| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07946528B2 |
Flight control system especially suited for VTOL vehicles
Flight control systems have plural control subsystems with redundancies organized so as to provide continued but degraded control power over critical aircraft flight operating parameters even if any one complete control subsystem catastrophically fails. One example described in detail for a VTOL craft includes four groups of controls, each group comprising inputs relating to six degrees of freedom of the vehicle, at least one control computer and a plurality of actuators; each group utilizing 25% of required flight control power for the vehicle. |
| US07946526B2 |
Rotary-wing vehicle system
A rotary-wing apparatus that is aeronautically stable, easy to fly with a multidimensional control, small size, and safe to fly and low cost to produce. The rotary-wing apparatus includes a coaxial, counter rotating rotor drive providing lifting power with an inherent aeronautical stability; auxiliary propellers that face the direction of flight and are located on opposite sides of said coaxial rotary-wing apparatus and enable flying forwards, backwards and perform yawing. The rotary-wing coaxial helicopter toy is remotely controlled and safe to fly in doors and out doors, while performing exciting maneuvers even by untrained kids. |
| US07946521B2 |
Winch drum assembly and method for spooling a line
A winch drum assembly has a barrel to receive a line, and a spooling device for guiding the line onto the barrel. The line is wound onto the barrel at a point that moves axially with respect to the barrel, and the orientation of the line on the barrel is adapted to change at least once per revolution of the barrel, so that radially adjacent layers of line are non-parallel. Spooling gear is described for guiding the line and the barrel can have ramps and walls to guide the line in the different directions. Non-parallel layers of line exhibit a reduced tendency to interfere with one another, so that the spooled line comes off the barrel more consistently. |
| US07946514B2 |
Shredder with thickness detector
A shredder includes a thickness detector device having a contact portion in a throat of a housing. The contact portion is movable by a thickness between opposing major surfaces of at least one article being received by the throat. The thickness detector device includes a detectable portion movable by the contact portion, and a detector for detecting at least one position of the detectable portion that includes a position when the detectable portion has been moved by the contact portion by an amount that correlates to a predetermined maximum thickness. A controller is coupled to the thickness detector, is operable to prevent a motor from driving cutter elements in a shredding direction responsive to the detector detecting that the detectable portion has been moved by the amount that correlates to the predetermined maximum thickness, and is configured to vary the predetermined maximum thickness based on receiving an input parameter. |
| US07946512B2 |
Showerhead for a sanitary fitting
A shower head for a hand-held shower attachment contains, in the center of its jet disc, an insert with three individual nozzle bodies. Each individual nozzle body is designed for discharging an individual jet. To this end, it has a continuous jet opening. Each of these in individual nozzle bodies is mounted in a manner that enables it to move relative to the shower head and to the jet disc, and is placed in rotation by a water-driven rotor. Said continuous jet opening extends at an angle to the rotation axis of the individual nozzle body. When the individual nozzle body rotates, the jet exiting there from moves on an envelope of a cone. Each individual nozzle body, contains an aerating device that aspirates the air immediately next to the outlet opening and, inside the individual nozzle body, mixes the air with the water entering this individual nozzle body. As a result, the individual nozzle body discharges an aerated jet. |
| US07946511B2 |
Appliance for manual and localized spraying
A manual sprayer for receiving a liquid which includes a gripping knob mounted on one end of a reservoir and a spray assembly mounted in fluid communication on another end of the reservoir, a skirt for supporting the spray assembly against the ground, and a vent for venting the reservoir. The apparatus includes a valve that is actuated by a user gripping the knob and the valve being movable between a closed position preventing communication between the reservoir and the outside and an open position allowing such communication. |
| US07946509B2 |
Fuel injector with direct needle control and servo valve support
The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The injector is actuated by an actuator and is connected to a fuel supply line via which fuel is supplied under system pressure. At least one injection opening can be opened or closed off by an injection valve member, which is activated by a control piston via a control chamber to which the control piston and a piston section of the injection valve member are exposed with respective pressure faces. The control piston is a valve piston of a control valve. The pressure face of the control piston and the pressure face of the piston section of the injection valve member are exposed to the control chamber at the same side. The control piston and the piston section of the injection valve member also enclose a further control chamber which is connected to a fuel return line when the control valve is open and to the fuel supply line when the control valve is closed. |
| US07946507B2 |
Sprinkler head location indicator
The sprinkler head location indicator is a shallow dish adapted for placement on the shaft of a pop-up sprinkler head. The dish is concave upward and has a small pilot hole formed through its center. A plurality of radially extending guidelines is formed on the bottom surface of the dish, the guidelines having hash marks at uniform intervals to form scale markings. The guidelines are severed radially to a uniform length forming flexible segments and the dish is pushed up the shaft to the ground flange of the sprinkler head. The flexible segments bend against the sprinkler head shaft, thereby retaining the dish on the shaft. |
| US07946506B2 |
Hydraulic heating apparatus
A hydraulic heating apparatus includes a body having an inlet for high pressure fluid, and an outlet for heated fluid, a chamber within the body and a flow path for the high pressure fluid between the inlet and the chamber. The high pressure fluid flows through a restriction in the flow path between the inlet and the chamber whereby the apparatus becomes heated. The working fluid flowing from the inlet to the chamber must pass through an orifice which is closable by a linearly acting closure structure. The closure structure is urged to a position in which the closure structure closes the orifice when the pressure of the high pressure fluid is below a threshold pressure. The closure structure includes a thermally sensitive material which expands in response to increasing temperature to close the orifice in response to a temperature above a threshold temperature. |
| US07946505B2 |
Environmental control system for a vehicle
An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10. |
| US07946504B2 |
Electronic faucet and manual override system therefor
An electronic faucet for mixing hot and cold fluids and a manual override system therefor. The override system is adapted to override the electronics of the faucet in order to allow a user to gain full manual control, for example, if the user merely desires it or there is a malfunction in the faucet's electronics or an electric power outage. The faucet can be operated in an automatic mode, a manual mode and switch between those modes. According to one embodiment, the override system disables the faucet's electronics as a result of manual movement of the handles causing a motor of the electronic faucet to deviate from its normal resistance or current, signaling the electronics to become disabled. According to another embodiment, pulling or pushing of the handles mechanically disengage them from the electronic control. |
| US07946498B2 |
Memory module with display functions
A memory module with display functions and a display unit thereof are provided. The memory module includes a first circuit board, a memory chip, a display unit and a controller. The memory chip is disposed on the first circuit board. The display unit is disposed on the first circuit board. The display unit has the same package type as the memory chip. The controller is disposed on the first circuit board. The controller is configured to control the memory chip and provide information about the memory chip to the display unit, such that the display unit is capable of displaying information about the memory chip. |
| US07946492B2 |
Methods, media, and mobile devices for providing information associated with a visual code
Methods, media, and mobile devices for providing information associated with a visual code are provided. In some embodiments, methods for providing information associated with a visual code are provided, including capturing an image including a visual code and non-visual code regions using a mobile device; selecting a non-visual code region of the non-visual code regions based at least in part on the visual code and an orientation of the mobile device relative to the visual code; retrieving information associated with the selected non-visual code region; and displaying the retrieved information on the mobile device. |
| US07946491B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a camera barcode reader
An apparatus for providing a camera barcode reader includes a processing element configured to process an input image for an attempt to decode the input image using a current barcode reading method, to determine whether the processing of the input image is successful, to switch to one of a different barcode reading method or processing a new frame of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being unsuccessful, to attempt a decode of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being successful, and to perform a switch to the different barcode reading method in response to a failure of the attempt to decode the input image using the first barcode reading method. |
| US07946490B2 |
Computerized card production equipment
An apparatus and method for manipulating images is disclosed. In one embodiment according to the invention, a method for manipulating images comprises: displaying for manipulation at a browser-based user interface a graphical representation of at least a portion of an image held at a remote image store; providing an internet communications link coupling the user interface to a remote image processor; transferring information about manipulations applied to the graphical representation between the user interface and the remote image processor; and causing the remote image processor to access the remote image store and apply, to at least a portion of the image held in the store, manipulations emulating those applied to the graphical representation. In another embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a method for applying a personalized image to a financial account access means corresponding to a financial account of a customer. The method comprises: associating financial data, corresponding to the financial account of the customer, with a customer image identifier in a financial account association table maintained securely from a user interface; associating the customer image identifier with user image selection data based on user selections made on the user interface in relation to a graphical representation of at least a portion of an original image held in an image store; and applying the personalized image to the financial account access means, the personalized image being based on the user image selection data associated with the customer image identifier. |
| US07946489B2 |
Electronic-ink based writing/drawing and display device employing an activator module mounted beneath the surface of an electronic-ink display structure
An electronic-ink based writing/drawing and display device employing an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, including graphical input data provided by an activator module. The integrated circuit structure also includes a programmed processor in communication with the storage element. The activator module is mounted beneath the surface of the addressable display assembly to (i) determine graphical indicia to be selected and/or displayed on the addressable display assembly, (ii) allow graphical indicia being displayed on the addressable display assembly, to be modified in real-time by a user of the device, and (iii) allow graphical indicia to be displayed on the addressable display assembly while graphical input data is being provided to the programmed processor by said activator module, so that the user is enabled to write and/or draw on the surface of the addressable display assembly while graphical indicia is being displayed thereon. |
| US07946488B2 |
Glazing comprising a marking element, glazing identification method and identification system thereof
A glazing unit including at least one marking element visible from the outside thereof and including a string of characters. The marking element can be visually identified by whomsoever and can be communicated remotely to an identification device. The identification device incorporates, for a given marking element, characteristics relating to the glazing unit that are intended to be at least partly accessible to the public in exchange for the identity of the marking element. |
| US07946486B2 |
Quality management method for aerospace machine element product and aerospace bearing
A aerospace machine element product (1) to be managed comprises a plurality of assembled components (2) ((1) to (3)). Each of the plurality of components (2) ((1) to (3)) is manufactured through a material purchase process (S1), a forging process (S2), a heat treatment process (S3), a grinding process (S4), surface treatment process (S5), and inspection process (S6). The information of the processes (S1) to (S2) is recorded on an IC tag (4) together with the lot numbers of the processes. After the components (2) have been assembled in the aerospace machine element product (1), the recorded information regarding the components (2) on the IC tag (4) is recorded in a management computer system (11) so as to be related to a manufacturing number or a manufacturing lot number. Another IC tag (10) is attached to the aerospace machine element product (1) and the manufacturing number or the lot number is recorded on the IC tag (10). In addition, processing condition information about the forging, heat treatment, grinding, surface treatment processes is recorded on this IC tag (10). |
| US07946481B2 |
System for registering and using administrative cards to enable configuration of an application and device
A method and system for registering a card that is used to enable configurations of an application and/or a device. The method and system includes initializing into an administrative card setup mode, providing information for at least one card to be registered, storing the information for the at least one card to be registered, and exiting the administrative card setup mode. |
| US07946477B1 |
Automated banking machine with noncontact reading of card data
An automated banking machine can receive user card data from a cell phone. The phone stores the card data of several selectable cards, including electronic account number data. The machine generates and displays a random number correlated with a time period. A machine user manually inputs the displayed random number into their phone. The phone's banking software application encrypts the selected card's data along with the inputted random number data. The phone displays a bar code image containing the encrypted data. The machine includes a bar code reader which can read the displayed image. The machine causes the read data to be decrypted. The random number is used to verify the current transaction session. Thereafter, normal transaction flow can follow, including PIN input. The process replaces physical insertion of a card yet allows secure input of the card's data. Fraudulent activities requiring card insertion are also reduced. |
| US07946476B1 |
Automated banking machine system and monitoring method
A cash dispensing automated banking machine actuated by user cards is in operative connection with a system usable to capture images related to activity that is conducted at or adjacent to the machine. The automated banking machine is positioned at a banking facility including a vault and an entrance. A plurality of cameras are positioned at the facility. Images captured may be analyzed at the bank facility or the remote monitoring center. The monitoring center may operate to assure that employees of the bank facility or others can safely access and/or leave the bank facility. |
| US07946475B2 |
Financial server, IC card terminal, and financial information processing method
A credit card 8 is an IC card, and a PIN is authenticated between a card terminal 3 and the credit card 8. The card terminal 3 transmits to a credit company server 4 an authentication result, amount information indicating an amount to charge up, and a credit card number of the credit card 8. After billing, the credit company server 4 transmits the amount information and the credit card number to an electronic money server 5. The electronic money server 5 identifies an electronic money card 9 based on the credit card number. The electronic money server 5 generates amount change information for adding the amount with which to charge up to “VALUE”, and transmits it to the card terminal 3. Based on the amount change information, the electronic money card 9 updates the amount of “VALUE” stored therein to an amount specified by the amount change information. |
| US07946470B2 |
Method for depositing solder material on an electronic component part using separators
A method for accurately depositing a required volume of solder material on a specific area of a lead frame, substrate or other part of an electronic component to be bonded by reflow of solder material to another part into a reliable, void-free connection during a subsequent assembly step comprises the following steps. Minute particles of solder material whose cumulative volume corresponds to the total volume to be deposited are loaded into a cavity cut into a fixture made from a material such as graphite. The cavity delineates the specific area of deposit. The part is then laid upon the fixture and immobilized thereon by a cover made from a material such as graphite. The fixture and its enclosed part are then subjected to solder material melting temperature under a controlled atmosphere in a furnace. The cavity is patterned and dimensioned to accommodate the right number of uniformly dimensioned particles necessary to precisely create the desired deposit of solder material. |
| US07946469B2 |
Methods for welding self-fixtured preforms and associated method
An assembly for positioning a structural assembly for friction stir welding, and a system and method for friction stir welding the structural assembly are provided. The assembly includes a substrate defining a recessed pattern therein, and at least one structural member positioned within the recessed pattern to at least partially secure the structural member therein. The structural member is positioned adjacent to the substrate and within the recessed pattern such that the substrate and structural member are formed of materials capable of being friction stir welded together. |
| US07946465B2 |
Wirebonder forming low profile wire bonds between integrated circuits dies and printed circuit boards
A wirebonder for electrically connecting an integrated circuit die with conductors on a printed circuit board. The wirebonder has a bonding tool for attaching wire bonds from the integrated circuit die to the conductors of the printed circuit board and a wire engaging structure for deforming the wire bonds such that they have a flatter profile shape. |
| US07946460B2 |
Interaction type of balanced device
An interactive type of a balancing device comprises a backpack body, a balancing device, left and right shoulder straps whose top end and tail end can be connected with or detachably connected with the balancing device respectively. The balancing device is consisted of a lower assembly and an upper assembly connected with the backpack body and supported by the lower assembly. The left and right shoulder straps move along a rotating assembly of the upper assembly. The lower assembly connected with the backpack body is consisted of a baffle plate and a moveable device which is installed in a hollow part of an interlayer of the baffle plate. The upper assembly and lower assembly can be used at the same time or be used by itself. |
| US07946459B1 |
Safety-enhancing adornment device for a personal alarm or remote control device
A simple-to-use adornment device, and method, employed by a user close-at-hand for personal safety enhancement. It contains a personal alarm or remote control device while maintaining a capability for immediate alarm/remote activation to summon assistance. It has a jewelry appearance or comprises a modular casing to which exchangeable decorative elements can be attached. Since it improves the aesthetic look of an associated alarm/remote, users are more likely to wear it habitually and experience enhanced personal safety and well-being as a result thereof. Inner and outer members with asymmetrical keyed guides are in sliding relation to one another to form the casing with one-way assembly, and a cord/chain connected to the members maintains their association with one another even when disassembled. Openings in each member are aligned to provide activation button access. Optional features include an interior resilient spacer, a cover, a clasp, and sheet pockets associated with the outer member. |
| US07946457B2 |
Truck rack
A truck rack (10) for a bed (14) of a pickup truck (12) in which a pair of opposing front supports (18) and a pair of opposing rear supports (20) attach at respective lower ends to the bed of the pickup truck, with the rear supports (18) each having a leading edge and a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the respective leading and trailing edges and the front supports (20) each have a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the trailing edge of the front support, with a pair of opposing side rails (22) that attach to respective front and rear supports, and interconnect by forward, intermediate, and rear transverse members (28) extending between and attached to the opposing side rails. |
| US07946456B1 |
Hair bow maker
A hair bow maker includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are hinged to each other on one end. A plurality of teeth are formed on an inside surface of the first and second jaws. A first slot is formed through the first jaw and a second slot is formed through the second jaw. An elastic strap is retained in one of the first and second jaws to close the other ends thereof. A second embodiment of the hair bow maker includes a torsion spring, which forces the other ends of the first and second jaws together. A third embodiment of the hair bow maker includes a guide plate extending upward from each end of the first jaw, which receive the second jaw. A fourth embodiment of the hair bow maker includes two jaw members and a flat torsion spring. |
| US07946455B2 |
Metering device for at least one medium
A metering device is provided for metering at least one medium. The metering device includes a medium storage unit and a pumping system connected to the medium storage unit. The medium storage unit or the pumping system has a venting valve which is elastically held in the closed position. The metering device also includes a control member associated with the venting valve in such a way that the control member opens the venting valve as a result of a pumping movement of the pumping system. |
| US07946452B2 |
Multiple chamber bottle with diagonal division(s) achieving curvilinear surface division(s)
A diagonally divided bottle is disclosed, wherein the bottle includes at least two bottle sections separately formed, each bottle section including a bottom wall and outer wall extending therefrom defining a chamber. At least one portion of the outer wall of each bottle section has a portion adapted to mate with the portion of another bottle section. The mated portions of the bottle sections form at least one common wall. The common wall is arranged at an angle disposed diagonally to a major axis of the bottle when viewed from the top or bottom such that products contained in the chambers of the bottle sections are simultaneously viewed when the diagonally divided bottle is observed from a front. |
| US07946451B2 |
Carton with an improved dispensing feature
A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened. |
| US07946449B2 |
Blister pack device and a method of ejecting a unit dosage from a blister pack using the device
The present invention relates to a blister pack device for dispensing a dosage unit from a blister pack. The blister pack has at least one blister and a lid foil. The device comprises a first arm and a second lever arm hingedly connected to each other, the first arm comprises an aperture through which the dosage unit can be ejected. The lever arm comprises a protruding member for pressing out a dosage unit from the blister when the lever arm is lowered down onto the blister positioned on the first arm. The protruding member comprises a first section for applying a pressing force on the dosage unit inside the blister to initiate the breaking of the lid foil of the blister pack and a second section for distributing the pressing force over the dosage unit and for ejecting the dosage unit. |
| US07946448B1 |
Pill dispenser
A pill dispenser is provided for removing a pill from a blister pack having one or more foil sealed compartments in a plastic sheet, each containing a single pill. The pill dispenser includes a generally planar stage in generally horizontal orientation, a press assembly and a post. An opening is provided in the stage. The post extends upward, from the stage and the press assembly is rotatably coupled to the post. The press assembly includes a punch, configured such that the press assembly may be rotated to advance the punch through the opening. The blister pack may be loaded on the stage, with a compartment aligned with the opening and the foil adjacent to the stage. The press assembly may be operated to collapse the compartment, rupture the foil, and force the pill through the opening. A tray may be provided below the stage, for catching the pill. |
| US07946446B2 |
Gas storage tank and method of manufacturing the same
A gas storage tank for storing a gas, the tank has an opening formed on at least one of two ends; a filling unit that is housed in the tank; and a support member that is arranged between the tank and the filling unit and holds the filling unit in the tank to connect a whole gap formed between the tank and the filling unit with the opening. |
| US07946442B2 |
Clasp
One exemplary embodiment can be a clasp for securing a man-way cover in a vessel. The clasp can include a hinged member. Generally, the hinged member has a first position for securing the man-way cover and a second position for unsecuring the man-way cover. |
| US07946435B2 |
Fixture accessories
Assembling a merchandising system includes placing a display fixture on a floor in a retail environment, where the display fixture includes a first end assembly supported on the floor, a second end assembly supported on the floor, a first cross-piece, and a second cross-piece, each of the first and second cross-pieces extending between the first and second end assemblies and being substantially parallel to one another. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture and an accessory sheath is slid over the display fixture accessory by sliding an open bottom of the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory until a top of the accessory sheath abuts a top of the display fixture accessory and the accessory sheath covers a substantial portion of the display fixture accessory. The accessory sheath includes a plurality of substantially horizontal bracket slots. A slot mountable bracket of a retail device is releasably secured into one of the bracket slots and a plurality of products are supported with the retail device. |
| US07946434B1 |
Collapsible clothes rack
The present invention relates to a folding collapsible clothes rack. The rack includes two fixed side frames and two retractable side frames pivotally connected separately to the two fixed side frames. A pair of reinforcing links are pivoted together and coupled between the fixed side frames. In addition, a cross hanger tube is secured between the two retractable side frames and is able to be removably attached from one of them. The rack may also include a plurality of pockets positioned about the retractable side frames. |
| US07946432B1 |
Dual level bicycle parking system
A bicycle parking system includes a frame having a number of lower supports and a number of upper supports, each support being constructed to receive a bicycle. The frame includes a slide bar operatively engaged with each of the upper supports. Each slide bar includes a curved end to allow the attached upper support to rotate relative to the slide bar for loading and unloading of the upper support. A spring assembly biases each upper support toward a stored position. |
| US07946429B2 |
Sorting apparatus and method
A sorting apparatus (1) has a first conveyor (2) with a plurality of cups (4) to receive products such as fruit (3). Moving substantially parallel with the first conveyor (2) is at least a second conveyor (5) having a plurality of discrete product holding compartments or pockets (6). The second conveyor (5) can move in the same or opposite direction to that of the first conveyor (2). The first conveyor (2) is operated so that products (3) are selectively discharged from the first conveyor (2) into respective compartments (6) until a required number of the products having a prescribed characteristic have been received and that pocket (6) can then be moved to the product transfer or emptying point. The characteristic of the product (3) can be for example type, weight, quantity, colour, shape, surface quality and/or density. |
| US07946426B2 |
Package material
A package material includes cushioning materials and a covering member. The cushioning materials are assigned for three sides of an article to be packaged. Each of the cushioning materials has three projections each projecting outwardly toward three inner walls of the package box and coming into contact with the three inner walls of the package box. The covering member covers at least a portion of the article to be packaged, and supports the cushioning materials assigned for the three different sides of the article to be packaged. The covering member includes plural sets of three openings in which the three projections of the respective cushioning materials are inserted in a state where the cushioning materials are supported; and folded portions that are interposed between the three openings. |
| US07946421B2 |
Serially connected packets with end indicator
A strip containing a prescription of individual dosages of medicine includes a plurality of packets connected in a series. The plurality of packets includes at least one filled packet that includes a plurality of medications. The strip has a first end, a second end, and an ending group. The ending group includes a subset of the plurality of packets and is adjacent the second end. An indicator is associated with the ending group, wherein the indicator can inform a user that the ending group is adjacent the second end of the strip. |
| US07946418B1 |
Ventilated case for holding and organizing paintbrushes
A case assembly for holding a selection of paintbrushes of the type having bristles bound to a handle with a metal band. The case assembly has ventilation openings that provide ventilation to the interior of the case. A support board is provided that is sized to fit within the interior of the case. At least one magnet is coupled to each support board. Each magnet attracts the metal bands of the paintbrushes, therein attaching the paintbrushes to each support board. By attaching the paintbrushes to the support boards with magnetism, the bristles of the paintbrushes remain unconfined. Furthermore, the paintbrushes can be attached in any orientation, such as a bristle-down orientation. This prevents water from gathering near the metal bands of the paintbrushes and causing rust. |
| US07946414B2 |
Conveyor system
A conveyor system has a pair of outer wheel tracks and a pair of inner wheel tracks, the wheel tracks of each pair being spaced from each other and extending parallel to each other. Each wheel track has at least one generally vertical portion and at least one generally horizontal portion. A conveyor member has two pairs of wheels, the wheels of each pair being located on opposite sides of the member, each pair of wheels engaging one pair of wheel tracks; the wheels and tracks are configured and oriented relative to each other so that the member is maintained in a selected orientation as the member moves relative to and along the tracks. The conveyor system includes a lift subsystem for preventing slippage of the conveyor member as the conveyor member travels around a curved portion of the conveyor system. |
| US07946411B2 |
Auxiliary drag mechanism at variable speed
Auxiliary drag mechanism at variable speed, consisting of a variable pitch worm being geared with connection means of the components to be moved, at least during part of their path of travel, at variable speed. The worm is mounted between two end supports (8) and at least one intermediate support (9), whose supports leave free the gearing area between the connection means and the worm, along said worm. |
| US07946410B2 |
Conveyor machine having pivot connector comprising curved track and rollers engaging track
A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith. |
| US07946409B2 |
Self service terminal
A self service terminal having a slot; at least one shutter for selectively opening and closing the slot and a gear drive for moving the shutter between open and closed positions, the gear drive having a first gear that interacts with a second gear, at least one of the first and second gears defining a stop that is engagable with the other of the first and second gears to stop or prevent non-gear driven movement of the shutter. |
| US07946397B2 |
Disc brake with a self-energizing electric motor actuator
A disc brake is provided with an actuator acting on a brake application device, which brake application device is used for applying at least one brake pad to a brake disc. The brake application device has a brake-internal hydraulic arrangement and is configured in a self-energizing mode. The brake pad is supported on the brake application device at a wedge angle and the wedge angle of the brake pad is adjusted by the hydraulic arrangement of the brake application device. |
| US07946396B2 |
Twin rotor disc brake
A caliper for a fixed twin rotor disc brake includes a relatively fixed body, two yokes movable axially with respect to the body, formations defined on the yokes for receiving four brake pads for respective application to rotor sides, and an actuator adapted to urge the yokes relatively axially. One of the yokes is operable to urge two of the four brake pads in a first axial direction, the other of the yokes is operable to urge the other two of the four brake pads in a second, opposite axial direction. The four brake pads are positioned on a first side of the actuator in the first axial direction. |
| US07946395B1 |
Front brake of racing bicycle
A front brake of a racing bicycle includes a first half part threadedly secured to a fork and comprising an upper first bifurcated member adapted to lockingly secure to a brake cable, an intermediate first through hole, a first brake pad mount releasably secured to the first through hole, and a first brake pad secured to the first brake pad mount; and a second half part threadedly secured to the fork and comprising an upper second bifurcated member adapted to lockingly secure to the brake cable, an intermediate second through hole, a second brake pad mount releasably secured to the second through hole, and a second brake pad secured to the second brake pad mount. The front brake is disposed behind the fork with no projecting lateral portions. |
| US07946394B2 |
System and method for aircraft braking system usage monitoring
The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage. A wheel speed monitor may also be provided for measuring the aircraft wheel speed, for distinguishing between static brake applications and moving brake applications, based upon the wheel speed signal. |
| US07946392B2 |
Drive for an elevator door with a displacement curve adapted to the air flows in the shaft
A method of operating an elevator installation and the elevator installation include elevator doors actuated by an elevator drive according to a travel curve. At least one sensor unit detects pressure relationships and/or air flows. An evaluating unit determines a travel curve, which is optimal with respect to the detected pressure relationships and/or air flows, from a plurality of travel curves. |
| US07946391B2 |
Hydraulic elevator without machine room
A hydraulic elevator for an elevator shaft having guide rails for an elevator cab. The hydraulic elevator has no machine room and includes an assembly disposed between the guide rails and a tank, a pump mounted in the tank, a motor mounted in the tank for driving the pump, and a control valve unit mounted on the tank and in working relationship with the pump. One of the pump and the motor is disposed above the other of the pump and the motor. The hydraulic elevator further includes a hydraulic drive mounted on the tank, the hydraulic drive being configured to move the elevator cab by a cable; and an emergency operating and monitoring device disposed outside of the elevator shaft and connectable to the control valve unit by a measuring line. |
| US07946389B2 |
Oil supply system for vehicle
An oil supply system for a vehicle includes: a mechanical oil pump driven by an engine; an electric oil pump driven by an electric motor; a hydraulic pressure control circuit supplied with oil from the mechanical oil pump and the electric oil pump through an oil discharge passage for the mechanical oil pump and an oil discharge passage for the electric oil pump, which are connected to each other; a lubrication/cooling oil passage that is supplied with the oil from the hydraulic pressure control circuit; and a communication passage that provides communication between the lubrication/cooling oil passage and the mechanical oil pump. With this oil supply system, it is possible to prevent the electric oil pump from causing air-sucking noise, for example, in the motor-power cruise mode, and to improve the rising characteristics of the hydraulic pressure produced by the mechanical oil pump during startup of the engine. |
| US07946387B2 |
Self-retracting lifeline
A self-retracting lifeline includes a common, central brake hub having teeth on opposing sides and a lifeline assembly on each side of the brake hub. The lifeline assemblies include centrifugal clutch assemblies with pawls. The pawls are configured and arranged to engage the teeth of the brake hub to stop the lifeline assemblies when there is a sudden acceleration or a high rate of speed at which the lifeline assemblies turn to pay-out lifeline which causes the pawls to pivot and engage the teeth. The self-retracting lifeline may be operatively connected to a safety harness with a connector interconnecting the bottom of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness proximate a dorsal pad assembly and straps interconnecting the housing of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness above the dorsal pad assembly. The lifelines of the self-retracting lifeline exit the housing proximate the top. |
| US07946385B2 |
Process for the production of an acoustically resistive structure, the acoustically resistive structure thus obtained, and coating using such a structure
A process for the production of an acoustically resistive structure that can be inserted in an alveolar structure so as to obtain a coating for the acoustic treatment, whereby the acoustically resistive structure includes at least one porous layer (34) and at least one reinforcement structure (36) assembled by gluing, the process including: applying an amorphous-type adhesive on the at least one reinforcement structure (36), perforating or micro-perforating the reinforcement structure (36) after the application of the amorphous-type adhesive, and applying the at least one porous layer against the face of the reinforcement structure (36) that is coated with amorphous-type adhesive. |
| US07946383B2 |
Acoustic load mitigator
A system for reducing an acoustic load of a fluid flow includes a first pipe. The first pipe includes a first end and a second end and a first aperture and a second aperture, the first and second apertures being intermediate the first and second ends. A second pipe includes a first end and a second end and a third aperture intermediate the first and second ends. The second pipe is connected at its first end to the first pipe at the first aperture. A bypass pipe includes a first end connected to the second aperture of the first pipe and a second end connected to the third aperture of the second pipe. A method of reducing an acoustic load of a flow in a standpipe connected to a first pipe configured to carry a main flow includes providing a bypass flow from the first pipe to the standpipe. |
| US07946382B2 |
Gas compressor with side branch absorber for pulsation control
A method and system for reducing pulsation in lateral piping associated with a gas compressor system. A tunable side branch absorber (TSBA) is installed on the lateral piping. A pulsation sensor is placed in the lateral piping, to measure pulsation within the piping. The sensor output signals are delivered to a controller, which controls actuators that change the acoustic dimensions of the SBA. |
| US07946380B2 |
Motorcycle and muffler structure
A motorcycle has a muffler 40, a muffler cover 50 for covering a part of a side surface (outer peripheral surface) of the muffler 40 and an end cap 60 for covering the muffler 40 from a rear side thereof. The end cap 60 is separately formed from the muffler cover 50 and disposed away from the muffler cover 50. The muffler cover 50 is mounted on the muffler 40 in a manner such that a central axis of the muffler cover 50 is offset from a central axis of the muffler 40 in a radial direction. |
| US07946376B2 |
Actuator
When activated, an actuator causes a piston rod in a cylinder to move forwards so as to support a receiving member for receiving an object to be protected. A lock mechanism for restricting a backward movement of the piston rod includes a lock ring which is accommodated in an accommodating groove on a piston portion and a locking stepped portion on the cylinder side. The locking stepped portion includes a locking and restricting surface and an outer circumferential restricting surface. A taper restricting surface in the accommodating groove on the piston portion is brought into abutment with an inner surface on a forward moving side of the lock ring which is being diametrically expanded as a result of the piston rod having moved forwards and is in abutment with the locking and restricting surface and the outer circumferential restricting surface of the locking stepped portion, whereby the backward movement of the piston rod is restricted by making use of the lock ring which is restricted in the locking stepped portion. |
| US07946373B2 |
Recreational and utility three or four-wheeled recumbent cycle with on-demand zero emmissions electric motor and multi-geared manual pedal drive
One embodiment of a single person recumbent three or four-wheeled, zero emissions utility and recreational cycle vehicle provided with an electric motor driven from a battery and a multiple geared manual pedal mechanism with rear axle derailleur allowing the user to either select individually, or select simultaneously, electric powered or manual pedaling locomotion; also incorporating a rear axle limited slip differential and extra wide tires; and incorporating modular frame, canopy and rear axle design and construction, front and rear disc brakes, a highly-visible canopy; and incorporating a multi-purpose trailer or accessory hitch or receiver for attaching on-board cargo and material carrying devices or for towing of other vehicles for transport of personnel and materials. |
| US07946372B2 |
Dual tracked mobile robot for motion in rough terrain
The invention is an autonomous dual tracked mobile (10) robot system comprising two or more tracked driving units (12x) configured to travel in tandem and a separate mechanical linkage (16), which joins each of the mobile units to the unit immediately preceding and following it, and enables efficient power transmission between the two driving units. Each of the mechanical linkages comprises one connecting bar (14) and three revolute joints (18y) located on each of the adjacent units and a connecting beam that connects the connecting bar on one of the units with the connecting bar on the adjacent unit. |
| US07946367B2 |
Rotating radiator screen having air curtain seal
A rotating radiator screen has a series of fins surrounding the peripheral edge of the screen at its interface with a wall surface of the machine on which the screen is mounted. An annular baffle on the wall surface circumscribes the fins and cooperates with them in producing positive pressure and an axially outwardly moving curtain of air in the vicinity of the interface so as to oppose the ingress of ambient air and foreign materials at that location. |
| US07946355B1 |
Auger assembly
An auger assembly has a shaft supporting flight units having lug and recess connections allowing broken flight units to be removed from the shaft and replaced with another flight unit. The auger assembly is incorporated in an ice drill having a cordless electric motor and a cutting head. A coupling locks the auger assembly on the motor drive shaft. |
| US07946348B2 |
Rotation tool
A downhole rotation tool comprises a housing rotatable and axially slideable in relation to a gear shaft. The gear shaft is located interior of the housing. A tube gear is located intermediate the gear shaft and the housing. Helical threading on the gear shaft exterior interacts with helical threading interior of the tube gear to impart rotation of the tube gear upon linear movement of the gear shaft. A gear face at a lower end of the tube gear interacts with a corresponding gear face on the housing. Face gear teeth of the tube gear and the housing include axially-aligned engaging surfaces to rotate the housing in a preferred direction on downward stroke of the gear shaft and include inclined slip surfaces to allow relative rotation of the housing gear face and the tube gear face upon upward stroke of the gear shaft. |
| US07946347B2 |
Injection valve
A valve for use in a downhole tool The valve has an inlet communicating with the work string from which it is anchored. The inlet provides a flow path of a first cross-sectional area. A sealing assembly comprising a spring biased seal cap moves within an outer tubular body to open and close a number of ports arranged through the body. The ports provide a flow path of a combined cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area and the valve is arranged such that fluid flow through the inlet moves the seal cap to open the valve and create an unimpeded flow path between the inlet and the ports with negligible pressure drop. An embodiment including a shear ring is described to facilitate pressure testing above. A further embodiment includes a load adjuster to assist in closing the valve. The valve can be a high lift injection valve. |
