| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07950721B1 |
Truck skirting
A truck skirting is provided for a trailer for use in tractor-trailer combinations. Skirting elements depend from both trailer sides. Braces are provided extending from the skirting elements to the trailer underside. Further, each skirting element has a longitudinal bracing bar. |
| US07950719B2 |
Vehicle dual hinge rear door articulating and sliding system
A vehicle rear door articulating and sliding mechanism including an articulating hinge assembly having a hinge arm pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof, and a vehicle rear door pivotally and slidably mounted to the hinge arm at an opposite end of the hinge arm. A guide track may be mounted to the rear door, and a slide block may be pivotally mounted to the hinge arm and slidably attached to the guide track. The hinge arm may be disposed at first and second angular positions relative to the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in closed and opened positions, and the slide block may be disposed at first and second positions along a length of the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in the closed and opened positions, to thus provide articulating and sliding movement of the rear door. |
| US07950716B2 |
Trim molding for a motor vehicle window panel
A motor vehicle window panel has a peripheral trim molding formed by an extruded body of plastics material, and the body includes a mounting flange and a vehicle body sealing flange integrally connected by an intermediate connecting portion. The mounting flange carries a pressure sensitive contact adhesive tape which bonds to an inner surface of the window panel, and the intermediate connecting portion has an internal stabilizing strip and a durometer greater than the durometer of the mounting flange and of the sealing flange. The molding may be supported within a fixture for receiving the window panel or may carry a tear-off locating flange which slides against an edge surface of the window panel to locate the molding on the panel. The mounting flange may carry a spacer rib, and the mounting flange, sealing flange and connecting portion are located inwardly of the inner surface of the window panel. |
| US07950715B2 |
Rear seat passenger detection device
A rear seat passenger detection device comprising: a first switch which closes a contact thereof when a front seat door is opened; a second switch which closes a contact thereof when a seatback of a front seat corresponding to the front seat door is inclined and lowered to an angle with respect to a seat face equal to or less than a predetermined angle, and is connected in series with the first switch; and a control device which detects a passenger boarding in a rear seat when the first switch and the second switch are closed. |
| US07950709B1 |
Method and apparatus for gripping and installing pipe
Apparatus for gripping and handling a length of pipe includes first and second pipe gripping members supported on a frame. The first pipe gripping member is movable along a straight line path from an open position to a closed position closer to the second pipe gripping member. The first pipe gripping member is supported on a movable transfer plate having an engagement member connected thereto and to a piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder. |
| US07950707B1 |
Sanitary collection apparatus for pet feces and associated method
A hand-operable feces collection apparatus for catching animal excrements prior to reaching a ground surface may include an elongated curvilinear handle and an annular ring attached to a distal end thereof. A retention bag may be attached directly to the annular ring in such a manner that the retention bag is maintained at a substantially stable position while receiving the animal excrements therein. The apparatus may also include a mechanism for resiliently adjusting a diameter of the annular ring such that the retention bag is caused to automatically disengage the annular ring. Such a mechanism may be activated by a lever attached to the proximal end of the handle. The annular ring may be composed of a semi-circular solid male core and a hollow female sleeve. The male core is urged along the female sleeve as the mechanism is activated, causing the diameter of the annular ring to adjust. |
| US07950699B2 |
Plug-type coupling
A plug-type coupling for connecting two fluid lines includes a coupling component which has an opening with an adjacent receiving duct, and a coupling piece which is inserted into the receiving duct and has a holding rib which extends from its circumference outwardly and forms a locking surface, wherein the holding rib interacts with a locking stirrup which has at least one leg which is resilient toward the opening. A disassembly element is movably mounted in the coupling component, wherein the disassembly element acts on the leg in the direction of opening the coupling. |
| US07950698B2 |
Ubiquitous imaging device based check image capture
A method or corresponding apparatus for remote transmission of a negotiable instrument. In an example embodiment, the process provides a carrier that secures a negotiable instrument. Next, the process creates a unique identifier, associated with the carrier, and generates an electronic image of the negotiable instrument. After generating the electronic image, the process transmits the electronic image of the negotiable instrument and the unique identifier to a remote location. The negotiable instrument may be transmitted via a fax, a scanner, a device designed to transmit electronic data, other image device compatible with ITU-T recommendations T.30 or T.4, or combination thereof. The process may also verify the negotiable instrument has a valid endorsement, verify image quality of the electronic image to ensure compliance with financial industry standards, or validate any received security information. |
| US07950697B2 |
Book, in particular an album
Book, in particular an album, characterised by two front and back covers which are separate from each other and are joined with a spacing from each other by at least one flat strip-like spine part, the portion of the spine part between the opposing inner edges of the two covers being foldable in the manner of a concertina into a predetermined number of peak folds of the same height, and four respective pages being formed by a centrally folded sheet which has, at the centre along the fold, at least one narrow slotted opening of predetermined length and width for feeding through a peak fold which projects above the slotted opening in at least one sheet at such a height that a narrow, web-like connecting element is configured so as to be insertable through the protruding opening in the peak fold for detachable connection to the book. |
