utilizing information on a website that the user bookmarked as the user's favorites is provided. According to the present invention, there is provided a personalized search service method and system which can provide a user with a personalized search service, even when user information is not stored in a search server and also, even when the user does not log in. |
| US07933915B2 |
Graph querying, graph motif mining and the discovery of clusters
A method for analyzing, querying, and mining graph databases using subgraph and similarity querying. An index structure, known as a closure tree, is defined for topological summarization of a set of graphs. In addition, a significance model is created in which the graphs are transformed into histograms of primitive components. Finally, connected substructures or clusters, comprising paths or trees, are detected in networks found in the graph databases using a random walk technique and a repeated random walk technique. |
| US07933912B2 |
Compiling co-associating bioattributes using expanded bioattribute profiles
A bioinformatics method, software, database and system for compiling attribute combinations that co-associate with a query attribute (i.e., an attribute of interest) are presented in which expanded attribute profiles associated with a group of query-attribute-positive individuals and expanded attribute profiles associated with a group of query-attribute-negative individuals are accessed, and combinations of attributes having a higher frequency of occurrence in the set of expanded attribute profiles associated with the group of query-attribute-positive individuals are identified and stored to generate a compilation of attribute combinations that co-associate with the query attribute. |
| US07933911B2 |
Medium storing document retrieval program, document retrieval apparatus and document retrieval method
A medium storing a document retrieval program, a document retrieval apparatus and a document retrieval method that can retrieve a classification code of an appropriate grain size are provided. A medium computer-readably storing a document retrieval program causes a computer to execute a process comprising an acquisition step that acquires the first key information, or the key for retrieving a document, a first retrieval step that causes documents containing the first key information to be retrieved from a predetermined range in the database, a first extraction step that extracts the first classification codes from the documents retrieved by the first retrieval step as candidate classification codes, the first classification code being related to the documents, a second retrieval step that causes documents containing candidate classification codes to be retrieved from the predetermined range, a second extraction step that extracts the second key information contained in the documents retrieved by the second retrieval step, the second key information being of the type same as the first key information and an evaluation step that evaluates the candidate classification codes on the basis of comparison of the first key information and the second key information. |
| US07933910B2 |
Retrieving apparatus, retrieving method, and retrieving program of hierarchical structure data
A data retrieving apparatus having: an input apparatus for inputting the hierarchical structure data showing the hierarchical structure and operation instruction data; a data storing apparatus for storing the inputted hierarchical structure data; a retrieving apparatus for retrieving data which satisfies conditions from the hierarchical structure data stored in the data storing apparatus on the basis of the operation instruction data which is inputted by the input apparatus; and an output apparatus for outputting the retrieved data. Each data which is stored in the data storing apparatus has items regarding an efficient date and items regarding a data change date. The retrieving apparatus has an apparatus for retrieving the data on the basis of the efficient date and the data change date. |
| US07933909B2 |
Systems and methods for improving the linkage and security of records
A system and method for improving the linkage and security of records is provided. Generally, the present invention can be viewed as providing methods for selecting an ideal identifier, from a series of test identifiers, for linking more than one associated record. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: accessing several parameters for each test identifier; determining if an error rate of the test identifier is an improved error rate over an error rate of an existing identifier; determining if the test identifier reduces linkage error; and selecting the test identifier as the ideal identifier if the test identifier has a lower overall error rate, as determined by the steps of determining if an error rate of the test identifier is an improved error rate over an error rate of an existing identifier and determining if the test identifier reduces linkage error, compared to other test identifiers. |
| US07933905B2 |
Universal-hash-function-family calculation unit and shared-key generation system
An input data enlarging unit (100) derives a first enlargement unit output and a second enlargement unit output that are uniquely specified by input data (103) to output the same. The first enlargement unit output and the second enlargement unit output are elements of output data set B which forms a group. An ε−Δ hash function calculation unit (101) receives as input the first enlargement unit output to calculate an hΔ function which is specified by hash-function-specifying data (104) and an element of the HΔ function set. The function set HΔ is such that the number of hεH Δ which satisfies h(x)−h(y)=d for an arbitrary element d of the output data set B and two different elements x and y of the output data set B is equal to or smaller than |HΔ|·ε. An adding unit (102) adds together the result of calculation of the function HΔ and the second enlargement unit output to output a result of the addition. |
| US07933904B2 |
File search engine and computerized method of tagging files with vectors
The main purpose of the software, system and method of this invention is to help produce better searches for people utilizing their context as represented by a vector. The system allows for files (including websites) to be tagged with a vector. If a provider wants a searcher to find that provider's files, the file must be tagged with the vector that is sufficiently close to the searcher's corresponding vectors. A search user inputs not only a text search but also the vectors that have been created to show the context and preferences of that search user. |
| US07933902B2 |
Data repair method and system
A data repair method and system. The method includes enabling by a computing system for a user, access to the computing system. The computing system comprises a database. The computing system retrieves from the database, first data associated with the user. The computing system generates a first data object from the first data. The computing system analyzes the first data object. The computing system determines that the first data object comprises an invalid data value. The computing system determines a first data value comprising a valid data value. The computing system retrieves the first data value from the database. The computing system replaces the invalid data value with said first data value. The computing system generates from the first data object, a first updated data object comprising the first data value. The computing system stores the first updated data object. |
| US07933889B2 |
Method and system for metadata-driven document management and access control
A system is provided to facilitate tag-based organization of documents. During operation, the system receives an original user query. The system extends the query to include documents with an IN-tag and exclude documents with an OUT-tag. The system then performs a search based on the extended query to indicate a collection of documents which satisfy the extended query. The system further allows a user to add a document to the collection of documents or remove a document from the collection of documents. Next, the system modifies a tagging property of the document. |
| US07933888B2 |
Efficient presence information lookup operations
A system, apparatus, method, and computer-readable media are provided for efficient database lookup operations. According to method, procedural checks for generating a response to a database query are converted into a set of database operations. The database operations are performed the first time a query of the database is received to generate a set of possible results for the query. The set of possible results for the query are then stored. A specific answer to the query is generated from the set of possible results. Future database queries are responded to by generating an answer to the query from the stored set of possible results. |
| US07933885B1 |