| US07946334B2 |
Sprue formers
A sprue former of the type used to produce a casting mold includes a generally hollow body or a body having hollow sections. The body includes an inlet forming member and at least one first interface member. The inlet forming member is configured to provide an inlet cavity in the casting mold to enable casting material to enter the casting mold. The first interface members are configured to couple to casting patterns. The casting patterns represent items to be cast. The body can also includes a reservoir forming member and at least one connecting member coupling the reservoir forming member to the inlet forming member. |
| US07946325B2 |
Device and method for blocking optical lens
A centering device (13) is arranged to surround a loading table (11) on which a lens blank (1) is to be set, to set the geometric center of the lens blank (1) to coincide with the center of the loading table (11). The centering device (13) includes three clamp pins (31) which press the peripheral surface of the lens blank (1). When centering is ended, the loading table (11) on which the lens blank (1) is set is pushed up by a moving device (12) from a centering position (H1) to a block position (H2), and a peripheral portion of the lens blank (1) on a concave surface side is urged against the lower surfaces of locking portions (31A) of clamp pins (31). After a predetermined amount of wax (4) is dripped onto the lens blank (1), a lens holding unit (2) is moved downward by a predetermined amount and urged against the wax on the lens blank (1) to spread the wax thin and let the wax to solidify. Thus, the lens blank (1) and lens holding unit (2) are bonded to each other. |
| US07946324B2 |
Run flat device for a motor vehicle, and a wheel assembly incorporating it
The present invention relates to a run flat device for fitting to a tubeless wheel assembly for a motor vehicle, and to such a wheel assembly incorporating the device.A device of the invention comprises: an annular cover support structure subdivided into at least two ring sectors that are circumferentially juxtaposed; and locking means for locking the beads against the flanges to connect the support structure to the beads. According to the invention, the sectors are interconnected by connection means comprising a male member secured to one of the circumferential ends of each sector and removably mounted in a female member formed in the facing end of the adjacent sector, the male member comprising a projection that is terminated by an anchor tab, the female member being formed by a slot having a radially-lower zone and a radially-upper zone of widths that are respectively greater than and less the width of the tab, the upper zone being adapted to receive said projection axially locked in a position for anchoring the tab. |
| US07946320B2 |
Folding work bench
The folding work bench folds compactly for storage when not in use and occupies a minimal work space. The folding work bench has a durable work surface, a top storage shelf, a back board for hanging tools, a locking mechanism, and a work table that can be folded up against the back board and locked in a compactly folded configuration that also secures the tools on the back board in the work bench. |
| US07946319B2 |
Router table
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a router table may comprise a table top, a mounting can, a sleeve, and an adjustment mechanism. The table top may have an aperture and a plurality of support members; the support members may be configured to support the table top. The mounting can may be attachable to the table top in a vicinity of the aperture. The sleeve may be engaged to the mounting can, and may be configured to receive a router and to position a router bit of the router along an axis extending through the aperture. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the sleeve within the mounting can and relative to the table top to thereby move the router along the axis and position the router bit at one of a plurality of positions relative to the table top. |
| US07946316B2 |
Inkjet refilling station
Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink. |
| US07946312B2 |
Flexible pipe
Apparatus and methods are disclosed relating to flexible pipe and composite tape. Flexible pipe body for a flexible pipe comprises an internal pressure sheath and at least one armour layer over the sheath comprising a wound tape of composite material. A method for manufacturing a composite tape is disclosed making use of a pultrusion process. |
| US07946305B1 |
Beach umbrella weight
A method for stabilizing a beach umbrella includes the steps of configuring a one or more bags, each having a reclosable top opening, and having attachment cords at the upper and lower ends of each bag, filling the bags with a medium such as sand or water, and suspending the bags from the umbrella by affixing each either to the pole or above the junctures of the canopy struts and the pole, or at the junctures of the longer and shorter canopy struts. |
| US07946302B2 |
Parts immersion apparatus and method
A parts immersion system and method includes a trough through which a conveyor belt carries the parts. A chemical solution is introduced into the trough through an opening in the bottom of the trough, from above the trough, and/or from the sides of the trough. The parts on the conveyor belt in the trough have a tendency to retard liquid movement out of the open ends of the trough thereby allowing the chemical solution to accumulate in the trough resulting in a greater immersion of the parts in the chemical solution. A gate may be provided near one or both ends of the trough to further enhance the accumulation of the chemical solution in the trough. Flights may extend upwardly from the conveyor belt to further enhance liquid retention in the trough between the flights. Flexible seals at the ends of the flights may contact sidewalls of the trough. One or more vibrators may be provided to enhance drainage of the chemical solution from the parts as the parts exit the trough. |
| US07946300B2 |
Rinse water heating device for dish washer
A rinse water heating device for a dish washer includes a water tank for storing a rinse water used for washing dishes, a rinse water tank divided from the water tank by a separation plate positioned at a lower portion of the water tank, partitions installed in the rinse water tank to form a rinse water guide path in a zigzag pattern, a heater installed along the rinse water guide path, and an inlet pipe installed to introduce water in the water tank into the rinse water tank. The water tank and the rinse water tank are divided from each other, so this device may subsequently heat a small amount of water in the rinse water tank within a short time. Therefore, the rinse water heating device allows an automatic dish washer to wash dishes with enhanced sterilizing, cleaning and drying abilities, thereby ensuring effective rinsing and washing. |
| US07946292B2 |
Tongue retention device
A device for retaining a tongue in a predetermined position, the device comprising, a flange having a first and second surface, the flange further including a protrusion extending from the first surface of the flange; and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces of the flange, wherein the protrusion covers the aperture, whereby the protrusion form a hollow chamber, the hollow chamber is accessible through the aperture from the second side of the flange. |
| US07946289B2 |
Oral airway
An oral airway for providing an air passage to a patient's trachea including two embodiments. In both embodiments, the oral airway includes a curved section and a straight section with the curved section having spaced-apart curved upper and lower members and the straight section having spaced-apart planar upper and lower members with the same width. In the first embodiment, the curved upper member has the same width as the planar upper member with the curved lower member having a greater width than the width of the lower planar member. In the second embodiment, the width of the curved lower member is greater than the width of the planar lower member and the distance between the curved upper and lower members is greater than the distance between the planar upper and lower members. |
| US07946281B2 |
Balanced pulley assembly for compound archery bows, and bows incorporating that assembly
A compound bow includes a first and second pulley, each of which is operative, when the bow is drawn, to unwind a portion of a bow string from a bow string groove and to take up a portion of a bow cable so as to decrease its effective length. At least one of the pulleys includes a cable controller which operates to modify the rate at which the effective length of the bow cable is decreasing so that during an initial portion of the draw of the bow, the rate is greater than it would be in the absence of the controller, and during a second portion of the draw, the rate is less than it would be in the absence of the controller. Use of the controller provides a bow which has an inherently balanced draw. |
| US07946274B2 |
Electromagnetic fuel injector and method for assembling the same
An electromagnetic fuel injection valve comprising: a metallic cylindrical-shaped vessel provided at a tip end thereof with a fuel injection port, the other end thereof being closed by a stationary core provided centrally thereof with a through-hole; a movable member arranged between the stationary core and the fuel injection port and provided at a tip end thereof with a valve element, which opens and closes the fuel injection port, a maximum outside diameter of the movable member being smaller than a minimum inside diameter of the through-hole; and an electromagnetic drive mechanism that reciprocates the movable member. |
| US07946273B2 |
Fuel system for multi-fuel engine
An engine system and corresponding control method are described. As one example, the control method includes transferring one type of fuel from one fuel tank to a second fuel tank holding another type of fuel and adjusting an engine operating parameter based on the blended fuel mixture by selective operation of a first and second fuel pump. |
| US07946269B2 |
Method and device for increasing the engine brake power of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine of a vehicle, particularly of a diesel engine
A method for increasing an engine brake power of an internal combustion engine, particularly of a diesel engine, having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston, at least one inlet valve and one outlet valve, and a turbocharger, in which air is compressed by an air compressor and stored in the at least one storage device, and air is injected in a clocked manner into the at least one cylinder in order to increase the compression work performed by the piston and thereby enhance the engine brake power during an engine braking process. |
| US07946262B2 |
Lifter oil manifold assembly for variable activation and deactivation of valves in an internal combustion engine
A lifter oil manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves having first (top) and second (valve) plates having portions of oil control and oil exhaust passages formed therein. The assembly further includes a carrier member having an oil supply passage integrated thereby separating the oil supply path from the oil control and oil exhaust path. Further, the assembly includes towers for receiving and positioning the electro-magnetic oil control valves used to control oil flow in the assembly. The towers are molded separate from the carrier and are held in place by the valve plate or are molded integral with the carrier. In another aspect of the invention, oil control valve retention springs are molded integral with either the tower or the oil control valve. In a further aspect of the invention, a combined polymer restrictor/strainer in the oil circuit replaces a prior art metal die-cast restrictor. |
| US07946261B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator with two electromagnets comprising magnets having different forces and method of controlling an internal combustion engine valve using same
An electromagnetic actuator including an actuating member associated with an armature and able to move between two extreme positions under the action of an elastic member and two electromagnets that attract the armature to one of the extreme positions, where the electromagnets each include a coil, a core for channeling a flux of the coil so that it forms a return path in the armature, and permanent magnets associated with the core so that the latter channels a flux of the permanent magnets so that it forms a return path in the armature, where the permanent magnets of one of the electromagnets exert a force on the armature sufficient to retain the armature in the associated extreme position against the springs, and where the permanent magnets of the other electromagnet exerts a force on the armature insufficient to retain the armature in the associated extreme position against the springs. |
| US07946259B2 |
Multi-stroke internal combustion engine
An engine system and method of its operation are described. The method includes: operating the combustion chamber in a four stroke cycle by repeatedly opening a first exhaust valve of the combustion chamber once every four piston strokes while holding closed a second exhaust valve of the combustion chamber; after operating the combustion chamber in the four stroke cycle, operating the combustion chamber in a two stroke cycle by repeatedly opening the first exhaust valve once every four piston strokes and repeatedly opening the second exhaust valve once every four piston strokes during a different exhaust stroke than the first exhaust valve; and after operating the combustion chamber in the two stroke cycle, operating the combustion chamber in the four stroke cycle by repeatedly opening the second exhaust valve of the combustion chamber once every four piston strokes while holding closed the first exhaust valve of the combustion chamber. |
| US07946257B2 |
Water heater sealed combustion chamber assembly
A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a combustion chamber assembly, representatively a sealed combustion chamber assembly, operative to create from combustion air delivered thereto via a circumferentially limited vertical side portion thereof a flow of primary combustion air to the underside of a centrally disposed fuel burner within the assembly via a first location underlying the burner, a first flow of secondary combustion air delivered to the burner via the first location, and a second flow of secondary combustion air delivered to the burner via a second location outwardly circumscribing the first location. |
| US07946253B2 |
Pet grooming stand
A grooming stand includes a base, a platform with at least one peripheral surface, and at least one leg extending between the base and the platform. A gutter is disposed around a portion of the peripheral surface of the platform. The gutter is configured to receive clippings from the animal. |
| US07946248B2 |
Knock-down bird feeder with interlocking port
An elongated, tubular bird feeder comprising one or more pairs of interlocking feeder ports, where the feeder ports are of identical constructions, such that each feeder port mates with an identical feeder port. Each port defines an external perch and an external shield that is curved to fit the contour of the tube, a neck which fits tightly into an opening in the tube, and a reduced diameter portion that defines an end face, from which projects two interlocking features: a horizontally-oriented blade member; and a vertically-oriented generally sector-shaped member. When two ports are pushed together into diametrically-opposed side openings in the tube, with end faces located proximate one another, the two sector members will be located adjacent one another to define an essentially semi-circular upper region, and the two blades will be located next to one another to define an essentially horizontal blade member. |
| US07946246B2 |
Hand held magnetic test panel holder
A hand held magnetic test panel holder that will attach metal or paper test panels magnetically, and will magnetically attach to a metal wall or surface. Its main body is formed to provide a handle and an extension to provide space to hold a test panel at a distance to paint a test panel without the paint coming in contact with the user's hand. This hand held magnetic test panel holder holds a metal clip board with its magnet, which in turn will hold a paper test panel. The user will paint the test panel with a paint spraying device with one hand, and hold the hand held magnetic test panel holder with the other hand. When not in use, the device will magnetically attach to a metal wall for storage and when paint is in the drying process. |
| US07946238B2 |
Ensuring installation of drain plug when launching aquatic vessel
An auxiliary strap, connected to a tie-down strap for securing a boat to a trailer, is removably anchored to a drain opening in the boat, by being connected to a tethered drain plug, or by being connected to a spring clip that extends into the drain opening. The connection of the tie-down strap to the drain opening reminds the boater to reinstall the drain plug before launching the boat. |
| US07946229B2 |
Rail road car truck
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to self steering that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The trucks may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both. |
| US07946228B2 |
Self contained non toxic obscurant grenade and self-contained aerosol dispersing grenade
A self-contained grenade capable of dispersing a non-toxic obscurant composition, or various types of aerosol compositions such as pesticides or antimicrobial/sanitizing agents, is provided. The obscurant or other type of aerosol composition via an exothermic reaction. Release of the obscurant or other type of aerosol composition is effected in a controlled manner by creating heat via a heat producing composition comprising, for example, a thermite composition. The obscurant or other type of aerosol composition is absorbed into a heat transfer media disposed adjacent the heat producing composition. When the exothermic reaction occurs, the heat transfer media transfers the heat to the absorbed material, thereby providing a regulated thermal dispersion of same. |
| US07946227B2 |
Detonator system
A detonator system which includes an array of a plurality of discrete time delay relays (16) connected in series to one another, and a plurality of detonators (28) which are respectively connected to the array at spaced intervals (22). |
| US07946226B1 |
Serigraphy reflection transfer and product and method for producing the same
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen print reflection transfer product and to reflection transfer systems produced by this method. According to said method, the reflecting color is provided with a multitude of reflecting particles, said reflecting particles protruding from the surface of the top color coat. |
| US07946224B2 |
Griddle
A high-speed griddle for cooking food products has a griddle platen having a cook surface for receiving food products thereon, and heating means are provided for heating the platen. A clamshell cover is configured for sealing contact with the cook surface of the platen, the cook surface and cover cooperating to enclose a cook volume. An electromagnetic energy source is configured for emitting energy into the cook volume, the energy source emitting energy of a frequency selected to cause internal heating of food products within the cook volume. In addition, a convection air system is configured to provide a flow of heated air into the cook volume. The heated platen, electromagnetic energy source, and convection air system cooperate to rapidly cook food products within the cook volume. |
| US07946217B2 |
Method for preparing a beverage from a capsule and device therefor
A method for preparing a beverage or a liquid foodstuff from a capsule containing a product with a substance to be extracted, the capsule having a flexible membrane (17) capable of deforming elastically or permanently to a considerable extent, comprising the steps of perforating a plurality of holes (26) distributed over the flexible membrane and of injecting water onto the flexible membrane, in such a manner that it deforms in the direction of the product inside the capsule and in that the water penetrates into the capsule via said holes. The size of the holes perforated by the perforating spikes is controlled by the level to which the capsule is filled or by the compactness of the product inside the capsule, so as to influence the hydraulic pressure differential ΔP between the two sides (17a, 17b) of the flexible membrane, in such a manner as to achieve an automatic adjustment of the compression of the product contained in the capsule. |
| US07946216B2 |
Two-part piston for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a two-piece piston (1) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a piston upper piece (2) and a piston lower piece (2). A cylindrical molding (24) is arranged on the underside of the piston upper piece (2), facing away from the piston crown, lying coaxial to the piston axis (15), with two radial outward-facing hooked projections (27) on the end thereof facing away from the piston crown. The piston lower piece (6) has an opening (16) on the piston crown side, in which the cylindrical molding (24) with the projections (27) is introduced and rotated on assembly of the piston upper piece (2) on the piston lower piece (6), such that the projections (27) engage behind the edge of the opening (16). |
| US07946210B1 |
Vehicle protective structure
A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure. |
| US07946208B1 |
Ejection system for deploying a store
According to one embodiment, an ejection system for deploying a store includes a first cartridge actuated device coupled to a first release mechanism, a second cartridge actuated device coupled to a second release mechanism, and a controller circuit coupled to the first and second cartridge actuated devices. The first and second release mechanisms are configured to eject the store away from a vehicle. The controller circuit is operable to detonate the second cartridge actuated device at a specified period of time after the first cartridge actuated device is detonated. |
| US07946204B2 |
Lubrication system for a multi-spindle automatic screw machine
An automatic screw machine (20) has a body (22), and a head (21) that is rotatably mounted on the body and that is adapted to be selectively rotated relative to the body between any of a plurality of index positions. The body and head have closely-spaced and facing bearing surfaces (25, 28 and 26, 29), have spindles (23) journalled on the head for rotation relative thereto, and have a source of pressurized lubricant. The improvement broadly includes: at least one body passageway (32) communicating the source with the body bearing surface, the intersection of each body passageway with the body bearing surface defining a body port (33); a head passageway (36) communicating the head bearing surface with the spindle, the intersection of said head passageway with said head bearing surface defining at least one head port (42); and the body and head passageways being so configured and arranged such that lubricant may flow from the source to the spindle only when the head is in the vicinity of the index position such that the body and head ports overlap one another. |
| US07946198B2 |
Ratcheting driver with helical drive
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a combination ratcheting and helical driver is disclosed. In the unlocked position the hand tool coverts downward linear force into rotary motion. In the locked position the hand tool operates as a ratcheting driver. The locking device locks the helical drive shaft of the hand tool in a retracted position such that the helical drive shaft is substantially positioned within the handle body. A locking main body is adjacent to a chuck assembly. The locking main body selectively combines with a shoulder abutment adjacent to the handle assembly to lock the helical drive shaft in the retracted position. |
| US07946190B2 |
Shift rocker arrangement for a shift transmission
A shift rocker arrangement for a transmission including a two-arm bracket shift rocker that extends around a transmission element to be shifted and is supported by pivot bearings on the arms of the bracket within a transmission housing to pivot about an axis located essentially in the plane of the bracket. The shift rocker has bearing elements formed on the bracket arms and complementary bearing shells are formed on the inside wall of the closed housing. The bearing shells that support the bearing elements of the shift rocker are either formed on a bearing bar, which is supported at both ends by the housing, or they are formed directly on inside walls of the housing. |
| US07946186B2 |
Measuring system with a flow conditioner arranged at an inlet of a measuring tube
The measuring system is inserted into the course of a process line and serves for registering at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in the process line. The measuring system includes for such purpose a measuring transducer having a measuring tube serving for conveying medium being measured and a sensor arrangement, which has at least one sensor element reacting primarily to the measured variable to be registered, and which delivers by means of at least one sensor element at least one measurement signal influenced by the measured variable. Further, the measuring system includes a measuring electronics communicating with the measuring transducer and using the at least one measurement signal for producing, at least at times, at least one measured value instantaneously representing the measured variable. The measuring tube has, in the case of the measuring system of the invention, a smaller flow cross section than a supply segment of the process line connected to the inlet end of the measuring system. To this end, the measuring system further includes a flow conditioner arranged at the inlet end of the measuring tube and mediating between the measuring tube and the supply segment of the process line. The flow conditioner has a lumen tapering in the direction of the measuring tube. During operation, medium flows through the lumen of the flow conditioner. The flow conditioner includes at least one inner edge arranged upstream of its outlet end and protruding into the lumen of the flow conditioner. During operation, medium conveyed in the flow conditioner flows against the inner edge. |
| US07946185B2 |
Converter pulse width shaping circuit and excessive vortex flow rate meter
A converter pulse width shaping circuit (6) according to the present invention is provided between a waveform shaping apparatus (4) and an erroneous output preventing apparatus (5) that are provided between a flow rate detecting portion (1) and a flow rate metering mechanism (3). When high frequency pulse signals of a frequency not lower than a predetermined value are successively input, the converter pulse width shaping circuit (6) combines those high frequency pulse signals to convert them to a low frequency pulse signal, which is then output to the erroneous output preventing apparatus (5) having a low-cut function. In the present invention, a vortex flow meter is made up of a converter (2) including the converter pulse width shaping circuit (6) described above. |
| US07946182B2 |
Apparatus for measuring the strength of solar cells
Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the strength of solar cells. The apparatus includes a shell, a flexible element, a fastener unit, an inlet valve and a vent valve. The shell is used to cover the solar cells. The flexible element is disposed in the shell, thus dividing the interior of the shell into a first chamber and a second chamber. The fastener unit is used to firmly attach the flexible element to the shell. The inlet valve is in communication with the first chamber. The vent valve is in communication with the first chamber. |
| US07946180B2 |
Displacement measurement method and apparatus, strain measurement method and apparatus, elasticity and visco-elasticity constants measurement apparatus, and the elasticity and visco-elasticity constants measurement apparatus-based treatment apparatus
The present invention provides elastic constant and visco elastic constant measurement apparatus etc. for measuring in the ROI in living tissues elastic constants such as shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, Lame constants, etc., visco elastic constants such as visco shear modulus, visco Poisson's ratio, visco Lame constants, etc. and density even if there exist another mechanical sources and uncontrollable mechanical sources in the object. The elastic constant and visco elastic constant measurement apparatus is equipped with means of data storing 2 (storage of deformation data measured in the ROI 7 etc.) and means of calculating elastic and visco elastic constants 1 (calculator of shear modulus etc. at arbitrary point in the ROI from measured strain tensor data etc.), the means of calculating elastic and visco elastic constants numerically determines elastic constants etc. from the first order partial differential equations relating elastic constants etc. and strain tensor etc. |
| US07946178B2 |
Vacuum measuring cell device having a heater
The invention relates to a vacuum measuring cell device comprising a vacuum membrane measuring cell (8) having a connecting means (5, 6) arranged thereon for a communicating connection to the medium to be measured, an electronic system (34), which is electrically connected to the vacuum membrane measuring cell (8), and also comprising a heating arrangement (20, 21) for heating the vacuum membrane measuring cell (8) to a predefinable temperature value, wherein the heating arrangement (20, 21) substantially encloses the entire vacuum membrane measuring cell (8) such that said cell forms a thermal container (20). Said container constitutes a thermal body (20a) in the area of the connecting means (5, 6) and connecting means (6) are guided through it, the connecting means thereby being thermally contacted at least in some areas by the thermal body. The thermal container (20a) comprises a heating source (21) for the heating thereof. The thermal container (20) is substantially entirely enclosed by an insulating shell (22). |
| US07946174B2 |
Decelerometer formed by levitating a substrate into equilibrium
Coulomb islands are charged to create Coulomb forces which are applied between a first and second substrate. The Coulomb islands are used to levitate the first substrate over the second substrate into an equilibrium position. A processing unit monitors the values of capacitors formed between the substrates to provide feedback information to maintain the first substrate in this equilibrium position. The first substrate can be an accelerometer that can be used to calculate the direction and magnitude of a deceleration. The processing unit sends the digital information to a bus coupled to a plurality of air bags. The digital information identifies the appropriate air bags that need to be enabled to minimize the impact of a crash. Vertical changes in acceleration can also be detected making this invention applicable for flight vehicles. |
| US07946170B2 |
Residual liquid quantity detecting method
A residual liquid quantity detecting method capable of accurately detecting the residual quantity of liquid without relying upon visual observation, preventing overfill at the time of refilling. A residual liquid quantity detecting method for a liquid supply container (100) has a container body (108) having a liquid supply opening (126) and has a liquid storage chamber (118) in which liquid (119) is sealed, the liquid storage chamber (118) being formed in the container body (108) and communicating with the liquid supply opening (126). The liquid (119) is supplied from the liquid supply opening (126) to the outside of the container by primary supply pressure generated through reduction, by pressure, in volume of the liquid storage chamber (118). The residual quantity of the liquid (119) in the liquid storage chamber (118) is detected by detecting primary supply pressure of the liquid (119). |
| US07946164B2 |
Measurement machine for the uniformity of vehicle tires
A measurement machine for uniformity serves for determining radial and lateral force fluctuations of vehicle tires (4), which are received by a drivable support spindle (2) supported on a machine frame (1). The vehicle tire (4) rotates on a rotatable revolving drum supported on the machine frame (1) via force measurement elements (8). The rotational axis of the support shaft (2) is disposed horizontally. The rotational axis of the revolving drum (5) is disposed horizontally in a vertical plane containing the rotational axis of the support shaft (2) beneath the support spindle (2). The revolving drum (5) is supported in a revolving drum carriage (9) vertically adjustable in the machine frame (1). The revolving drum (5) has a drum shaft (6), the two drum shaft bearings (7) of which are each supported via one of the force measurement elements (8) on the revolving drum carriage (9). |
| US07946157B2 |
Method and device to measure, test and/or monitor turbine performance
A set of data is measured reliably and accurately to test, operate and/or monitor the performance of turbines. It is proposed to determine the performance parameters of a turbine applicable to its entire operating envelope and for a condition when it is producing net output power, by measuring its characteristic performance parameters in the mode of no net output-power production. |
| US07946156B2 |
Glide test heads using heating elements to form a planar detection surface
Glide test systems and associated methods are described. A glide test system includes a glide test head that is flown over the surface of a recording disk to detect asperities on the recording disk. The glide test head includes a detection pad on the trailing end of the head. Heating elements are fabricated proximate to the detection pad. The heating elements are independently controllable to control the amount of protrusion of different regions of the detection pad. The heating elements thus provide a way to substantially flatten the detection surface of the detection pad, and compensate for an uneven topography on a detection surface. |
| US07946155B2 |
Method for quantitatively determining unbound metal in formulations containing chelates
Methods are provided for quantitatively determining the amount of unbound metal present in a sample suspected of containing a metal-ligand chelate. |
| US07946154B2 |
Hydraulic fluid determination system and method
A system for determining the type of hydraulic fluid employed in a transmission includes a translating valve, a valve position sensor, a hydraulic fluid temperature sensor, and a controller. The valve position sensor is operable to measure the actual time the valve takes to translate within the hydraulic fluid. The controller is operable to compare the actual time of valve translation to an expected time of valve translation. If the actual time of valve translation is different than the expected time of valve translation to a predetermined degree, the controller is operable to signal an operator of the motor vehicle or a service technician that the hydraulic fluid being used in the transmission is not meeting operating expectations. |
| US07946152B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring the concentration of organic gas
In a measuring apparatus, an atmosphere to be inspected taken out from a space to be inspected in a processing system is analyzed for organic gas concentration. The apparatus is provided with a collector having an approach connected to the space to be inspected. The collector is connected to a gas exhaust system and an adsorption material for preparing a captured organic gas is held in the collector. A temperature control mechanism including a heater controls the adsorption/desorption of organic gas through temperature control of the adsorption material. A carrier gas is supplied from a carrier gas supplying system in order to transfer the desorbed gas taken from the captured organic gas and the concentration of organic gas in the carrier gas transferring the desorbed gas is determined in a concentration measuring unit. |
| US07946150B2 |
Detection systems
An IMS system or the like has dopant contained in a way such that it is only released when needed. The dopant could be contained in a device (50) similar to an ink-jet printer and released as droplets (55) when required. Alternatively, the dopant could be trapped in material (156) of a molecular sieve (150) in such a way that it is not normally released into air flowing through the sieve but can be released by energising a heater (157) in the sieve. |
| US07946149B1 |
Explosive pulse testing of protective specimens
A transducer is fixedly positioned within a supporting frame, covered by a shield in underlying relation to an enclosure within which explosion pulses are generated for testing purposes. The explosion pulses are profiled during emergence thereof through an aperture in the shield onto a specimen of cellular protective material to be tested by positioning thereof on the transducer. The enclosure is filled with a fluid media such as water to establish a water column corresponding for example to an underwater environment within which such explosion pulses would be generated. The energy of the profiled explosion pulses, not absorbed within the specimen, is measured through the transducer and recorded as a function of time for evaluation of the explosion protective capability of the specimen material being tested. |
| US07946138B2 |
Adjustable positioning apparatus for cooling members
An apparatus for adjusting the cooling members located beneath fiberizing bushings is disclosed having the capability of moving each cooling member, or one portion of each cooling member, in a generally vertical direction, and/or in a lateral and/or tilting direction. Also disclosed is a process of using the apparatus to make fibers from molten material including molten glass. |
| US07946133B2 |
Methods for modifying ovality of optical fiber preforms
Methods for modifying preform core ovality during and subsequent to the formation of an optical fiber preform. After MCVD deposition forms the core rod, but prior to overcladding of the core rod, the code rod may be etched to change its ovality. In order to etch the core rod, the core rod may be mounted to lathe, rotated by at least two rotors, and subjected to a heat source. Additionally, one of the at least two rotors may be phase-shifted from another one of the at least two rotors after the core rod is mounted on the lathe. |
| US07946126B2 |
Adjustable volume toddler cup
Adjustable volume cups and methods for use are disclosed. Cups of various embodiments may have a series of removable inserts or a moveable bottom member allowing the containable volume to be adjusted. |
| US07946124B2 |
Temperature controlled storage facilities and methods
A temperature controlled storage facility includes a room having an enclosed structure, and a plurality of multi-level storage zones within the room. Each of the storage zones include a supply of temperature controlled air having two outlets, one outlet positioned adjacent to a top area of the storage area, and a second outlet positioned adjacent to an aisle, wherein pressure barriers are created to prevent air flow from migrating to other storage areas or to a return duct without cooling (or heating) all of the inventory in the storage zone. |
| US07946123B2 |
System for compressor capacity modulation
A system is provided to control and operate a compressor to have two or more discrete output capacities in response to an outdoor temperature measurement. During operation of the compressor in an air conditioning or cooling mode, the compressor has a first output capacity in response to the outdoor temperature being greater than a first temperature setpoint and the compressor has a second output capacity in response to the outdoor temperature being less than a second temperature setpoint. |
| US07946120B2 |
High capacity thermoelectric temperature control system
A thermoelectric system includes a first plurality of thermoelectric elements and a second plurality of thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric system further includes a plurality of heat transfer devices. Each heat transfer device has a first side in thermal communication with two or more thermoelectric elements of the first plurality of thermoelectric elements and a second side in thermal communication with one or more thermoelectric elements of the second plurality of thermoelectric elements, so as to form a stack of thermoelectric elements and heat transfer devices. The two or more thermoelectric elements of the first plurality of thermoelectric elements are in parallel electrical communication with one another, and the two or more thermoelectric elements of the first plurality of thermoelectric elements are in series electrical communication with the one or more thermoelectric elements of the second plurality of thermoelectric elements. |
| US07946118B2 |
Cooling an electrically controlled turbocharger
An electrically controlled turbocharger has a motor mounted on a shaft in a motor housing between a turbine and compressor. Oil is sprayed onto the motor stator to cool the stator. An oil gallery is disposed above the stator to receive lubricating oil and contains apertures that perform as jets to allow oil to be sprayed directly on the motor stator. A coolant jacket is formed in the turbocharger housing between the turbine and the motor to allow liquid coolant to circulate therein and dissipate heat from the turbine end prior to reaching the motor components. Other embodiments provide for a stator component to be submerged in flowing cooling oil. |
| US07946115B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder for a brake system
A hydraulic cylinder for a brake system includes a cylindrical body and a piston. The cylindrical body has a receiving space longitudinally defined therein for movably and sealingly receiving the piston. The receiving space is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber diametrically smaller than the first chamber. The piston has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion sealingly and movably abut against the first chamber and the second chamber respectively. In a speed reduction stage the first portion interacts with the first chamber, and in an emergency brake stage the first portion and the second portion interact with the first chamber and the second chamber respectively for providing a greater braking force than in the speed reduction stage. |
| US07946113B1 |
Ocean wave electricity generator apparatus
An electricity generating or other power distributing device that utilizes the energy stored in ocean waves as they approach the shoreline. A series of buoys, which are thus struck by said waves are thrust upward and outward, operating hydraulic pumps. Fluid is pumped into a rotator that lifts a plurality of weights contained in deep silos within the earth. The cable devices connected to these weights are threaded around, and thus rotate a series of clutches, transmissions and flywheels, which provide a constant rotational output. This output can be attached to an A/C generator, or any other device requiring a constant force and rotation to operate properly. |
| US07946111B2 |
Apparatus and method for PM purification
An apparatus and a method for PM purification, where good PM purification performance can be achieved. The PM purification apparatus includes (a) a honeycomb support having an outer periphery-side region and an inner-side region, which carries a PM oxidation catalyst and in which the PM oxidation catalyst loading per unit volume of support in the outer periphery-side region is greater than the PM oxidation catalyst loading per unit volume of support in the inner-side region, (b) a center electrode passing through the center part of the honeycomb support and extending to the exhaust gas flow upstream side, and (c) an outer peripheral electrode disposed on the outer periphery of the honeycomb support and electrically insulated from the center electrode by the honeycomb support. The PM purification method can be performed using the PM purification apparatus. |
| US07946110B2 |
System for assisting the regeneration of depollution means included in a motor vehicle exhaust line
In a system for assisting the regeneration of depollution apparatus associated with an oxidation catalyst implementing an OSC function, constituting a supply of oxygen and integrated in an exhaust line of a motor vehicle diesel engine, in which the engine is associated with a common rail for feeding its cylinders with fuel, the running conditions of the vehicle are analyzed and compared with predetermined threshold values, to control the engine in a first regeneration mode of operation with a lean mixture when running conditions are above the threshold values, or in a second regeneration operating mode implementing sequences in which engine operation alternates between stages of rich mixture operation and of lean mixture operation when conditions are below the threshold values. |
| US07946107B2 |
Mixture ratio stabilizer for liquid propellant rocket engine
There is provided a mixture ratio stabilizer for a liquid propellant rocket engine which comprises: a body internally having a chamber and a fuel supply hole communicating with an end of the chamber to receive fuel from a fuel supply pump, an oxidizer inlet, and a fuel outlet; a spool guide in the chamber and including a plurality of first orifices for the fuel outlet and the fuel supply hole to communicate with each other; a bellows in the chamber and having one end adjacent to the spool guide and the other end positioned adjacent to the oxidizer inlet, to expand and contract in accordance with the pressure of an oxidizer which flows into the oxidizer inlet; and a spool having a part placed in the spool guide. |
| US07946106B2 |
Device for actuating mobile cowls equipping a thrust reverser
A device that is capable of actuating at least two cowls of a thrust reverser. The device includes for each cowl, (a) at least two actuators suitable for opening and closing the cowl, (b) at least one slave flexible transmission shaft establishing mechanical connection between the two actuators of the cowl and (c) at least one mechanical coupling device associated to the at least one slave flexible transmission shaft. The device is further comprised of one motor, and at least two master flexible transmission shafts, each master flexible transmission shaft establishing mechanical connection between the motor and one respective mechanical coupling device. Upon rotation of the electrical motor, the master flexible transmission shafts are actuated, which causes actuation of the mechanical coupling devices, which causes actuation of the slave flexible transmission shafts and thereby the extension or retraction of the actuators. |
| US07946103B2 |
Elongate band, wristwatch comprising same and watchcase
A band wearable by a user connectable or connected to a watchcase or a decorative item, comprising a plurality of separable units and means for releasably connecting at least some of the units together to form the band, wherein two adjacent said units are releasably lockable together, and wherein the releasable connection means comprises operable means manually actuable or depressible by a finger of the user to disconnect said adjacent units from each other. |