| US07950696B2 |
Roll-over protection system
A roll-over protection system (1) for a vehicle (2), such as a quad bike. The system (1) comprises a telescopic hairpin-shaped roll-over guard (3), a lower mount (4) and an upper mount (5) for mounting the guard (3) to regions of the vehicle (2) that may move relative to each other. In use, the guard (3) extends upwardly from the vehicle (2) so as to prevent the vehicle (2) from remaining upside down after having turned over, and the mounts (4, 5) are moveable relative to the guard (3) when the two spaced apart regions move relative to each other during normal use of the vehicle (2). |
| US07950695B2 |
Safety guard mechanism for lifting device
The safety guard mechanism for a lifting device is a mechanism that can automatically deploy a safety guard pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the frame of a portable aerial lift device when the lift is raised. By lowering the guard member, the distance between the lower surface of the base and the ground is decreased. The helical screw-based mechanical device includes a mechanical translator coupled with a rotator, the entire assembly interconnecting the guard member and a scissors-type lift so that raising the lift drives the lowering of the guard member. In the lowered position, the guard prevents tipping of the lift should one or more wheels enter a pothole or other depression. A helical screw latch is included to provide a self-locking feature. |
| US07950686B2 |
Reducible chassis of a man-carrying vehicle
A man-carrying vehicle has a chassis, which can be reduced for the vehicle to be easy to store, put away and transport; the chassis includes a front part, a rear part, and a stretching and reducing device interposed between the front and the rear parts; the stretching and reducing device includes first and second stationary components, first and second crank and connecting rod combinations, and a stretching and reducing assistant unit; the first and the second stationary components are fixedly joined on the front and the rear parts respectively; the crank and connecting rod combinations are interposed between and pivoted to the stationary components; the stretching and reducing assistant unit is interposed between and pivoted on one of the stationary components and one of the crank and connecting rod combinations to provide power to change position of the front part in relation to the rear part of the chassis. |
| US07950676B2 |
Article of footwear comprising a unitary support structure and method of manufacture
An article of footwear comprising a pliable upper component and a molded unitary support structure formed of a plurality of wall stuctures and methods of manufacturing are disclosed. Some embodiments include a sole and first and second side wall structures extending therefrom and partitioned from one another. The sole and the first and second side wall structures may be in part or entirely constructed of multiple layers of fibers having different orientations from one another and disposed in a hardened resin matrix. The pliable upper component comprises outer and inner panels that overlap the inner and outer surfaces of one or more of the side wall structures and are conjoined thereto. |
| US07950671B2 |
Brush seal assembly
A brush seal assembly including a pair of annular plates (11,12) defining an annular slot (14) between them and a radially outer chamber (15) opening into the slot (14); and an annular brush seal (13) having bristles (16) and an enlarged portion (17) at its outer periphery formed by welding the bristles (16) together, the brush seal (13) extending through the slot (14) with its enlarged portion (17) retained in the chamber (15) wherein at least a portion of one of the plates (11, 12) has an extension thereof which is deformed over the other plate (11, 12) to hold the plates (11, 12) together to form the assembly characterised in that one of the plates (12) has a flat face in the region of the slot (14). |
| US07950670B2 |
Seal with pyramid shaped formation
A seal assembly having a seal bumper wall with a series of pyramid shaped formations lying on the bumper wall. The formations cause their apex portion to wear down rapidly in use, while the remainder of the pyramids remain and act as slingers and/or produce a convection effect to reduce temperature along the sealed area. In another embodiment, there are two each pyramid shaped formations located on each of several thrust bumpers, which are held in position by a retainer. |
| US07950662B2 |
Seal card game without early bonus round elimination
A system for playing a game of chance includes a plurality of playing cards, each of the playing cards displaying game symbols thereon. At least some of the plurality of playing cards display an eligible game symbol for participation in bonus levels of play. A master game card is provided for use in conjunction with the playing cards. The master game card includes a plurality of playing areas, each playing area representing a playing level. In each playing area, one or more of the eligible game symbols are included as a bonus level game symbol for the respective level of play. In each successive level of play, more of the eligible game symbols are identified as bonus level game symbols. Cover members conceal the bonus level game symbols prior to play. By opening one of the cover members at each level in turn, a winning one of the eligible game symbols is revealed. By including all of the eligible game symbols from the previous level, players are not aware of being eliminated until the final level of play is reached, thereby maintaining interest in the game. |
| US07950660B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeder includes a feed roller that includes a feed roller shaft, the feed roller being capable of feeding a sheet, a frame that supports the feed roller shaft, a helical gear attached to the feed roller shaft, a motor that drives the feed roller shaft via the helical gear, a disc attached to the feed roller shaft, a sensor body that detects a rotation of the disc, and a pressing member that presses the feed roller shaft from a side of the feed roller shaft in a thrust direction toward another side of the feed roller shaft. |