Longest matching prefix search engine with hierarchical decoders
A search engine searches a database for key candidates having a longest matching prefix with a search key. The search engine includes first stage decoders each having a matrix of interconnected cells for identifying preliminary candidate keys in the database. The search engine also includes a second stage decoder having a matrix of interconnected cells for identifying secondary candidate keys from the preliminary candidate keys. Additionally, the search engine includes a longest candidate prefix module to determine whether one of the secondary candidate keys matches the search key. In some embodiments, the search engine includes a longest prefix match module for identifying the secondary candidate key having a longest matching prefix with the search key. |
| US07933878B2 |
Assessing and managing operational risk in organizational operations
Methods and systems for automated assessment of the operational risk for an organization based on sampling the operations of the organization. These approaches can be used for automated comparison of the operational risk of two or more organizational operations. |
| US07933876B2 |
Data storage system and method by shredding and deshredding
A system and method for data storage by shredding and deshredding of the data allows for various combinations of processing of the data to provide various resultant storage of the data. Data storage and retrieval functions include various combinations of data redundancy generation, data compression and decompression, data encryption and decryption, and data integrity by signature generation and verification. Data shredding is performed by shredders and data deshredding is performed by deshredders that have some implementations that allocate processing internally in the shredder and deshredder either in parallel to multiple processors or sequentially to a single processor. Other implementations use multiple processing through multi-level shredders and deshredders. Redundancy generation includes implementations using non-systematic encoding, systematic encoding, or a hybrid combination. Shredder based tag generators and deshredder based tag readers are used in some implementations to allow the deshredders to adapt to various versions of the shredders. |
| US07933874B2 |
Maintaining tracking information for electronic documents
A plurality of parts for an electronic document are generated. The plurality of parts include a root relationship part that identifies one or more of the plurality of parts, a payload part that stores data for the electronic document, and a tracking information part that stores tracking information for the electronic document. All of these parts are stored in a single package. |
| US07933865B2 |
Method for autonomic large file marking
A method is disclosed for autonomic large file marking. A threshold module sets the file size threshold. An identification module identifies each file with a file size that exceeds the file size threshold and that is unmarked with a limited backup status. A marking module marks with the limited backup status each identified file that satisfies a marking policy and exceeds the file size threshold and is unmarked for the limited backup status. Each file marked with the limited backup status is backed up with a single backup instance of the file and excluded from subsequent backup operations. |
| US07933861B2 |
Process data warehouse
Systems and/or methods are presented that can efficiently analyze and summarize large collections of data. A summarization component can employ mapping rules to map received data into specified states and observations of interest, which can be utilized to facilitate creating relational tables that can be utilized to facilitate summarizing a collection of data based in part on predefined summarization criteria. An optimizer component can employ pre-computing and materialization of the process behavior to facilitate optimizing data analysis. An adaptor enhancer component can monitor and evaluate system performance and can generate mapping rules that can facilitate improving system performance. |
| US07933860B2 |
Method and system for electronic archival and retrieval of electronic communications
The system receives an electronic communication, reviews the electronic communication to determine content of the electronic communication, applies rules to the content to determine a category associated with the electronic communication, wherein the rules relate to at least one of federal law, federal government regulations, state law, state government regulations, industry standards and administrative policies; and, stores the electronic communication based on the category. |
| US07933859B1 |
Systems and methods for predictive coding
Systems and methods for analyzing documents are provided herein. A plurality of documents and user input are received via a computing device. The user input includes hard coding of a subset of the plurality of documents, based on an identified subject or category. Instructions stored in memory are executed by a processor to generate an initial control set, analyze the initial control set to determine at least one seed set parameter, automatically code a first portion of the plurality of documents based on the initial control set and the seed set parameter associated with the identified subject or category, analyze the first portion of the plurality of documents by applying an adaptive identification cycle, and retrieve a second portion of the plurality of documents based on a result of the application of the adaptive identification cycle test on the first portion of the plurality of documents. |
| US07933856B2 |
System and method for knowledge based matching of users in a network
A knowledge-based system and methods to matchmaking and social network extension are disclosed. The system is configured to allow users to specify knowledge profiles, which are collections of concepts that indicate a certain topic or area of interest selected from an. The system utilizes the knowledge model as the semantic space within which to compare similarities in user interests. The knowledge model is hierarchical so that indications of interest in specific concepts automatically imply interest in more general concept. Similarity measures between profiles may then be calculated based on suitable distance formulas within this space. |
| US07933855B2 |
Monitoring computer-controlled processes through a monitoring system
The performance of a computer-controlled system (1) operating under the control of a first process (2), is monitored (4) by comparison (5) with a predetermined set of requirements (15, 25), to identify whether the performance of the system (1) meets the predetermined requirements. If the performance does not meet those requirements, an alternative program (22) may be selected, or generated from program elements stored in a library (60), to replace the current controller process (2). |
| US07933853B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium, apparatus and method for calculating scale-parameter
The scale-parameter calculating program implements a method of calculating scale parameters, each of which is for use in normalization of a distribution of values of each of explanatory variables in calculation of inter-explanatory variable distances, to predict a value of a objective variable of an unknown case by extracting one or more known cases similar to the unknown case from known cases based on inter-case distances. The inter-case distances is obtained based on the inter-explanatory distances, each of the inter-explanatory variable distances is a distance between each of the known cases and the unknown case taken for each of explanatory variables, each of the cases includes the explanatory variables each expressed by a numerical value and the objective variable expressed by a character string. Each of the known cases is a case that has a known objective variable value while the unknown case has an unknown objective variable value. |
| US07933844B2 |
Address forwarding for parcels
A method for sorting parcels may include reading, during a first sortation pass, machine readable indicia applied to the parcel prior to mailing and at least a portion of delivery address information on a parcel. The method may also include selecting a reference indicium from the machine readable indicia and creating an entry, corresponding to the reference indicia, in a first database, the entry including a portion of the delivery address information for the parcel and a value corresponding to the reference indicium. The method may also include determining whether the delivery address information has a corresponding forwarding order, and, if a corresponding forwarding order exists, modifying the delivery address information in accordance with the forwarding order. The method may include forwarding the entry to a second database different from the first database, the second database corresponding to the delivery address information. The method may include reading the machine readable indicia during a second sortation pass, subsequent to the first, identifying the reference indicium and retrieving the entry corresponding to the reference indicium from the second database, and sorting the parcel according to the portion of the delivery address information in the entry retrieved from the database. The method may also include delivering the parcel to a location corresponding to the delivery address information retrieved from the database, even if the delivery address information differs from the destination address originally applied to the parcel. |