| US07946102B2 |
Functional elastic composite yarn, methods for making the same and articles incorporating the same
A functional elastic composite yarn comprises an elastic member that is surrounded by at least one functional covering filament(s). The functional covering filament has a length that is greater than the drafted length of the elastic member such that substantially all of an elongating stress imposed on the composite yarn is carried by the elastic member. The elastic composite yarn may further include an optional stress-bearing member surrounding the elastic member and the functional covering filament. |
| US07946100B2 |
Shrinking process for producing solid, transportable and printable containers and a device for carrying out a shrinking process of this type
The invention relates to a shrinking process for producing solid, transportable and printable containers by wrapping the articles to be packaged with a film in such a manner as to produce an overlapping section of the film ends on the base area, heating by heat exchange or convection in order to seal the free ends in the area of overlap, and finally heating in a shrinking oven, the container so produced being stabilized by the shrinking process. The method comprises first locally limiting the incoming hot air to the base area of the container to form a peripheral shell in the area of the bottle bottoms, the shape of the container being stabilized thereby, while the container is continuously transported during stabilization and the hot air directed onto the base area of the container in a bundle of discretely distributed gas jets is thereby discharged and guided back after a locally limited heat transfer with the film, and more hot gas is directed laterally against the continuously transported container at an increased lateral blow speed in order to complete the shrinking process. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the shrinking process. |
| US07946095B2 |
Meshwrap dispensing mechanism for round balers
A wrapper dispensing mechanism for round balers includes a feed roller shiftable generally toward and away from a baling element of a bale forming mechanism so as to be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the baling element. The feed roller is driven by the baling element when the feed roller is in engagement with the baling element, with the feed roller and the baling element cooperatively defining a temporary nip therebetween during engagement. The feed roller is disposed to at least partially vertically support the roll of supply material thereon. A method of dispensing wrapping material from a supply roll includes supporting the supply roll at least partially on a feed roller, shifting the feed roller into engagement with the baling element to create a temporary nip therebetween and drive the feed roller, and driving the baling element while the feed roller is in engagement therewith. |
| US07946092B2 |
Method of constructing a building, such building, and wall and floor elements for use therein
The invention relates to a method of constructing a building, comprising the step of providing a skeleton for a building wall of the building. The skeleton includes at least upright building elements such as columns or dividing walls. At least one lightweight, heat insulating and fire retarding wall element is placed between each adjacent pair of said columns. The columns are covered to provide substantially closed wall surfaces. The wall surfaces are covered with a covering layer having properties so as to provide fire-resistance to the complete wall. The covering layer on the inside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar, and a top layer of plaster mortar. The covering layer on the outside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar and a top layer of mineral mortar. Lightweight, heat insulating floor elements are placed and interconnected, and supported if necessary, and thereafter structural fill-material, such as concrete, is poured onto the floor elements to form a floor. The invention also includes a building, and wall and floor elements. |
| US07946091B1 |
Post construction wall mounting box
A post construction wall mounting box assembly (100) is formed from an enclosure (200) and a clenching bracket (300) which are joined together with joining screws (431, 432) where the enclosure includes a first set of parallel and opposed sidewalls (210) having exterior wall flanges (214) and the clenching bracket includes first and second slideable sidewall portions (310, 320) that have interior wall flanges (314, 324) and these exterior and interior wall flanges cooperate to engage an edge of a wall board when the joining screws are tightened. |
| US07946090B1 |
Concrete wall and forming system therefore
A system of making self-aligning concrete block structures. Structure is made of interlinking blocks that have insulative foam that is affixed during the molding process. The interior surface of the blocks is specifically designed to avoid the use of interior framing by providing wooden strips such that drywall can be directly affixed. The concrete block system include top blocks, inside and outside corner blocks, and the necessary forms for their construction. |
| US07946087B1 |
Roof drain sump box
A roof drain sump box (10) is utilized for positioning a roof drain (12) on a flat roof. The sump box is formed with a horizontally oriented flat plate (20) with a central opening (22) making a peripheral flange (24). The central opening has a width less than a distance between building roof joists providing attachment of the sump box onto the flat roof top of a building without altering the building structure. An angular transition portion (46) is integrally formed with the flange contiguous with the central opening. A vertically oriented downwardly depending step (48) is formed integrally with the angular transition portion and a horizontally oriented flat sump deck (50) is integrally formed with the step. The sump deck, is coplanar with the flange, and incorporates a roof drain opening (52) to receive the roof drain (12). The sump deck is positioned sufficiently below the flat plate permitting water to flow uninhibited into the roof drain without ponding. |
| US07946084B2 |
Stair bracket system and method
A stairway has a pair of stringers, mounted in inclined, spaced-apart, parallel relationship with at least one stair assembly, disposed in spanning relationship across the stringers. Each stringer has a top surface and a side surface. Each stair assembly has a pair of brackets and a tread with each end of the tread affixed to one of the brackets. Each bracket is mounted and affixed along a length of one of the stringers. Each of the brackets has a first and a second faces, which intersect in an angular manner. A flange is disposed perpendicularly from a side of the first face. When the bracket is mounted to the stringer, its first face and the flange are in abutting relationship with the respective top and side surface of the stringer. A further embodiment bracket has no flange extending from the first face. |
| US07946082B2 |
Structure support apparatus and structure installation method
A structure support apparatus for anchoring and supporting a structure upon a roof includes a bowed plate having a dome-shaped convex portion formed in the center of the bowed plate projecting from the concave side toward the convex side of the bowed plate. A screw hole is formed in the dome-shaped convex portion, penetrating the center of the bowed plate, and the structure is supported by the apex of the dome-shaped convex portion. |
| US07946079B2 |
Electrically driven entryway actuation system
An electrically driven entryway activation system for opening and closing two spaced swinging doors hung on spaced rotating parallel door posts comprises a base plate extending between the door posts. Levers attached to each door post rotate in a plane parallel to the base plate. A low profile actuation system spaced between the levers comprises a center post, a sector gear journaled on the center post for rotation parallel to the base plate, and a low profile gearmotor mounted between the base plate and the sector gear. A low profile emergency manual mechanism is provided for unclutching the output pinion gear of the gearmotor. |
| US07946076B2 |
Electric fishing device
An automated fish sensing, reeling, and alarming device, particularly for ice fishing, designed to allow the fisherman to have a hands-free ice-fishing device that will catch fish without monitoring the device at all times. It also will allow a person with a limitation or handicap to enjoy ice fishing, such as some one with arthritis or limited use of upper limbs. |
| US07946075B2 |
Adjustable tactical gun sight
A sight for a firearm including a front sight portion and a rear sight portion. The front sight portion includes a front sight, at least one shim and a front sight and shim pocket whereby at least the elevation of the firearm can be adjusted by changing the shim. The front and rear sight portions are further provided with replaceable colored plastic inserts. |
| US07946074B2 |
Machine gun sighting system
A sighting system for a fire arm, e.g. machine gun includes front and rear sight assemblies. The rear sight assembly has a pivotal L-shaped member having two different sized apertures. Pivotal and windage lateral movements of the L-shaped member are achieved via a threaded shaft and a knob held in place via a detent screw/plunger assembly. The L-shaped member is secured in place via the detent plunger spring assembly. The front sight assembly is configured for windage lateral movement and has a sight post that is raised and lowered and secured in place via detent plunger spring assemblies. Another embodiment includes a rear sight assembly which may be configured for windage lateral movement. Detent plunger spring assemblies secure an aperture member of the rear sight assembly and the front sight assembly during operation of the fire arm, and the front sight assembly is configured for elevational and windage lateral movements. |
| US07946070B1 |
Shooting stick apparatus
A shooting stick apparatus having a stick assembly and a system for adjusting the first and second stick members relative to each other. The stick assembly has a first stick member and a second stick member. The adjusting system has a first stick receiver and a second stick receiver pivotably coupled to the first stick receiver. A locking system is configured for locking the stick members and the stick receivers relative to each other. |
| US07946069B2 |
Systems for attaching a noise suppressor to a firearm
Apparatus and methods for easily, quickly and reliably longitudinally securing and rotationally locking a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel, and to a fixture such as a flash suppressor affixed to the muzzle end of the firearm, and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device therefrom. |
| US07946068B2 |
Trigger system for a paintball marker
A trigger system for a paintball marker has a string attached to the trigger actuator. The string is held taut between the actuator and the trigger guard. The actuator is a lever attached to the string and in contact with a micro-switch that allows the release of compressed air to propel a paintball. |
| US07946065B2 |
Closure mechanism for an identification medium adapted for receiving indicia forming material and dual closure means
A closure mechanism receiving aperture presents a substantially contiguous, uninterrupted planar surface on a flexible medium, primarily for use with identification devices, i.e., wristbands. The aperture does not interrupt the printable area so that printer ink may be printed over the aperture without passing through. The inventive aperture also does not produce waster material or chads which can jam or foul-up a printer. An inventive wristband includes both snap closure and adhesive closure mechanisms that can be used at the same time. |
| US07946064B2 |
Display apparatus with scent disperse device
A display apparatus with a scent disperse device includes a display, a stalk-shaped member, at least one leaf-shaped member, a vibrator and a sensor switch, in which the display is composed of a screen and at least one screen cover, the stalk-shaped member is disposed on the display to disperse scent outward, the leaf-shaped members are positioned around the stalk-shaped member and the vibrator is disposed in the stalk-shaped member and used for driving the leaf-shaped members to sway, and the sensor switch controls the opening and closing of the at least one screen cover and transmitting a starting signal. Whereby, a user is allowed to smell a flavor matching the appearance of the display or prefer scent. |
| US07946060B2 |
Shoe chassis
The present invention relates to a shoe chassis. In one embodiment the present invention is a shoe chassis including a board with a first end and a second end, the board having a portion defining a first hole at the second end. The shoe chassis also includes a stabilizing unit beneath the board and a pod beneath the stabilizing unit. A flexible membrane is positioned within the first hole to allow the heel to flex past or through the first hole and compress a cushioning material located within the pod and positioned under the flexible membrane. |
| US07946058B2 |
Article of footwear having a sole structure with an articulated midsole and outsole
An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The upper surface defines a plurality of depressions, and the lower surface defines a plurality of indentations extending toward the depressions. The outsole forms projections that extend into the indentations of the midsole, and the outsole has grooves located opposite the projections. |
| US07946050B2 |
Three-dimensional microprobe array
The present invention discloses a three-dimensional microprobe array assembly structure, wherein spacers are used in assembling edge-type microprobe arrays to form a three-dimensional structure, and the spacers reveal conductive pads of the edge-type microprobe arrays to benefit wire bonding. The present invention detects depths and angles and thus increases detection reliability. Besides, in the present invention, the related IC is integrated with the spacer to achieve circuit integration and reduce cost. |
| US07946049B1 |
Deck spacing tool
A tool for use in spacing deck boards on typically framed deck structures that is in the form of a cylindrical arm with a ½″ eye located at one end. The arm is the thickness of a desired gap between spaced decking and the eye attaches to a drills handle assembly by means of sliding the bolt, which attaches the handle assembly to the drill, through the eye of the tool and tightening the handle to the drill, thus securing the tool to the drill. |
| US07946048B1 |
Shooting calibration systems and methods
The present invention relates to target acquisition and related systems and devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges. The present invention also provides targets and methods of using the systems to achieve enhanced shooting accuracy. |
| US07946047B2 |
Belt rib wear gauge
A belt rib wear gauge comprising a body, an elongate member having a length and extending from the body, the elongate member having an arcuate surface, the elongate member further comprising a tactile surface cooperatively disposed with respect to the arcuate surface, and the arcuate surface having a predetermined radial dimension wherein engagement of the elongate member within a belt groove and the position of the tactile surface relative to a datum plane at a tip of belt ribs disposed immediately adjacent to the belt groove indicates a state of wear of the belt ribs. |
| US07946041B2 |
T-back hand saw
A hand saw including an ergonomically constructed saw blade holder with a pistol type grip, an elongated support having a blade channel for receiving and supporting a particular “T” blade, and various tooth configurations of a saw blade having a cooperating T-shaped blade shanks. Each blade shank includes an aperture at its rear end for receiving a locking pin positioned at the back end of the blade holder that drops into position to secure the blade within the channel of the grip. Additionally, a trigger-like mechanism on the pistol grip, when squeezed, rotates a rubber surfaced pad upward through an opening in the base of the support to contact the underside of the blade shank pushing it upward into the top of the channel to insure blade stability. The “T” design of the blade allows orienting the cutting surface of the blades in different directions so that a user does not have to twist their body or arm to saw. |
| US07946039B2 |
Hand-held ratchet tool for moving a pair of jaw members toward and away from each other
A ratchet tool has a first jaw member pivotally mounted on a first handle. An elongate linkage has a first end pivotally mounted on a second handle and a second end pivotally connected with a second jaw member on the first jaw member. The second jaw member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth. A pawl is pivotally mounted on the second end of the second handle along with the elongate linkage. The pawl has first and second sets of ratchet teeth alternatively engageable with the second jaw member teeth by a pivotally mounted spring and a rotatable actuator with cams that can be rotated into over center positions with respect to the spring and held there by the spring and a stop engaged by the actuator. |
| US07946037B2 |
Microchemical device and method for fabricating the same
In a microchemical device including a plurality of flow channels which feed liquids from at least one fluid supply device into a plurality of reaction zones, each of the plurality of flow channels has a plurality of minute flow channel members each of which has a cross sectional area smaller than that of the reaction zone. Thereby, the fluids are evenly fed into each of the microreaction members. Thus, a microchemical device capable of homogenizing a substance generated on respective reactions can be realized. |
| US07946030B2 |
Apparatus for assembling components on a target object utilizing a slider for movement of a pallet
An assembly-target-object-and-assembly-component carrier pallet carries thereon a target object (semi-finished product) 2 and a plurality of assembly components arranged, as viewed in plane, on a straight line which passes through a predetermined attachment position on the target object where the predetermined assembly component is to be attached. This allows a minimum of moving parts in the attaching device which attaches the assembly components to the assembly target object. Therefore, the structure of an assembling apparatus is simplified and mechanical errors and assembly time are reduced, thereby improving assembling accuracy. |
| US07946029B2 |
Apparatus for aligning a first article relative to a second article
A method and apparatus is described for aligning a first article relative to a second article, for example for aligning a nanoimprint template with a semiconductor wafer. The method comprises the steps of: providing said second article with at least one flexible structure fixed relative thereto at least one point, providing a first article having at least one surface relief marking thereon, providing a detector for measuring an interaction of the flexible structure with the surface relief marking and generating detector signals relating to said interaction, identifying with the help of the detector signals the position of the flexible structure and thus of the second article with respect to the surface relief marking and generating relative movement between the first and second articles to achieve a desired alignment between the first and second articles defined by the surface relief marking. In this method and apparatus the flexible structure is brought into contact with the surface relief marking. |
| US07946028B2 |
Horizontal assembly of stator core using keybar extensions
The present invention provides an apparatus for the horizontal stacking of laminations 10 and donuts to form a stator core. A stator generator frame 2 has multiple keybars 6 that run the axial length of the frame. The laminations 10 have grooves 12 there-in that engage the keybars to provide a secure fit of the laminations to the generator frame. By extending two or more of the keybars 6, these extensions 7 may be used as rails on which the laminations may be horizontally inserted into the stator frame. |
| US07946025B2 |
Method of assembling a shaft for a magnetic motor
A method for making a magnetic linear motor shaft including thermal treatment to temporarily change the dimensions of various shaft components to allow tight interference fit assembly. The magnetic motor includes a core piece, annular magnets and pole pieces. |
| US07946023B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring compression in a stator core
The present invention a method and apparatus for measuring the compression of a stator core 10 that comprises attaching a measuring device 22 to a tensioner 20, placing the tensioner on an end of a through-bolt 12 of the stator core, and performing at least one act of tensioning the stator core 10 with the tensioner. Then measuring a compression state of the stator core by the measuring device registers determining the amount of relative compression achieved by the act of tensioning, the relative compression is the amount of actual compression of the core and the amount of stretch of the through-bolt. Finally determining an actual compression state of the stator core based on the measuring. |
| US07946016B2 |
Method and machine for removing a tyre fitted with a rigid inner run-flat ring
A method and machine for removing a tire, fitted with a rigid inner run-flat ring, from a relative rim, whereby, once the rim and the tire are fixed onto a turntable having a central hub and rotating about a first axis coaxial with the hub and the tire, a bead of the rigid inner ring is engaged and moved axially outwards of a relative flange of the rim by a hook carried by a lever hinged to the hub and oscillated, with respect to the hub and in a radial plane of the turntable, about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and rotating about the first axis. |
| US07946015B1 |
Method and apparatus for separating dummy disc from multi-layer substrate for optical storage medium
A method and an apparatus which can be used for separating a dummy disc from a substrate in a process for manufacturing multi-layer optical storage discs are provided. |
| US07946008B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator comprises forming a gettering metal film on a surface of a piezoelectric vibrator piece and forming a frequency-adjusting weight, separate from the gettering metal film, on the piezoelectric vibrator piece. The piezoelectric vibrator piece is then placed in a hermetic container after which the hermetic container is hermetically sealed. A laser beam is irradiated on the metal film to heat the same to getter gas contained inside the hermetic container, and after completion of gettering, the laser beam is irradiated on the frequency-adjusting weight to adjust the frequency of vibration of the piezoelectric vibrator piece. |
| US07946003B2 |
Package closure and method
A reclosable tamper-evident package is opened and closed repeatedly by opening and closing a first closure of a package, and when it is desired to close the package and provide an indication of further opening, a second closure is closed that cannot readily be opened. The tamper evident package has a closure assembly that includes a zipper closure arrangement with a slider device. In one embodiment, the slider device is movable between a first axial position and a second axial position. When the slider device is in the first axial position, moving the slider device laterally along the zipper closure arrangement in a first direction closes the first closure. When the slider device is in the second axial position, moving the slider device laterally along the zipper closure arrangement in a first direction closes both the first closure and the second closure. A method of using a package includes grasping a slider device and moving the slider device laterally in a first direction to close the first closure and to permanently close the second closure. |
| US07946002B2 |
Connecting device
A connecting device which has an excellent appearance, produces no frictional sound between a connecting device main body such as a swivel hook main body and a belt attaching member and can be assembled easily and securely. The connecting device includes a neck portion standing from a proximal portion of a main body of the connecting device and an engagement head which is expanded in an outward direction form a center of an axis line such that a diameter thereof can be reduced, the engagement head being provided at a front end of the neck portion. A belt attaching member is connected to the main body rotatably around the neck portion. A through hole which the engagement head can be engaged with by insertion is formed in part of the belt attaching member. In the through hole, a small-diameter hole portion having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the engagement head and a large-diameter hole portion having a large diameter than the diameter of the engagement head are connected via a stepped portion. The large-diameter hole portion has a ring-like member which allows the neck portion to be inserted therethrough. The ring-like member has a cylindrical wall portion which is accommodated in the large-diameter hole portion and a ring-like engaging portion provided at an end of the wall portion and extended toward a center thereof. An inside diameter of the engaging portion is equal to an outside diameter of the diameter of the engagement head when it is reduced. |
| US07945999B2 |
Needle bar for a warp drawframe
A needle bar has a carrier bar and a casing surrounding the latter and holding a number of needles lined up with one. The carrier bar has a diameter of, in particular, 7.2 mm and the casing has a thin-walled region with a wall thickness of, in particular, 1.0 mm. |
| US07945997B2 |
Magnetic hinge assembly
A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a rotatable leaf rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft, a fixing leaf non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft, a first magnet fixed to the rotatable leaf, a second magnet fixed to the fixing leaf, and a fixing member. A polarity of the second magnet faces an opposite polarity of the first magnet in a predetermined position such that the first and second magnets experience attraction. The attraction is changeable when the rotatable leaf is rotated relative to the fixing leaf. The fixing member is fixed at an end of pivot shaft to prevent the rotatable leaf and the fixing leaf from detaching from the pivot shaft. |
| US07945996B2 |
Self-closing hinge
A compact and aesthetically-pleasing self-closing door hinge comprises a gravity-assist feature and preferably a spring-assist feature, wherein the spring may be easily adjustable, replaceable, and even left out of the hinge. The preferred embodiment is reversible for easily changing from a right-opening to a left-opening door, and includes hinge lift-off capability, wherein the door and the blade connecting the door to the hinge body may be lifted up off the body of the hinge without any significant disassembly of the hinge. The spring is preferably placed around the gravity-assist cams of the hinge, rather than above or below the cams, which arrangement significantly reduces the overall height of the hinge with only slightly increased diameter of the hinge main body. The preferred hinge has no bolts or other fasteners visible or protruding out from the main housing of the hinge, and the preferred hinge has no exposed spring sleeve. |
| US07945994B2 |
Two piece carrier and balance assembly
A carrier and balance assembly for installation into the jamb channel of a window frame. The carrier and balance assembly are capable of being installed into the jamb channel optionally either as a single assembly or as two separate components. The two separate components are the carrier and a hanger-balance subassembly. The advantage of installing the carrier and balance assembly as two separate components is that such installation can occur after the assembly of the window frame and even after installation of the window into the wall of a building. Once the carrier and hanger-balance subassembly are separately installed in the jamb channel, they are then non-permanently locked together. Should any part of the carrier and balance assembly become damaged, replacement is performed by simply reversing the process described above without having to damage the jamb channel. |
| US07945989B2 |
Wet extractor valve system
A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet. |
| US07945987B2 |
Wiper lever comprising a wiper arm and a wiper blade which is connected to the same in an articulated manner, for cleaning windows, especially windows pertaining to motor vehicles
Wiper lever (10) with a driven wiper arm (12) and a wiper blade (14) linked to it for cleaning the windows of motor vehicles in particular, which is provided with a band-like, long-stretched-out, elastic supporting element (22) that is curved in the longitudinal direction over its band surfaces (26, 28), which features a rubber elastic wiper strip (30) that can be applied to the window on its concave curved band surface (26), on whose convex curved band surface (28) a coupling element (20) sits to connect the wiper blade to a coupling piece (18) of the wiper arm and the articulated connection is covered by a cap (100) that is held on the wiper blade. A well-designed, pleasing transition between the wiper arm and the wiper blade of the wiper lever along with good protection of the articulated connection that exists between these two components of the wiper lever are achieved without impairing the handling of the securing means in that this articulated connection has at its disposal means to secure the connection between the wiper arm (12) and the wiper blade (14) that can be actuated with at least one handle (80) and that the cap (100) accommodates the handle (80). |
| US07945984B2 |
Cleaning rotor
The invention relates to a cleaning rotor (1) having a longitudinal axis (L), a base part (5), which extends concentric to the longitudinal axis (L), a head part (3) and a strut element (9) that extends between the base part and the head part. Said strut element (9) extends in a helical manner about the longitudinal axis (L). The invention is characterized in that at least one supporting part (7) is placed between the base part (3) and the head part (3) while extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (L). The strut element (9) is supported on the supporting part (7) and is concave over its length. |
| US07945983B1 |
Floor wipe for use with foot
A floor wipe is provided in the general shape of a human foot and has a floor contact side and a foot contact side where a user would place their foot on the foot contact side of the device and manipulate the device about the floor to clean an area of the floor. The device has a first cleaning area, having a first characteristic, such as absorbency, about a toe placement end of the device and a second cleaning area, having a second characteristic, such as scouring, which is unique from the characteristic of the first cleaning area, about a heel placement end of the device. The foot contact side has structural configuration elements which resist the foot of the user from slipping there along during usage. These structural configuration elements include embroidery in the shape of human toes at the toe placement end of the device. |
| US07945980B2 |
Bridge deck
A bridge deck (20) includes a plurality of rows (72, 74) of tubes (44) each extending between tube ends (46) with the tubes (44) disposed adjacent to each other in a side by side relationship. The bridge deck (20) includes lifting blocks (60, 70) having a square periphery with equal block sides (58) disposed therein abutting one of the tube ends (46) of at least one of the tubes (44) and laterally engaging adjacent tubes (44) on either side of the one tube (44). The rows (72, 74) include block rows (72, 74) defining two tubes (44) abutting one of the block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70). The block rows (72, 74) include end-block rows (74) having one of the tubes (44) abutting one of the block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70) at each tube end (46) thereof. The block rows (72, 74) include mid-block rows (72) having two tubes (44) abutting opposite block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70). The lifting blocks (60, 70) include lug lifting blocks (60) and hoist lifting blocks (70). |
| US07945976B2 |
Living water system pad and method for its use
A pad circulation system, comprising a pad, tubing that is operationally configured to affix to said pad, at least one container, wherein each container is operationally configured to hold water or other liquid, a pump, said pump capable of circulating said water or other liquid throughout said tubing. |
| US07945973B2 |
Fluid control system, device and method
A fluid control system, device and method are disclosed. The fluid control device is preferably configured to connect to an outlet of a fluid source. The fluid control device includes a valve, a sensor, a battery and a micro-generator. The sensor is used to measure or detect a condition and provide output signals that open and close the valve in response to a measured or detected condition. The micro-generator is positioned in a flow path of fluid and generates power from a flow of the fluid. The power generated from the micro-generator is stored in the battery and used to power later operations of the device. The device can be used for automating faucets, sprinklers and fire extinguishing equipment. |
| US07950065B2 |
Method and system to control access to content stored on a web server
Embodiments of the invention describe a technique to Content may be viewed or accessed with a link. The access or viewing of the content may be controlled by using an encrypted link that is generated and sent to an authorized user. When the authorized user uses a client system to access the content with the link, the client system is registered and the link is associated with the client system. When the link is forwarded to another computer system and the link is received from the other computer system in an attempt the access the content associated with the link, access to the content is at least initially, denied. |
| US07950064B2 |
System and method for controlling comments in a collaborative document
A system, method, and program product is provided that operates when opening a word processing document that includes document content inserted at various insertion points within the document. The document is opened by a user that corresponds to a particular user identifier. The comments included in the document include recipient identifiers. A first set of comments are selected where the user's identifier is included in the recipient identifiers of the corresponding comments, and a second set of comments are selected where the user's identifier is not included in the recipient identifiers of the corresponding comments. The word processor displays the first set of comments at their respective insertion points within the document content and does not present the second set of comments. |
| US07950059B2 |
Universal worm catcher
A method for detecting malicious code in a stream of data traffic input (400) to a gateway in a data network by monitoring for suspicious data in the stream of data traffic (407). Upon detecting the suspicious data, an attempt is made to disassemble the suspicious data (403) and a treat weight is assigned for each instruction. The attempt to disassemble is initiated at initial instructions each with a different offset within the suspicious portion of data. The threat weights are accumulated respectively for each branch option in the disassembled code (403), producing respectively an accumulated threat weight for each branch option. When the accumulated threat weight exceeds a previously defined threshold level, an alert is generated and/or traffic is blocked from the source of the malicious code. |
| US07950057B1 |
Driver load manager and method
A method includes determining that a driver load address is in a system service dispatch table (SSDT) addressable area. The method further includes determining whether the driver is authorized to be in the SSDT addressable area. If the driver is authorized to be in the SSDT addressable area, the driver is loaded in the SSDT addressable area and is able to hook operating system functions. Conversely, if the driver is not authorized to be in the SSDT addressable area, the driver is loaded outside the SSDT addressable area and is not able to hook operating system functions. In this manner, only authorized drivers are allowed to hook operating system functions. |
| US07950056B1 |
Behavior based processing of a new version or variant of a previously characterized program
Behavior based processing of a new version or variant of a previously characterized program is disclosed. An indication is received that a process with respect to which a trust decision was made previously has undergone a change. The process is allowed to continue to engage, after the change, in a network behavior associated with the process prior to the change, without first prompting a user, subsequent to the change, to provide an input indicating whether the changed process is to be allowed to engage in the network behavior subsequent to the change. |
| US07950053B2 |
Firewall system and firewall control method
It is made possible to appropriately execute packet filtering and unauthorized access detection in a situation in which mobile network communications are operated.A home agent 404A acquires IP address, port number, and media type obtained by call control of a call control proxy server 403A and sends them to a firewall 700. A packet filtering unit 400 of the firewall 700 performs packet filtering so as to allow the IP packet determined according to the IP address and port number pair to pass through. An unauthorized access monitor 701 takes out information of the corresponding media type out of the normal access determination condition previously defined for each media type, monitors a packet based on the normal access determination condition, and detects that access deviating from normal access is unauthorized access. |
| US07950052B2 |
System, method, and interface for segregation of a session controller and a security gateway
A system, method, and interface for segregating a network controller and a security gateway is provided. A security gateway-network controller interface is established between a security gateway and a network controller. One or more application interfaces are carried over the security gateway-network controller interface. An admission policy interface may be maintained on the security gateway-network controller interface that allows establishment of dynamic access control lists for admission policies applied on specific secure tunnels. Additionally, a security association-international mobile subscriber identity interface may be maintained on the security gateway-network controller interface that facilitates ensuring an IMSI used during a registration process matches an identity used to establish a tunnel. Thus, a subscriber validation mechanism is provided over the security gateway-network controller interface that couples the network controller and the security gateway. |
| US07950051B1 |
Password management for a communication network
A password management system generates passwords for users. The system registers the passwords with applications in network elements in a communication network. The system indicates the passwords to the users who use the passwords to access the applications. The system generates new passwords before the old passwords expire. The system registers the new passwords with the applications and indicates the new passwords to the users before the old passwords expire. The users use the new passwords to access the applications. The system may also register network addresses with the applications for the users. |
| US07950050B2 |
Authentication system, authentication-service-providing device, authentication-service-providing method, and computer-readable medium
An authentication system includes: a first information processor; a second information processor; an authentication-service-providing device; and an authentication device, wherein the authentication-service-providing device has: an unit that receives second authentication information for authenticating a user from the second information processor and executes a second authentication based on the second authentication information; and an unit that issues third authentication information to the second information processor when the second authentication is successful; and the authentication device has: an unit that receives first authentication information for authenticating the user from the first information processor and executes a first authentication based on the first authentication information; and an unit that receives, from the first information processor, third authentication information obtained by the second information processor and input to the first information processor and cooperates with the authentication-service-providing device to obtain a result of a third authentication based on the third authentication information. |
| US07950049B2 |
Hybrid meta-directory
Exemplary embodiments provide a method and system for providing a hybrid meta-directory for recording a grant of privileges. In one embodiment method and system aspects of the exemplary embodiment include: assigning a privilege identifier to each privilege stored in a privilege repository; in response to a granting of one of the privileges to a target user, storing the privilege identifier assigned to the granted privilege in an authoritative source domain record for the target user; and in response to receiving a query of the authoritative source domain based on a user ID, retrieving a list of privileges granted to the corresponding target user based on the privilege identifiers associated with the user ID. |
| US07950048B2 |
Methods and arrangements for limiting access to computer controlled functions and devices
Methods and arrangements are provided to verify if a requesting computer application is authorized to change a controlled parameter associated with a computer controlled device and/or function. To accomplish this, one or verification functions are employed to analyze a security code or absence thereof, as identified by a requesting application. If the security code, which may be encrypted, matches a known or calculated valid security code, then the requesting application is deemed to be authorized to change the controlled parameter and/or modify certain limitations associated with an acceptable range for the controlled parameter. If the security code does not match a known or calculated valid security code, then the requesting application is deemed to be unauthorized to change the controlled parameter outside of a previously established acceptable range for the controlled parameter. The verification function can be implemented in a ROM to increase the security and to thwart attempts to circumvent the authorization scheme. Several independent verification functions can be arranged to support the verification of a plurality of authorized applications. |
| US07950041B2 |
Broadcasting for browsing the web
A broadcast system includes a transmitting unit configured for: receiving a web page as input; converting the web page into video image data; and providing a link to the video image data on a basis of a link provided to the web page; an encoder for compressing the video image data; and a receiving unit for receiving the compressed video data; decoding the compressed video data; and directly transmitting the decoded video data to a video display device, without requiring a browser application. |
| US07950040B2 |
Programming distribution system
A method is provided for distributing programming. A first set of programs is transmitted in real time according to a schedule of programming. A second set of programs is stored on a server, with at least one of the first set of programs having a counterpart in the second set of programs. A request from a user for program control over one of the programs in the first set of programs is detected. A determination whether the requested program has a counterpart program stored on the server is made. If so, the counterpart program form the server is played under the control of the user. |
| US07950036B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US07950034B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program for the same
An information processing apparatus for providing controls to have contents recorded in a recording medium for recording one or more broadcast programs aired in the past as data displayed on a specified display device, includes: an acquiring section to acquire program information for one or more broadcast programs recorded in the recording medium; a program table generating section to generate a first table in which columns in one orthogonal direction are allocated to broadcast stations and the other are to time zones, generate a first program table by allocating program columns for the broadcast program on each of one or more areas identified with the one or more program information acquired by the acquiring section in the entire area constituting the first table, and outputting the first program table as first image data; and a display control section to control, while the control is executed, a background image for second image data displayed on the specified display device, data constituting each of the one or more program columns of the first image data is synthesized on corresponding data in the second image data with a first transmission percentage, the remaining data is synthesized on corresponding data in the second image data with a second transmission rate higher than the first transmission rate, and an image corresponding to the resultant synthesized image data is displayed on the specified display device. |
| US07950025B1 |
Common software environment
Described are techniques for facilitating communication between code modules. A first code module is provided that makes at least one call using an application programming interface. The application programming interface facilitates communication between the first code module and a target code module and provides support for performing the at least one call from a first execution mode associated with the first code module and a second execution mode associated with the target code module. The application programming interface provides support for user space to user space communication, user space to kernel space communication, kernel space to kernel space communication, and kernel to user space communication. The first execution mode of the first code module and said second execution mode of the target code module are determined. A communication path is established between the code modules in accordance with the first and second execution modes. |
| US07950022B1 |
Techniques for use with device drivers in a common software environment