| US07950659B2 |
Sheet conveying device for image forming apparatus
In an embodiment of the present invention, a plate is laid over sides of a second guide and a first guide that pivots relative to the second guide. The plate pivots with a first pin on the side of the second guide as a fulcrum. A second pin on the side of the first guide is inserted through a slit of the plate. The plate is pivoted by pivoting of the first guide in an opening direction. The second pin is fit in a stop slit provided in the slit to maintain the first guide in an open state. The first guide is pivoted in a closing direction to remove the second pin from the stop slit and close the first guide. |
| US07950656B2 |
Method of detecting overlapping sheets within a paper feed mechanism, a detector for detecting overlapping sheets, a feed mechanism including such a detector and an apparatus including such a detector
A paper feed detector is disclosed for detecting when a plurality of overlapping sheets of paper occur in a transport path intended to transport paper to a first region. The paper feed detector includes a light source and an image forming arrangement adapted to form an image having a spatially varying intensity; and an image detector. An optical path from the light source to the image detector passes through the transport path. The image detector is adapted to assess degradation of the image to make an assessment of the number of sheets within the transport path. |
| US07950654B2 |
Film handling system with elongated film guide
A film handling system is described, including: a supply container for supporting a plurality of sheets of film; a film receiver; and a transport mechanism for retrieving a sheet of film from the supply container and transporting the sheet of film to the receiving mechanism, said transport mechanism comprising a vacuum head for adhering the sheet of film to the vacuum head; wherein the film receiver comprises a feed mechanism for conveying the sheet of film received by the film receiver, said feed mechanism including a sprocket for mating with at least one of a plurality of sprocket holes in the sheet of film transported by the transport mechanism. |
| US07950650B2 |
Feeding device and recording apparatus
A feeding device includes a mounting portion which mounts media thereon, a feeding roller which feeds the mounted media, an edge-guide which moves in a widthwise direction of the mounted media which traverses a feeding direction of the mounted media and aligns both sides of the mounted media, and a curve-imparting portion which imparts a curve to the mounted media in a direction which intersects a moving direction of the edge-guide. |
| US07950634B2 |
Linear filament compression and torsion spring
A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings. |
| US07950627B2 |
Fastener extraction tool
The hand tool is used to extract a fastener from a material by preferably gripping the fastener from a horizontal orientation. The hand tool has a head with two pivotally joined halves including at least one pair of gripping jaws. The tool head preferably includes tips that may be used to dig beneath a fastener head that is flush with or set below a surface. The tool includes a pair of handles operable to close the gripping jaws. The handles are preferably offset above the plane of the tool head such that they operate as a lever in cooperation with a fulcrum on the bottom of the tool head to extract the fastener. In one embodiment, the forward jaws of the tool have concave curved gripping surfaces. In one embodiment, the rearward jaws have non-complementary surfaces. |
| US07950625B2 |
Shut-off fitting
A shut-off instrument for a flow medium, in particular a slide valve instrument designed for pressurization on both sides with an instrument housing forming a flow channel and a slide valve chamber and with a soft-sealing shut-off element closing off the flow channel and with a slide valve stem which penetrates a seal arrangement and/or bearing arrangement in a housing neck extension delimiting the slide valve chamber and which is rotationally connected to a stem nut coupled to the shut-off element by a screw contact. The shut-off element is designed to include more than one part and at least one external dimension of the main body is slightly smaller than a nominal width of the flow channel and seal elements are arranged on opposite support surfaces of the main body via an engaged connection projecting over the external dimension with a peripheral edge collar. |
| US07950616B2 |
Form fitting connection between spindle and spindle holder of SLV gear
The invention relates to a holding device (5) of a seat slide drive for a motor vehicle, wherein the holding device (60) is designed as a metallic block, wherein the holding device (60) is provided with a through-bore (61), in which one end of the spindle (5) is placed and is held there by material (60z) of the holding device (60) pressed into the spindle thread (5a) as spindle (5). |
| US07950614B1 |
Medical equipment overhead mounting structure
A system for removable installation and nondestructive removal and reinstallation of a stationary mast from which to suspend equipment on articulated arms for point-of-need positioning thereof includes parallel headers extending in a first horizontal direction, each with fasteners adjustably movable along its top for releasable connection to building structure over the headers, for selective emplacement of the headers relative to the building structure. Cross members extending under the headers are releasably fastened to the headers for emplacement, stationary but variable, along the headers. A mast depends from the cross members to support articulated arms and medical equipments. |
| US07950612B2 |
Container device for a ladder
A container device having a paint receptacle allows a user to easily access paint with a brush while working on a ladder. The container device includes one or more fixed brackets for attachment to a desired ladder rung and a pivotable bracket to stabilize the container device on a lower ladder rung. The paint receptacle maintains the paint in a convenient manner during use and includes an interior wipe board for removing excess paint from a paint brush and a brush clamp for storing a paint brush when not in use. A lid and handle are also included for tightly sealing any remaining paint therein during transportation and storage. A fabric cover having a series of pockets can be placed on the lower portion of the container device for carrying various painting tools and accessories. |