| US07933843B1 |
Media-based computational influencer network analysis
The methodology draws from three disciplines, namely public relations, social network analysis and computer-based information extraction. The analysis permits the visualization of how various people, organizations, products, subjects, key messages etc. are linked/form a network dynamic in media coverage. This type of analysis can assist corporations and other organizations to understand, plan and measure the effectiveness of communication. |
| US07933839B2 |
Method and system for providing annotations of a digital work
Methods and systems for receiving and distributing annotations of a digital work include receiving an annotation of the digital work, storing the annotation, and providing the annotation to a user. The user may be required to submit a valid authorization credential for the annotation. Annotations may be textual or graphical, and may be associated with particular content in a digital work. Indicators may be displayed to identify content in the digital work for which annotations are available. A user may exchange compensation or perform a specified action for access to an annotation. Some or all of the compensation received for an annotation may be distributed to the author of the annotation. Multiple annotations may be listed in an order based a criterion, such as ranking, price, or date of receipt. Users that purchase a digital work may automatically receive an authorization credential to receive annotations of the digital work. |
| US07933829B2 |
Systems and methods for pricing and selling digital goods
Some of the embodiments provided herein disclose receiving a plurality of bids, each bid being submitted by a bidder, and each bid having a bid value; assigning a weighting factor to each bid, the weighting factor being based, at least in part, on the bid value; selecting a first bid from the plurality of bids, the first bid having been submitted by a first bidder; selecting a second bid from the plurality of bids, the second bid being selected in a manner that is dependent, at least in part, on the weighting factor assigned to the second bid; performing a comparison of the value of the first bid with the value of the second bid; using the results of the comparison to determine whether to vend a copy of the digital file to the first bidder; and sending a copy of the digital file to the first bidder. |
| US07933825B2 |
Method of operating a venture business
A method of operating a venture capital investment business, comprising establishing a business entity; the business entity establishing an investment fund; establishing a fund managing entity of the investment fund, the fund managing entity attending to administrative matters relating to the investment fund and making investment decisions for the fund; the investment fund having investors that provide capital contributions to the fund, the fund managing entity also providing capital contributions to the fund, the fund utilizing the contributions to invest in portfolio entities; the investors receiving a general participation interest in the fund, and the fund managing entity receiving a carried interest in the fund; providing the investors that have provided at least a threshold capital contribution to the fund with stock rights in the business entity to enable such investors to become shareholders in the business entity; the business entity securing a portion of IPO shares that become available in the portfolio entities; and the business entity enabling shareholders thereof to purchase IPO shares that become available in the portfolio entities. |
| US07933824B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products to facilitate the pricing, risk management and trading of derivatives contracts
This invention relates to methods, systems and computer program products to facilitate the pricing trading and risk management of derivatives contracts on one or more underlying via the introduction of Basis instrument Contracts (BICs). Such pricing trading and risk management may be done in organized exchanges or in over-the-counter (OTC) markets. |
| US07933822B2 |
System and method for approval and allocation of costs in electronic procurement
A system, method and computer program product for approval and allocation of costs in electronic procurement is described, wherein approval and allocation of costs are made in response to an electronic invoice, which includes information used to allocate procurement costs to one or more cost centers. |
| US07933821B1 |
Systems and methods for administering return sweep accounts
A method, system, and program product for managing funds for a plurality of client accounts at a first banking institution, the system comprising: one or more electronic databases, comprising: (i) client account information; (ii) aggregated transaction account information for a plurality of FDIC-insured and interest-bearing aggregated deposit accounts held in a plurality of banks in a program including the first banking institution; and (iii) subaccount information; and one or more computers configured for (a) accessing the electronic database and administering clients' deposits and withdrawals from the client accounts, comprising processing transaction data for more than six (6) withdrawals and/or transfers from each of at least two of the client accounts; (b) determining, whether the balance of funds for the respective client in the aggregated deposit account at the first bank equals or exceeds a specified amount, and if not, then designating the first bank to receive the deposit, and if it does, determining another bank in the program and designating the deposit for the other bank. |
| US07933820B2 |
Method and apparatus for compiling data from property title documents
A method and apparatus for collecting property data from sources using a mobile device, such as a tablet pc, and to upload that property data to a database. The property data is then proofed and immediately returned to the searcher using the mobile device for error corrections. If there are no errors, the method and apparatus of the invention saves the data and returns the requested property data to the requester. If there are errors, the method and apparatus of this invention requests revisions from the searcher, proofs the order again, and returns the requested property data to the requester. |
| US07933818B1 |
Service for automatically detecting and responding to transition events that occur during browsing of an electronic catalog
An electronic catalog system includes automated processes for detecting and handling specific types of browsing events, such as non-conversion events in which users browse but fail to purchase specific items. In one embodiment, when a user engages in a threshold level of browsing activity with respect to an item without making a purchase of that item or a substitute item, and a favorable change in the item's state thereafter occurs (e.g., the price is reduced or the item becomes available), the user is automatically notified of the state change. In another embodiment, when a user transitions away from an item or item category after engaging in a threshold level of browsing activity, a determination is made whether to present to the user a time-limited purchase incentive that is tied to that item or item category. |
| US07933817B2 |
Billing method for pump usage
Disclosed are methods of leasing or billing for the usage of a portable suction pump adapted for use in a suction-assisted would treatment system. The pump has means for recording time units corresponding to periods of time when the pump is operating and for providing reports of usage time. The pump further has means for detecting that the wound treatment system is operating normally so as to be compliant with standards for suction wound treatment, and for recording and reporting time of normal operation or compliant usage. The methods include leasing the pump at a payment schedule that is based upon the amount of actual usage time or the amount of compliant usage time. The lease payment may include an amount of pre-paid time units such that unused time units can be credited to a new or renewed lease for a replacement pump. The billing methods can also be based in whole or in part on a planned maintenance schedule for the pump. |
| US07933815B2 |
System and method for obtaining technical support services over a network