Described are techniques for facilitating communication between device drivers. A device driver is provided that makes at least one call using an application programming interface. The application programming interface facilitates communication between the device driver module and a target code module. The application programming interface provides support for performing the at least one call from a first execution mode associated with the device driver module and a second execution mode associated with the target code module. The application programming interface provides support for user space to user space communication, user space to kernel space communication, kernel space to kernel space communication, and kernel to user space communication. The first execution mode of the device driver module and said second execution mode of the target code module are determined. A communication path between the modules is established in accordance with said first execution mode and said second execution mode. |
| US07950015B2 |
System and method for combining services to satisfy request requirement
A method, computer program product, and data processing system for providing an improved directory service for storing information about hardware and software components is disclosed. The directory service stores not only the information that other hardware and software components require to locate, and make use of, the components listed in the directory, but is also able to dynamically construct ‘meta services’ that fulfill a client's functionality requirements. |
| US07950010B2 |
Software deployment system
The present invention provides a system and method for deploying software onto multiple heterogeneous systems at the same time. A generic software deployment manager may deploy software by communicating with client software deployment services residing on the systems that are receiving the software deployment. The software deployment manager can operate independent of the software and the operating system on which software is being deployed by communicating with the client software deployment service. To execute a software deployment, the software deployment manager may send software deployment messages containing generic commands that signify operations to be performed to deploy software. The client software deployment service provides an interface between the software deployment manager and the recipient system by translating these generic commands to commands that are compatible with the local operating system. The software deployment manager may transmit software deployment messages simultaneously to each of the systems within a system group or an environment so that software can be efficiently deployed without incompatibilities in the network. The software deployment manager may deploy software in Linux, Windows, Unix, Macatosh, Java, or any other operating system and may deploy any software. |
| US07950009B2 |
Terminal and method of displaying content thereof
A method of displaying contents on a mobile terminal. The method includes displaying a plurality of contents on a display of the mobile terminal, selecting a content from the plurality of displayed contents, and displaying the selected content and similar contents having a similar type as the selected content to be discriminated from other displayed contents that do not have the similar type as the selected content. |
| US07950006B2 |
Electronic device with an update agent that employs preprocessing techniques for update
Methods of updating an electronic device having an update agent employing preprocessing techniques is disclosed. The methods described permit an electronic device having a non-volatile memory to update a plurality banks in an efficient manner, by preprocessing the original contents of the non-volatile memory. The preprocessing may comprise shifting one or more banks before performing an update, so as to create a moving, unoccupied bank or “bubble” into which the updated version of a bank may be stored. An embodiment of the present invention provides a reduction in the processing of the original memory contents, and extends the life of the non-volatile memory devices used. |
| US07950005B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing versioning for loop, method and apparatus for collecting array range check information in basic blocks, method for modifying array range check information, method for optimizing array range checks, method for generating codes for array range checks, method and apparatus for eliminating redundant array range checks, method for selecting array range checks, method for modifying array range checks, method for collecting array range checks, and method for determining handling of array range checks
A system and method are provided that in one aspect eliminate redundant array range checks by performing a versioning for a loop. In another aspect, a system and method optimize array range checks by performing data-flow analysis in reverse order of the program execution. Yet in another aspect, a system and method obtains information about array ranges already checked by performing data-flow analysis in program execution order and eliminate redundant array range checks from this information. |
| US07950004B2 |
Devices systems and methods for testing software
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising rendering a verdict indicative of whether a predetermined software system functions in a predetermined manner. The verdict can be determined based upon machine instructions. The machine instructions can be automatically generated via a module adapted to parse and/or load an Extensible Markup Language XML file indicative of a test case. |
| US07950003B1 |
Heads-up-display software development tool for analyzing and optimizing computer software
A method and apparatus for software development and a method and system for analysis of graphics software are disclosed. |
| US07950002B2 |
Testing a software product by initiating a breakpoint and executing a probe routine
A method for testing a software product comprises initiating a breakpoint in the software product, and executing a probe routine. The executing of the probe routine comprises creating a single step state stack, and repetitively; identifying data to be protected, disabling interrupts, writing the data to the single step state stack, enabling interrupts, restoring a state according to the single step state stack, and single-stepping a probe instruction, until the instructions in the probe are completed. |
| US07950000B2 |
Architecture that restricts permissions granted to a build process
Architecture that facilitates management of a build process according to a level of trust of a build entity. The build process processes one or more build entities, each of which is associated with a level of trust. These associations are stored in a policy file that is run against the one or more entities at the start of the build process. The build process runs at a permission level that is representative of the lowest level of trust of the build entities. The levels of trust include at least trusted, semi-trusted, and untrusted levels. If the lowest level is untrusted, the build process fails, and the user is notified. |
| US07949999B1 |
Providing support for multiple interface access to software services
Techniques are described for providing enhanced access to software services or other software programs that provide interfaces for use by clients. The enhanced access may, for example, be provided for a software service having multiple distinct versions with distinct corresponding interfaces, such as if some clients continue to initiate access to older versions of the software service using corresponding older interfaces, while other clients initiate access to a current software service version using a corresponding current interface version. The enhanced access techniques may further include automatically adapting requests that correspond to older interface versions of a software service so that the adapted requests correspond to the current interface version for the software service, and responses may similarly be adapted from a format for a current version of a software service to a format for a prior interface version used by the request that resulted in the response. |
| US07949996B2 |
Peer-to-peer identity management managed interfaces and methods
A set of managed application programming interfaces (APIs) are presented to allow management of a user's name and identity within a peer to peer networking environment. These managed APIs enable a user to successfully create and manage their peer names and identities within this environment. The creation of peer names for the purpose of resolving to a third party is also provided through the managed APIs of the invention. Importing and exporting of peer identities is also provided, as is the ability to delete a peer identity. |
| US07949995B2 |
Visual programming method
The invention is a computer programming method that includes inputting a drawing shape or drawing figure into a computer via a user interface of the computer. In response to a prompt that is generated related to the input drawing shape or drawing figure, data is input into the computer via the user interface. Computer program code is then synthesized that is related to the input drawing shape or drawing figure and the input data. The foregoing steps can be repeated for at least one other drawing shape or drawing figure that has an entry point connected to a previously entered drawing shape or drawing figure. |
| US07949990B2 |
Parallel electronic design automation: shared simultaneous editing
A method to simultaneously allow multiple users to edit in shared areas of a master design includes displaying the master design, allowing a first user to edit in a shared area of the design, while simultaneously allowing a second user to edit in a shared area of the design while preserving the integrity of the design. |
| US07949989B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for layout device matching driven by a schematic editor
Systems and computer program products for layout device matching driven by a schematic editor. Exemplary embodiments include identifying a master device in a circuit layout having at least transistors, the master device having property values including at least one of topology, name and device-type, identifying a cloned device linked to the master device, automatically propagating the property values to the cloned device, making changes to a design layout of the master device, including a change to the properties, and automatically propagating the changes to the design layout and the change to the properties of the master device to the cloned device. |
| US07949988B2 |
Layout circuit having a combined tie cell
A layout circuit is provided, comprising standard cells, a spare cell, combined tie cells and normal filler cells. The standard cells are disposed and routed on a layout area. The spare cell is added on the layout area and provided for replacing one of the standard cells while adding or changing functions later. The combined tie cells are added on the layout area. The normal filler cells are added on the rest of the layout area. The combined tie cell comprises a tie-high circuit, a tie-low circuit and a capacitance circuit. Some standard cells are disposed near at least one combined tie cell for avoiding routing congestion between the combined tie cells and the replaced standard cell. A circuit layout method is also provided. |
| US07949985B2 |
Method for compensation of process-induced performance variation in a MOSFET integrated circuit
An automated method for compensating for process-induced variations in threshold voltage and drive current in a MOSFET integrated circuit. The method's first step is selecting a transistor for analysis from the array. The method loops among the transistors of the array as desired. Next the design of the selected transistor is analyzed, including the steps of determining threshold voltage variations induced by layout neighborhood; determining drive current variations induced by layout neighborhood. The method then proceeds by attempting to compensate for any determined variations by varying the length of the transistor gate. The method can further include the step of identifying any shortcoming in compensation by varying contact spacing. |
| US07949983B2 |
High tolerance TCR balanced high current resistor for RF CMOS and RF SiGe BiCMOS applications and cadenced based hierarchical parameterized cell design kit with tunable TCR and ESD resistor ballasting feature
A resistor device structure and method of manufacture therefore, wherein the resistor device structure invention includes a plurality of alternating conductive film and insulative film layers, at least two of the conductive film layers being electrically connected in parallel to provide for high current flow through the resistor device at high frequencies with increased temperature and mechanical stability. The alternating conductive film and insulative film layers may be of a planar or non-planar geometric spatial orientation. The alternating conductive film and insulative film layers may include lateral and vertical portions designed to enable a uniform current density flow within the structure itself through a self-ballasting effect within the physical resistor. A computer aided design tool with graphical and schematic features is provided to enable generation of hierarchical parameterized cells for a resistor element with the ability to provide customization, personalization and tunability of TCR, TCR matching, and high current and ESD robustness. |
| US07949980B1 |
Circuit design tools that support devices with real-time phase-locked loop reconfiguration capabilities
Computer-aided-design tools are provided that support real-time phase-locked loop reconfiguration with a single design compilation. Each design compilation may involve operations such as logic synthesis and place and route operations. A circuit designer who is designing an integrated circuit may supply circuit design data. The circuit design data may include design data for multiple configurations of a phase-locked loop. By using a phase-locked loop scan chain initialization file generator engine located in a CAD tool design input wizard, the computer-aided-design tools may produce multiple phase-locked loop initialization files without performing a design compilation. The CAD tools may process one or more initialization files and the circuit design data to produce output data. The output data may include configuration data to implement the circuit design. The output data may also include warning messages that indicate when phase-locked loop settings in an initialization file do not match settings in the circuit design. |
| US07949979B1 |
Predicting induced crosstalk for the pins of a programmable logic device
Induced crosstalk is predicted for the input/output pins of a programmable logic device. Signal edge rates for the input/output pin are determined from selected interface protocols for the input/output pins. For each pair of the input/output pins, a first coupling coefficient specifies a coupling between the pair of input/output pins within a package for mounting the programmable logic device to a printed circuit board. A depth is input for each via coupled to an input/output pin by the printed circuit board. From the via depths, a second coupling coefficient is determined for each pair of the input/output pins that satisfy a separation criterion. For each of the input/output pins, a predicted value of an induced crosstalk is determined from the first and second coupling coefficients for each pair that includes the input/output pin and another input/output pin, and from the signal edge rate of this other input/output pin. |
| US07949975B2 |
Apparatus and method of extracting equivalent circuit of T-type transmission circuit
A method of extracting an equivalent circuit of a T-type transmission circuit measures signals of the first and second terminals to obtain S parameters, converts the S parameters into Z parameters to generate a T-type circuit by using the Z parameters, obtains first to third lead line resistors and first to third lead line inductors in the T-type circuit based on the Z parameters corresponding to constants of the T-type circuit, subtracts the Z parameters corresponding to the T-type circuit from the Z parameters corresponding to all of the equivalent circuit to calculate the Z parameters of a π-type circuit, converts the Z parameters of the π-type circuit into the Y parameters, and calculates first to third coupling capacitances based on the Y parameters. |
| US07949974B1 |
Isolation verification within integrated circuits
A computer-implemented method of verifying isolation between a plurality of modules of a circuit design to be implemented within an integrated circuit can include identifying a first module and at least a second module of the circuit design for the integrated circuit. One or more circuit attributes indicative of isolation between the first module and the second module can be identified and compared with at least one isolation criterion. An indication of whether the first module is isolated from the second module can be output according to results of the comparison. |
| US07949973B1 |
Methods of implementing multi-cycle paths in electronic circuits
Methods of implementing circuits while automatically taking multi-cycle paths into account. A processor-implemented method can include inputting a behavioral description of the circuit, a simulation test bench for the circuit, and a library that includes at least one synchronous element. The synchronous element includes code that, when simulated, outputs tracking information including a minimum number of clock cycles between state changes for terminals of the synchronous element. The behavioral description is synthesized to generate a netlist description of the circuit. The netlist description includes at least one instance of the synchronous element. The netlist description is simulated using the simulation test bench and the library. The simulation outputs a description of all multi-cycle paths in the netlist description based on the tracking information output by all instances of the synchronous element in the netlist description. This description can provide constraints for use when placing and routing the design. |
| US07949971B2 |
Method and apparatus for on-the-fly minimum power state transition
The invention includes a design structure embodied in a computer readable medium for performing a method for inserting a scan chain into a VLSI circuit design. The scan chain structure, or structures, are included in the design structure for the VLSI circuit design. The scan chain structure includes a first flip-flop (L1) and a second flip-flop (L2) configured to operate the first flip-flop (L1) in normal mode operation, in scan mode operation, in initialization mode and in low leakage power mode operation. A buffer circuit is electrically connected between the scan-out output of the second flip-flop (L2) and the scan-in input of the first flip-flop (L1) for the next latch in the scan chain. Buffer circuit control elements control the first flip-flop (L1) to switch between scan mode or low power leakage mode. The switching occurs in only one clock cycle. The design structure can include a netlist, which describes the VLSI circuit, reside on storage medium as a data format used for the exchange of layout data of integrated circuits, and preferably includes at least one of test data files, characterization data, verification data, or design specifications. |
| US07949970B1 |
Fast reduction of system models
Techniques are provided for fast reduction of a system model, such as fast parasitics reduction of an electrical design. Delta loops, which comprise three nodes connected by three edges, may be identified. The netlist can be annotated with the number of delta loops to which an edge belongs and a delta loop identifier. Delta loops that share an edge may be assigned the same identifier. Identifying delta loops may be based on the intersection of binary search trees that are based on the netlist. In one embodiment, a cost of removing a node from the netlist is determined. Based on the annotations to the edges connected to a node under consideration for removal, the total number of delta loops that are shared by pairs of edges is determined. Based, at least in part, on the total number of common delta loops, a cost is determined of removing the node. |
| US07949965B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing map data and storage medium having information for controlling the processing of map data
An information processing apparatus for displaying a map, displaying any data related to position information on the map, and effectively using the same even if map information is not provided in the information processing apparatus is disclosed. Image data and additional information having link information to the position information and a map are linked and stored in a memory stick 140. At the time of display, the apparatus accesses the Internet by a mobile phone 150 based on the link information, acquires the map information, and displays it on an LCD 131. It displays marks based on the position information on the map. For example when the mark is selected etc., it reads image data and further displays it on the LCD 131. |
| US07949964B2 |
System and method for visualization of node-link structures
A method of visualizing a node-link structure includes determining a radius for at least one level of a circular tree obtaining data identifying a first node within the node-link structure, determining a first position of the first node, the first position being a center of the circular tree, wherein the radius of the at least one level is measured from the center of the circular tree and determining positions of any children nodes of the first node and drawing the children nodes on a first level of the at least one level of the circular tree along the determined radius. |
| US07949963B1 |
1-2-3 Dynamic on-top tabular (DTT) web page editing
A method and system for a user to consistently edit information on web pages at real-time. It starts with a authorize login for the said web pages. And then, the process of editing the select data can be done in 3 steps: First a user selects an option from an initial command menu, a tabular form is generated for said selected option; Second, said user inputs data in said tabular form, said user will then selects said option from a command menu on said tabular form; Third, wherein said user selects cancel from said command menu on said tabular form, said user will return back to the initial said command menu, or wherein said user selects submit option from said command menu on said tabular form, said server will store that data in to said data storage, said server will save the data as current data in the web control, said server will generate a new html document and post back onto said system with input data as view data, said system will render the new html document to said web page. Wherein said user elects to make additional changes to said web page, said process would be repeated by starting again at said initial command menu. |
| US07949962B1 |
1-2-3 dynamic on-top tabular (DTT) editing of a list on a web page
A system for adding new information on a list on a web page, comprising: a web page, a list item web control containing one or more web controls for said web page, a client side popup of said web page; a new web control of said list item web control, a new command menu of said new web control; a client system for viewing said web page; a command menu of said web control, a lock mechanism, which forces a user to edit only one web control at a time, selecting an option from said command menu, a tabular form for data entry for said selected option, a server system for handling a tabular editing process, and a data storages for handling data inputted and previewed. |
| US07949961B2 |
User interface for performing load analysis
A user interface for performing load analysis on various geometries is provided. The user interface is especially useful for performing load analysis operations on mobile platforms, for example an aircraft. The user interface includes an object display that lists a plurality of load objects that include object data. A plurality of menu displays list a plurality of load operations. A data display displays the object data associated with the plurality of load objects. |
| US07949960B2 |
Predictive rendering of user interfaces
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for rendering the user interface of a software application. A client computer provides a user interface for a computer program application. The user interface is operable to receive input from a user interacting with the client and to generate user interaction events from the input. One or more possible user interaction events are identified on the client while the user interface is in a current user interface state. The possible user interaction events are user interaction events that would arise from input the user interface could possibly receive in the current user interface state from the user. One or more of the possible user interaction events are pre-processed to generate one or more possible user interface states. The possible user interface states are stored for later use. |
| US07949957B2 |
Edit selection control
An edit selection control. The edit selection control can include a drop down list box coupled to a list of entries of full textual length; an edit box coupled to the drop down list box within the edit selection control and configured to display a selected one of the entries; and, list management logic coupled to the edit box and programmed to accept through the edit box as an alternative selection to the list of entries, a manually specified entry. Importantly, the edit selection control can have a structure configurable for embedding within a markup language document. |
| US07949955B2 |
Virtual magnifying glass system architecture
A display screen magnifier is controllable by a user to magnify selected portions of a desktop including windows open on the screen. A magnified image is presented within a moveable magnifier frame. The magnified image corresponds to screen content located within a magnification region underlying the magnifier frame, magnified to a set level of magnification. The magnifier is configured to remain on top of the display screen desktop, including open windows, while it is activated. It also passes events of a user input device to windows located beneath the magnifier, and dynamically updates the magnified image to reflect changes in underlying screen content. The display screen magnifier is configured to operate this way through a leveraging of resources made available by application programming interfaces (APIs) of an operating system, namely a windows style, and a second stage screen content compositing engine associated with the windows style. |
| US07949952B2 |
Method and system for providing user representations in real-time collaboration session participant lists reflecting external communications together with user representations in external communication applications indicating current real-time collaboration session participation
A system for providing user representations in real-time collaboration application participant lists reflecting external communications, together with user representations in external communication applications indicating current real-time collaboration session participation. A participant list in a collaboration session represents other participants with whom the local user has recently or frequently communicated in a visually separate area. User representations associated with messages, entries, or the like, and contained in applications external to the collaboration application are displayed in a way that visually indicates the user's current participation in a collaboration session. |
| US07949945B2 |
Variable text processing for an electronic press
A software system is useful for generating page files from a template file and database entries. The database entries are representative of variable information and the template file includes data designating a first variable text area and a second variable text area. The software system includes a computer-readable medium storing a software program having first, second, and third routines. The first routine selects a record from the database, while the second routine associates the first variable text area with the contents of an entry in the selected record and associates the second variable text area with one of a plurality of text files. The third routine generates the page files from the template file, the text files, and the database. |
| US07949939B2 |
Document processing and managing system, document processing-managing apparatus, document processing apparatus, document processing-managing method, document processing method and computer readable medium
A document processing and managing system is provided and includes a document processing apparatus and a document management apparatus including: an acquisition history holding unit that holds an acquisition history, the acquisition history including information for identifying a first user and information for identifying the electronic document; an information holding unit that holds utilization permission information to determine document processing allowed for the first user and for a second user; and an information providing unit that receives from the document processing apparatus the information for identifying the user and the information for the identifying the electronic document, refers to the acquisition history to decide whether the user is the first user of the electronic document, and transmits the utilization permission information to the document processing apparatus, so as to control the instructed document processing in accordance with a result of the decision and the utilization permission information. |
| US07949938B2 |
Comparing and merging multiple documents
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for comparing and merging multiple merge documents, wherein each merge document includes content element locations having user content or empty. A determination is made in the determined merge documents of content element locations in at least two of the merge documents having a same content and content element locations in at least two of the determined merge documents having different content. An aggregate document is generated including content element locations corresponding to the content element locations in the determined merge documents. A content graphical indicator is rendered with content element locations in the aggregate document for which at least two of the determined merge documents provide different content, and information is rendered in response to user selection for the content in the plurality of the merge documents provided for the selected content element location. |
| US07949937B2 |
Apparatus and method for delivering portions of reports
A computer-readable medium includes a report parts viewer. The report parts viewer is configured to identify a first report object of a first plurality of report objects included in a first report. The report parts viewer is configured to facilitate display of the first report object absent each remaining report object included in the first report. |
| US07949930B2 |
Information recording medium, data sorting device and data reproduction device
A stream including plural access units is recorded on an information recording medium. Each access unit has a first packet that includes basic data as well as a second packet which includes extension data related to the basic data. The basic data is data that is decodable in a completed state without using extension data, and the extension data is data for improving the quality of data generated from the basic data. The header of the first packet holds first information, which indicates that the first packet includes the basic data, and the header of the second packet holds second information which indicates that the second packet includes the extension data. This arrangement allows a decoder that decodes only basic data to process the access unit, which includes the basic data and the extension data. |
| US07949928B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and data error detection and correction method of the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a mode setting circuit, a parity data generation unit, and a data error detection and correction unit. The memory cell array has a plurality of first memory banks for storing normal data, and a predetermined number of second memory banks less than the number of the first memory banks for storing parity data according to control of a first flag signal. The mode setting circuit sets the first flag signal and a second flag signal controlling based on whether a separate memory bank is used to store the parity data in the second memory banks. The parity data generation unit receives normal write data during a write operation, generates parity data with respect to the normal write data in response to the second flag signal, and outputs the normal data and the parity data. The data error detection and correction unit receives normal read data and parity read data read from the memory cell array during a read operation, detects errors of the normal read data in response to the second flag signal, corrects the normal read data when the errors are detected, and outputs the corrected read data. |
| US07949922B2 |
Test apparatus, shift amount measuring apparatus, shift amount measuring method and diagnostic method
A shift amount measuring apparatus for measuring a phase shift amount of a signal under measurement which is input thereto includes a PLL circuit that generates a strobe signal which is synchronized with a reference signal, a CDR circuit that inputs, into the PLL circuit, a control signal which has a level determined in accordance with a difference in phase between the signal under measurement and the strobe signal, so as to achieve a predetermined difference in phase between the signal under measurement and the strobe signal, and a measuring circuit that, before and after the signal under measurement is phase-shifted, measures a value of the control signal when the predetermined difference in phase is achieved between the signal under measurement and the strobe signal, and calculates the phase shift amount of the signal under measurement based on a difference between the measured levels of the control signal. |
| US07949921B2 |
Method and apparatus for synthesis of augmented multimode compactors
Methods and apparatuses for synthesizing and/or implementing an augmented multimode compactor are described. An integrated circuit has circuitry that compacts test response data from scan chains in the integrated circuit under test. In many cases groups of the scan chains are coupled to output registers, such that a same group of scan chains is coupled to sequential elements of different output registers; and the same group is a subset of the scan chains including two or more scan chains. Various computer-implemented methods divide scan chains among at least groups and partitions. The groups disallow sharing a common scan chain from the scan chains, within a particular partition. At least one common scan chain is shared between the groups of different partitions. |
| US07949919B2 |
Microelectronic device and pin arrangement method thereof
The present invention provides a microelectronic device with a circuit core and a boundary scan test interface sharing a number of pre-selected pins. In the mode of a boundary scan test, the boundary scan test interface manipulates the input and output of the test signal through the shared pins. Pins necessary for the microelectronic device are therefore reduced. |
| US07949916B1 |
Scan chain circuitry for delay fault testing of logic circuits
Scan chain circuitry is provided for performing scan chain testing of integrated circuits. The integrated circuits being tested may include programmable logic. The scan chain circuitry may include scan chain cells. Each scan chain cell may have a first logic circuit that receives a scan enable signal. When the scan enable signal is asserted, the scan chain cells may be connected to form a scan chain for test data loading and unloading. Each scan chain cell may also include a second logic circuit. The second logic circuit in each scan chain cell may receive a test enable signal. Signal transitions may be created at the output of scan chain cells by loading the scan chain cells with data, deasserting the scan enable signal while the test enable signal is asserted, and applying a clock. At speed delay fault tests may be performed using the scan chain circuitry. |
| US07949910B2 |
Memory system and control method thereof
A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory including blocks as data erase units, a measuring unit which measures an erase time at which data in each block is erased, a block controller having a block table which associates a state value indicating one of a free state and a used state with the erase time for each block, a detector which detects blocks in which rewrite has collectively occurred within a short period, a first selector which selects a free block having an old erase time as a first block, a second selector which selects a block in use having an old erase time as a second block, and a leveling unit which moves data in the second block to the first block if the first block is included in the blocks detected by the detector. |
| US07949906B2 |
Management supporting system, management supporting method, and management supporting program
An object of the present invention is to enable a user to grasp the operation of the autonomous system for executing a countermeasure corresponding to a state of a system to be managed and to enable the user to check if a problem has been solved after the countermeasure taken against the problem of the system to be managed is performed by the user or by the autonomous system when the countermeasure performed by the autonomous system has failed or when the user wants to confirm the solution by the countermeasure performed by the autonomous system. An autonomous collaborative work operation control section 6 indistinctively records the content of a countermeasure corresponding to a manual operation and the content of a countermeasure taken not by the manual operation but by an autonomous operation in an autonomous collaborative work log storage section 5. The autonomous collaborative work operation control section 6 and autonomous collaborative work screen drawing section 7 display the fault of a system to be managed the solution of which has not been confirmed to allow the user to select an unresolved fault. Further, the autonomous collaborative work operation control section 6 and autonomous collaborative work screen drawing section 7 displays a screen for determining the countermeasure content for solving the fault. The autonomous collaborative work operation control section 6 executes the countermeasure according to the operation performed by the user and adds a log. |
| US07949891B2 |
Timer circuit storing a plurality of time measurements with different sets of measurement time that can be realized by starting the time measurements asynchronously
A timer circuit for a mobile communication terminal includes a counter operating under a reference clock, a storage unit that stores a timer timeout time corresponding to a time measurement request when receiving the time measurement request from a CPU, and a comparator 104 that generates an interruption signal to the CPU 120 when the time corresponding to the output value of the counter is coincident with the timer timeout time stored in the storage unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of sets of timer timeout time corresponding to a plurality of time measurement requests, and a stored timer timeout time which is closest to the time corresponding to the output value of the counter is set to the timer timeout time to be compared by the comparator. |
| US07949885B2 |
Power supply device, image forming apparatus, and power supply method
A power supply device supplies power to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a load and a control unit. The load requires power, and is controlled by the control unit. The power supply includes a capacitor and a power-supply unit. The capacitor is charged by an external power source, and dischargably stores therein power. The power-supply unit provides power supply from the capacitor to the load and the control unit before voltage of the external power source drops below a threshold level where malfunction of the image forming apparatus occurs. After the voltage recovers to the threshold level, the power-supply unit stops the power supply from the capacitor. |
| US07949882B2 |
Storage session management system in storage area network
In a storage session management system in a storage area network, the session information blocks periodically collected from the storage devices in the network are grouped based on the information indicating the relation between sessions. That is, since a storage session management server in the management system integrally manages constitution information and operation information, when there is a possibility that circumstances such as a failure and the deterioration of performance occur in information devices, a failure notification module displays such circumstances and makes notification of them to a minimum necessary range that is consolidated by a session consolidation module, thereby a storage session can be managed without applying loads on the respective information devices and the network. |
| US07949875B2 |
Message authentication
For the authentication of messages communicated in a distributed system from an originator to a destination a keyed-hashing technique is used according to which data to be authenticated is concatenated with a private (secret) key and then processed to the cryptographic hash function. The data are transmitted together with the digest of the hash function from the originator to the destination. The data comprises temporal validity information representing the temporal validity of the data. For example the setup key of a communication is therefore only valid within a given time interval that is dynamically defined by the communication originator. After the time interval is exceeded the setup key is invalid and cannot be reused again. |
| US07949874B2 |
Secure firmware execution environment for systems employing option read-only memories
A method for providing a secure firmware operating environment includes detecting the presence of a new component, for example, a peripheral device. Next, a determination is made as to whether the peripheral device includes an option read-only memory. Next, a determination is made as to whether the option read-only memory is authorized to be executed on the corresponding device. If the option read-only memory is authorized, the code contained within the option read-only memory is executed. By only allowing execution of peripheral devices or components including authorized option read-only memories, security related breaches are substantially reduced or eliminated; thereby, enhancing device integrity. |
| US07949871B2 |
Method for creating virtual service connections to provide a secure network
A Secure Service Network (SSN) in which at least two participants having a relationship are connected to a physical network by way of Secure Service Gateways and share information defined by one or more Service Definitions allowing for the creation of a secure Virtual Service Connection (VSC) between the participants in which the VSC is specific to the activity being performed and the participants provisioned for that activity. SSN enables the creation of a secure virtual network topology on any network transport that allows participants to exchange documents and transact business over the network real time, where all activity inherits a business and security infrastructure that is independent and in addition to the applications, devices, web services, users using the network. |
| US07949869B2 |
Establishing relative identity
There are disclosed a method, computing device, and storage medium for establishing relative identity between a first agent on a first computing device and a second agent on a second computing device. An absolute key and a partial relative key may be generated for the first agent, wherein the absolute key and the partial relative key define a relative identity of the first agent, wherein the relative identity is unique for a relationship between the first agent and the second agent. |
| US07949868B2 |
Secured access using a position-coded system
A system and method are disclosed for controlling access to an access-protected unit. A location may be read from a base, such as form, using a digital pen. The system may then check if location is within a region belonging to an authorized user. If so, access may be granted to the authorized user to the access-protected unit or to specific programs or functions of the access-protected unit. |
| US07949867B2 |
Secure communications
There are disclosed processes and systems for establishing secure, communication channels between computing devices. The computing devices include respective agents which verify the relative identity of one another and thereby authenticate the communication channel. The agents continue to play a role in the communications to ensure that the communication channel is secure. |
| US07949865B1 |
Mounting volumes on demand
A method for mounting volumes to a storage server in a storage system, including, speeding up initialization of the storage server by staging volume mounting in two or more stages. The method further includes mounting at least one of the volumes when a request for accessing the volume is received. |
| US07949862B2 |
Branch prediction table storing addresses with compressed high order bits
Address control section includes an encoding section to generate higher-order address information made by compressing a predetermined higher-order bit part from predetermined higher-order and lower-order bit parts included in an instruction address, and a restoring section to restore the higher-order bit part from the higher-order address information. Branch instruction predicting section includes a history memory section that stores the higher-order bit part and the lower-order bit part corresponding to a branch address of a processed branch instruction at either one of a plurality of storing places determined from the higher-order bit part and the lower-order bit part corresponding to a branch address of a processed branch instruction. |
| US07949858B2 |
Multifunction hexadecimal instruction form system and program product
A new zSeries floating-point unit has a fused multiply-add dataflow capable of supporting two architectures and fused MULTIPLY and ADD and Multiply and SUBTRACT in both RRF and RXF formats for the fused functions. Both binary and hexadecimal floating-point instructions are supported for a total of 6 formats. The floating-point unit is capable of performing a multiply-add instruction for hexadecimal or binary every cycle with a latency of 5 cycles. This supports two architectures with two internal formats with their own biases. This has eliminated format conversion cycles and has optimized the width of the dataflow. The unit is optimized for both hexadecimal and binary floating-point architecture supporting a multiply-add/subtract per cycle. |
| US07949857B2 |
Method and system for determining multiple unused registers in a processor
An improved method, device and system are presented for selecting a predetermined number of unused registers in a processor. The method includes partitioning registers in a processor into subsets; searching each subset for an unused register; determining whether every subset includes an unused register; if so, selecting an unused register from each subset; if not, partitioning the registers into new subsets with each subset having a different combination of registers; searching each of the new subsets for an unused register; determining whether each of the new subsets includes an unused register; if so, selecting an unused register from each new subset; and if not, searching each register serially to find the predetermined number of unused registers. |