| US07950602B2 |
Device and method for moving reels in an unwinder
Device for moving paper reels in an unwinder of the type in which a nearly empty reel (1) is moved along a predetermined path between more operating stations in each of which the reel (1) is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The device is disposed and acting between the said operating stations and comprises: a carriage (4) intended to support a nearly empty reel (1) and movable between said operating stations, the reel (1) being free to rotate about its longitudinal axis on the carriage (4); a structure (5) supporting said carriage (4); means for moving said carriage (4) between said operating stations; means for controlling said means for moving the carriage (4). |
| US07950601B2 |
Grinder
A grinder includes a generally vertical, rotatable shaft having at least one set of cutter blades driven thereby and a fan assembly mounted on the shaft below the cutter blades in position to receive output therefrom. The fan assembly includes a fan disc secured to the shaft and rotatable therewith. A plurality of fan blades are secured to the fan disc in a generally radial orientation. Each fan blade includes a bottom flange secured to a top surface of the fan disc, a web extending upwardly from the bottom flange and a top flange extending outwardly from the web in a direction of rotation of the fan disc. The fan blades are preferably moveably mounted to the fan disc such that the angle of the fan blades relative to a true radial orientation can be adjusted. |
| US07950597B2 |
Actuator for a receptacle having a pressurized content and method for spraying a pressurized content
The invention relates to an actuator (1) for a dispenser device for spraying contents of a receptacle that is pressurized or of a receptacle that has a pump, the actuator (1) comprising a channel connectable to a receptacle outlet (19) on one side of the actuator (1) for receiving the pressurized contents of the receptacle, said channel having an orifice (11) for spraying the contents on another side of the actuator (1), wherein the channel comprises a volume chamber, said orifice forming an outlet of the volume chamber (71), wherein the orifice (11) has a valve for opening and closing the orifice (11), the valve biased by at least biasing means in the closed position, and further comprising actuation means arranged to allow a flow of content from the receptacle into the channel and volume chamber (71). The invention is characterized in that the actuation means is coupled with the biasing means for attenuating the bias on the valve biasing the valve in the closed position, if the actuation means is actuated. |
| US07950595B2 |
Wicking apparatus for liquid droplet spray device
This wicking apparatus includes a liquid reservoir, a wick holder, and a wick.The wick holder has a top part for fitting on the reservoir neck and a bottom part for insertion into the reservoir opening, the top part being plate-formed with a central opening, and with two peripheral projections that are spaced apart and that extend downward from the plate towards the reservoir body, projections for contacting inner and outer walls of the reservoir neck, and a second projection for contacting an outer wall of the reservoir neck, the bottom part having wick supporting arms that extend downwards and have flexible end portions projecting inwardly towards the centre of the reservoir opening. The wick is step-shaped with a larger diameter part, and a smaller diameter part: the interface between them defines a shoulder which is supported and held in place by the flexible end portions of the supporting arms. |
| US07950592B2 |
Wholly wrapped railroad crosstie and its manufacturing method
A wholly wrapped railroad crosstie comprises an inner core and an outer casing that is made of deformable composite materials. The outer casing is molten and integrally united with and attached to the inner core as a whole when it is formed. The outer casing completely covers the inner core. There's no seam on the crosstie at all. So it successfully avoids the separation and friction of the crosstie. It greatly increases the reliability and service life of the crosstie, and reduces the cost of maintenance. |
| US07950591B2 |
Composite load bearing structure
A composite load bearing member is provided comprising an elongated inner structural member and a thick polymeric composite outer member. An apparatus for producing the composite load bearing member is provided including devices for suspending the inner structural member within a mold cavity prior to and during injection of the polymeric composite outer member. A method of using the apparatus to produce the composite load bearing member is provided. |
| US07950581B2 |
System and method of acquiring a machine-readable symbol
A system and method for acquiring a machine-readable symbol are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises receiving at least one scan line of a codeword row, determining a number of codewords of the codeword row, and collapsing an initialization symbol matrix into a partially-collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix based upon the determined number of codewords. Once the number of rows in the machine-readable symbol are determined, the partially collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix is further collapsed to the determined number of codeword rows. |
| US07950579B2 |
System and method for evaluating inventory
A computer assisted method for evaluating inventory is provided. The method includes receiving case composition information and case cost information for a case at a store where the case composition information identifies an item of the case and the case cost information identifies cost of the case. An item cost of the item is calculated using the case composition information and case cost information and the item cost is stored in memory. Consumer code information is received for the item and the item cost of the item is retrieved. Inventory cost data is generated using the item cost. |