A system and method for obtaining technical support services over a network. A registered seeker of technical support services submits a search request to a task matching server. The search request comprises search criteria for identifying one or more registered providers of technical support services. The task matching server searches a library of provider profiles comprising qualifications of registered providers of technical support services and provides the seeker a list of registered providers meeting the search criteria. The seeker selects a registered provider from the list. The task matching server facilitates the exchange of communications between the seeker and the selected provider. The selected provider sends a quotation for technical support services to the seeker. The quotation comprises service terms under which the selected provider is willing to provide the technical support services. If the seeker accepts the service terms, the task match server establishes a link between a selected provider computer and a seeker computer that allows the selected provider computer to control the seeker computer via the link and to facilitate the provision of technical support services. |
| US07933813B2 |
End-to-end management of carrier services for enterprises and resellers
The present invention provides a software based system for end-to-end handling of communication services that includes a set of Web based interfaces. The set of Web interfaces can permit a user to view, search and select a set of communication services of different providers, each service being presented with a real-time price for the service. Contracts can be automatically generated for selected ones of the communication services. The contracts can specify the real-time price for each service. An order status of the communication services can be monitored using the set of Web based interfaces. Invoices can be generated for the communication services. When different providers provide the communication services, a single integrated bill can be provided for services of the different providers. Usages of the communication services can be viewed online by selectable user categories, which decompose into per-user usage entries. |
| US07933812B2 |
System integrator and commodity roll-up
A purchasing entity directs the sourcing of one or more parts in a microprocessor-based method. The microprocessor-based method comprises obtaining over a computer network sourcing information from a primary supplier which identifies one or more third party secondary suppliers for one or more parts in a group of parts, ordering the group of parts from the primary supplier, and then issuing a release to the secondary supplier to ship the part to a predetermined location. A computer system for purchasing parts from a secondary supplier that executes the method is also provided. |
| US07933807B2 |
Stored order system for electronic commerce
A stored order system is used with a shopping cart application for an electronic commerce site. The items of each stored order are saved together, which is an advantage when a main item and accessories are combined in an order. Additionally, a stored order can be E-mailed to another person. The E-mail message allows the recipient to purchase the items of the stored order. |
| US07933806B2 |
Online product exchange system with price-sorted matching products
An exchange system for facilitating the purchase of new cars is described. The system is coupled, in one embodiment, to a communications link. Potential car purchasers and sellers may access the exchange system via the network, and submit offers and/or pricing requests to such system. In response to the requests, the system processor retrieves the stored data from the respective databases, and causes such data to be transmitted to the local site for display. The exchange systems also executes certain functions in response to commands and data transmitted from buyer sites, dealer sites and institution sites. |
| US07933804B2 |
Methods and apparatus for self-diagnosing electronic price labels
A self-diagnosing electronic price label. The label communicates with a central processor in order to receive price information for display and to report the status of the label to the central processor. The label periodically runs a self-test program to verify proper operation of its components. If a component fails the self-test, the failure is reported to a central processor, and the central processor reports the failure for investigation. During normal operation, the label issues a signal to the central processor indicating normal operation. In the event of a failure, the label ceases to send the signal indicating normal operation. When the signal is not received as expected, the central processor reports the failure to receive the signal for investigation. This allows the central processor to be alerted to failures which disable communication between the label and the central processor. |
| US07933803B1 |
Universal tax engine
This Disclosure relates to a program controlled apparatus, system, and method for determining the transactional taxes due for each item by any taxing authority worldwide. The apparatus comprises a first database comprising a tree structure identifying all of the zones to be examined. A second database comprising all of the taxing authorities is independent from the first zone database. A third database, decoupled from the first and second databases, has data representing the relationship between the data records of the first database and the data records of the second database. Each of the databases can be updated periodically to reflect any changes in identified taxing authorities for the zones over which they may have taxing authority. Furthermore, the present invention provides for an independent, autonomous determination of jurisdiction and tax for each line item and calculates the tax based on any exceptions and exemptions. |
| US07933794B2 |
Method and system for active monitoring of dependency models
A method and system for ADI (Active Dependency Integration) provides an information and execution model for the description of enterprise systems, solutions and services. It supports the modeling of various entities and business components (e.g. event, disk, application, activity, business process), the information that is associated with them (i.e. schema), and the semantic relationships among them (e.g. dependency between a business component and other business components and events). The ADI execution model monitors and manages business components and the relationships among them. It automatically updates business components information in response to events occurrences and constraints violations, and propagates changes in business components to other business components according to the dependency model. |
| US07933793B2 |
Constraint-based production planning and scheduling
The present invention is a constraint-based planning tool that specifically addresses the needs of complex discrete and process industries by providing a computationally efficient method and system for fulfillment of customer orders in a supply chain. By comprehensively synchronizing and optimizing the flow of materials through the enterprise, the present invention creates a feasible plan for manufacturing operations that simultaneously optimizes both material and capacity constraints by planning and scheduling multiple customer orders, planning for use the various resources located in remote locations needed to fulfill such orders, and scheduling the used resources for replenishment at appropriate times so that the resources meet the needs of the orders. |
| US07933791B2 |
Enterprise performance management software system having variable-based modeling
An enterprise planning and performance management system provides a variable-based modeling technique that enables users to interact with a more manageable variable-centric front-end for complex enterprise planning software. The system enables users to specify a plurality of variable definitions via a variable-based user interface. Based on the plurality of variable definitions, the system generates, and in some instances automatically generates, model data that defines an enterprise planning model. The system uses the model data during subsequent enterprise planning sessions. Because model builders typically comprise financial analysts unfamiliar with traditional complex enterprise modeling techniques but familiar with common financial variables of an enterprise, this variable-based modeling technique may facilitate easier model building by allowing these financial analysts to generate model data from the perspective of the more readily understood variables. |
| US07933785B2 |
Real-time benefits service marketplace
A method for managing employee benefits in real-time includes receiving, from an employer, requirements for benefits; transmitting the requirements to one or more benefits providers; receiving bids from the one or more benefits providers to satisfy the requirements for benefits; receiving, from the employer, an authorization to enroll benefits of a selected benefits provider from the one or more benefits providers; and transmitting the authorization to the selected benefits provider. |