| US07949853B2 |
Two dimensional addressing of a matrix-vector register array
A processor for processing matrix data. The processor includes M independent vector register files which are adapted to collectively store a matrix of L data elements. Each data element has B binary bits. The matrix has N rows and M columns, and L=N*M. Each column has K subcolumns. N≧2, M≧2, K≧2, and B≧1. Each row and each subcolumn is addressable. The processor does not duplicatively store the L data elements. The matrix includes a set of arrays such that each array is a row or subcolumn of the matrix. The processor may execute an instruction that performs an operation on a first array of the set of arrays, such that the operation is performed with selectivity with respect to the data elements of the first array. |
| US07949848B2 |
Data processing apparatus, method and computer program product for reducing memory usage of an object oriented program
The present invention for reducing memory usage of an object oriented program. The object oriented program comprises class definitions used to create objects, each class definition providing at least one function that can be run in respect of objects created from that class definition, and identifying a number of storage items to be provided in memory for each object to store data values associated with that object. The method involves determining an original size associated with each storage item, and analysing the class definition to identify any numeric ranges associated with the storage items. For each storage item for which a numeric range is identified, it is determined if the original size can be reduced whilst still supporting the numeric range, and if so a modified size less than the original size is allocated to that storage item. Thereafter, the class definition is altered having regard to any storage element that has been allocated a modified size. |
| US07949845B2 |
Indexing of file data in reprogrammable non-volatile memories that directly store data files
Host system data files are written directly to a large erase block flash memory system with a unique identification of each file and offsets of data within the file but without the use of any intermediate logical addresses or a virtual address space for the memory. Directory information of where the files are stored in the memory is maintained within the memory system by its controller, rather than by the host. Each data file is uniquely identified in a file directory, which points to entries in a file index table (FIT) of data groups that make up the file and their physical storage locations in the memory. |
| US07949841B2 |
Protection of critical memory using replication
Typical computer programs may incur costly memory errors that result in corrupted data. A new memory model is presented wherein it may be determined that certain data is critical and critical data may be stored and protected during computer application execution. Critical Memory allows that data determined to be critical may be stored and retrieved using functions enabled to increase the reliability of the data. Functions are presented enabling allocation of redundant computer memory; functions are presented enabling consistently writing critical data to redundant locations; and functions are presented enabling reading critical data while ensuring that the data read is consistent with the most recent write of critical data and enabled to repair inconsistent data. The memory model and functions presented are designed to be compatible with existing third-party libraries. |
| US07949836B2 |
Memory controller and method for copying mirrored memory that allows processor accesses to memory during a mirror copy operation
A memory controller performs a mirror copy function in a way that allows processor accesses to memory to continue during the mirror copy operations that make up the mirror copy function. Data integrity of mirror copy operations is assured by protocols set up in the memory controller. The result is a memory controller that performs a mirror copy function in a way that allows normal processor accesses to memory to be interleaved with mirror copy operations, thereby minimizing the impact on system performance of executing the mirror copy function. |
| US07949831B2 |
Maintaining cache coherence using load-mark metadata to deny invalidation of load-marked cache lines
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that maintains load-marks on cache lines. The system includes: (1) a cache which accommodates a set of cache lines, wherein each cache line includes metadata for load-marking the cache line, and (2) a local cache controller for the cache. Upon determining that a remote cache controller has made a request for a cache line that would cause the local cache controller to invalidate a copy of the cache line in the cache, the local cache controller determines if there is a load-mark in the metadata for the copy of the cache line. If not, the local cache controller invalidates the copy of the cache line. Otherwise, the local cache controller signals a denial of the invalidation of the cache line and retains the copy of the cache line and the load-mark in the metadata for the copy of the cache line. |
| US07949829B2 |
Cache used both as cache and staging buffer
In one embodiment, a cache comprises a data memory comprising a plurality of data entries, each data entry having capacity to store a cache block of data, and a cache control unit coupled to the data memory. The cache control unit is configured to dynamically allocate a given data entry in the data memory to store a cache block being cached or to store data that is not being cache but is being staged for retransmission on an interface to which the cache is coupled. |
| US07949826B2 |
Runtime machine supported method level caching
A computer system includes a disk space comprising at least one type of memory and an operating system for controlling allocations and access to the disk space. A runtime machine runs applications through at least one of the operating system or directly on at least one processor of the computer system. In addition, the runtime machine manages a selected runtime disk space allocated to the runtime machine by the operating system and manages a separate method cache within the selected virtual disk space. The virtual machine controls caching within the method cache of a separate result of at least one method of the application marked as cache capable. For a next instance of the method detected by the runtime machine, the runtime machine accesses the cached separate result of the method in lieu of executing the method again. |
| US07949825B2 |
Disk array synchronization using power distribution
Disk drives are synchronized by a timing signal generated in a master disk drive. The timing signal is transmitted over a power distribution network common to the disk drives. A slave drive receives the timing signal and synchronizes at least one disk based on the timing signal. |
| US07949819B2 |
Flash memory device and method of changing block size in the same using address shifting
According to an example embodiment, a method of changing a block size in a flash memory device having a multi-plane scheme may include decoding an external input address and changing the block size of the flash memory device from a first block size to a second block size. The external input address may be decoded into a block address and a page address. The block size of the flash memory device may be changed from the first block size to the second block size by shifting at least one bit of the block address to the page address or shifting at least one bit of the page address to the block address. |
| US07949817B1 |
Adaptive bus profiler
An adaptive bus profiler is described. In embodiment(s), data traffic that is communicated on an adaptive bus can be monitored, and projected data traffic that is scheduled for communication via the adaptive bus can be determined. An adaptive bus profile can be determined based on the data traffic and the projected data traffic. The data traffic that is communicated on the adaptive bus can be suspended to reconfigure a bus width of the adaptive bus based on the adaptive bus profile. |
| US07949815B2 |
Virtual heterogeneous channel for message passing
A technique includes using a virtual channel between a first process and a second process to communicate messages between the processes. Each message contains protocol data and user data. All of the protocol data is communicated over a first channel associated with the virtual channel, and the user data is selectively communicated over at least one other channel associated with the virtual channel. |
| US07949813B2 |
Method and system for processing status blocks in a CPU based on index values and interrupt mapping
Certain aspects of a method and system for processing status blocks based on interrupt mapping may be disclosed. Exemplary aspects of the method may include determining whether a particular status block has been processed by at least one CPU based on comparing a value of a first register with a value of a second register, wherein the first register may comprise a running index value of at least one client segment within the particular status block and the second register may comprise a current running index value of at least one client segment. An interrupt may be generated, if the value of the first register is not equal to the value of the second register. The particular status block may be processed by at least one CPU based on the generated interrupt. |
| US07949812B1 |
Priority arbitration of coexisting wireless topologies
A wireless network device includes a first communication module to communicate with at least one of first devices and a second communication module to communicate with at least one of second devices. An arbitration module receives a request for communication from the first communication module, detects when the second communication module is communicating in a locked mode, and denies request for communication from the first communication module when the second communication module is communicating in the locked mode. Transmission or reception of a packet in the locked mode is not interrupted to avoid loss of the packet. The arbitration module grants the request for communication from the first communication module when the second communication module is communicating in the locked mode and when granting the request for communication from the first communication module does not require stopping the second communication module from communicating in the locked mode. |
| US07949811B2 |
Method and device for creating a time schedule for transmitting messages on a bus system
A method for creating a time schedule for transmitting messages on a bus system (bus schedule), the time schedule being created by using a genetic algorithm. |
| US07949808B2 |
Auto-execution signal processing method and apparatus performing the method
An auto-execution signal processing method and an apparatus performing the method are provided. That method is particularly applied to the apparatus supporting recognition of a human interface device standard. The apparatus preferably has an activation element such as a button, and it is to execute an automatic execution process by a key-activation manually or automatically as in connection with a computer system. Therefore, a predetermined purpose is met. According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus having the auto-execution function is firstly initialized. Next, the activation element thereon is used to launch the automatic execution process. The process includes a step of driving a Finite State Machine to transfer an executable string of code to a computer system via a connection interface. After that, the executable string is compiled by an operating system in order to launch an application, such as entering a proprietary webpage. |
| US07949807B2 |
Data conversion apparatus and data conversion method
It is aimed, for example, to reduce an amount of power consumption of an operation concerning data encryption or decryption and to make it difficult to perform a power analysis. In the case an exclusive OR operation between 32-bit input data and a 32-bit key is performed to obtain output data of 32 bits, the input data is kept in an input shift register 105 of 32 bits and the key is kept in a key shift register 106 of 32 bits. Then, 1 bit of the input data and 1 bit of the key are input into a serial operator 107, and an exclusive OR of 1 bit is obtained and shifted to the left end of the input shift register 105. The key shift register 106 performs a cyclic right shift. By performing the above thirty-two times, the operation of 32 bits is completed and the last result is kept in the input shift register 105. |
| US07949805B2 |
Wireless human interface device (HID) coordination
A method relating to wireless human interface device (HID) coordination is disclosed. A first human interface device (HID) is wirelessly coupled to two or more computing devices, wherein the first HID is configured to toggle between interactions with each of the two or more computing devices. An inquiry or paging message is broadcast to one or more HIDs, including a second HID wirelessly coupled to the two or more computing devices, wherein the second HID is configured to receive and provide a response to the inquiry or paging message. The second HID is located based on the response to the inquiry or paging message. A wireless link is established between the first HID and the second HID based on the identifying, wherein the first HID is configured to coordinate, via the wireless link, interactions with the two or more computing devices by both the first HID and the second HID based on the toggle. |
| US07949803B2 |
System and method for transmitting data packets in a computer system having a memory hub architecture
A system and method for transmitting data packets from a memory hub to a memory controller is disclosed. The system includes an upstream reception port coupled to an upstream link. The upstream reception port receives the data packets from downstream memory hubs. The system further includes a bypass bus coupled to the upstream reception port. The bypass bus transports the data packets from the upstream reception port. The system further includes a temporary storage coupled to the upstream reception port and configured to receive the data packets from the upstream reception port. The system further includes a bypass multiplexer for selectively coupling an upstream transmission port to either one of a core logic circuit, the temporary storage, or the bypass bus. The system further includes a breakpoint logic circuit coupled to the bypass multiplexer and configured to switch the bypass multiplexer to selectively connect the upstream transmission port to either one of the core logic circuit, the bypass bus, or the temporary storage. The system further includes a local memory coupled to the core logic circuit and operable to receive and send the data packets to the core logic circuit. |
| US07949794B2 |
PCI express enhancements and extensions
A method and apparatus for enhancing /extending a serial point-to-point interconnect architecture, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is herein described. Temporal and locality caching hints and prefetching hints are provided to improve system wide caching and prefetching. Message codes for atomic operations to arbitrate ownership between system devices/resources are included to allow efficient access/ownership of shared data. Loose transaction ordering provided for while maintaining corresponding transaction priority to memory locations to ensure data integrity and efficient memory access. Active power sub-states and setting thereof is included to allow for more efficient power management. And, caching of device local memory in a host address space, as well as caching of system memory in a device local memory address space is provided for to improve bandwidth and latency for memory accesses. |
| US07949793B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing an interface between a programmable circuit and a processor
Method and apparatus for interfacing a programmable circuit and a processor is described. In one example, data output from the programmable circuit is packetized to form at least one packet. The at least one packet is provided to the processor via a streaming interface. The data is extracted from the at least one packet. A function is executed on the processor using the data as parametric input. Return data is then packetized by the function in response to the parametric input to produce at least one return packet. The at least one return packet is send towards the programmable circuit via the streaming interface. The return data is extracted from the at least one return packet and provided to the programmable circuit. |
| US07949792B2 |
Encoding a TCP offload engine within FCP
The present invention defines a new protocol for communicating with an offload engine that provides Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”) termination over a Fibre Channel (“FC”) fabric. The offload engine terminates all protocols up to and including TCP and performs the processing associated with those layers. The offload protocol guarantees delivery and is encapsulated within FCP-formatted frames. Thus, the TCP streams are reliably passed to the host. Additionally, using this scheme, the offload engine can provide parsing of the TCP stream to further assist the host. The present invention also provides network devices (and components thereof) that are configured to perform the foregoing methods. The invention further defines how network attached storage (“NAS”) protocol data units (“PDUs”) are parsed and delivered. |
| US07949787B2 |
Open content model Web service messaging
Systems and methods for open content model Web service messaging in a networked computing environment are described. In one aspect, a transport neutral message is generated that includes message recipient, endpoint addressing information, and one or more reference properties. The reference properties include selectively opaque message context. The transport neutral message is bound to a transport protocol for communication to the message recipient. At least a portion of the selectively opaque message context is not directed to the message recipient. |
| US07949782B2 |
Extended link monitoring channel for 10 Gb/s Ethernet
The invention provides a method for utilizing the Inter Packet Gaps (IPGs) to create an Extended Link Monitoring Channel in a physical layer transceiver for a 10 Gb/s Ethernet link for communicating link related information, thus providing an extensive link maintenance capability. A corresponding transceiver between an Ethernet media access control (MAC) layer device and a 10 Gb/s Ethernet link, comprising a physical coding sublayer (PCS) extension circuit for implementing the Extended Link Monitoring Channel is also provided. |
| US07949779B2 |
Controlling subscriber information rates in a content delivery network
A plurality of content providers provide multiple resources to multiple clients. At least some of said resources are to be served to clients from a shared content delivery network (CDN) formed by a plurality of repeater servers. Each content provider provides at least some resources via one or more content sources associated with that content provider. Amounts of data transmitted by the CDN on behalf of each of the plurality of content providers are monitored. Based at least in part on said monitoring, requests for resources are selectively delivered at a lower transmission rate. The lower transmission rate is achieved by generating pauses or delays in the transmission. |
| US07949776B2 |
Seek minimized recoverable streaming file system
A method for storing data, comprising the steps of (A) receiving a stream of data, (B) storing the stream of data in a series of data clusters each comprising (i) a predecessor link, (ii) a data portion, and (iii) a successor link, where the predecessor links and successor links are configured to minimize seek time between the clusters during contiguous stream operations. |
| US07949774B2 |
Automated content source validation for streaming data
One or more validation keys are embedded in a data stream at a server. A client requests the data stream from the server. The server sends the data stream to the client. The client receives the data stream, and samples the data stream to detect one or more validation keys. |
| US07949772B2 |
Protocol engine application interface
There is disclosed an interface block for providing application access to the underlying protocol engine at several different layers. These layers are preferably the application core layer, the transaction layer, and the transport layer. |
| US07949768B2 |
Method and system for connecting of wireless-internet using domain based numeral
The present invention relates to a system and method for connecting wireless internet using number-base domain, the method according to the present invention may comprise the steps of (a) receiving an internet connection request signal from the mobile telephone; (b) determining if the received internet connection request signal is a number domain connection request signal and determining if the number domain exists in pre-stored number structure; (c) converting the number domain into a letter domain if the number domain exists in the pre-stored number structure; (d) transmitting web site information corresponding to the converted number domain to the mobile terminal. According to present invention, the domain input process can be simpler as the user has only to input number domain corresponding to homepage to be connected and press execution button. |
| US07949767B2 |
System and method for multiple address of record registration using a single explicit SIP request
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for registering multiple addresses of record. The method comprises receiving a session initiation protocol register request. The session initiation protocol register request comprises a plurality of addresses of record and a contact address for a session initiation protocol endpoint. The method further comprises associating each of the plurality of addresses of record with the contact address for the session initiation protocol endpoint. |
| US07949755B2 |
Network/service control method
A network/service control method comprises a step of acquiring, when providing a communication service to a user, a user context defined as knowledge information about the user associated with an environment surrounding the user and a past behavior pattern of the user, a step of acquiring a user profile defined as information about a user's favorite registered previously by the user at arbitrary timing, and a service control step of determining network requirements for providing the communication service on the basis of the user context and the user profile. |
| US07949754B2 |
Method and apparatus for prescribing station identifiers in a profit IO network
The invention relates to the development of a Profinet IO compatible subscriber device having a selector switch such that the station identifier is obtained directly from the respective setting of the selector switch in combination with a firmly prescribed group identifier which is specific to a respective particular group of subscriber devices. |
| US07949753B2 |
Provision of resource allocation information
A system is provided for disseminating resource allocation information from system resources to state-information observers comprising resource users and typically also at least one system resource manager. Each resource maintains state information about its identity and its allocation to one or more resource users. Each resource provides this information to a state-dissemination arrangement which disseminates it to each state-information observer. Each resource user uses the state information it receives from the state-dissemination arrangement to ascertain the resources allocated to it. Similarly, a system resource manager, when present, uses the state information it receives from the state-dissemination arrangement to ascertain the allocation of those resources that are of interest to the manager. A resource, resource user and resource manager for use in such a system are also provided. |
| US07949751B1 |
Method for a network device to describe itself and the services it requires to a AAA server
The invention relates to a method for requesting access to services across a computer network, preferably although not exclusively to a network in which access is controlled by a AAA server. Instead of defining on the AAA server all possible network devices that may require or provide access, along with the respective services they may need, in the present invention the network devices submit access request messages which include information both identifying the device and also specifying explicitly which services are needed. On receipt of such requests, the AAA server uses its internal policies to confirm or deny access, to select appropriate services from those requested, and to instruct the provisioning of those services. The invention provides additional granularity in authentication/authorization, and also significantly reduces the amount of work required to set up and maintain the AAA server. |
| US07949750B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling access in P2P network
An apparatus and method to control access in a P2P (peer-to-peer) network. The apparatus for controlling access in a P2P network includes an attribute processing module to obtain an attribute of a service requestor and to determine an access control policy for the service requestor based on the obtained attribute; and an access control module to control the provision of a service to the service requester according to the access control policy. If a service provider is unable to obtain the attribute of the service requester, the service provider obtains the attribute of the service requester from at least one peer in the network. |
| US07949744B2 |
System and method for synchronizing the configuration of distributed network management applications
A change management system to synchronize the configuration of network management applications. Traditional network management systems are maintained by hand-entering device lists into individual network management applications with no common-ties between the different applications. Whenever a network management application is changed or upgraded, it frequently becomes necessary to insure that the upgrade is populated throughout the network in order for devices to talk to one another in an error free way. The present invention is a system and method that automates the change management process in a real-time using a two-way communications model that permits a central database to affect changes on all or some network management applications/systems in the field, while also allowing those same field systems to affect the central database thereby reducing the time required for updating and monitoring a system when device changes take place. |
| US07949741B2 |
Printer user interface redirection over a terminal services session
User interface (“UI”) redirection for a local device, such as a printer that is operatively coupled to a client, is provided by an arrangement in which a dummy driver is installed on the terminal server. When an application on the terminal server makes a call to show a UI, the dummy driver redirects the call to a process operating on the client that exposes the specific UI associated with the local device. User input to the UI indicative of preferences and/or other user-selected parameters is recorded and passed to the terminal server through the dummy driver and reported to the calling application. In an illustrative example, the terminal server and client communicate over a virtual channel using a remote desktop protocol in order to redirect print jobs to a local printer that is coupled to the client either directly or over a network such as a local area network. |
| US07949733B2 |
Driver management method, driver management apparatus, and driver management program
Driver management method, driver management apparatus and driver management program which manages drivers corresponding to devices connected to a network, in which devices connected to a subnet of the network are detected, and drivers corresponding to the devices connected to the subnet, of drivers installed in a user terminal are presented to a user. |
| US07949726B2 |
System and method for delivering information on demand
A system and method designed to optimize the delivery of information on demand via wired or wireless connections. Dynamic information such as weather data can be delivered as compressed text, images, charts, buoy data, radar, GRIB files, and many more formats. Numerous continuously updated products can be delivered to a user of a client application on demand by the push of a button. The user can generate a batch folder having a list of data products to download. The data list in the batch folder can be requested from a server using a single command. The system and method can be configured to immediately connect to a server via a wireless connection or email, including satellite phone and HF/Pactor Radio, and downloads the requested data. After the download the client can be configured to automatically display the requested data. |
| US07949725B2 |
System including a server and at least a client
A system includes a server and at least a client. The sever transfers a code data to the client. The client receives the code data from the server and decodes the code data. The client includes a requesting unit configured to request a code data stored in the server, a first receiving unit configured to receive the code data from the server, a decoding unit configured to decode the code data which is received from the server and a display unit configured to display an image data which is generated by the decoding unit. In addition, the server includes a second receiving unit configured to receive the request from a client, a selecting unit configured to select the code data which is requested from the client, a transferring unit configured to transfer the code data which is selected by the selecting unit, wherein the code data is a part of at least code data of JPM file. |
| US07949723B2 |
Real time tuner for providing graphical user interface
A unique real time tuning (RTT) process is employed for obtaining the desired optimum device parameter adjustments. The RTT parameter adjustment process is utilized with IP phone or other device chipsets as desired. In one embodiment, RTT provides a graphical user interface to a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like, on the device chipset allowing for observation, evaluation and control of the device parameters in real time. The real time exchange of the device parameter information between the device and an external workstation, e.g., a personal computer or the like, is provided by a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) that runs on a controller on the device, e.g., an ARM processor or the like. In this example, the unique combination of the RTT, UDP and DSP cooperate advantageously to implement, in accordance with the principles of the invention, the desired observability, and control to designers to tune the device, e.g., IP Phone, in real time to specified hardware, plastics, audio requirements required by existing standards or the like. |
| US07949722B1 |
Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing user-profile information
Maintaining a file specifying a “donut” of dynamic, hierarchical, shared user-profile information. The donut contains a user profile or acts as a key to a data repository containing it, and it specifies user-profile information such as user characteristics, viewing preferences, hobbies, and spending habits. The donut is accessed by browser programs, associated web server programs, and other applications for use in routing content to the user associated with the donut. |
| US07949721B2 |
Subnet management discovery of point-to-point network topologies
A computer program product for subnet management discovery of point-to-point network topologies includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes discovering a local portion of a subnet representing the point-to-point network, the discovering facilitated by a coupling subnet manager configured to act as a master subnet manager on the local portion of the subnet, interpreting a state of a physical port associated with the coupling subnet manager, and discovering a remote portion of the subnet physically connected to the physical port based on the interpreting. |
| US07949720B2 |
Message object model
Embodiments described herein provide for an overall object mode that allows for a single message object to represent multiple messaging formats. A general message object is populated with fields for multiple available messaging formats, which can be appropriately filled with information with fields for both versions 1.1 and 1.2. Depending on which version is being used or desired, the appropriate fields can be populated when creating an instance of the message object. The other fields that do not correspond to that version, however, are left blank. |
| US07949718B2 |
Phonetic filtering of undesired email messages
Several embodiments, among others, provided in the present disclosure teach a filtering of email messages for spam based on phonetic equivalents of words found in the email message. In some embodiments, an email message having a word is received, and a phonetic equivalent of the word is generated. Thereafter, the phonetic equivalent of the word is tokenized to generate a token representative of the phonetic equivalent. The generated token is then used to determine a spam probability. |
| US07949715B2 |
Method, server and program product for delivering messages
There is provided a method, a system and a program product for delivering on-target messages needed for a user, without omissions. A method for delivering a plurality of delivery messages in a delivery message database to one or more clients, comprising the steps of: delivering one or more delivery messages for a first delivery which are extracted from the delivery message database to at least one of the one or more clients, monitoring reading statuses of each of the one or more delivery messages for the first delivery, generating correlation data indicating a correlation between the plurality of delivery messages based on a result of monitoring the reading statuses, and delivering one or more delivery messages for a second delivery which are not included in the one or more delivery messages for a first delivery and are extracted from the delivery message database based on the correlation data. |
| US07949713B2 |
Information providing apparatus, provided information presenting apparatus, and information providing method
In order to achieve secure provision of appropriate information according to the status of a plurality of terminal apparatuses, a status detecting section detects the status of a cellular mobile phone, and the like, and a communication destination apparatus determining section selects a terminal apparatus with which communication can be established and at which received information can be presented according to the priority for transmission of the provided information. A content DB retrieves information to be provided. A server communication section transmits retrieved provided information to the selected terminal apparatus. With such a structure, the provided information is presented at another terminal apparatus when a terminal apparatus having a high priority is impossible to establish communication or is unsuitable for presentation of the provided information. Thus, provision of information is securely achieved. |
| US07949707B2 |
Internet radio receiver with linear tuning interface
A system for supplying streaming media or other media sources to clients, said system providing for selection of internet based audio content providers based on arbitrarily assigned numbers that function as proxies for the URL or IP address of the audio content providers. |
| US07949706B2 |
Automatic electronic publishing
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for publishing an electronic document. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. A distribution module retrieves a distribution list identifying at least one user that is to be notified about the publication of the electronic document. As such, when a transfer module sends the electronic document to a network location, a messaging module automatically notifies the at least user from the distribution list of the publication of the electronic document and provides instructions to the at least one user for retrieving the electronic document from the network location. Other systems and methods are also provided. |
| US07949704B2 |
Administration of a broker-based publish/subscribe messaging system
A broker-based publish/subscribe messaging system is administered in which a session-based network connection (such as TCP/IP) from an administrator publish/subscribe client application is established with a broker. Administration commands are received as messages from the administrator publish/subscribe client application at the broker via the session-based network connection and response messages are sent from the broker via the session-based network connection to only the administrator publish/subscribe client application. |
| US07949698B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for initializing a random number generator
A circuit arrangement for initializing a random number generator includes a volatile random access memory and an access device for storing and reading information in the random access memory. The information is read out from at least one area of the random access memory as a starting value or read out and transformed into a starting value. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement includes a switching device which is coupled to the access device and decouples the random access memory for a period of time from a supply voltage or a refresh signal. The random number generator is coupled to the access device and generates a random number sequence based on the starting value provided by the access device. |
| US07949697B2 |
Bit field operation circuit
A bit field operation circuit has a first shift unit, a mask shift amount control circuit, a second shift unit, a logic operation unit, and a selection unit. The first shift unit outputs a first intermediate data based on a first control signal. The mask shift amount control circuit outputs a mask shift control signal in accordance with a mask shift amount. The second shift unit outputs a second intermediate data based on a mask shift control signal. The third shift unit outputs a third intermediate data based on the first control signal. The logic operation unit performs logical operation of the second intermediate data and the third intermediate data, and outputs a mask selection data. The selection unit selects either one of the first intermediate data or the second input data based on the mask selection data to output as output data. |
| US07949696B2 |
Floating-point number arithmetic circuit for handling immediate values
Disclosed herein is a floating-point number arithmetic circuit for efficiently supplying data to be performed arithmetic operation. The floating-point number arithmetic circuit includes an floating-point number arithmetic unit for performing a predetermined floating-point number arithmetic operation on a floating-point number of a predetermined precision, and a converting circuit for converting data into the floating-point number of predetermined precision and supplying the floating-point number of the predetermined precision to at least either one of input terminals of the floating-point number arithmetic unit. |
| US07949687B1 |
Relational database system having overlapping partitions
In a relational database system, data is logically represented as a single table, but physically stored as a plurality of overlapping partitions. In some embodiments, the table is created by an instruction defining the table's structure and specifying a plurality of partitions in which to store duplicate copies of some data and in some embodiments, the table is accessed without referencing the overlapping partitions. |
| US07949685B2 |
Modeling and implementing complex data access operations based on lower level traditional operations
A system, method and article of manufacture for data processing and, more particularly, for managing execution of complex data access operations in a data processing system. One embodiment provides a method of managing execution of query operations in a data processing system. The method comprises issuing, by a requesting entity, a request to perform a composite query operation defining an initial query operation and a subsequent query operation to be executed against a data repository of the data processing system, executing the initial query operation, determining an operation status of the initial query operation, and managing execution of the subsequent query operation on the basis of the determined operation status. |
| US07949681B2 |
Aggregating content of disparate data types from disparate data sources for single point access
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for aggregating content of disparate data types from disparate data sources for single point access by a user. Embodiments include establishing a user account for the user; retrieving content of disparate data types from identified disparate data sources associated with the user account; storing the retrieved content; and associating the stored content with the user account. |
| US07949680B2 |
Program ancillary data producing device, picture program editing device and picture program producing device
An apparatus for producing program ancillary data pertinent to each scene of a picture program to be recorded includes a display control unit for demonstrating, on a display picture, an input form having, as an input item, the information pertinent to a scene as an object of preparation, and a program ancillary data generating unit for correlating the information specifying an associated scene with the information as input through the input form, and for outputting the resulting information. |
| US07949675B2 |
Data retrieval method
A method of retrieving data from any one of a plurality of data sources is disclosed. The data stored by each data source are arranged according to an associated data format. The method comprises: issuing a retrieval request for data stored on a designated one of the plurality of data sources to a control process; passing the retrieval request from the control process to the one a plurality of retrieval processes that is associated with the designated data source, said one of the retrieval processes retrieving the requested data from the designated data source and rearranging the retrieved data into a common output format, if it is not already in the common output format; and passing the data in the common output format to the control process. |
| US07949673B2 |
Correlating cross process and cross thread execution flows in an application manager
Data relating to execution flows running on different processes or threads at a computer system is correlated. The execution flows may represent sequences of software components that are invoked or other computer system resources that are consumed. A first execution flow fulfills a first request by transmitting a second request which initiates a second execution flow, such as at another computer system. The second request includes meta data which identifies a context of the first request, such as a URL, an agent which monitors the first execution flow, and the component in the first execution flow which initiated the second request. A manager receives information regarding the first execution flow from the first agent, and information regarding the second execution flow, along with the meta data, from a second agent, for correlating the first and second execution flows. The received information may include execution flow shape data. |
| US07949672B2 |
Identifying regional sensitive queries in web search
A system for determining the intent of query that includes a search engine that receives a first search query, a query/click log module configured to store log data associated with the first search query; and a computational module that generates metric values associated with the first search query based on the log data and that determines that the first search query is one of a regional specific query or a global query based on the metric values, where the metric values reflect a likelihood of local intent of the first search query, and where the search engine provides search results selected in part based on the metric values. |
| US07949661B2 |
System and method for identifying web communities from seed sets of web pages
An improved system and method is provided for identifying web communities from seed sets of web pages. A seed set of web pages may be represented as a set of seed vertices of a graph representing a collection of web pages. An initial probability distribution may be constructed on vertices of the graph by assigning a nonzero value to the vertices belonging to the seed set. Then a sequence of probability distributions may be produced on the vertices of the graph by modifying the probability distribution over a series of one-step walks of the probability distribution over the vertices of the graph. For each probability distribution produced in the sequence, level sets of vertices may be generated, and a level set with minimal conductance may be selected for each probability distribution. The level set with the least conductance may then be output representing a community of web pages. |
| US07949655B2 |
Joins of relations in an object relational database system
A database system includes object relational tables having at least one complex attribute. The database system also includes an optimizer module that selects a join plan for a given query that specifies a join of multiple tables. If the query includes a function selected from the group consisting of a selection predicate applied on a complex attribute, a projection applied on a complex attribute, and a user-defined data type method, then a join path for the join query is determined based in part on a cost associated with application of the function. Application of the function is performed on one of a base table and a join table depending on which has a lower cardinality. The join table is a result of a join of the base table and another table. |
| US07949650B2 |
Associative database scanning and information retrieval
A method and device are disclosed for an associative and approximate, analog or digital scanning of databases that allows for the asynchronous accessing of data from a mass storage medium. The invention includes providing dedicated analog and digital circuitry and decision logic at the mass storage medium level for determining a key identifying the data of interest, continuously comparing the key to a signal generated from a reading of the data from the mass storage medium with an approximate or exact matching circuit to determine a pattern match, determining a correlation value between the key and the data as it is read in a continuous fashion, and determining a match based upon a preselected threshold value for the correlation value. The pattern matching technique eliminates any need to compare data based on its intrinsic structure or value, and instead is based on an analog or digital pattern. The key and data may be either analog or digital. This device and method may be provided as part of a stand-alone computer system, embodied in a network attached storage device, or can otherwise be provided as part of a computer LAN or WAN. |