| US07950577B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for verifying authorized using an immigration customs visa card
The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus, system and method, and more particularly to an electronic immigration customs visa card, which includes biometric verification means for verifying a biometric identifier stored thereon used to uniquely identify the immigration customs visa cardholder. The system and method includes the electronic immigration customs visa card and a passport reader connected to a computer, where the computer is configured for verifying an individual's authorized entry at a country's port of entry by validating a reusable immigration customs visa card's compliance with at least one immigration protocol for obtaining access into a country. |
| US07950573B1 |
Data bearing record based capture and correlation of user image data at a card reading banking system machine
A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. Based on user data read by a card reader from a user card, a banking system machine can be used to carry out a transaction. Data read by the card reader is compared by a computer to data stored in an authorized machine user database. The banking system machine is operative to capture images of machine users. The captured user images can be stored in correlation with user transaction data in data bearing records. The banking system machine can produce markup language documents which include the data bearing records. The markup language documents can be communicated to a remote authorized analysis terminal. |
| US07950566B2 |
Method of welding heated log segments in an aluminum extrusion process
A method of processing heated metal logs in a metal extrusion process. The remainder of each log is attached to the succeeding log. Specifically, the abutted ends of the two log segments are aligned with a saw. The saw is actuated to simultaneously remove material from both of the abutted ends. The cut ends are friction welded together through relative rotation of the log segments. The process creates a heated log column that is effectively endless, eliminating log remainders. |
| US07950563B2 |
Apparatus and method for bearing a tool against a workpiece
An apparatus for bearing a tool against a workpiece includes: (a) a pneumatically driven motor unit rotating a drive shaft substantially about a longitudinal drive axis; (b) a process shaft coupled with the drive shaft for rotating the tool substantially about a longitudinal process axis; (c) a flywheel coupled with one shaft of the drive shaft and the process shaft; and (d) at least one urging unit coupled with at least one of the motor unit and the process shaft. The urging unit moves the tool with respect to the workpiece. The flywheel and the one shaft impart inertial rotational energy to the tool after the pneumatic motor achieves a predetermined rotational speed. |
| US07950557B2 |
Pneumatic tool with air duster
An air duster duct is formed to branch off at an intermediate portion along the length of an air duct which connects a compressed air supply source with a pneumatic tool. A valve mechanism having a selector valve and an operating device is provided at the branch portion. The sector valve can shift to a first position where the selector valve opens an upstream side duct which communicates with the air supply source to a downstream side duct which communicates with a nailing machine and shuts the upstream side duct relative to the air duster branch duct and a second position where the selector valve shuts the upstream side duct relative to the down stream side duct and opens the upstream side duct to the branch duct. The selector valve is operated from the outside by the operating device. |
| US07950555B1 |
Stackable desk-top tape dispenser and stapler
A stapler is stacked on top of a roll-type tape dispenser. The tape dispenser top surface and the stapler base bottom surface have complemental three dimensional contours which cause the tape dispenser and stapler longitudinal axes to be in parallel relationship when the surfaces are in abutment, prevent relative displacement of the tape dispenser and the stapler when they are stacked and permit the stapler to be dismounted from the tape dispenser and rested for separate use on a flat surface in a stable condition. |
| US07950554B2 |
Harness for firearm accessories
A harness 10 for supporting at least two firearm accessories from a wearer's belt includes a primary support 20, a belt latch 22 for removably connecting the primary support to the belt, and a curvilinear rail 16 secured to the primary support opposite the belt latch for positioning about the thigh of the user. The rail 16 may support a handgun holster 12 and one or more other firearm accessories 14 each spaced along the rail. A strap 30 is provided for removably connecting the rail to the thigh of the wearer. A harness may also support a rail directly from the wearer's belt. |
| US07950549B1 |
Powered dispenser with interchangeable cartridges
An electric or battery powered hand tool, which dispenses a wide variety of semi-soft materials. It is held in one hand and dispenses the material by pressing a pressure sensitive flow-control button. The power of the motor is adjustable, depending upon the consistency of the product to be dispensed. The dispenser features a quick-change cartridge system, which allows the user to quickly and easily change cartridges, which are pre-filled with the material of the user's choice, without having to clean out the barrel. The dispenser can be used in many applications such as cake decorating, craft applications, woodworking and construction. |
| US07950545B1 |
Drinking vessels with sensory enhancers
A drinking vessel having one or more sensory enhancing features disposed within a circumferential region in close proximity of the rim of the drinking vessel, such as a wine glass, is provided. The sensory enhancing features are located on the vessel near the rim at such a location that, when a user places the vessel or glass to his or her mouth, the sensory enhancing features of the present invention first contact the sensitive nerve endings on the user's tongue. The designs are etched into or raised from the surface of the vessel and placed where the touch sensitive nerve endings on the tongue can be stimulated. Thus, the sensitive nerve endings on the tongue are stimulated such that a sense of touch is enhanced, and further the flow of saliva is also stimulated to enhance the sense of taste. |