| US07933783B2 |
Medical listener
An engagement is brokered between a consumer and a medical service provider; electronic text of a real-time, text-based communication between the medical service provider and the consumer is monitored during the engagement; the electronic text is analyzed for a triggering event related to at least one of medical diagnosis and medical treatment; the triggering event is detected in the electronic text; and medical information is provided to the medical service provider via a user interface in response to the triggering event. |
| US07933780B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an infusion pump or the like
A method and apparatus for controlling IV medication delivery and monitoring, the method including providing information tags on IV bags that specify delivery parameters, obtaining delivery parameters for at least one bag, associating a controller with a particular patient, comparing patient information for the particular patient with the delivery parameters, determining the efficacy of delivering the medicant to the patient and affecting pump control as a function of the comparison. The method also includes various timing rules and other verification procedures. |
| US07933778B2 |
Serial transmission system, transmission device, and serial transmission method
A serial transmission system has a transmission signal generator and a transmission signal receiver. The transmission signal generator generates a digital audio signal of multi-channel based on information of a sampling frequency, and serially transmits the information of the sampling frequency together with the digital audio signal. The transmission signal receiver serially receives the information of the sampling frequency and the digital audio signal from the transmission signal generator, and detects change in a transmission clock based on the information of the sampling frequency. |
| US07933776B2 |
Device controller prompting for complete or one-by-one speech input based on user's skill level
A speech recognition device controller is provided, which is capable of properly determining a user's leaning level in speech so as to provide an efficient interaction. It includes a voice input unit 2 for receiving speech input from a user, a speech recognition unit 3 for recognizing the input speech, a response output unit 10 for outputting a response to the user, and a device control unit 11 for controlling a device based on a recognition result of the speech recognition unit 3. It further includes an input item count detection unit 4 for detecting the number of items identified from the recognized speech among a given number of items necessary to control the device, a reference input item count setting unit 6 for setting a reference value for the number of items identified from the speech, an input item count comparison unit 7 for comparing the number of items detected by the input item count detection unit 4 with the reference value set by the reference input item count setting unit 6, a skill level determination unit 8 for determining the user's skill level in speech based on a comparison result, and a response control unit 9 for controlling the response output according to the determined skill level, wherein the user is prompted to enter a complete one-time speech input or a one-by-one series of discrete speech inputs, based upon the determined skill level. |
| US07933775B2 |
Method of and system for providing adaptive respondent training in a speech recognition application based upon the inherent response of the respondent
A system for conducting a telephonic speech recognition application includes an automated telephone device for making telephonic contact with a respondent and a speech recognition device which, upon the telephonic contact being made, presents the respondent with at least one introductory prompt for the respondent to reply to; receives a spoken response from the respondent; and performs a speech recognition analysis on the spoken response to determine a capability of the respondent to complete the application. If the speech recognition device, based on the spoken response to the introductory prompt, determines that the respondent is capable of competing the application, the speech recognition device presents at least one application prompt to the respondent. If the speech recognition device, based on the spoken response to the introductory prompt, determines that the respondent is not capable of completing the application, the speech recognition system presents instructions on completing the application to the respondent. |
| US07933773B1 |
Natural language understanding monitoring system for identifying a task
A natural language understanding monitoring system adapted to conduct an automated dialog with a user. If the system is unable to identify from the automated dialog, to at least a predetermined level of confidence, any one of a plurality of predetermined tasks as being a particular task that the user wants to have performed, the system makes a determination of the value of a probability that further automated dialog will enable the system to identify the particular task, and determines whether or not to conduct further automated dialog with the user, in an attempt to identify the particular task, based on the relative values of the determined probability and a predetermined threshold value. The probability value determination is based on inputs from the user during the automated dialog. |
| US07933771B2 |
System and method for detecting the recognizability of input speech signals
A system and method for detecting the recognizability of input speech signal is provided. It is designed in the pre-stage of speech recognition or a dialog system. The invention detects the user's environmental condition and verifies if the input speech signal can be recognized. It mainly comprises an environment parameter generator, a signal recognition verifier, and a strategy response processor. Through the use of the invention in the pre-stage of speech recognition or a dialog system, it can precisely verify the recognizability of the input speech signal and receives the input speech signals of high recognition probability in a noisy environment. This reduces the impact caused by receiving the input speech signals of low recognition probability. This invention thus increases the recognition probability for a recognizer. |
| US07933767B2 |
Systems and methods for determining pitch lag for a current frame of information
Methods, computer code products, devices, modules, systems, and encoders are disclosed which are configured to use an adaptive lag search window for determining a lag estimate for a current frame of information in an audio encoding system. The system can determine if the lag estimate is reliable and if not a new search window can be selected and a new lag estimate can be calculated based on the new search window. An adaptive threshold can be compared to the cross correlation for a lag estimate in order to determine whether the lag estimate is reliable. The system can also determine if an encoding gain is likely to be achieved using the prediction and if not, the computationally expensive time-to-frequency transformation can be avoided. |
| US07933766B2 |
Method for building a natural language understanding model for a spoken dialog system
A method of generating a natural language model for use in a spoken dialog system is disclosed. The method comprises using sample utterances and creating a number of hand crafted rules for each call-type defined in a labeling guide. A first NLU model is generated and tested using the hand crafted rules and sample utterances. A second NLU model is built using the sample utterances as new training data and using the hand crafted rules. The second NLU model is tested for performance using a first batch of labeled data. A series of NLU models are built by adding a previous batch of labeled data to training data and using a new batch of labeling data as test data to generate the series of NLU models with training data that increases constantly. If not all the labeling data is received, the method comprises repeating the step of building a series of NLU models until all labeling data is received. After all the training data is received, at least once, the method comprises building a third NLU model using all the labeling data, wherein the third NLU model is used in generating the spoken dialog service. |
| US07933763B2 |
Method and software for extracting chemical data
Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and software for processing text documents and extracting chemical data therein. Preferred method embodiments comprise: (a) identifying and tagging one or more chemical compounds within a text document; (b) identifying and tagging physical properties related to one or more of those compounds; (c) translating one or more of those compounds into a chemical structure; (d) identifying and tagging one or more chemical reaction descriptions within the text document; and (e) extracting at least some of the tagged information and storing it in a database. |