| US07949649B2 |
Automatically acquiring acoustic and cultural information about music
There are disclosed methods, apparatus, and storage media for building a music metadata library. Acoustic metadata for one or more music tracks may be automatically acquired from a plurality of client computing devices. Cultural metadata for the one or more music tracks may be automatically acquired by searching Internet-accessible content. The acquired acoustic and cultural metadata may be stored in the music metadata library. |
| US07949639B2 |
Attribute segments and data table bias reduction
The present invention provides a method for updating data sources. The method may include identifying a plurality of data sources, identifying a plurality of overlapping attribute segments to use for comparing the data sources, calculating a factor as a function of each of the plurality of overlapping attribute segments, and using the factors to update a first group of values in the second data source to reduce bias. Further, at least a first data source is more accurate than a second data source. |
| US07949632B2 |
Database-rearranging program, database-rearranging method, and database-rearranging apparatus
A database-rearranging program which is capable of rearranging a database while maintaining high reliability, without stopping services provided by the database. When a request for rearranging the copy source database is input, a record copying module sequentially selects pages in the copy source database, and the records in the selected page are copied to the copy destination database. Further, the record copying module sets a progress of copying of each page of the copy source database to a page status management table. Thereafter, when a request for writing updated records is input, a record writing module refers to the page status management table, and when a page of the copy source database in which the updated records should be written is in an uncopied status, the updated records are written in the page of the copy source database, and when the same is in a copied status, the updated records are written in the copy source database and the copy destination database. |
| US07949626B1 |
Movement of an agent that utilizes a compiled set of canonical rules
A method for moving an agent with a compiled rule set from a first execution environment to a second execution environment, comprising initiating the agent move, sending the agent from the first execution environment to the second execution environment and receiving the agent at the second execution environment. |
| US07949625B2 |
Automated management of brand rules for providing content
Automated assistance is provided for managing rules and/or guidelines regarding the usage of branded content for a project, e.g., an advertising campaign, event, signage, decoration, and the like. One or more queries regarding the project are presented to the user. Based on the user's responses to the queries, branded content that is approved for the project's intended use(s) is automatically identified and made available to the user. The determination of which digitized content (media objects) to provide to the user is based at least in part on brand rules and/or guidelines that can be relatively static or dynamically updated by the current user. |
| US07949623B2 |
Communication method
Initially a method for communication between a management information system, in which a field content is stored, and an execution system are disclosed, wherein the field content in Job Definition Format is transmitted from the management information system to the execution system, then a method for communication between a source system, in which a field content is stored in a file in Job Definition Format, and an executing system, wherein the field content in Job Definition Format is transmitted by the source system to the execution system, and eventually a communication module, through which a field content in Job Definition Format can be transmitted to an execution system, wherein in order to simplify communications between management information systems or source systems and execution systems in job format, and to render them less error prone, the field content is initially adapted according to a rule specified for the management information system, or the source system, and the execution system is adapted to specified rules and subsequently transmitted to the execution system, or the field content is adapted according to such method before transmission. |
| US07949621B2 |
Object detection and recognition with bayesian boosting
An efficient, effective and at times superior object detection and/or recognition (ODR) function may be built from a set of Bayesian stumps. Bayesian stumps may be constructed for each feature and object class, and the ODR function may be constructed from the subset of Bayesian stumps that minimize Bayesian error for a particular object class. That is, Bayesian error may be utilized as a feature selection measure for the ODR function. Furthermore, Bayesian stumps may be efficiently implemented as lookup tables with entries corresponding to unequal intervals of feature histograms. Interval widths and entry values may be determined so as to minimize Bayesian error, yielding Bayesian stumps that are optimal in this respect. |
| US07949620B2 |
Method and device for detecting clusters amongst data arranged in orders for cluster creation and removal based on conditional probabilities between clusters
After initial clusters having only one component are formed, a conditional probability P(Ci|C′k) is determined for the cluster Ci being included in an order on condition that cluster C′k is included in the order. If P(Ci|C′k) is greater than a first threshold value S1, a new cluster Cn having all the components of clusters Ci, C′k is formed and the operations are repeated until no new clusters are formed. |
| US07949619B2 |
Business process analyzer that serializes obtained business process data and identifies patterns in serialized business processs data
A system and method for analyzing enterprise applications driven by business processes is provided. The method for analyzing business processes comprises the steps of obtaining process data, serializing the process data, identifying patterns in the serialized process data, creating analyzed process data based on the identified patterns, and publishing the analyzed process data. In addition, the patterns can be identified using one or more of user-defined algorithms, rules, and reference process models, and the user-defined algorithms can be plug-ins. Also, information regarding the analyzed process data can be displayed. |
| US07949618B2 |
Training a machine learning system to determine photoresist parameters
To train a machine learning system, a set of different values of one or more photoresist parameters, which characterize behavior of photoresist when the photoresist undergoes processing steps in a wafer application, is obtained. A set of diffraction signals is obtained using the set of different values of the one or more photoresist parameters. The machine learning system is trained using the set of measured diffraction signals as inputs to the machine learning system and the set of different values of the one or more photoresist parameters as expected outputs of the machine learning system. |
| US07949616B2 |
Telepresence by human-assisted remote controlled devices and robots
A telepresence system comprising a workstation which allows a user to specify a venue located at a remote site. The workstation accepts control information from, and conveys sensory information to, the user. The telepresence system also comprises several remotely controlled systems at remote locations, which carry sensors collecting sensory information from their environment. Each remotely controlled system also requires human assistance to operate according to control information sent by the user. The telepresence system also comprises a means for allocating one of the remotely controlled systems to the specified venue. The telepresence system also comprises a means for allocating a human assistant to assist the allocated remote system. The telepresence system also comprises a bi-directional communication channel which links the workstation to the allocated remote system and transmits control information from the workstation to the allocated remote system and sensory information from the allocated remote system to the workstation. |
| US07949613B2 |
Apparatus for improved sortation and delivery point processing of military mail
A method for distributing military mail includes the steps of compiling military unit and associated delivery code information into a computer searchable military address management system database which associates a military unit zip code with a current geographic location for that unit; obtaining military unit personnel change of address information from a number of sources including a national change of address database maintained by a federal postal service and input from a military unit to which a military mail recipient belongs, which information is compiled into a computer searchable military change of address database, which information includes change of address information more recent than change of address information reflected in a federal national change of address database; and using information from the military address management system database and the military change of address database to redirect incorrectly addressed mail pieces to a military mail recipient's current address. |
| US07949608B2 |
Enabling a software service provider to automatically obtain software service
Methods, and apparatus, enabling an originating service provider to automatically obtain from a 3rd party service provider and run a software service online. Method comprising: originating service provider negotiating license with 3rd party service provider over certain software service run by 3rd party service provider; license stipulating life cycle information of software service, enabling originating service provider to automatically obtain software service; 3rd party provider delivering software service to originating service provider in response to agreements of license; and originating service provider automatically deploying software service in self-hosted environment according to stipulation of the license. Based on the method and apparatus of the present invention, the service provider can automatically and flexibly obtain a software service to reduce costs of the service provider and ensure quality of the software service, and facilitate the expansion of software service filed and software service update. |
| US07949607B2 |
Image forming apparatus, license managing method for applications executed by image forming apparatus, program for implementing the method, and storage medium storing the program
An image forming apparatus which enables a user to continue an operation using an application without restarting the application, by the image automatically accessing a license server to update a license for the application when the license becomes expired while the user is performing the operation. A notification notifying the application of invalidity of the license is issued when it is detected that the license for the application has become invalid during execution of the application. The application suspends the execution of the application in response to the notification. |
| US07949606B1 |
Intellectual property brokerage system and method
Intellectual property is sold to buyers through a kiosk. The kiosk provides users with the ability of located desired content on a seller's computer. When a user located the desired intellectual property, a payment transaction is initiated. When the payment transaction is complete, the seller transmits the intellectual property to the kiosk. The kiosks also preferably include production facilities that transfer the owner's intellectual property onto a permanent medium and/or presentation facilities that present the owner's intellectual property on a one-time basis. |
| US07949598B2 |
Displaying market data
A system for generating a display of at least one side of a market includes a computer system having one or more computers. The displayed side of the market includes one or more offers from one or more market participants. Each offer includes an offered price and an offered quantity. The computer system receives market data reflecting the one or more offers and generates a display of the received market data. The display includes a price axis, a quantity axis, and one or more offer bars. Each offer bar represents one or more offers including equal offered prices. Placement of an offer bar along the price axis represents the equal offered prices for the one or more offers represented by the offer bar. The height of an offer bar relative to the quantity axis represents the aggregate offered quantity for the one or more offers represented by the offer bar. |
| US07949588B2 |
Marketing and delivering financial coaching services
Marketing and delivering financial coaching services involves sponsoring a website pertaining to financial coaching services, engaging an electronic communications media partner to direct potential customers to the website, and calculating a behavior-based quality rating reflecting the business opportunity value of the potential customer. When the quality rating exceeds a predetermined threshold, the potential customer is associated to an assigned sales agent who determines an interest rating reflecting the importance of the financial coaching services to the potential customer. When the interest rating exceeds a predetermined threshold, the potential customer is associated to an assigned enroller who determines a readiness rating reflecting the willingness of the potential customer to purchase financial coaching services. When the readiness rating for the potential customer exceeds a predetermined rating, the potential customer is enrolled for financial coaching services, oriented by telephone, and receives an ordered sequence of one-on-one financial coaching sessions and financial coaching resources. |
| US07949587B1 |
Systems and methods for financial deposits by electronic message
An image of a negotiable instrument may be communicated from a user to a financial institution using a messaging application so that funds associated with the negotiable instrument may be deposited into a user's bank account. A user may launch an instant messaging application and establish a communications session with a predetermined account at the financial institution to communicate the image. The image may be stored in a file or created by a capture device under control of the instant messaging application. The image file may be processed and verified by the financial institution, where it may be deposited in an account associated with the user. |
| US07949580B1 |
Point of service third party financial management vehicle for the healthcare industry
A point of service adjudicated payment system and method which provides for creation of an adjudicated settlement transaction at a point of service which designates the portion to be paid by a third party payor and the portion to be paid by a customer. A point of service terminal accepts a payment system access card, such as a credit card, for payment of a service and/or product by a customer, where at least part of the purchase is reimbursable by a third party payor. The point of service terminal creates a purchase transaction which is adjudicated by an adjudication engine substantially in real-time to determine a covered amount payable by the third party payor and any non-covered amount which is to be paid by the customer. An adjudicated settlement transaction is returned to the point of service terminal and the payment system transfers funds according to the adjudicated settlement transaction. |
| US07949576B2 |
Method of providing product database
A category recommendation method includes maintaining a category database including an internal identifier and an internal category to which the internal identifier belongs; externally receiving a foreign identifier and a foreign category where the foreign identifier belongs to from an outside; extracting a query associated with the foreign identifier; and recommending at least one of the internal categories stored in the category database by using the query as a category corresponding to the foreign identifier. |
| US07949572B2 |
Distributed electronic commerce system with independent third party virtual shopping carts
An electric commerce system includes a broker that enables third parties to create their own independent shopping carts including items from multiple different merchants. An agent creates and stores a shopping cart containing a plurality items from one or more merchants. The customer can view the shopping cart displayed by the agent to determine whether to make a purchase. If the customer indicates a desire to purchase the items in the cart, the customer is transferred to a broker for the checkout and purchase process. The customer can purchase the items in the shopping cart in a single purchase transaction with the broker, rather than having to deal with each of the merchants. The broker interacts with the merchants to complete the purchase transaction by which the customer buys the items in the cart. |
| US07949569B2 |
Distributed device information management system as a distributed information repository system
Information, such as information relating to the configuration and capabilities of mobile devices, can be stored in, and accessed from, a distributed, hierarchical repository system. The repository can be based on a tree structure including a plurality of levels of nodes, wherein each level corresponds to a type or source of information. The nodes also can be distributed among various entities providing the information for that node, whereby entities can retain some level of access control over the information in that node. A party requesting information then can receive information from the distributed repository based on the access conditions for that user or party, which may grant them access to information in various nodes or levels, and/or information provided by certain entities. |
| US07949567B2 |
Integrated interface apparatus for point-of-sale system
An example integrated interface apparatus for a point-of-sale system and an example point-of-sale system including the integrated interface apparatus have been disclosed. The integrated interface apparatus includes a base member, a vertical arm member, a display device and a data input device. The base member is configured to be disposed on a counter. The vertical arm member is operatively connected to the base member. The vertical arm member includes a terminal attachment member and a side attachment member below the terminal attachment member. The display device is operatively connected to the terminal attachment member and the data input device is operatively connected to the side attachment member. |
| US07949566B2 |
Method and system for creating ad-books
A method and apparatus and format and and form are provided for preparing ad-books or related print or publishing for an organization or organizations or a plethora of organizations over a communications network. The method includes preparing an ads or messages at a user terminal connected to the communications network. The method further includes processing the “ad” or message at a server connected to the communications network for placing the “ad” or message in an “ad-book” or printing or other publication. The method further includes an automated “ad-book” format or form for the soliciting and obtaining ads or messages which provides methods for collecting ad/message pricing, content, layout, billing and information for ad/message for “ad-book” and related printing or publishing. The method, apparatus, format or form are believed particularly useful to assist and consolidate the efforts of non-profit, charity and similar organizations who, though they may differ in many ways, all rely on ad-books and similar print and publications for their fundraising efforts. |
| US07949564B1 |
System and method of receiving advertisement content from advertisers and distributing the advertising content to a network of personal computers
A method of distributing advertisement content. One embodiment of the invention comprises a distribution server that is connected to a network of personal computers via a network. The distribution server receives advertising data from advertisers and formats the advertisement data for storage and display on the personal computers during or before bootloading a user selected application environment. Upon the occurrence of one or more events, the distribution server distributes the advertisement data to the network of personal computers. The personal computers receive the distributed advertisement content and store the advertisement data on a storage device. Upon the bootloading of the user selected application environment, the advertising data is displayed to the user. |
| US07949561B2 |
Method for determining advertising effectiveness
A method for determining advertising effectiveness of cross-media campaigns provided. The effectiveness of the combined campaign is plotted, and the effects of different media are isolated. Examining complementary effects and synergies are examined, and a dollar-for-dollar comparison for each of the media is performed. This dollar-for-dollar comparison may include a return on marketing objective calculation. If applicable, budget re-allocations are recommended. Optionally, post effectiveness, efficiency, and allocation analysis are performed. Such analysis may include providing descriptive advertising and media suggestions on each media independently. |
| US07949560B2 |
System and method for providing print advertisements
A system and method for providing print advertisements is presented. A target audience is assembled from characteristics about readers. Advertising content is targeted to the target audience. The characteristics of the target audience are analyzed against the advertising content to identify potential advertisers. At least one of the potential advertisers is selected. At least one print advertisement for the selected advertiser is included on the document. |
| US07949559B2 |
Credit card rewards program system and method
A platform and program for enhancing the value and desirability of a credit card (or other payment product) to a card holder and encouraging increased use of the card as a payment device by rewarding the card holder based not only on qualifying purchases but on miles traveled in connection with travel ticket or travel pass purchases. The inventive program leverages qualifying transaction information and other data (e.g., Level 3 Data) which automatically flow with such transaction information. The rewards redeemed by the card holder according to the inventive platform and program are not tied to a particular provider of goods or services, and reward fulfillment is managed through the card issuer or its fulfillment agent. |
| US07949557B2 |
Method and system for improving recycling through the use of financial incentives
Methods and systems are provided for improving recycling and participation rates by providing financial incentives to households engaged in recycling. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to reduction of costs associated with waste collection and the enhancement of collection efficiency. Other embodiments of the invention relate to opening a marketing channel for participating retailers to build value from responsible corporate citizenship. |
| US07949555B2 |
Tariff generation, invoicing and contract management
A computer-implemented method of supplying a tariff to a tariff recipient, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving one or more cost curves from one or more suppliers, each cost curve being indicative of variations in the cost of a product or service expected by a respective associated supplier over time; b) receiving a load curve, the load curve being indicative of expected o variations in consumption of the product or service over time; c) calculating a tariff from the load curve received in step b) and the >cost curve received in step a) in accordance with a predetermined algorithm; and d) transmitting the tariff calculated in step c) to the tariff recipient. |
| US07949548B2 |
Spatial database system for generation of weather event and risk reports
The present invention is a tool including a spatial database and a data warehouse used to track portfolio sites that are affected by weather events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, hail, tornados, or manmade events. A spatial database provides rich spatial geometry features using earth longitude and latitude as a 2-D reference system in spatial system. A insurer portfolio site, which is defined by longitude and latitude data, includes portions that are represented as a point. A weather event is represented as polygon in the spatial database. Based on user configured threshold values, it may be determined when a point falls inside, or on a boundary, of a polygon to identify a site that is affected by that weather event and corresponding reports may be generated, including maps identifying the affected sites and total insured value calculations for the affected sites, in order to gauge risk. |
| US07949547B2 |
System and method of automatically displaying patient information
Methods, systems, and products automatically modify patient records. A wireless signal is received at a transceiver from a patient room computer system. The transceiver is associated to a patient room number and to patient identifying information. The patient identifying information is associated to an electronic patient chart. The electronic patient chart is retrieved and sent from the transceiver. When supplemental patient chart data is available, the electronic patient chart is modified with the supplemental patient chart data. When supplanted patient chart data is available, the electronic patient chart is modified with the supplanted patient chart data. |
| US07949546B1 |
Method and system for providing family medical history data
A method and system for providing family health history data includes a process for providing family health history data whereby, all, or part of, a family member's health data is obtained from, but not limited to, any of the following sources: the family member and/or agents of the family member; one or more other family members, one or more healthcare providers; one or more healthcare insurance plan providers; one or more healthcare benefit program administrators; one or more financial institutions; and/or any other source of a family member's health data. All, or part of, the family member's health data is then provided to other family members, healthcare providers for family members, state and/or private agencies, and/or any other party as designated by the family member, and on a selective access basis, as designated by the family member, for use as family health history data by the designated parties. |
| US07949545B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing a centralized medical record system
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of creating and maintaining a centralized medical record system. The method of this embodiment includes establishing, in a computer system, a record associated with a client. (The computer system is in communication with a network to which the client has access and is capable of storing records from a multiplicity of clients having medical information developed at a multiplicity of sources). The method also includes receiving medical data from a source pursuant to a written request by the client to the source for transfer of the medical data to the centralized medical record system. Also the method includes storing and logically associating a representation of the medical data with the record and providing the client with access to the record over the network such that the client may review the representation of the medical data. |
| US07949544B2 |
Integrated system for generation and retention of medical records
A system for populating patient records by use of evidence-based relational database, which compares the medical practitioners diagnoses to predetermined responses, to produce accurate patient chart notes and the integration of stored and generated data into clinical and administrative medical record keeping and billing. Episodic encounters are developed into cases for a specific patient under the care of a practitioner. The subjective symptoms from the patient and the objective observations of the care provider concurrent with the episode are used to form a diagnosis which presents a treatment regimen from an evidence-based relational database and populates medical and administrative templates. Patient history and updated information are retained in the database. “Best practice” treatment plans are continually placed in the relational database from practice guides and experts in the field. |
| US07949538B2 |
Automated interpretation of clinical encounters with cultural cues
A method, system and a computer program product for an automated interpretation and translation are disclosed. An automated interpretation occurs by receiving language-based content from a user. The received language-based content is processed to interpret the received language-based content into a target language. Also, a presence of a cultural sensitivity in the received language-based content is detected. Further, an appropriate guidance for dealing with the detected cultural sensitivity is provided. |
| US07949536B2 |
Intelligent speech recognition of incomplete phrases
Intelligent speech recognition is used to provide users with the ability to utter more user friendly commands. Satisfaction is increased when a user can vocalize a subset of a formal command name and still have the intended command identified and processed. Moreover, greater accuracy in identifying a command application from a user's utterance can be achieved by ignoring command choices associated with unlikely user utterances. An intelligent speech recognition system can identify differing acceptable verbal command phrase forms, e.g., but not limited to, complete commands, command subsequences and command subsets, for different commands supported by the system. Subset blocking words are identified for assistance in reducing the ambiguity in matching user verbal command phrases with valid commands supported by the intelligent speech recognition system. |
| US07949535B2 |
User authentication system, fraudulent user determination method and computer program product
A system and method is provided for easily detecting a fraudulent user who attempts to obtain authentication using voice reproduced by a reproducer. A personal computer is provided with an audio data obtaining portion for picking up ambient sound around a person as a target of user authentication using voice authentication technology during a period before the person utters, and a fraud determination portion for calculating an intensity level showing intensity of the picked-up ambient sound per predetermined time for each of sections into which the period is divided and for determining that the person is a fraudulent user who attempts to obtain authentication using reproduced voice, when, of two of the calculated intensity levels, the intensity level of the later section is larger than a sum of the intensity level of the earlier section and a predetermined value. |
| US07949531B2 |
Conversation controller
A conversation controller outputs a reply sentence according to a user utterance. The conversation controller comprises a conversation database and a conversation control unit. The conversation database stores a plurality of plans. Each plan has a reply sentence and one or more pieces of next plan designation information for designating a next candidate reply sentence to be output following the reply sentence. The conversation control unit selects one of the plans stored in the conversation database according to a user utterance and outputs a reply sentence which the selected plan has. Then, the conversation control unit selects one piece of the next plan designation information which the plan has according to a next user utterance and outputs a next candidate reply sentence on the basis of the selected piece of the next plan designation information. Some plans have a plurality of reply sentences into which one explanatory sentence is divided. |
| US07949530B2 |
Conversation controller
A conversation controller outputs a reply sentence according to a user utterance. The conversation controller comprises a conversation database and a conversation control unit. The conversation database stores a plurality of plans. Each plan has a reply sentence and one or more pieces of next plan designation information for designating a next candidate reply sentence to be output following the reply sentence. The conversation control unit selects one of the plans stored in the conversation database according to a user utterance and outputs a reply sentence which the selected plan has. Then, the conversation control unit selects one piece of the next plan designation information which the plan has according to a next user utterance and outputs a next candidate reply sentence on the basis of the selected piece of the next plan designation information. Some plans have a series of questions as the reply sentences. |
| US07949528B2 |
System and method for spelling recognition using speech and non-speech input
A system and method for non-speech input or keypad-aided word and spelling recognition is disclosed. The method includes generating an unweighted grammar, selecting a database of words, generating a weighted grammar using the unweighted grammar and a statistical letter model trained on the database of words, receiving speech from a user after receiving the non-speech input and after generating the weighted grammar, and performing automatic speech recognition on the speech and non-speech input using the weighted grammar. If a confidence is below a predetermined level, then the method includes receiving non-speech input from the user, disambiguating possible spellings by generating a letter lattice based on a user input modality, and constraining the letter lattice and generating a new letter string of possible word spellings until a letter string is correctly recognized. |
| US07949526B2 |
Voice aware demographic personalization
A voice interaction system is configured to analyze an utterance and identify inherent attributes that are indicative of a demographic characteristic of the system user that spoke the utterance. The system then selects and presents a personalized response to the user, the response being selected based at least in part on the identified demographic characteristic. In one embodiment, the demographic characteristic is one or more of the caller's age, gender, ethnicity, education level, emotional state, health status and geographic group. In another embodiment, the selection of the response is further based on consideration of corroborative caller data. |
| US07949525B2 |
Active labeling for spoken language understanding
A spoken language understanding method and system are provided. The method includes classifying a set of labeled candidate utterances based on a previously trained classifier, generating classification types for each candidate utterance, receiving confidence scores for the classification types from the trained classifier, sorting the classified utterances based on an analysis of the confidence score of each candidate utterance compared to a respective label of the candidate utterance, and rechecking candidate utterances according to the analysis. The system includes modules configured to control a processor in the system to perform the steps of the method. |
| US07949524B2 |
Speech recognition correction with standby-word dictionary
At least one recognized keyword is presented to a user, and the keyword is corrected appropriately upon receipt of a correction for the presented result. A standby-word dictionary used for recognition of uttered speech is generated according to a result of the correction to recognize the uttered speech. Therefore, even if recognized keywords contain an error, the error can be corrected and uttered speech can be accurately recognized. |
| US07949522B2 |
System for suppressing rain noise
A voice enhancement logic improves the perceptual quality of a processed signal. The voice enhancement system includes a noise detector and a noise attenuator. The noise detector detects and models the noise associated with rain. The noise attenuator dampens or reduces the rain noise from a signal to improve the intelligibility of an unvoiced, a fully voiced, or a mixed voice segment. |
| US07949521B2 |
Fixed codebook searching apparatus and fixed codebook searching method
A fixed codebook searching apparatus which slightly suppresses an increase in the operation amount, even if the filter applied to the excitation pulse has the characteristic that it cannot be represented by a lower triangular matrix and realizes a quasi-optimal fixed codebook search. This fixed codebook searching apparatus is provided with an algebraic codebook that generates a pulse excitation vector; a convolution operation section that convolutes an impulse response of auditory weighted synthesis filter into an impulse response vector that has a value at negative times, to generate a second impulse response vector that has a value at second negative times; a matrix generating section that generates a Toeplitz-type convolution matrix by means of the second impulse response vector; and a convolution operation section that convolutes the matrix generated by matrix generating section into the pulse excitation vector generated by algebraic codebook. |
| US07949518B2 |
Hierarchy encoding apparatus and hierarchy encoding method
A hierarchy encoding apparatus capable of calculating appropriate delay amounts and also capable of suppressing increase in the bit rate. In this apparatus, a first layer encoding part (101) encodes the input signal of the n-th frame to produce a first layer encoded code. A first layer decoding part (102) generates a first layer decoded signal from the first layer encoded code and applies it to a delay amount calculating part (103) and a second layer encoding part (105). The delay amount calculating part (103) uses the first layer decoded signal and input signal to calculate the delay amount to be added to the input signal, and applies the calculated delay amount to a delay part (104). The delay part (104) delays the input signal by the delay amount applied from the delay amount calculating part (103) and then applied it to a second layer encoding part (105). The second layer encoding part (105) uses the first layer decoded signal and the input signal from the delay part (104) for encoding. |
| US07949516B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method employing logical proximity of characters in spell checking
An improved handheld electronic device and associated method employing an improved spell checking routine enable proposed spelling corrections having a close logical proximity to an active input to be output at a position of preference for easy selection by the user. By way of example, a base character and the various accented forms thereof can be said to have a logical proximity to one another that is closer than their logical proximity to any character having a different base character, whether additionally having a diacritical element or not. |
| US07949515B2 |
Automatically identifying unique language independent keys correlated with appropriate text strings of various locales by value and key searches
A method, system and computer program product for automatically identifying unique language independent keys. A “value search” is performed which provides a listing of values for a locale. Upon the user selecting a value in the listing, a “key search” is performed to search for various language independent keys associated with the selected value. A second locale is suggested as well as a listing of values for the second locale that are the same in meaning as the value selected by the user for the first locale in order to narrow the number of language independent keys displayed in connection with the value selected for the first locale. Upon the user selecting a value for the second locale, a subsequent key search is performed on the language independent keys displayed in connection with the first value. A unique language independent key may be identified based on this subsequent key search. |
| US07949513B2 |
Language module and method for use with text processing devices
A verbal interface appliance uses an attachable language-specific processing module to perform language-specific tasks. The language module implements an API by which the appliance can submit language-specific processing requests. The appliance submits data representing a user input gesture and receives both data representing appropriate feedback to the user in the language implemented by the language module and one or more candidates selected as likely interpretations of the user's input gesture. The language module also provides font data lookup service to the appliance. The language module can support more than one written language and can support more than one textual input mode. |
| US07949512B2 |
Systems and methods for performing virtual storage operations
The present invention includes a system for simulating the performing of data storage operations. The system may include a storage manager component, at least one media management component directed by the storage manager component to manage storage operations to at least one storage device, and a storage emulation module adapted to simulate the characteristics of the at least one storage device. Under the direction of the storage manager, the emulation module may be adapted to simulate storage operations to one or more storage devices performed by one or more of the media management components. |
| US07949510B2 |
Distributed simultaneous simulation
A method and system for distributed simultaneous simulation are provided, the method including providing a state of at least one storage unit, providing a segment of the circuit bounded by the at least one storage unit, and simulating the segment in accordance with the state of the at least one storage unit; and the system including a memory for describing storage units of a circuit, maintaining states of the storage units, and identifying distributed segments comprising combinational logic separated by the storage units, and processing units, each for simultaneously simulating at least one of the segments in accordance with the maintained states. |
| US07949508B2 |
Low vibration rectification in a closed-loop, in-plane MEMS device
A method for a geometry of a lateral comb drive for an in-plane, electrostatic force feedback, closed-loop, micromachined accelerometer or closed-loop Coriolis rate gyroscope device, or closed-loop capacitive pressure or force measuring device. When vibration is applied to the device, the error in the time-average output, which is vibration rectification error, due to this input vibration is minimized or eliminated. The geometry resulting from practice of the present invention is space-efficient because drive force is maximized while vibration rectification is minimized or eliminated. |
| US07949506B1 |
Method for determining and compensating for a weight loss energy gap
The present invention provides a weight loss maintenance system. The invention incorporates supplements (dietary, pharmaceutical or neutraceutical) that aid in maintaining weight loss as well as physical activity. The invention further provides a personal plan that can include instruction, ideas and support based on user input, indicated preferences and various calculations. This invention calculates an Energy Gap™ that is produced by a specific amount of weight loss in an individual and fills this quantitative energy gap with activity and/or products which reduce hunger and/or increase metabolic rate. |
| US07949503B2 |
Facilities optimization method
The facilities optimization method utilizes Coulomb's law to model placement of facilities relative to a population using the facilities. The natural phenomenon of electrical charge attraction and repulsion can be used to model a wide variety of facility layout and planning problems. The physical phenomenon of charge interaction is simulated and used to effectively find a solution for a facilities supply-demand problem. Utilizing the charge model, problem solutions are naturally reached and are self-adjusting in response to parameter changes in the problem. A methodology for static, dynamic, elastic or inelastic demand is provided. The charge simulation approach supports any distance metric. The method always provides a solution regardless of the initial conditions used. The method provides high flexibility in choosing arbitrary demand and supply patterns. |
| US07949500B2 |
Integration of causal models, business process models and dimensional reports for enhancing problem solving
This invention combines the modeling capabilities of causal models, business process models, and dimensional reporting to allow the locating of root causes of problems. The causal models let the user explore the effects of other parts of the system have on the process in question through accessing dimensional reports. By recording and annotating the problem solving flow, and deriving characteristics of the problem solved, future users can be assisted in other problem solving sessions. Ad-hoc reports created to aid in the problem solving can be attached in the causal model and process model for future use. |
| US07949495B2 |
Process variable transmitter with diagnostics
A process variable transmitter with diagnostics based on power spectral density (PSD) analysis of a process variable sensor signal is provided. In one embodiment, the process variable transmitter is a pressure transmitter and the diagnostics are used to diagnose impulse line obstruction or impending obstruction. Other diagnostics are also useful such as diagnosing primary element degradation. The sensor signal is digitized and the digitized signal is transferred into the frequency domain. The power of the frequencies on the sensor signal is examined to provide the enhanced diagnostics. In one aspect diagnostics are generated directly with the sensor PSD data. In another aspect, the PSD analysis is used to tune a filter in order to enhance traditional diagnostic algorithms. |
| US07949494B2 |
Method and device for monitoring and analyzing signals
A method and system for monitoring and analyzing at least one signal are disclosed. An abstract of at least one reference signal is generated and stored in a reference database. An abstract of a query signal to be analyzed is then generated so that the abstract of the query signal can be compared to the abstracts stored in the reference database for a match. The method and system may optionally be used to record information about the query signals, the number of matches recorded, and other useful information about the query signals. Moreover, the method by which abstracts are generated can be programmable based upon selectable criteria. The system can also be programmed with error control software so as to avoid the re-occurrence of a query signal that matches more than one signal stored in the reference database. |
| US07949491B2 |
System and method for identifying road features