| US07950542B2 |
Recessed opening assembly apparatus
The present disclosure is directed to a beverage container having an opening assembly apparatus and method having an advanced design for sealing the contents within the container after opening. The opening assembly includes a lid having a top and bottom side, the lid being attached to a receptacle for containing the beverage contents, and a recess located about the top side of the lid for facilitating the filling of the receptacle. An aperture is located about the recess and projecting from the aperture is an undulating flange on the bottom side of the lid. A closure member coactively engaging the aperture and recess to provide a sealing engagement by inserting a first portion of the closure member into the recess and a second portion of the closure member into the aperture and rotating the closure member from an opened position to a closed position. The closure member includes a breakable seal for providing security that the container is tamper free. |
| US07950540B2 |
Apparatus for securing tubes
An apparatus for securing containers for receiving and preserving biological specimens comprising a plug that comprises at least one connecting means such that, after interlocking with the apparatus, access to contents of the apparatus necessarily brings about a physical transformation that is irreversible and can be ascertained by the naked eye of the container, and not of the plug, which physical transformation consists, e.g., but not necessarily, of a rupture or a tear of this means. |
| US07950537B1 |
Ventilated shelf divider
A ventilated shelf divider comprises a downwardly opening frame assembly including laterally diverging wire walls that are releasably mountable to laterally spaced shelf wires. Each of the wire walls includes a plurality of spaced legs that extending to couplers for gripping the shelf wires. The legs may be manually moved towards one another and positioned between the shelf wires, and, upon release, the legs bias the couplers into gripping engagement with the shelf wires. |
| US07950535B1 |
Skateboard deck display system
A skateboard deck display system for efficiently displaying one or more skateboard decks. The skateboard deck display system generally includes a support base, a plurality of support members extending from the support base and aligned with the deck holes of a skateboard deck, and a plurality of T-nuts connected to the distal portion of the support members with an elongated portion of the T-nuts extending through the deck holes of the skateboard deck. |
| US07950534B2 |
Hand tool rack
A hand tool rack has an elongated base bracket and multiple clamping elements. The base bracket has a baseboard and a rail bracket. The rail bracket is formed on and protrudes from the baseboard. The clamping elements are movably mounted on the rail bracket and each clamping element has a clamping arm and a tool mount. The clamping arm is slidably mounted and clamps on the rail bracket and has two holders. The tool mount is formed on and protrudes from the clamping arm and has a tool hole, a mounting slit and two recesses. The tool hole is formed through an upper surface and a lower surface of the tool mount. The mounting slit is formed through the upper surface, a front surface and the lower surface of the tool mount and communicates with the tool hole. The recesses are respectively formed in the sidewalls of the tool mount. |
| US07950529B2 |
Separation membrane made from blends of polyimides with polyimidazoles
A membrane for fluid separation made of a blend of at least a polyimide polymer and a polyimidazole polymer. |
| US07950524B2 |
Wafer container having the purging valve
A wafer container includes a container body, a door, and a purging valve, wherein the purging valve is disposed in the through hole of the container body. The purging valve includes a fixed sleeve body, a purging head, an elastic component, and a valve lid. The fixed sleeve body comprises a base, and a lower opening is formed at the center of the base for the purging head to be disposed therein. The purging head comprises a bottom portion and a hollow sleeve portion protruding upward from the bottom portion, wherein the hollow sleeve portion is surroundingly disposed with elastic component and with vent disposed on its circumference wall. The valve lid is disposed on top of the hollow sleeve portion so that the purging head can move from the first position to the second position inside the fixed sleeve body when being propped up by an upward force. |
| US07950522B2 |
Customizable package for feminine hygiene articles
A package for feminine hygiene articles. The package includes a refillable cabinet having a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and a frame, the frame forming at least one feminine hygiene storage cavity having a frontward facing opening, and a plurality of replaceable drawers each containing a plurality of feminine hygiene articles and being slidingly installed within the feminine hygiene storage cavity. |
| US07950513B2 |
Coin drop mechanism
A coin drop mechanism comprises a support member movably connected to a channel member. A contoured channel configured to receive at least one coin is formed on at least one of the members and defines a coin slot when the members are in contact with each other. The channel is configured to guide the at least one coin to a desired location aligned with an actuator opening on the members. The mechanism further comprises an actuator. The actuator comprises a actuation member configured to travel through the actuator opening, engage the at least one coin against a surface of the channel member, and displace the channel member relative to the support member causing a selected product to be dispensed from a product receptacle. |
| US07950512B2 |
Transportation withdrawal and inventory verification of cash handling device
A system and method for automatically conducting an inventory verification of a cash recycler are disclosed. Upon receiving an indication of a malfunction or other service issue, the cash recycler will automatically conduct an inventory verification of the cash storage portion of the cash recycler upon completion of the repair of the malfunction or service issue. In some arrangements, the automatic inventory verification will occur at regularly scheduled intervals. In still other arrangements, an upcoming transport of funds will initiate a transfer of funds from a storage region to a transport region. The cash recycler will automatically rebalance funds in the storage region upon completion of the transfer. |