| US07933755B1 |
Conversion of model components into references
An automated model componentization feature systematically converts duplicate or otherwise amenable patterns in a model into references. Multiple references are simplified to one unit that contains the otherwise duplicated functionality. Duplicated or selected functionality is identified based on a number of arguments that may be user supplied. These arguments include the level of polymorphism (i.e., which of the sample times, dimensions, and data types can be propagated in) but also the maximum size of the patterns to look for to address the general trade-off of generating few partitions with many blocks or many partitions with few blocks and which modeling constructs are used (e.g., whether Go To/From connections such as in Simulink® are present). Model conversions can result in potentially disjoint partitions. |
| US07933752B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program providing broadband preconditioning based on a reduced coupling for numerical solvers
This invention relates to computing numerical solutions of linear systems of equations, specifically to implementing preconditioning of the coefficient matrix of such a system. The preconditioning applies to any coefficient matrix, dense or sparse, based on the solutions of a physical problem of unknown functions, commonly referred to as basis or interpolation functions, where the basis function spans more then one mesh element. Examples of such linear systems can result from, as examples, an electromagnetic analysis of printed circuit boards or field scattering in radar applications, fluid mechanics and acoustics. A method and system to compute a preconditioner for a coefficient matrix A that is compatible with the linear system of equations that provides basis function support over at least two mesh elements. Coupling of the preconditioner between partitions of a portioned mesh representation is only through basis functions at the partition boundaries. |
| US07933750B2 |
Method for defining regions in reservoir simulation
A method is disclosed, which is practiced by a reservoir simulator, for simulating a reservoir and generating a set of simulation results, the simulation results including a framework, the framework further including a plurality of grid cells, comprising: generating one or more static and dynamic regions within the grid cells of the framework of the simulation results, the static and dynamic regions each having region values, wherein the region values of the static regions cannot be allowed to change dynamically, and wherein the region values of the dynamic regions can be allowed to change dynamically. |
| US07933749B2 |
System and method for computing minimum distances between two point clouds
A method for computing minimum distances between two point clouds is provided. The method includes: (a) acquiring a first point cloud and a second point cloud; (b) establishing a topological structure for the second point cloud to make points of the second point cloud confined in a plurality of related cubical grids; (c) selecting a point from the first point cloud; (d) searching one or more cubical grids from the related cubical grids according to the topological structure and computing a distance between the selected point and each of points which belong to the second point cloud and in the searched cubical grids to obtain a closest point from the second point cloud, which has a shortest distance to the selected point; (e) repeating steps from (c) to (d) until all the points in the first point cloud have been selected. A related system is also provided. |
| US07933746B2 |
Relation-based product development
A product design method includes accessing a defined product design structure. The product design structure includes a number of customer concerns, a number of physical properties associated with components of the product, and a number of relation models. Each customer concern is associated with at least one physical property via at least one mathematical relationship defined in at least one of the relation models. The method also includes receiving a value associated with one or more of the physical properties and calculating (using one or more of the relation models) the effect of the received value associated with the one or more physical properties on one or more of the customer concerns. Furthermore, the method includes displaying the calculated effect on the one or more customer concerns and receiving one or more adjustments of the value associated with one or more of the physical properties to create a desired effect on one or more of the customer concerns. |
| US07933745B2 |
System and method for profiling resource constraints of web servers
Disclosed is a method and system for determining one or more performance characteristics of a target server. A command is transmitted from a coordinator to a plurality of clients. The command instructs the plurality of clients to each transmit a request targeting a sub-system of said target server. A response time is then received from each client and a performance characteristic is determined from the received response times. |
| US07933738B2 |
Determining a point of application of force on a surface element
A system for determining at least one point of application of force on a surface element is provided. The system includes a surface element having an effective mass, at least one sensor configured to measure force applied on the surface element at least one acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration in at least one direction, and a processing unit configured to receive, from the at least one sensor, signals indicating force applied on the surface element, to receive, from the at least one acceleration sensor, signals indicating acceleration, to filter out a disturbing force, determined based on acceleration signals and the effective mass of the surface element, from the signals indicating the force applied on the surface element, and to determine, based on the filtered signals, at least one point of application of force on the surface element. |
| US07933736B2 |
Electronic device for recording, storing and processing measured data, particularly a data logger
A data logger is disclosed wherein a common housing includes different function blocks which are connected to one another. These function blocks include at least one analog/digital converter for conversion of measurement signals into digital input data, a memory unit for recording of digital data and of digitized event data, a timer, a processor unit for processing of data, a power supply source and input and output interfaces for measurement signals or digital data and event data. The processor unit is configured for conversion of digital input data and time data into a format which is compatible with standardized software (e.g., freely available) and which makes it possible to display the processed data using standardized software in tabular and/or graphic form on an output device. The processor unit can be configured to embed the digital input data and time data as well as the event data as protected raw data into the generated data format such that they can be read and processed only with hardware-specific evaluation software. |
| US07933728B2 |
Skew measurement apparatus, skew measurement method, recording media and test apparatus
Provided is a skew measurement apparatus, including sampling sections that each sample one of a plurality of signals under measurement having a cycle T, a waveform reconfiguring section that shapes a reconfigured waveform having the cycle T by rearranging ordinal ranks of sample values of the signal under measurement sampled by each sampling section, a distribution generating section that generates a timing distribution of edges in the reconfigured waveform of the corresponding signal under measurement, and a skew calculating section that calculates skew between the signals under measurement being compared based on the timing distribution of each signal under measurement. |
| US07933725B2 |
Using sensor spectral energy to detect and/or isolate sensor faults
A method of detecting and/or isolating a fault of a sensor in a system in substantially real time or in non-real time (e.g., using off-line analysis). A spectral energy of a signal of the sensor is determined over a predetermined range of frequencies within a window of samples of the signal. The determined spectral energy is evaluated for consistency with a substantially current state of the system. |
| US07933723B2 |
Living body light measuring device