A system and method identifies road features that may not appear on a map database, such as paths not described as roads on the map database, and whether all the roads at a crossing cross at the same grade level. The system and method may thus be used to identify points of departure from, or points of merging onto, a road described by the map database or a path identified as described herein, but not described by the map database. |
| US07949489B2 |
Detecting cable length in a storage subsystem with wide ports
A mechanism detects cable length in a storage subsystem with wide ports. The mechanism uses in-situ bidirectional cable wrapping for determining different cable lengths. The mechanism under-margins transmitter output to failure for each external port and even for each PHY within a wide port. Based on the transition point from “good” wrap to “bad” wrap, the cable length may be determined. The transition point identifies if the cable is long or short, at which point the optimum tuning parameters can accordingly be set. A calibration mechanism calibrates the high speed transmitter/receiver pair characteristics, and, thus, optimizes the transmission performance between subsystems. The calibration mechanism mitigates the need for frequent error correction and does not incur the performance degradation associated with error correction techniques. |
| US07949486B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating an image capturing device, and a method and apparatus for outputting image frames from sequentially captured image frames with compensation for image capture device offset
A camera (17) mounted on a rear view minor housing (5) of a vehicle (1), which captures a plan view image of the ground on one side of the vehicle for display on an in-vehicle visual display unit (13) is calibrated to correct for offset of the camera (17) from an ideal position. During calibration an image of a reference point (34) on the vehicle (1) is captured as the mirror housing (5) is swiveled from a rest position to an operative position. The offset of the actual position of the image of the reference point in the captured image from its ideal position is computed, and a look-up table is prepared, which indicates the position at which pixels of subsequently captured image frames should be located to produce image frames with offset correction. |
| US07949485B2 |
Portable terminal device
A portable terminal device 101 of the invention having at least two or more cases joinable in a plurality of different joining shapes includes a magnetism detection section 8 being provided in at least one of the two or more cases for detecting a magnetism quantity; a storage section 9 for storing the effect amount produced by magnetism from a magnetism generation source of the portable terminal device 101 in the detected magnetism quantities for each of the plurality of different joining shapes of the portable terminal device 101; a case shape detection section 4 for detecting a joining shape of the portable terminal device 101; a data processing section 3 for correcting the detected magnetism quantity based on the stored effect amount in the detected joining shape; and a position measurement section 2 for measuring an azimuth based on the corrected magnetism quantity. |
| US07949484B2 |
Probability density function separating apparatus, probability density function separating method, noise separating apparatus, noise separating method, testing apparatus, testing method, calculating apparatus, calculating method, program, and recording medium
There is provided a probability density function separating apparatus that separates a predetermined component in a given probability density function, including: a domain transforming section that is supplied with the probability density function and transforms the probability density function into a spectrum in a frequency domain; and a standard deviation computing section that computes standard deviation of a random component included in the probability density function based on the spectrum. |
| US07949482B2 |
Delay-based bias temperature instability recovery measurements for characterizing stress degradation and recovery
A method, test circuit and test system provide measurements to accurately characterize threshold voltage changes due to negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) and positive bias temperature instability (PBTI). Both the bias temperature instability recovery profile and/or the bias temperature shifts due to rapid repetitions of stress application can be studied. In order to provide accurate measurements when stresses are applied at intervals on the order of tens of nanoseconds while avoiding unwanted recovery, and/or to achieve recovery profile sampling resolutions in the nanosecond range, multiple delay or ring oscillator frequency measurements are made using a delay line that is formed from delay elements that have delay variation substantially caused only by NBTI or PBTI effects. Devices in the delay elements are stressed, and then the delay line/ring oscillator is operated to measure a threshold voltage change for one or more measurement periods on the order of nanoseconds. |
| US07949477B2 |
Method for monitoring an arrangement for determining the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid
The invention relates to a method for monitoring an arrangement for determining a concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. The determination of the concentration of the analyte by means of the arrangement involves a procedure in which the analyte from the body fluid passes through an interface and is transported in a stream of liquid into a flowmeter chamber, in which a measurement is carried out to determine the concentration of the analyte. The evaluation of the measurement takes place in a signal processor. The monitoring of the arrangement comprises the following steps: measurement of measured values of at least two correlated system parameters of the arrangement by means of a sensor system, and comparison of the measured values with limit values stored for each of the system parameters in a storage unit, to obtain a combination of at least two comparison results. |
| US07949475B2 |
System and method for analyzing metabolomic data
The present invention generates a visual display of metabolomic data compiled by a database and associated processor. More particularly, the present invention provides a database for automatically receiving a three-dimensional spectrometry data set for a group of samples. The present invention also provides a processor device for manipulating the data sets to produce plots that are directly comparable to a plurality of characteristic plots corresponding to a plurality of selected metabolites. Furthermore, the processor device may generate a visual display indicating the presence of the selected metabolites across the group of samples. Thus, the present invention enables a user to analyze a series of complex data sets in a visual display that may indicate the presence of the selected metabolites across the group of samples. Furthermore, the visual display generated by embodiments of the present invention also expedites the subjective analysis of the spectrometry data sets. |
| US07949472B1 |
Rapid polymer sequencer
Method and system for rapid and accurate determination of each of a sequence of unknown polymer components, such as nucleic acid components. A self-assembling monolayer of a selected substance is optionally provided on an interior surface of a pipette tip, and the interior surface is immersed in a selected liquid. A selected electrical field is impressed in a longitudinal or transverse direction at the tip, a polymer sequence is passed through the tip, and a change in an electrical current signal is measured as each polymer component passes through the tip. Each measured change in electrical current signals is compared with a database of reference signals, with each reference signal identified with a polymer component, to identify the unknown polymer component. The tip preferably has a pore inner diameter of no more than about 40 nm and is prepared by heating and pulling a very small section of a glass tubing. |
| US07949471B2 |
Method and system of measuring cetane values for middle distillate fuels
A method and a system is disclosed for determining cetane values from constant volume combustion chamber apparatuses capable of producing pressure versus time combustion profiles having a fast combustion region and a slow combustion region, where data from the two regions is used to compute cetane values for middle distillate fluid samples using a series expansion equation. |
| US07949470B2 |
Processing measurement data in a deep water application
To process subterranean survey data, measurement data is collected by a receiver positioned in deep water, where the collected measurement data is responsive to signals emitted by at least one signal source located at or near an air-water interface of the body of water. The measurement data is processed to reduce a predetermined signal component. |
| US07949465B2 |
Method and apparatus for routing ocean going vessels to avoid treacherous environments
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for generating a route for a vessel to travel from a start point to an end point. A start point and an end point for the vessel are identified. A forecast of wave conditions during a period of time is obtained. A model of the vessel is obtained, wherein the model includes parameters used to calculate a response of the vessel to the wave conditions. A route is generated from the start point to the end point for the vessel to travel on using the model of the vessel and the forecast of the wave conditions, wherein the route avoids conditions that may cause a treacherous environment and meets a set of goals. |
| US07949463B2 |
Information filtering and processing in a roadway travel data exchange network
Systems and methods for information filtering in a roadway travel data exchange network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a travel data processing system may comprise, for example, a communication network. A mobile device may be communicatively coupled to the communication network. A collection system may collect first travel data, where the first travel data may comprise second travel data that is relevant to the mobile device. A filter system may analyze the first travel data to control the flow of at least a portion of the second travel data. A filter device may be communicatively coupled to the communication network and the filter device may comprise at least a portion of the filter system. The mobile device may comprise at least a portion of the filter system. |
| US07949462B2 |
Internal combustion engine system, control method thereof, and vehicle
Upon no detection of the closing abnormality where the EGR valve does not become in the totally closed state (when the flag Fa is value ‘0’), the engine is controlled using the target fuel injection amount obtained from the correction of the basic fuel injection amount toward the increase direction, in the case that the engine is operated together with the recirculation of the exhaust in the preset high-load operation range (when the flag Fi is ‘1’). Upon detection of the closing abnormality (when the flag Fa is value ‘1’), the engine is controlled using the target fuel injection amount obtained from the correction of the basic fuel injection amount toward the increase direction, in the case that the engine is operated together with the recirculation of the exhaust in the whole range that the engine is operable together with the recirculation of the exhaust. |
| US07949461B2 |
Engine start control apparatus, engine start control method, and motor vehicle equipped with engine start control apparatus
In a motor vehicle with idle stop function, upon satisfaction of preset engine restart conditions (step S205), automatic engine restart control refers to a preset map representing a variation in amount of fuel Q1, which is to be initially injected into a cylinder Cyin stopping in an intake stroke, against the piston stop position Pin of the cylinder Cyin, and specifies the amount of fuel Q1 corresponding to the detected piston stop position Pin of the cylinder Cyin (step S220). The automatic engine restart control then controls an injector to inject the specified amount of fuel Q1 into an intake port of the cylinder Cyin (step S230). Under the condition that the piston stop position Pin of the cylinder Cyin suggests low gas intake performance, the increased amount of fuel Q1 is injected into the intake port of the cylinder Cyin. This arrangement desirably reduces a misfire rate at the timing of first combustion and thereby improves the startability of an engine. When the amount of fuel Q1 specified at step S220 is equal to zero, the cylinder Cyin is not subject to the first combustion. Such control desirably prevents poor emission. |
| US07949460B2 |
Method and apparatus for supplying fuel of LPG car having LPI system
Disclosed is method and apparatus for supplying fuel of LPG car having LPI system. More particularly, the present invention generates a gas fuel injection signal based on a gasoline fuel injection signal and directly injects LPG fuel within a fuel tank to a combustion chamber using the generated gas fuel injection signal to drive an engine. Therefore, an engine can be easily changed, the manufacturing cost of a duel car of LPG and gasoline can be reduced, and the manufacturing process thereof can be simplified. |
| US07949459B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicle
A target throttle opening degree computing device of a control apparatus computes a target throttle opening degree of a throttle valve and includes a phase lead compensator. A filter filters the target throttle opening degree to provide an ultimate target throttle opening degree, which is used to drive a drive motor to adjust an opening degree of the throttle valve. |
| US07949455B2 |
Brake control apparatus for vehicle and brake control method for vehicle
A brake control apparatus which is used in a vehicle having wheels on left and right sides, and controls a braking force provided to each wheel is disclosed. The brake control apparatus is provided with a vehicle body speed calculating section, a steering angle calculating section, and an ECU. A braking force is provided to a wheel on the inner side with respect to the vehicle turning direction in the case where the absolute value of the steering angle is equal to or greater than the preset threshold value of the steering angle. In the case where the vehicle body speed is less than the preset speed threshold value, the braking force becomes smaller than the braking force in the case where the vehicle body speed is equal to or greater than the speed threshold value. |
| US07949450B2 |
Control system for a torque transmitting device in an automatic transmission
A control system for controlling a torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a controller, a plurality of solenoids, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly has a plurality of signal control areas in communication with the solenoids that are used to control the torque transmitting device to provide multiple gains of torque transmission. |
| US07949448B2 |
Calibration apparatus for airbag inflator resistance
Disclosed is a calibration apparatus for an airbag inflator resistance. The calibration apparatus for an airbag inflator resistance includes: an airbag inflator unit for applying a deployment signal for deployment of an airbag; a resistance detection unit for detecting a change in the resistance of the airbag inflator connector; and a control unit for self-cleaning the airbag inflator connector in accordance with the resultant resistance detected by the resistance detection unit. The calibration apparatus is effective in preventing malfunction of an airbag warning light and ensuring reliability by preventing an increase in resistance due to the contamination of the airbag inflator by the self-diagnosing and self-cleaning effect using an electric current. |
| US07949442B2 |
System and method for boosting torque output of a drive train
A method and system for boosting a torque output of a drive train comprises an engine speed detector for detecting an engine speed of an engine having a baseline torque versus engine speed curve. A data processor determines if the detected engine speed is within a first range of engine speeds, if the detected engine speed is within the first range, the electric motor is activated to rotate substantially synchronously with the engine speed within the first range in an electric propulsion mode in accordance with a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve. The supplemental torque versus engine speed curve intercepts the baseline torque versus engine speed curve at a lower engine speed point and a higher engine speed point. |
| US07949440B2 |
Aircraft cruise speed control
The present invention provides an alternative to the auto-throttle integrated in an aircraft autopilot by restricting the conditions in which the system operates. The proposed system removes the auto-throttle function from the autopilot system and gives it directly to the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). A cruise control mode is available to the pilot only under stable flight conditions. |
| US07949438B2 |
Method and device for determining the width of a safety corridor for an aircraft and method and system for securing the automatic low-altitude flight of an aircraft
A method and device for determining the width of a safety corridor for an aircraft and to a method and system for securing the automatic low-altitude flight of an aircraft. The device includes an input device which can be used by an operator in order to enter a plurality of errors which each have an impact on the automatic low-altitude flight of the aircraft; a probability determination unit for determining an excursion probability of a safety corridor that is not to be crossed; and a width determination unit for determining the width of said safety corridor form the aforementioned errors and excursion probability, taking account of at least one mathematical expression linking at least the errors, the excursion probability and the width. |
| US07949437B2 |
Omnidirectional movement control system
The present invention discloses an omnidirectional movement control system, having a move signal generator for generating a plurality of movement signals based on a plurality of first position signals and a plurality of second position signals, and an omnidirectional movement controller for generating a plurality of pulse width modulation signals and a plurality of motor direction change signals based on the movement signals and a plurality of motor encoding disc signals, and a driving circuit for driving motors to rotate a plurality of omnidirectional wheels based on the pulse width modulation signals and the motor direction change signals, such that a mobile platform can be moved in any direction and rotated in different directions, so as to provide excellent mobility and flexibility to the mobile platform. |
| US07949435B2 |
User interface and user control in a power aggregation system for distributed electric resources
Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a service establishes individual Internet connections to numerous electric resources intermittently connected to the power grid, such as electric vehicles. The Internet connection may be made over the same wire that connects the resource to the power grid. The service optimizes power flows to suit the needs of each resource and each resource owner, while aggregating flows across numerous resources to suit the needs of the power grid. The service can bring vast numbers of electric vehicle batteries online as a new, dynamically aggregated power resource for the power grid. Electric vehicle owners can participate in an electricity trading economy regardless of where they plug into the power grid. |
| US07949434B2 |
Method for controlling a wind energy park
The present invention is related to a method for controlling a wind energy park with plural wind energy plants and plural control units, which perform control tasks in the wind energy park, comprising the following steps: a) one priority at a time is assigned to the control units, depending on the control tasks they must perform, b) during the operation of the wind energy park, the control units communicate continuously with each other and/or with a central communication unit, c) in case that a failure of a first control unit of the wind energy park takes place, a second control unit of the wind energy park takes over the control tasks of the defective control unit, wherein the second control unit is selected depending on the priority assigned thereto and has the same as or a lower priority than the defective control unit. |
| US07949432B2 |
Method of monitoring surface associated microbiological activity in process streams
An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling microbiological activity in a process stream by measuring dissolved oxygen is disclosed. |
| US07949430B2 |
Determination of foot placement for humanoid push recovery
A legged robot subjected to a force is controlled by determining an instantaneous capture point where the robot will step with a swing leg to reach a balanced home position, the balanced home position being a state in which the Center of Mass remains substantially over the Center of Pressure and the robot is able to maintain its balance indefinitely. The capture point can be determined using a Linear Inverted Pendulum Plus Flywheel (LIPPF) model of the robot. The LIPPF model includes a flywheel with a mass and a rotational inertia, and a variable length leg link. A torque profile is applied to the flywheel and a set of capture points is determined based on this torque profile An experimentally determined error value can be added to a capture point that is determined based on the model to account for differences between an actual robot and the model. |
| US07949427B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dispensing solid articles
According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for detecting solid articles using an apparatus including a sensor system is provided. The sensor system includes a radiation detector and a radiation emitter configured to direct radiation onto the radiation detector. The radiation detector is operative to generate detector signals proportional to the radiation received thereby. The method includes moving the radiation emitter and/or the radiation detector relative to the other. According to some embodiments, the solid articles are solid pharmaceutical articles. |
| US07949426B2 |
Medicaments container with display component
Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein for a medicament container with a multi-colored, multi-functional display. In some embodiments, the display is adapted to output multiple colors and/or characters. In one embodiment, the display may change colors and/or blinking status in order to indicate the working status of the tray. For example, the display may show a green light to indicate that the medicament container is working properly, a yellow light to indicate that the tray needs to be replenished soon, or a blinking red light to indicate that the tray is empty. |
| US07949425B2 |
High throughput wafer notch aligner
An ion implantation apparatus, system, and method are provided for a transferring a plurality of workpieces between vacuum and atmospheric pressures, wherein an alignment mechanism is operable to align a plurality of workpieces for generally simultaneous transportation to a dual-workpiece load lock chamber. The alignment mechanism comprises a characterization device, an elevator, and two vertically-aligned workpiece supports for supporting two workpieces. First and second atmospheric robots are configured to generally simultaneously transfer two workpieces at a time between load lock modules, the alignment mechanism, and a FOUP. Third and fourth vacuum robots are configured to transfer one workpiece at a time between the load lock modules and a process module. |
| US07949423B2 |
Article storage facility and control method therefor
An article storage facility includes a controller for controlling operation of a plurality of mobile bodies. The controller is constructed switchable between a total operation mode for causing all of the mobile bodies to engage in an article transporting operation for transporting articles between storage units and an article support, and a partial operation mode for causing part of the mobile bodies to engage in the article transporting operation. In the partial operation mode, a mobile body not selected as mobile body for the article transport operation is caused to travel to a retreating position clear of a traveling range of a mobile body selected as the mobile body for the article transport operation. |
| US07949419B2 |
Method and system for controlling gain during multipath multi-rate audio processing
Methods and systems for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. Aspects of the method may comprise controlling gain during multipath, multi-rate audio processing by generating via a digital gain circuit, a digital signal that is a product of an input digital signal and a gain coefficient derived from a lookup table, and bit-shifted to generate a digital output signal. The gain coefficient may be partitioned into a number of gain blocks. The gain values in each of the gain blocks may be twice a corresponding value in each preceding gain block. The gain blocks may be partitioned into steps that represent particular gain values within a range associated with the gain block. The digital output signal may be ramped utilizing a linear interpolation of the gain coefficients one step apart over a number of samples of the digital input signal, where the number of samples is given as a power of two. |
| US07949418B2 |
Safety programmable logic controller
A safety PLC includes an I/O module to which a safety device for detecting a predetermined condition at any time is connected, a CPU module that executes a safety program for managing the I/O module, and a communication unit that interconnects the I/O module and the CPU module with each other. The CPU module includes: a PIN code memory that stores a PIN code for authenticating that the safety program satisfies a predetermined standard; a PIN code input unit that allows a user to designate the PIN code; a program auto-creating unit that automatically creates the safety program; and a program authentication unit that puts the safety program into an executable condition when the PIN code designated by the user coincides with the PIN code stored in the PIN code memory. |
| US07949417B2 |
Model predictive controller solution analysis process
The solution from a multivariable predictive controller (MPC) is analyzed and described by providing quantitative input to operators regarding the effect of changing controller limits on the MPC controller solution. This information allows a rapid operator response to changes and more optimal process operation. |
| US07949416B2 |
Multivariable control system
A method for controlling a multivariable system according to one non-limiting embodiment includes receiving a plurality of limits, receiving a first quantity of goals each having a desired value, and receiving sensor feedback. The method further includes estimating a basepoint in response to the first quantity of goals, the plurality of limits, and the sensor feedback, wherein the basepoint includes a set of values corresponding to an equilibrium point at which a predetermined amount of enabled limits are met and a second quantity of goals are fulfilled according to a goal prioritization scheme. Actuator requests are transmitted to a controlled system in response to the estimated basepoint. Predicted values from a mathematical model are compared to the sensor feedback, and the estimated basepoint is selectively adjusted in response to a difference between the predicted values and the sensor feedback in order to reduce the difference. |
| US07949415B2 |
Apparatus and method for model-based control for integrating processes
Various methods and systems for the parametric control of a process include representing the process with a process model used to generate future predictions of a process variable. In one embodiment, the process exhibits integrating behavior that is represented by a non-integrating process model. In another embodiment, an inverse of the model is filtered using a filter that includes a lead time constant that is selected to minimize a steady state error of the predicted process variable. In yet another embodiment, an array of output model values is revised or reindexed in response to a change in a time-varying parameter related to the process. |
| US07949412B1 |
Coated electrode array having uncoated electrode contacts
Implantable electrode leads, e.g. cochlear, spinal cord stimulation, or any type of neurostimulation leads, used in a patient's body to stimulate muscle or nerve tissue, provide enhanced stimulation for treating, e.g., hearing loss or chronic pain. One such lead includes, an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, which lead provides improved stability of electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier having non-conductive bumps coated with a bioresorbable material spaced apart between each electrode contact. Over time the bioresorbable material is absorbed thereby reducing chronic placement pressure caused during the insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The bioresorbable material may also serve as a carrier for drugs or other materials that would improve performance of the electrode for any type of lead. |
| US07949410B2 |
Burr hole cap and methods of use
In one embodiment, an apparatus for securing a lead within a burr hole comprises: an annular body structure adapted to be at least partially inserted within the burr hole; a lead retainer structure mechanically coupled to the annular body structure and adapted to be rotated along an inner perimeter of the annular body structure; the lead retainer structure including a lead engaging member for capturing the lead, wherein the lead engaging member pivots relative to the lead retainer structure; and a fixation member that is adapted to lock the lead retainer structure in place after the lead has been captured by the lead engaging member. |
| US07949409B2 |
Dual spiral lead configurations
A medical electrical lead for transvascularly stimulating a nerve, muscle or other tissue from an adjacent vessel is described. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion including a first elongate member forming a first spiral and a second elongate member forming a second spiral. The spirals can be in parallel or serial alignment with one another. |
| US07949407B2 |
Energy delivery devices and methods
This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy. |
| US07949402B2 |
Neuro-stimulation and ablation system
The invention provides a system for treating chronic pain including a lead configured and adapted to be percutaneously implanted into an epidural space of a spinal cord, a stimulation generator that delivers electrical stimulation to the spinal cord through the lead to precisely locate the treatment area, and an ablation generator that delivers ablation energy to the treatment area through the same lead to inhibit the chronic pain. The invention also provides a method for treating chronic pain, including providing a lead, inserting the lead percutaneously into the epidural space, locating the treatment area by probing the epidural space while the lead sends electrical stimulation signals, and then ablating the treatment area. |
| US07949401B2 |
Electromagnetic signal delivery for tissue affected by neuronal dysfunction, degradation, damage, and/or necrosis, and associated systems and methods
Electromagnetic signal delivery for tissue affected by neuronal dysfunction, degradation, damage, and/or necrosis, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes identifying an affected region, with the affected region including neuronal tissue that, at least during a pre-dysfunctional period, was in neural communication with neuronal tissue in a dysfunctional region. The affected tissue can be functionally adversely affected by neuronal dysfunction in the dysfunctional region. The method can further include applying electromagnetic signals to the neuronal tissue in the affected region. For example, the electromagnetic signals can be applied to a hypo-active neural region that is not physically damaged, and has been identified as likely to recover at least in part as a result of electromagnetic signals. Signals can be applied at sub-threshold levels to cortical and/or subcortical regions. |
| US07949400B2 |
Devices and methods for cardiovascular reflex control via coupled electrodes
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize RF-coupled or other electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation. |
| US07949399B2 |
Acquiring nerve activity from carotid body and/or sinus
An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US07949391B2 |
System and method for regulating cardiac triggered therapy to the brain
A medical device system includes a brain monitoring element, cardiac monitoring element, therapy module and a processor. The processor is configured to activate the therapy module upon detection of a cardiac event in the cardiac signal. The processor is further configured to monitor the brain signal and communicate to the therapy module to change the cardiac triggered therapeutic output to the brain based upon the brain monitoring. A method of treating a person with a neurological disorder is also provided. |
| US07949390B1 |
Time domain monitoring of myocardial electrical stability
Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring myocardial electrical stability. A patient's heart is paced for a period of time using a patterned pacing sequence that repeats every N beats, and an electrical signal is obtained that is representative of a plurality of consecutive beats of the patient's heart while it is being paced using the patterned pacing sequence that repeats every N beats. Myocardial electrical stability is then analyzed using time domain techniques that are tailored to the patterned pacing sequence used to pace the patient's heart. In other embodiments, the patient's heart need not be paced. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. |
| US07949389B2 |
Fetal ECG monitoring
A method for fetal monitoring includes acquiring electrical signals from a set of electrodes, for example, a set of surface electrodes applied to a maternal abdominal region. The electrical signals are analyzed, including by performing a morphological analysis of fetal electrocardiogram signals. A clinical indicator is then determined from a result of performing the morphological analysis. |
| US07949387B2 |
Method for evaluating relative oxygen saturation in body tissues
A new method was discovered to analyze continuous spectral curves to determine relative hemoglobin oxygen saturation, using spectral curves collected from a continuous range of wavelengths from about 530 nm to about 584 nm, including spectra from transmitted or reflected light. Using isosbestic points and curve areas, a relative saturation index was calculated. With this method, noninvasive, in vivo measurement of relative oxygen saturation was made using light reflected from blood vessels in the eye and to map and measure relative changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in primate retinal vessels and optic nerve head in response to controlled changes in inspired oxygen and intraocular pressure (IOP). This method could also measure oxygen saturation from other blood vessels that reflect light sufficient to give a clear spectra from the blood hemoglobin. Changes in blood oxygen saturation can be monitored with this method for early detection of disease. |
| US07949386B2 |
Computer-aided osteoplasty surgery system
A method for performing computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery includes the steps of: (1) producing and displaying three-dimensional geometrical models of first and second bones, the first and second bones forming a joint; (2) identifying a zone of impingement between the first bone and the second bone on at least one of the bones; and (3) generating and displaying a color map of at least one surface of at least one bone, the at least one surface being within the zone of impingement, the color map including different colors representing different depths of bone to be removed in order to achieve an increased range of motion between the first and second bones. |
| US07949385B2 |
System and method for reconstruction of the human ear canal from optical coherence tomography scans
A method for reconstructing an ear canal from optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of an ear comprises extracting frame numbers and line numbers of interference intensities corresponding to one or more markers on an OCT scan guide, receiving reference frame numbers and lines numbers for one or more markers, determining a starting position and direction for the OCT ear scan from the ear scan marker frame and line numbers and the reference marker frame and line numbers, for each scan line, finding a pixel number of a maximum interference intensity value, and determining an offset distance of said pixel from said scan guide, and reconstructing a surface of the ear canal from the distance offset data. |
| US07949383B2 |
Imaging apparatus with selectable moveable stage
An imaging box assembly is provided for capturing an image of a sample. The imaging box assembly includes a body having an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into the cavity. The body further includes a view port enabling viewing of the sample contained in the interior cavity. A door is mounted to the body that is movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning a door rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening. The box assembly further includes a moveable stage disposed in the cavity interior that supports the sample. The moveable stage is adapted to selectively position the sample at a selected one of a plurality of positions relative to the view hole. |
| US07949382B2 |
Devices, systems, methods and tools for continuous glucose monitoring
One aspect of the invention provides a glucose monitor having a plurality of tissue piercing elements, each tissue piercing element having a distal opening, a proximal opening and interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing area in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the tissue piercing elements; sensing fluid extending from the sensing area into substantially the entire interior space of the tissue piercing elements; and a glucose sensor adapted to detect a concentration of glucose in the sensing fluid within the sensing area. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of in vivo monitoring of an individual's interstitial fluid glucose concentration including the following steps: inserting distal ends of a plurality of tissue piercing elements through a stratum corneum area of the individual's skin, the tissue piercing elements each having a distal opening, a proximal opening, an interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings, and a sensing fluid filling substantially the entire interior space; and sensing a glucose concentration of the sensing fluid. |
| US07949379B2 |
Foldable electronic device
A foldable electronic device (100) includes a cover (10) having a side barrel (132) and a main body (20) rotatably connected to the cover. The main body includes a body shell (21) accommodating a plurality of electronic components therein, a central barrel (244) formed at one end of the body shell, and an antenna seat (23) attached to an opposite end of the body shell. The side barrel of the cover is located adjacent to the central barrel of the main body. |
| US07949377B2 |
Method and apparatus for user equipment directed radio resource control in a UMTS network
A method and apparatus for improved battery performance of user equipment in a wireless network having multiple radio resource control (RRC) states, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring, at the user equipment, application data exchange; determining when no application on the user equipment is expected to exchange data; and initiating, from the user equipment, a transition to a less battery demanding radio resource control state or mode. |
| US07949376B2 |
Advanced power saving in communication terminal, communication system and power control method
Each station makes a transition to a power saving state autonomously in response to the reception of signals from the other stations in the same group and the transmission of its own signal. Each station sets its transmission timing such that it does not overlap the transmission timing of the other stations, by referring to data elements included in a beacon signal. The transmission timing in the stations is determined for each transmission. |
| US07949375B2 |
Reliability for wireless data communications
Methods and apparatus are provided for using a proxy communication module within a vehicle telematics unit to provide external data connectivity for vehicle applications. The method comprises receiving a request from one or more vehicle applications to retrieve data from a server on an external network. In response to the request, a wireless proxy data communication channel is established between the proxy communication module in the vehicle telematics system and the server. The requested data is received from the server via the wireless proxy data communication channel and communicated from the proxy communication module to the one or more vehicle applications. |
| US07949373B2 |
Combined telephone and credit transaction enabler
A credit transaction enabled cell phone has its back removably attached to a plate by a double-sided tape or clamps. The plate is attached to a hinge, which carries a U shaped credit card retainer second element. A credit card is carried by the credit card retainer second element in between the two arms of the U shape. The interior surfaces of the arms of the U shape are rubberized, and apply compressive forces to the credit card, securing the card by friction. The hinge may be opened from the closed transpiration position to extend the credit card from the cell phone, and swiped in a swiping credit card reader, using the cell phone as a handle. The credit card may be extracted from the U shaped credit card retainer and used for manual imprint or with an automatic credit card reader, and replaced after use. |
| US07949371B1 |
Communication device
A communication device, such as a mobile phone, which implements a voice communication mode, a digital mirror mode, and a color caller ID mode, wherein the image retrieved from the camera is displayed in an inverted manner when the digital mirror mode is implemented, and upon receiving a phone call, a specific color corresponding to the caller of the phone call is output from the communication device when the color caller ID mode is implemented. |
| US07949369B2 |
Computer apparatus, wireless network transmission system and transmission method thereof
A computer apparatus, a wireless network transmission system and its transmission method are disclosed. The computer apparatus comprises a power supplier, a first circuit architecture, a second circuit architecture and a power controller. A power is provided by the power supplier. The main functionality of the computer apparatus is provided by the first circuit architecture. The second circuit architecture includes a controller, a storage unit and a communication unit. The power controller is electrically connected to the power supplier to provide the power to the first circuit architecture or the second circuit architecture. The first circuit architecture includes the second circuit architecture. The power provided by the power controller is supplied to the first circuit architecture while the computer apparatus is in operating state. The power provided by the power controller is supplied to the second circuit architecture while the computer apparatus is in power-off state. The communication unit is then utilized for wireless transmission. |
| US07949368B2 |
Accessory functions
A mobile terminal capable of supporting a plurality of accessory functions with one or more accessories, the mobile terminal capable of supporting each accessory function in two or more modes, and each accessory storing a capability array indicative of the capabilities of the accessory. The mobile terminal comprises reading means for reading a capability array from an accessory; interpreting means for interpreting a capability array read by the reading means in accordance with a predefined format as including one or more fields, each field corresponding to an accessory function; identifying means for identifying a mode of an accessory function in dependence on the content of a field of the capability array, the field corresponding to the accessory function; and supporting means responsive to the identifying means for supporting the accessory function with the accessory in the mode identified by the identifying means. |
| US07949364B2 |
System for managing radio modems
A system for managing the operation of a plurality of radio modems contained within the same WCD. One or more of the plurality of radio modems may be a dual-mode radio modem enabled to communicate using at least two separate radio protocols concurrently. The operation of the one or more dual-mode modems may be managed by resources encompassed in a radio modem interface coupled to, or integrated within, the dual-mode radio modem. These management resources may receive information from the operating system level of the WCD and from the at least two radio modem stacks utilizing the resources of the dual mode radio modem in order to coordinate the operation of the at least two radio protocols concurrently active in the modem. |
| US07949359B2 |
Methods and system for dynamically and anonymously linking wireless communications unit users
A system and method for wireless communications unit users within proximity to make social connections. Users can dynamically discover potential matches in the proximity and interactively find out mutual intentions to socially connect in an anonymous and discreet manner. |
| US07949358B2 |
Systems and methods for device discovery
Systems and methods for enabling wireless devices to discover a number of other proximate wireless devices are disclosed. The discovery may include the discovery of network configuration parameters useful for establishing a connection between the wireless devices. The disclosed systems and methods for device discovery may operate in a number of different modes to timely discover wireless devices that receive communications continuously, as well as wireless devices that turn off their wireless receivers for intermittent periods of time. The wireless devices may, for example, communicate using the IEEE 802.11 protocol. |
| US07949346B2 |
Method and system for locating a terminal in a wireless telecommunications network, computer program product therefor
A method is disclosed for locating a terminal in a local wireless telecommunications network adapted to provide an estimated position of the terminal depending on a set of configuration data and a set of measuring data indicating whether the terminal belongs to a subset of said coverage areas and acquired from the terminal or network. The set of configuration data has a plurality of data bases of configurations, each one having a respective weight function, and the set of measuring data has a plurality of measuring types, depending on the type of terminal. A method for associating, to every combination of a data base of configurations and a measuring type, a respective locating procedure corresponding to an accuracy value of the locating estimation and actuating the locating procedure related to a combination selected by executing a related processing program. A processing system and a processing program or group of programs can be executed by the system and arranged to perform the above method. |