| US07950511B2 |
Vehicle seat with a device for a seat height adjustment mechanism thereof, and device for seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat
The invention relates to a device for a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat, comprising a drive element which can be driven in opposite directions of rotation, and a driven element which can be driven by means of this drive element, and also comprising two unilaterally acting freewheels which are arranged between this drive element and this driven element and are connected to run in opposite directions, and of which in each case one can be brought out of engagement by means of an unlocking device, and further comprising a restoring device, by means of which the drive element can automatically be brought back into the neutral position when it is deflected out of its neutral position, wherein, in order to allow a fine adjustability of the driven element driven by the drive element, the pivotability of the drive element is limited by means of two stops. |
| US07950497B2 |
Ladder stabilising device
The invention relates to a device 10 for stabilising ladders 60 that bridge a floor 70 and an elevated structure, such as an elevated floor 70 in a multi-storey construction. The device 70 includes a body that is fixable to the elevated structure and an arm 50 extending from the body. The arm 50 has a tab 52 which engages a beam 64 of the ladder 60 when the ladder 60 is abutting an edge 40 of the body. In this arrangement, outward sliding movement of a heel of the ladder is prevented and thus the ladder 60 is stabilised. |
| US07950496B2 |
Safety line traveller and support
A support for a safety line of a fall arrest system includes a support section having a tube through which the safety line extends, an arm for attachment to a structure, an arm that is narrower than the support and that mounts the tube on the attachment, and at least one guide surface for rotating a traveller on the safety line for movement past the support. |
| US07950495B2 |
Steering system and method for adapting return torque relative to hand wheel speed
A method for generating a return torque signal in an electric servo steering system of a vehicle, including the steps of: determining a current steering wheel position; determining a current vehicle speed; generating a return torque signal as a function of the steering wheel position and the vehicle speed; determining a current speed of steering wheel rotation; determining a scaling factor dependent on the speed of steering wheel rotation; and multiplying the return torque signal by the scaling factor in order to obtain a modified return torque signal. Also, a servo steering system which is designed to carry out such a method. |
| US07950494B2 |
Torque detecting device and electric power steering apparatus using the same
There is provided a torque detecting device including: magnetic flux concentrating rings which locate on a magnetic circuit forming member provided in a rotating body to which a torque is exerted, the rings concentrating a magnetic flux generated by the member; a detecting part which detects the torque to the rotating body based on a density of the magnetic flux concentrated by the rings; and a holding ring which holds the magnetic flux concentrating rings and the detecting part and includes an attachment portion attaching to a stationary substance, on a circumference of the holding ring. Both end faces of the holding ring in an axial direction of the holding ring are substantially parallel. The attachment portion includes a fitting groove into which a sealing ring, which seals a gap between the attachment portion and the stationary substance, fits. |
| US07950492B2 |
Wiper control arrangement
An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position. |
| US07950491B2 |
Saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle
A saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle has a structure that ensures a sufficient clearance between a shock absorber and a front rod of an upper arm supporting front wheels, and also achieves satisfactory frame strength. The body frame of the saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle includes a lower frame extending below an engine to the rear of the vehicle. The body frame includes a front frame which is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and located above the lower frame. In the front frame, pairs of arm-supporting portions which are spaced away from each other in a front-rear direction and support the front rods and a rear rods of the upper arms, and shock-absorber-supporting portions which are situated above the arm-supporting portions and support upper ends of the shock absorbers, are provided. The front frame has, at a forefront of the front frame, an extending portion extending obliquely upward and rearward from a lower end of the extending portion connected to the lower frame. In the extending portion, front arm-supporting portions and the shock-absorber-supporting portions are provided. |
| US07950489B2 |
Safety interlock system for left foot operated accelerator control devices
A safety interlock system for left foot operated vehicle accelerator control systems is disclosed which permits a left foot operated accelerator control system to be immobilized so that it cannot be activated unintentionally or accidentally by an individual operator who is not familiar with a vehicle so equipped. The safety interlock system may be selectively activated by the vehicle operator manually directly by mechanical means or remotely by means of a switch-controlled hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical activator. An indicator system is provided which indicates the status of the safety interlock system to the vehicle operator. |
| US07950484B2 |
Electrically driven wheel and vehicle