At each of measurement sites, changes in plural biological data (such as an oxy-Hb signal species and a deoxy-Hb signal species) in a predetermined period are statistically tested independently of each other. By combining results of the plural biological data, the measurement sites are each classified into one out of plural categories. The classified results are each displayed in a single chart. Effective is also a method of setting different activity periods correspondingly to plural Hb signal species, deciding whether or not each of the signal species shows activity or estimating the strength of the signal species, and displaying classification results based on combination of activities of the plural Hb signal species in a single chart. A living body light measuring device using the brain activity analyzing method and displaying method of the invention makes it possible to detect sites where brain activity is generated with a high precision. |
| US07933721B2 |
Multiplexed analysis for determining a serodiagnosis of viral infection
Clinical samples can be analyzed using microparticles to determine the serodiagnosis of a viral infection from two candidate viral infections of the same viral group. Serodiagnosis can be determined via a pooled population of subsets of microparticles, with the particles in the pooled population having a bound viral group-reactive antibody and the particles in each subset having at least one characteristic classification parameter that distinguishes between subsets. Viral antigens of antibodies of interest in the same viral-class as the viral group-reactive antibody can be bound to the viral group-reactive antibody on the microparticles, and subsequently exposed to a clinical sample. Binding and labeling can be used. Automated analysis of data from multiplexed flow analysis can determine the presence or absence of antibodies of interest in the sample, thereby diagnosing for two candidate viral infections in a single assay. |
| US07933717B2 |
Method for elaborating navigation parameters and vertical of a place
The invention concerns the gyroscopic instrument engineering and can be used in determination of main navigation parameters for marine, air and surface vehicle positioning.Technical result consists in increased accuracy of output parameters, including substantial increase of the vehicle heading generation accuracy as well as principal improvement of dynamic properties of output parameter generation. To achieve these results control signals of gyro platforms or gyro platform models are generated under the condition that in the absence of ballistic deviations, autonomously, a natural period of the gyro platforms or the gyro platform models differ from Schuler period. |
| US07933715B2 |
Navigation device and navigation system
A navigation device and the like capable of harmonizing a navigation route for guiding a mobile body set on the basis of a support route search result by a navigation server and a navigation route for also guiding the mobile body set independently of the navigation route, from a view point of guiding the mobile body smoothly. In the case where the second navigation route r2 is set in the condition where the first navigation route r1 is set, the second navigation route r2 is set and output so as to include a part dr1 of the first navigation route r1 which takes a position departing from the current position pt of the automobile 2 by a first distance d1. Therefore, even in the case where the second navigation route r2 is set and output at the navigation device 200 during the time when the automobile 2 is traveling according to the first navigation route r1 output at the navigation device 200, it is possible to guide the automobile 2 according to the original first navigation route r1 until the position departing from the current position pt of the automobile 2 by the first distance d1. Therefore, it becomes possible to guide the automobile 2 smoothly to the destination position p2, without forcing the automobile 2 to perform abrupt behavior change. |
| US07933707B2 |
Method for triggering the clutch moment of a clutch of an automated gear and device for implemention of the method
A method is proposed for triggering the clutch moment of a clutch of an automated gear in the power train of a vehicle with the creep function activated, where the clutch moment is triggered as a function of the slippage on the clutch and/or as a function of the speed of the vehicle. Furthermore, a device is proposed for triggering the clutch moment of a clutch of an automated gear, in particular, to implement the abovementioned method where at least one control device is provided which triggers the clutch moment as a function of the slippage on the clutch and/or as a function of the speed of the vehicle. |
| US07933699B2 |
Automatic control apparatus
An automatic control system stores information of an executed automatic control in a memory, and lists records of automatic controls that are cancellable based on an instruction from a user of the automatic control system. When the user selects the record of the executed automatic control in the list, the automatic control system sends to a subject device an instruction that instructs the subject device to return to a pre-execution condition of the automatic control performed on the subject device. |
| US07933698B2 |
System maintaining temperature of deck
A system for maintaining the temperature of a vehicle audio and/or audio-video deck provided in a vehicle cabin is provided, comprising: an air duct positioned on both sides of the deck for supplying cooled or heated air to the vehicle cabin, a side part of the air duct defining therein a plurality of through holes through which cooled or heated air can be supplied to the deck; a sensor disposed inside the deck for detecting the temperature inside the deck; a side panel provided in the deck, which defines therein a penetration part for introducing cooled or heated air supplied through the through holes into the deck; a guide rail formed to the side panel; a sliding panel guided by the guide rail so as to open or close the penetration part; a driving motor coupled to the deck for moving the sliding panel along the guild rail; and a controller coupled to the deck for driving the driving motor in response to the temperature detected by the sensor so as to open or close the sliding panel, thereby maintaining the temperature of the deck at a target temperature or range. |
| US07933692B2 |
Outboard motor conversion unit
In an outboard motor conversion unit, it is configured to have a boat-side conversion unit that detects displacement generated at a movable member due to manual manipulation of a mechanical operation mechanism and converts the detected displacement into an electric signal, actuators connected to a steering mechanism, a shift mechanism and a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine of the outboard motor, and an actuator controller that controls operation of the actuators based on the converted electric signal. With this, the outboard motor installed at a boat with the mechanical operation mechanism can be easily converted to an electronically-operated outboard motor without newly installing a remote control unit or the like. |
| US07933689B2 |
Method for controlling at least one load connected to a primary and a backup power supply
A method for controlling at least one load connected to a primary and a backup power supply having sensor for sensing a voltage on the primary power supply with a first voltage sensor; sensor for sensing a voltage on the backup power supply with a second voltage sensor and implementing a control algorithm in a controller to augment power from said primary power supply with power from the backup power supply in response to an input from the first and second voltage sensors and an input from at least one external sensor wherein the algorithm controls a switch between the at least one load and the primary and backup power supplies. |
| US07933687B2 |
Moving object capable of recognizing image and moving-object directing system equipped with the same
A moving object capable of recognizing an image and a system for directing the moving object are disclosed. The system for directing the moving object includes: a charging device on which a docking direction pattern is printed, such that a central point of the docking direction pattern for directing the moving object to a docking location and a power-supply terminal are arranged in a straight line; and a moving object for driving wheel operations to allow the central point of the docking direction pattern captured by a camera to be identical with a central point of an image captured by the camera, and moving to the docking location. The moving-object directing system drives a wheel to track a central point of the docking direction pattern captured by a camera, such that it can quickly and correctly move to the docking location of the charging device. |
| US07933675B2 |
Machining apparatus for drilling printed circuit board