| US07949344B1 |
Uncoordinated microwave paths in coordinated frequency bands
A system is described. The system includes a fixed microwave path pair between a first site and a second site and an additional microwave path between the first site and a third site. A transceiver portion of the first site and a transceiver portion of the second site are configured to transmit on the fixed microwave path pair on TDD-FDD reversed paired frequencies. The transceiver portion of the first site is configured to transmit to the transceiver portion of the third site on one frequency of the paired frequencies using the side lobe radiation of an antenna at the first site. |
| US07949343B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting guard band size between two carriers by quality of service data positioning in the spectrum band
The guard band between two carriers of the same or different operators is reduced or dynamically adjusted by initiating a dynamic change request of the guard band between the two carriers to allow for flexible spectrum use by adjusting the tolerable guard band overlap. The data is distributed or positioned in the carrier spectrum band as a function of the Quality of Service so that the lowest Quality of Service constrained data are positioned at the edges of the carrier spectrum band and the highest Quality of Service constrained data are positioned in the middle of the carrier spectrum band to minimize any impact from the increased adjacent channel interference due to the guard band overlap and narrower guard band. |
| US07949334B2 |
Method and system for determining the dependence between device parameters of a mobile telephone and signal parameters
A method and a system for determining the dependence between several device-parameter values in each case of at least one device parameter of a mobile telephone (31, 32, . . . , 3m, 3n) and at least one signal parameter of a signal transmitted and/or received by the mobile telephone (31, 32, . . . , 3m, 3n) adjusts several device-parameter values within a mobile telephone (31, 32, . . . , 3m, 3n) of at least one device parameter of the respective mobile telephone (31, 32, . . . , 3m, 3n) for a given number of frequencies of the respectively transmitted and/or received signal, and measures the associated signal parameters of a signal transmitted and/or received by the respective mobile telephone (31, 32, . . . , 3m, 3n). All of the frequencies and the device-parameter values of at least one device parameter respectively associated with every frequency are present in the respective mobile telephone (31, 32, . . . , 3m, 3n) at the start of the measurements. |
| US07949333B2 |
Personal area network having media player and mobile device controlling the same
A system and method are provided for controlling content played by a number of media devices. In general, the system includes a mobile device and the number of media devices. The mobile device includes a wireless communication interface for communicating with the media devices, a media database, and a control system including a media client. When the mobile device enters a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) associated with a media device, the media client obtains information describing the content residing at the media device and stores the information in the media database at the mobile device. Thereafter, when the mobile device is within the WPAN associated with the media device, the media database is used to select content to be played at the media device. |
| US07949332B2 |
Feature sharing
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile telephone operable to use a feature of a second mobile telephone comprising a share module for obtaining details of one or more features on the second mobile telephone which are available for use by the mobile telephone a user interface for selecting an available feature; and a communication module for communicating data with the second mobile telephone to enable the selected feature to be used by the mobile telephone. |
| US07949329B2 |
Network support for mobile handset anti-virus protection
Embodiments of the method and system provide network support for automatic anti-virus protection by a telecommunication network for mobile terminals. The method may have the steps of: storing in the telecommunication network at least one anti-virus protection level for at least one mobile terminal; initiating, by the telecommunication network, a call setup for a call associated with the mobile terminal, the call having a data stream; using, by the communication network, the at least one anti-virus protection level to recognize a virus in the data stream intended for the mobile handset; and filtering, by the network, the recognized virus from the data stream before the data stream arrives at the mobile terminal. The system implements the method. |
| US07949324B2 |
Method for compensating transmission carrier leakage and transceiving circuit embodying the same
The application discloses embodiments of methods and/or systems for compensating a transmission carrier leakage of an up-conversion mixer, a tranceiving circuit or apparatus embodying the same. One embodiment of a method can include detecting an I channel DC offset DCI0 and a Q channel DC offset DCQ0 generated by a reception carrier leakage from an output of a down-conversion mixer, detecting an I channel DC offset DCI and a Q channel DC offset DCQ from the output of the down-conversion mixer while varying a compensation parameter being inputted to an up-conversion mixer that has its output coupled to an input of the down-conversion mixer to determine the compensation parameter that can reduce or minimize a transmission carrier leakage. A combination of a transmission baseband signal and the determined compensation parameter can be transmitted using the up-conversion mixer and an antenna to compensate for the transmission carrier leakage. |
| US07949321B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, amplification factor determination method, and storage medium
The back-off of an AGC diversion section can be appropriately controlled. A base station apparatus (10) includes an amplifying part (12) for receiving a first transmission signal, which is generated by being modulated using a first modulation scheme and transmitted, and a second transmission signal, which is generated by being modulated using a second modulation scheme in which the maximum value of the amplitude of the transmission signal that is generated differs from that of the first modulation scheme, and which is transmitted following the first transmission signal, and amplifying these signals at a given amplification factor; a basic value determining part (14a) for determining a basic value that is used to determine the given amplification factor on the basis of the received power of the first transmission signal; an amplification factor correcting part (15) for acquiring correction data for the basic value, which is correction data that is determined on the basis of the amount of difference between the maximum values of the amplitudes of the transmission signals that are respectively generated using the first modulation scheme and second modulation scheme; and an amplification factor determining part (14) for determining the given amplification factor for the second transmission signal on the basis of the basic value and the correction data. |
| US07949320B1 |
Constant modulus indication for detection of RF signals
In a technique for detecting single or multiple channels in a broadcast RF signal, a receiver determines a constant modulus indication value for each frequency of the receiver's local oscillator, as that oscillator is tuned across a range of possible channel frequencies. The receiver may determine this constant modulus indication value by determining the magnitudes of a constant modulus signal and a noise signal, for a signal output from a digital front end, that signal representing a mixing of the local oscillator frequency signal with the broadcast RF signal and a channelization thereof. As the local oscillator frequency signal is tuned through the range of possible channel frequencies, the receiver evaluates the constant modulus indication value course and or fine frequency increments to determine if the constant modulus indication value at any frequency rises above a threshold value, thereby indicating that the local oscillator frequency signal has locked onto an RF channel in the original RF signal. |
| US07949317B2 |
Momentary burst protocol for wireless communication
A method for communicating data using a “burst protocol” includes enabling power to transmitters and receivers when needed to balance power consumption with latency and unscheduled communication. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets indicative of substantially the same payload. Power then may be disabled to the transmitter. A first predetermined time is determined to enable a receiver. A second predetermined time is determined to disable the receiver. Power then may be enabled to the receiver based on the first predetermined time. The payload is output in response to receiving one or more of the plurality of packets. Power to the receiver is disabled based on the second predetermined time. |
| US07949313B2 |
Direct conversion device with compensation means for a transmission path of a wireless communication equipment
A conversion device (CD) is dedicated to conversion of baseband analog I/Q input signals into RF signals in a transmitting path of a wireless communication equipment. This device (CD) comprises i) first (PP1) and second (PP2) processing paths each comprising i1) an input node (IN1, IN2) receiving an input signal (I/Q), i2) an input path (IP1, IP2) connected to the input node and delivering an input current representative of the input signal (I/Q), i3) an amplification means (A1, A2) having first and second inputs fed with the input current and a common-mode current and outputting an amplified signal, and i4) a transconductor (T1, T2) delivering first and second currents from the amplified signal, the first current feeding a negative feedback path connected to the first input of the amplification means and being essentially equal to the input current, and the second current being a chosen scaled copy of the first current and representative of a voltage difference between the input signals (I/Q), H) a common-mode input path (CIP) connected to the input nodes (IN1, IN2) and delivering the common-mode current from the input signals (I/Q) to feed the second input of each amplification means (A1, A2), and iii) a switch core (SC) for mixing the second current delivered by a chosen one of the transconductors (T1, T2) with a local oscillator RF carrier to deliver output RF signals representative of the input signals (I/Q). |
| US07949311B2 |
RF integrated circuit with transmitter and multipurpose output ports and methods for use therewith
An RF integrated circuit (IC) includes a first IC port for coupling a first transmit signal in a first frequency band to at least one external device and a second IC port for coupling a second transmit signal in a second frequency band to the at least one external device. A transmitter module responds to outbound data to generate the first transmit signal in a first mode of operation and to generate the second transmit signal in a second mode of operation, wherein the transmitter module generates the first transmit signal and the second transmit signal in a selected one of a plurality of wireless telephony formats based on a control signal, and wherein the plurality of wireless telephony formats includes a code divisional multiple access format and at least one non-code division multiple access format. |
| US07949307B2 |
Radio communication system
A frame format is generated which can constrain the PAPR at a lower level without limitation in code selections in a radio communication system. The radio communication system with each radio channel constituted by a control channel and a data channel divides a plurality of the radio channels in a frequency direction for mapping to a radio frame format. A control signal position on the control channel is controlled in the radio frame format for each user or service to reduce peak transmission power or a peak-to-average power ratio of a radio communication apparatus. |
| US07949300B2 |
Wireless sharing of audio files and related information
A system and method are disclosed for wireless sharing of audio sounds among a plurality of users. A user of the present invention can communicate his or her audio sounds to other users, who can receive the audio sounds wirelessly and choose to rebroadcast them. Along with the audio sound files users can share information regarding the audio sounds being shared, such as title, artist, collection, genre, year, encoding rate, size, playlist, and other desired information. The user of device can opt to set the device to transmit, re-transmit, broadcast, re-broadcast, receive or not to receive play-list information in addition to the audio sound files and the information regarding the audio sounds themselves. |
| US07949296B2 |
Wireless telecommunications signal inhibition
Wireless telecommunications is inhibited within a limited region by generating a noise signal within a frequency range of the wireless telecommunications and broadcasting the noise signal into the limited region. A system for inhibiting wireless communications includes a radio frequency noise generator generating a noise signal within a frequency range of the wireless telecommunication. At least one antenna broadcasts the noise signal into the region. Control logic initiates or suspends broadcasting of the noise signal based on at least one control input. |
| US07949294B2 |
Image forming apparatus with switchback transport path in the stapling unit
An image forming apparatus in which an original reading portion is disposed in an upper portion of the apparatus main body, a feed portion is disposed in a lower portion of the apparatus main body, and a printing portion is disposed between the original reading portion and the feed portion as an image forming system, is configured as follows. A paper post-processing portion that can perform a plurality of types of paper post-processing for recording paper transported from the apparatus main body after printing by the printing portion is finished, and a discharge portion to which recording paper is discharged after paper post-processing by the paper post-processing portion is finished, are disposed in a space of the apparatus main body formed by the original reading portion, the printing portion, and the feed portion. |
| US07949292B2 |
Hinge apparatus for cover of image forming apparatus
A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus. |
| US07949291B2 |
Fixing device, fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A fixing device having at least a cylindrical base material, an elastic layer disposed on the base material, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer is provided. The cylindrical base material has a variation in thickness within about ±10% when the cylindrical base material is in an endless belt shape having flexibility, or within a variation in outer diameter within about ±0.5% when the cylindrical base material is in a circular cylinder tube shape having rigidity. The elastic layer has a variation in thickness within about ±5%. The surface layer has a variation, along the circumferential direction of the base material, in thickness of the surface within about ±5% and with a surface elongation percentage which increases from a center portion toward both end portions in the widthwise direction of the base material. A fixing apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the fixing device are also provided. |
| US07949290B2 |
Image fixing apparatus and an image formation apparatus including a magnetic flux adjuster
An image fixing apparatus includes a fixing member, a magnetic flux generator, a heat member, a core, and a magnetic flux adjuster. The fixing member fixes the toner image onto the recording medium. The magnetic flux generator generates a magnetic flux. The heat member has a heat layer which is heated inductively by the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator and heats the fixing member. The core faces the magnetic flux via the heat member. The magnetic flux adjuster is configured to vary a heating range of the heat member in the width direction. The heat layer has a predetermined Curie point. |
| US07949288B2 |
Image forming agent storage device and image forming apparatus
An image forming agent storage device includes an image forming agent storage body that is inserted into an insertion part, an opening-and-closing member, an engagement mechanism and an engagement release prevention mechanism. The image forming agent storage body is formed with a discharge port. The engagement mechanism includes an engagement part being provided in the image forming agent storage body and an engaged part being provided in the opening-and-closing member and being capable of engaging with the engagement part. The engagement release prevention mechanism prevents that a state where the engagement part and the engaged part can engage with each other is released due to an event that a front side of the opening-and-closing member moves relative to the image forming agent storage body so as to slant in a direction away from a position where the engagement part and the engaged part are provided. |
| US07949282B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
A developing device includes a housing, a developing roller that carries developer, a supply roller for supplying the developer, a developer cartridge that accommodates the developer, a first sealing member that is provided at both ends of the developing roller, a developer passage opening provided in at least one of the housing and the developer cartridge, and a second sealing member provided in a vicinity of the developer passage opening. At least a part of the second sealing member overlaps the first sealing member in a direction in which the developer cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the housing. A portion of a shadow of the second sealing member cast in a direction, in which the developer passes through the developer passage opening, overlaps the first sealing member. The developer cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the housing at a position opposed to the developing roller. |
| US07949281B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus for effectively cleaning a charging roller at predetermined intervals
An image forming apparatus includes a charging roller that continuously rotates and uniformly charges a photoconductor for forming an electrostatic latent image thereon, a cleaning roller that contacts a peripheral surface of the charging roller and cleans the charging roller while being driven by rotation of the charging roller, wherein a peripheral surface of the cleaning roller is formed of a melamine resin foam, and a cleaning roller shifting unit that causes the cleaning roller to contact the charging roller for a predetermined time at predetermined intervals of image formation while movably holding the cleaning roller. |
| US07949278B2 |
Apparatus for registering a predetermined number of jobs simultaneously
A recording apparatus connected to a computer executes jobs in a desired order at the time of carrying out plural jobs transmitted from the computer. A printer for carrying out plural jobs transmitted from the computer and recording an image on a recording medium registers the jobs transmitted from the computer as object jobs corresponding to a first LED and a second LED for displaying job states and a first instruction button 21 and a second instruction button for inputting operations of carrying out the registered jobs, executes the job corresponding to the operated button in response to the operation of the first instruction button or the second instruction button, and gives notification using the first LED or the second LED corresponding to the job. |
| US07949276B2 |
Image formation apparatus and associated methodology for patch image frequency updating
An apparatus and method to update patch image formation frequency, in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an image supporting object, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with a toner. The image formation apparatus includes a developing unit, a toner supply unit for supplying the toner to the developing unit, a patch image density detecting unit for detecting the density of a patch image formed on the image supporting object, a toner density detecting unit for detecting the density of the toner held in the developing unit, and a control unit that adjusts a generating interval of the patch image according to a detection result of the patch image density detecting unit. |
| US07949275B2 |
Cleaning device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A cleaning device capable of inhibiting noise from being caused by stick-slip vibration between a blade member of the cleaning device and an image carrier, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus are provided. A vibration detecting device for detecting a vibration state is attached to a central part of a holder holding a blade member, and an excitation member for vibrating the blade member is attached to the blade member over the entire length thereof in a direction along a sliding contact surface contacting a photoreceptor. |
| US07949269B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a black image forming unit that can be used in a black monochrome mode to form supply toner images corresponding to color patches and cause the supply toner images to be carried by an intermediate transfer belt. During the black monochrome mode, a fur brush comes into contact with the supply toner images, so that discharge products are removed from the fur brush. Thus, when the black monochrome mode ends and a full-color mode is returned, the color patches transferred to a secondary transfer roller can be sufficiently removed by single passage and no backside contamination of a recording material occurs. |
| US07949265B2 |
Toner supply device, developing device and image forming apparatus with residual quantity of toner based control
A toner supply device for supplying toner to a developing device includes: a first toner supply portion for supplying toner to a developing hopper; a second toner supply portion for supplying the stored toner to the first toner supply portion; a first toner supply driver for driving the first toner supply portion; a first residual toner quantity detector for detecting the residual toner quantity in the first toner supply portion; a second toner supply driver for driving the second toner supply portion; a second residual toner quantity detector for detecting the residual toner quantity in the second toner supply portion; and a controller for controlling the drives of the first and second toner supply drivers by switching on and off the drives of the first and second toner supply drivers in accordance with the residual toner quantities detected by the first and second residual toner quantity detectors. |
| US07949264B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method
When an image forming apparatus is disabled due to a cause rather than the detection of the toner empty condition, it is determined whether a recovery operation is a first recovery operation or a second recovery operation. The first recovery operation is associated with a mounting/dismounting of the toner cartridge performed from when the image forming apparatus is disabled until when the recovery operation begins. The second recovery operation is not associated with the mounting/dismounting. A toner supply control controls the toner supply operation when the recovery operation is performed on condition that the empty memory memorizes that the toner empty detector detects the empty condition. When the recovery operation is the first recovery operation, the toner supply control allows the toner to be supplied into the developer housing. While, when the recovery operation is the second recovery operation, the toner supply control prohibits the toner from being supplied into developer housing. |
| US07949258B2 |
Radio communication system, radio communication apparatus and radio communication method as well as computer program
It is possible to realize remote control in a reflection wave transmission system, and enhance operability for a mobile apparatus having a reflector. The mobile apparatus comprises a reflector and performs reflection wave transmission by carrying data on a reflection wave for unmodulated carrier. A reflection wave reader comprises an infrared light receiving section, receives and decodes a request signal sent as an infrared remote control command, transmits it to the mobile apparatus by an ASK modulated signal and then transmits the unmodulated carrier. The mobile apparatus transmits requested data by reflection wave. The mobile apparatus can be operated from an infrared remote controller and remote control distance can be extended. |
| US07949255B2 |
System, device and method for transporting signals through passive optical network
A system for transporting signals through PON, including a device for transporting optical network signals and a device for transporting optical line signals, wherein: the device for transporting optical network signals is adapted to map upstream optical signals with a PON frame format to upstream optical channel data unit signals, to convert into upstream signals with an optical channel transport unit format, and to transport to the device for transporting optical line signals through OTN; and to perform corresponding downstream processing; the device for transporting optical line signals is adapted to convert the upstream signals into upstream optical channel data unit signals, to de-map to upstream optical signals with a PON frame format, and to transport to an optical line terminal; and to perform corresponding downstream processing. The invention further discloses relevant devices and methods. |
| US07949252B1 |
Plenoptic camera with large depth of field
Methods and apparatus for light-field capture with large depth of field. A design methodology is described in which the relationships among various plenoptic camera parameters, including inverse magnification, F-number, focal length, wavelength, and pixel size, may be analyzed to design plenoptic cameras that provide increased depth-of-field when compared to conventional plenoptic cameras. Plenoptic cameras are described, which may be implemented according to the design methodology, and in which both Keplerian telescopic and Galilean telescopic imaging can be realized at the same time while providing a larger depth of field than is realized in conventional plenoptic cameras, thus capturing light-field images that capture “both sides” in which all but a small region of the scene is in focus. In some embodiments, apertures may be added to the microlenses so that depth of field is increased. |
| US07949250B1 |
Electro-mechanical shutter control
A method in a camera device having an image sensor and an electro-mechanical shutter mechanism is as follows. A constant drive current is applied to the shutter mechanism to close shutter at the end of a first exposure. Then, a decaying drive current is applied to the shutter mechanism during a readout interval for the first exposure. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US07949249B2 |
Software based photoflash synchronization of camera equipped portable media device and external lighting apparatus
Methods of using software to synchronize the control of a camera on portable media device with the photoflash on an external lighting apparatus.The Camera-Equipped Portable Media Device (CEPMD) utilizes an External Lighting Apparatus (ELA) as a light source to improve the lighting conditions for portable media device photography. Both ELA and CEPMD are controlled by software, which synchronize the photoflash image capture as well as post process the image to further enhance the image quality. Furthermore, in a preferred ELA embodiment, it acts as a protective case for the CEPMD. |
| US07949244B2 |
Method for measuring subject distance
An exemplary method for measuring a distance from a subject to a camera includes the following operations: focusing on the subject using the imaging system; illuminating an area on the subject using auxiliary light; capturing an image of the subject, the image having an illumination portion corresponding to the illuminated area; measuring the area of the illumination portion of the image; and calculating the subject distance based on the measured area. |
| US07949242B2 |
Lens cover assembly and portable electronic device using the same
A lens cover assembly comprises a lens cover and a water absorption portion. The lens cover has a transparent portion located in a center portion thereof. The water absorption portion is mounted to the lens cover surrounding the transparent portion. |
| US07949240B2 |
Portable camera device
A portable camera device includes a first casing, a second casing and an extendable mechanism. The second casing contains a lens module and has a lower part connected to a first connecting position of the first casing such that the lens module is arranged above the first casing. The extendable mechanism has a rear end with a document holding structure for holding a document and a front end connected to a second connecting position of the first casing via a first pivotal mechanism. The extendable mechanism is selectively folded or unfolded with respect to the first casing when the extendable mechanism is rotated in various directions by adjusting the first pivotal mechanism. A relative spatial correlation between the lens module and the document is adjusted such that the lens module is focused on a selected area of the document for capturing an image of the document. |
| US07949237B2 |
Heating configuration for use in thermal processing chambers
An apparatus for heat treating semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating device which contains an assembly linear lamps for emitting light energy onto a wafer. The linear lamps can be placed in various configurations. In accordance with the present invention, tuning devices which are used to adjust the overall irradiance distribution of the light energy sources are included in the heating device. The tuning devices can be, for instance, are lamps or lasers. |
| US07949236B2 |
Home heating radiator using a phase change heat transfer fluid
A home heating radiator using a heat transfer fluid operating in phase change form, includes a reservoir of heat transfer fluid, and electric resistance heat source, for raising the temperature of the heat transfer fluid to a temperature such as to cause a phase change of the fluid, and a heating body where heat transfer takes place with the ambient air, the heating body including a number, n, of channels, communicating in the lowermost part of the reservoir, where n may be equal to 1. |
| US07949235B2 |
Electronic module and arrangement for signal transmission with the former
The invention concerns an electronic module for a motor vehicle, in particular a fan regulator (4″) with a control input (S) for a signal, in particular a pulse width modulated signal, transmitted via a signal line (3). The electronic module is designed for the generation of an essentially constant potential (Ubias, Ubias−UBE) at the control input (S), which preferably is designed as a current-controlled, low resistance control input. The invention also concerns an arrangement (1″) for the transmission of a preferably pulse width modulated signal with: a control device (2′) for the generation of the signal, a signal line for the transmission of the signal, and an electronic module as described above. |
| US07949232B2 |
Apparatus, method and control system for inputting a reproduction speed of a video signal
An input apparatus that inputs a reproduction speed of a video signal is disclosed. The input apparatus has a position detection section and a control section. The position detection section linearly detects a position that a user's finger has touched. The control section detects a moving speed of the user's finger that has touched the position detection section corresponding to a first position and a second position detected by the position detection section and outputs reproduction speed information corresponding to the moving speed. After the first position has been detected and a predetermined time period has elapsed, the second position is detected by the position detection section. |
| US07949231B2 |
Recording medium having data structure for managing reproduction of multiple reproduction path video data recorded thereon and recording and reproducing methods and apparatuses
The recording medium includes a navigation area and at least one playlist area. The navigation area stores navigation management information for managing the reproduction of at least multiple reproduction path video data from the recording medium. At least one playlist is stored in a playlist area. Each playlist identifies at least one playitem, and each playitem identifies at least one clip of video data. |
| US07949230B2 |
Electronic equipment, system for video content, and display method
An electronic equipment device that includes a storage section storing data for creating a menu screen. A metadata acquisition section acquires metadata for displaying a menu item for operating external equipment, from the external equipment. The metadata having data for defining a type of the menu item and transition of a menu focus. A remote commander operation detection section detects operation performed on a remote commander. A menu screen generation processing section adds the menu item based on the metadata to the menu screen, for assembly; and a notification processing section notifies the external equipment of the menu item selected on the menu screen. |
| US07949227B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07949224B2 |
Data processing system and method
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processing system including means to play an interruptible or skipable video sequence; and a random number generator for generating a random number associated with an interruption of the interruptible or skipable video sequence. |
| US07949222B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07949219B1 |
Self forming waveguides for optical coupling and methodologies for making same
Systems and methods of forming an optical coupling between two optical waveguides where at least one of the optical waveguides is non-UV transmissive are disclosed. In one aspect, a self-forming waveguide (SFWG) is formed in a photosensitive material disposed between a UV transmissive optical waveguide and a non-UV transmissive component at least in part by a portion of an incident UV beam reflected from an interface between the photosensitive material and the non-UV transmissive material. In another aspect, two separate SFWG waveguides are formed in two separate photosensitive materials by UV beams passed thereto via a UV transmissive bridge waveguide. |
| US07949216B2 |
Bragg grating elements for optical devices
Three-dimensional holographic elements are disclosed. Three-dimensional Bragg gratings recorded on bulks of optical material are included in the disclosure. Such elements may be manufactured by placing a three-dimensional bulk of optical material directly behind a recorded master hologram, directing a reference beam onto a master hologram such that a replica of the master hologram is recorded in the optical material. The replica may form the three-dimensional holographic element. The master hologram may be Bragg grating formed on a surface of a transparent substrate. |
| US07949200B2 |
Image processing apparatus, display device, and image processing method
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an obtaining module, a coefficient filter, a large area filter, and a determination module. The obtaining module obtains a feature value indicating an image structure of a pixel block comprising a target pixel to be processed and a surrounding pixel neighboring the target pixel in an input image. The coefficient filter performs filtering on the pixel block using a filter coefficient corresponding to the feature value. The large area filter performs smoothing on a pixel block that are larger than blocks used with coefficient filter. The determination module determines to cause the large area filter to perform the smoothing when the image structure indicated by the feature value is smooth. |
| US07949198B2 |
Fast response discrete time infinite impulse response (IIR) filter
An infinite impulse response (IIR) filter provides fast response time without significant effects of ringing or overshoot. In a first step, an input signal is received and a preliminary output signal is computed based upon at least the input signal and a prior output signal. The preliminary output signal is compared to the input signal, and if the preliminary output signal and the input signal differ by more than a significant amount, the input signal is provided as the output signal. Otherwise, the preliminary output signal can be provided as the output signal. Such a filter be readily implemented in software or other programmable logic, and may have particular utility in preserving the contrast in a filtered video image represented by discrete digital data within a display system. |
| US07949196B2 |
Low complexity and unified transforms for video coding
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for decoding data (e.g., video data) using transforms. In one embodiment, the decoding process comprises scaling a block of coefficients using a scaling factor determined for each coefficient by computing an index for said each coefficient and indexing a look-up table (LUT) using the index. The index is based on a quantization parameter, a size of the block of coefficients, and a position of said each coefficient within the block. The method also comprises applying a transform to the block of scaled coefficients. |
| US07949193B2 |
Apparatus and method for compressing three-dimensional stereoscopic images
An apparatus and method for efficiently compressing three-dimensional stereoscopic images are provided. The apparatus and method include a search for Global motion between left and right images input through two image input units mounted in a mobile communication terminal. The images are arranged and a difference between the two images is computed. The images are compressed using the difference between the two images and a reference image. Accordingly, because the left and right images are similar, a computation amount can be reduced since the global motion is computed only once. |
| US07949191B1 |
Method and system for searching for information on a network in response to an image query sent by a user from a mobile communications device
Image-based searching for information on a network is provided in response to an image query sent by a user. The image query includes an image captured using a mobile communications device with a camera. The image is processed to detect any text present in the image, and any detected text can be analyzed using a process such as optical character recognition (OCR). The analyzed text is used to search for matches in at least one corresponding domain database, selected from various domain databases present in the network. Thereafter, one or more selected matches and any additional related information can be sent to the user as one or more results for the submitted image query. |
| US07949189B2 |
Imaging apparatus and recording medium
In a digital camera 1, when the shutter button is half-depressed (Y at S2), face detection processing is performed on periodically imaged frame images until it is fully depressed (N at S6), and face detection results are cyclically stored in a detection result storage area. When it is fully depressed (Y at S6), a still-image imaging operation is performed, and the face detection processing is performed on an imaged still-image (S7 and S8). Then, after a high priority face detection result is selected from among the face detection results currently stored in the detection result storing area (S9), the selected face detection result and the face detection result of the still-image are compared and judged whether or not they are in agreement (S10 and S11). When judged not to be in agreement, the still-image is displayed as a preview and the warning display of this disagreement is performed (S13). |
| US07949188B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus is disclosed which processes moving images each divisible into a plurality of shots, the image processing apparatus including: a holding unit configured to hold discrimination models acquired by learning beforehand a first rule and a second rule from a moving image formed by a plurality of known shot groups which are made up of at least one shot each and from which a highlight is to be extracted in accordance with the discrimination models, the first rule governing relevance between the shots, the second rule governing relevance between frames within each of the shots; and an extraction unit configured to extract from a newly input moving image a shot group recognized as the highlight in accordance with the discrimination models held in the holding unit. |
| US07949182B2 |
Combining differently exposed images of the same object
An image processing system includes: an image capture device operable to capture at least first and second images of an object at different exposures, a storage for at least part of the at least first and second images, a filter for splitting the at least first and second images into respective first and second spatial frequency components, the first frequency component being of lower frequency than the second, a selector for selecting local image intensity data from the second spatial frequency components of a region of the at least first and second images for combination with the first frequency component from the corresponding region of the first image, and a combiner for combining the selected local image data from the second spatial frequency components of the at least first and second images with the first spatial frequency component of the first image to form a final image. |
| US07949178B2 |
Pattern inspection method and its apparatus
In a pattern inspection apparatus for comparing images of corresponding areas of two patterns, which are formed so as to be identical, so as to judge that a non-coincident part of the images is a defect, the influence of unevenness in brightness of patterns caused by a difference of thickness or the like is reduced, whereby highly sensitive pattern inspection is realized. In addition, high-speed pattern inspection can be carried out without changing the image comparison algorithm. For this purpose, the pattern inspection apparatus operates to perform comparison processing of images in parallel in plural areas. Further, the pattern inspection apparatus operates to convert gradation of an image signal among compared images using different plural processing units such that, even in the case in which a difference of brightness occurs in an identical pattern among images, a defect can be detected correctly. |
| US07949175B2 |
Counterfeit deterrence using dispersed miniature security marks
A method is disclosed for detection of miniature security mark configurations within documents and images, wherein the miniature security marks are in the form of dispersed miniature security marks and may include data marks or a combination of data marks and anchor marks. The method includes sub-sampling a received image, which is a digital representation possible recipient(s) of the miniature security marks, to generate a reduced-resolution image of the received image. Maximum/minimum points detection is performed and the maximum/minimum points are grouped into one or more clusters according to location distances between the maximum/minimum points. Group configuration is checked to match the clusters with a pre-defined template configuration. Dot parameter verification is then performed to verify mark location and configuration between the received image and a pre-defined template dot specification. |
| US07949169B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated detection of target structures from medical images using a 3D morphological matching algorithm
A method for the automated detection of target structures shown in digital medical images, the method of comprising: (1) generating a three dimensional (3D) volumetric data set of a patient region within which the target structure resides from a plurality of segmented medical image slices; (2) grouping contiguous structures that are depicted in the 3D volumetric data set to create corresponding grouped structure data sets; (3) assigning each grouped structure data set to one of a plurality of detection algorithms, each detection algorithm being configured to detect a different type of target structure; and (4) processing each grouped structure data set according to its assigned detection algorithm to thereby detect whether any target structures are present in the medical images. Preferably, the target structures are pulmonary nodules, and a specialized detection algorithm is applied to image data classified as a candidate for depicting perivascular nodules. To segment perivascular nodule candidates from surrounding vessels, the image data is preferably correlated with a plurality of 3D morphological filters. |
| US07949167B2 |
Automatic learning of image features to predict disease
A method for training a computer system for automatic detection of regions of interest includes receiving patient records. For each of the received patient records a text field and a medical image are identified from within the patient record and the medical image is automatically segmented to identify a structure of interest. The text field is searched for one or more keywords indicative of a particular abnormality associated with the structure of interest. The medical image is added to a grouping representing the particular abnormality when the text field indicates that the patient has the particular abnormality and the medical image is added to a grouping representing the absence of the particular abnormality when the text field does not indicate that the patient has the particular abnormality. The groupings of medical images are used to automatically train a computer system for the subsequent detection of the particular abnormality. |
| US07949158B2 |
Method and apparatus for extracting face feature
A method and apparatus for extracting a face feature to construct a face search system having a high recognition rate are provided. The method includes calculating an average image of each of a plurality of candidates having one or more face images to which different weights are given according to an order in which the face images are acquired and calculating a total average image of all face images of the plurality of candidates, calculating a between-class scatter matrix based on a difference between each candidate's average image and the total average image and a within-class scatter matrix based on a difference between each candidate's average image and each candidate's predetermined face image of the one or more face images, and generating a base vector that maximizes a criterion defined by a ratio between the between-class scatter matrix and the within-class scatter matrix. |