A machining apparatus in which the machining efficiency can be improved even if characters are machined in a printed circuit board. A coordinate transformation unit is provided for transforming central coordinates of each dot d of each character of a character string into coordinates in a machining coordinate system with which the holes will be machined. Prior to machining, based on a character string and position information of the character string described in a machining program, central coordinates of each dot of each character of the character string are transformed into coordinates in the machining coordinate system with which the holes will be machined. Each dot d is regarded as a hole and machined. The number of times of movement of a table can be thus minimized so that the machining efficiency can be improved. |
| US07933670B2 |
Maintaining music playback
Described is a technology for managing audio playback queues maintained in separate memory spaces, e.g., in a game console, such that that audio playback continues upon transitioning between states (including reboots) that change a memory space's contents. For example, before transitioning from a dashboard mode to a game playing mode, the playback queue in memory space used for the dashboard (and the game) is copied to a second queue in a second (e.g., operating system) memory space. The dashboard queue's contents (often large) are truncated as necessary to fit in the relatively smaller queue space. When transitioning from a game to the dashboard mode, copying the queue back takes place after the dashboard is operational. A third type of queue corresponding to a container of an audio source is also managed, including copying its contents when appropriate to the memory that has the queue currently being used for playback. |
| US07933669B2 |
Control of an adjustable bed and a multimedia device associated with the bed
A controller for an adjustable bed also provides control functions for a multi media device. The multimedia device may be an MP3 player, an audio/visual player, and the like. The controller controls a function of the bed, such as a bed position selection, and functions of the multimedia device such as on/off, volume, channel, song, content, and the like. |
| US07933668B2 |
Wireless industrial control user interface with configurable software capabilities
A user interface operable to connect to a device within an industrial control system includes a memory and a processing unit. The memory is operable to store a plurality of software applications for interfacing with the device and a configuration mask including access rights for at least a subset of the software applications. The processing unit is operable to establish a first connection with the device and disable selected software applications based on the configuration mask. |
| US07933666B2 |
Adjustable data collection rate for embedded historians
Systems and methods that can vary a data collection rate via a rate adjustment component, to collect data with different level of granularity. The rate adjustment component can further include an estimation component that can automatically predict a required sampling rate for a stage of an operation, based on statistical models and data collected for similar operations and/or history data. Such difference in the granularity level can initiate in part in response to fault detection, alert triggering, and the like. Accordingly, future trouble shooting efforts can be performed with respect to data that is typically collected at an adjustable rate. |
| US07933660B2 |
Apparatus for detecting and treating vulnerable plaques
Apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaques embedded in the wall of a patient's blood vessel includes an intravascular catheter containing a microwave antenna, an extracorporeal radiometer having a signal input, a reference input and an output, a cable for electrically connecting the antenna to the signal input, and a device for applying an indication of the patient's normal tissue temperature to the reference input so that when the catheter is moved along the vessel, the locations of the vulnerable plaques are reflected in a signal from the output as thermal anomalies due to the higher emissivity of the vulnerable plaques as compared to the normal tissue. A second embodiment of the apparatus has two coaxial antennas in the catheter serving two radiometers. One measures the temperature at locations in the vessel wall, the other measures the temperature at the surface. By subtracting the two signals, the locations of vulnerable plaque may be visualized. |
| US07933658B2 |
Differential entropy based data compression for waveforms
Waveforms are digitally sampled and compressed for storage in memory. The compression of the data includes generating a truncated entropy encoding map and using the values within the map to obtain good compression. An encoder further sub-selects values to be encoded and values to remain unencoded to provide an overall compression of the data. |
| US07933657B1 |
System and method for fitting a cochlear implant sound processor using alternative signals
Alternative stimuli, i.e., stimuli other than the constant amplitude stimuli used in prior fitting schemes, are used to set the parameters of a cochlear implant system. The use of such alternative stimuli allows the entire fitting process to be completed in a very short time period, and generally eliminates the need for secondary adjustments. In one preferred embodiment, the alternative stimuli comprise white noise that is internally generated within the speech processor. |
| US07933656B2 |
Distributed system for neurostimulation therapy programming
A distributed system comprises a programming device and a remotely located server. During a programming session, the programming device transmits programs and rating information associated with the programs to the server. The server presents the rating information to a clinician to assist the clinician in selecting from among programs tested during the programming session. The programming device may also transmit patient information and device configuration information to the server for storage with selected programs and rating information within a database as part of a patient record. Programs and information received from a plurality of programming devices and for a plurality of patients may be stored in the database and analyzed by the server to provide responses to user queries made by clinicians via programming devices. |
| US07933653B2 |
Implantable optical pressure sensor for sensing urinary sphincter pressure
The disclosure describes an optical fiber pressure sensor to measure sphincter pressure which may be incorporated into a therapeutic sphincter control system. The system senses sphincter pressure and sends the information to a stimulator that is capable of stimulation therapy to control sphincter contractility, thus reducing unwanted urinary incontinence. Measuring sphincter pressure is accomplished through the use of an optical fiber connected to flexible tube section placed through the sphincter, where properties of the emitted light are changed proportional to the pressure on the tube section. The light is returned to a light detector to measure light properties and create an electrical signal representative of the pressure on the tube section. The signal may then be sent by wireless telemetry to an implanted stimulator or external programmer. |
| US07933644B2 |
Instantaneous autonomic nervous function and cardiac predictability based on heart and pulse rate variability analysis
A system and method that can simultaneously acquire electrocardiogram or pulse rate data (42, 44, 46), dynamically perform time-frequency (70) and chaotic analysis (60) in real-time, visually display the results in a convenient graphical format (50) and store the results in a computer file format (50). |
| US07933642B2 |
Wireless ECG system
A wireless monitoring system and, more particularly, a wireless monitoring system for detecting and transmitting physiological data. The present invention detects physiological data relating to a patients cardiac activity and respiration rate and transmits the data to a remote base station via telemetry. The base station processes the data so that the data can be displayed by an ECG monitor. |
| US07933641B2 |
Medical examination and/or treatment apparatus with an electromagnet for navigating a medical instrument and an x-ray device for visual inspection during the navigation
There is described a medical examination and/or treatment apparatus with an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field for navigating a medical instrument and an x-ray device having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector attached to a bracket for visual control during the navigation, with the x-ray source and the x-ray detector being arranged on the electromagnet embodied as a hollow cylinder, on the front ends of which are located two ring coils which are arranged in parallel, between which a number of saddle coils arranged in the peripheral direction are arranged, with the hollow cylinder being arranged on a bracket which can be moved about a number of axes. |