An electrically driven wheel includes a wheel disc and a wheel hub; an in-wheel motor mounted within the wheel disc to drive the wheel disc and the wheel hub or to be driven by the wheel disc and the wheel hub; a brake rotor and a brake caliper suppressing rotation of the wheel disc and the wheel hub while a vehicle is moving; and a parking lock mechanism provided in the in-wheel motor separately from a brake mechanism formed of the brake rotor and the brake caliper. The parking lock mechanism is a band-type brake frictionally engaging a planetary carrier serving as an “output portion” of a “reduction mechanism”. |
| US07950474B2 |
Dual stripper rubber cartridge with leak detection
A method to detect leaks in a rotating control device includes positioning a leak detection device in communication with a chamber located between an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element of the rotating control device, and signaling with the leak detection device when a pressure of the chamber exceeds a selected critical pressure. |
| US07950472B2 |
Downhole local mud weight measurement near bit
A method for detecting a change in a wellbore fluid includes estimating at least two pressure differences in the wellbore fluid and estimating a change in a density of the fluid using the at least two pressure differences. The density change may be estimated by the equation, Δρ=(ΔPbefore—influx−ΔPafter—influx)/(g×ΔTVD), wherein ΔP is a fluid pressure difference between two points along the wellbore, ρ is a mean value of density of the fluid between the two points, g is gravity and ΔTVD is a vertical distance between the two points. The method may include estimating a density change using an estimated inclination of the wellbore. An apparatus for estimating density changes includes at least two axially spaced apart pressure sensors. The sensor positions may be switched to estimate a correction term to reduce a relative offset between the two pressure sensors. |
| US07950470B2 |
Mechanical tee post driver
A mechanical fence post driver for attachment to a lift arm of a standard front-loader which includes a mounting plate, guide tube, and roller latch assembly. The guide tube receives a tee or other fence post inserted therein such that it contacts the mounting plate. The fence post is held in place by a roller latch assembly which compresses the post against the rearward side of the guide tube. Insertion of the fence post into the ground is accomplished by lowering the lift arm while the post is held within the guide cylinder. A rotation plate assembly may be positioned between the mounting plate and guide cylinder to provide a convenient mechanism to rotate the guide cylinder in relation to the mounting plate. |
| US07950466B2 |
Wellhead system and connector for wellheads
A wellhead system, connector, and method of assembling a wellhead system. The connector includes a member having a set of left-hand threads and a set of right-hand threads on its interior surface. The connector provides a quick connection to threads on wellhead components such as a tubing head and a casing head. |
| US07950465B2 |
System for dewatering boreholes by means of alternative cycles of vacuum and exhaust, based on the principle of pneumatic displacement
A system of de-watering boreholes by alternating cycles of aspiration and expulsion based on pneumatic displacement, includes a double hose to be introduced into a borehole. The double hose includes a flexible outer hose and a flexible inner hose separated by an annular space therebetween, the double hose adapted to reach a full depth of the borehole. The outer hose has an outer diameter less than a diameter of the borehole to provide an annular clearance between the borehole and the outer hose. An upper closing element is connected to an upper end of the double hose outside of the borehole, and has two outlets which permit entry and exit of air and water. A lower closing element is attached to the double hose at a lower end thereof, and includes a foot valve, a filter, and a protective element to serve as a battering ram. |
| US07950459B2 |
Using a biphasic solution as a recyclable coiled tubing cleanout fluid
Methods and apparatus for forming a fluid for use within in a subterranean formation including combining a partitioning agent and viscosifying polymer into a fluid, introducing the fluid into the subterranean formation, and recovering at least a portion of the fluid at a uppermost surface of the subterranean formation. Methods and apparatus of forming a fluid for use within in a subterranean formation including combining a partitioning agent and viscosifying polymer into a fluid, introducing the fluid into the subterranean formation at a temperature of about 45° C. or higher, and recovering at least a portion of the fluid at a uppermost surface of the subterranean formation at a temperature of about 45° C. or lower. |
| US07950458B2 |
Drilling, completing and stimulating a hydrocarbon production well
An apparatus and method for drilling a well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir for in situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for drilling, completing and/or stimulating a heavy oil or bitumen well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir is provided, comprising: providing a concentric drill string having an inner tube and an outer tube defining an annulus therebetween, the outer tube further having a plurality of slots sealed with a temporary filler material; drilling a borehole into the reservoir using a drilling member connected at the lower end of the concentric drill string and delivering drilling medium through one of the annulus or inner tube and extracting the exhaust drilling medium through the other of the annulus or inner tube; leaving the concentric drill string in the well after drilling of the borehole is completed; and removing the temporary filler material to expose the plurality of slots in the outer tube and form a slotted liner. |
| US07950452B2 |
Anti-fouling system for offshore drilling structures
An anti-fouling system for offshore drilling structures which injects metallic ions into seawater pumping systems. An ion generator may be positioned at various positions including the strainer basket of one or more of the seawater pumps or at various positions in the system. As well, ion generators may be skid mounted and/or otherwise centrally located and connected by controllable valves to various treated water injection points, whereby the flow rates are determined and ion concentrations are maintained at desired levels throughout the system, regardless of different pumping rates. |
| US07950449B2 |
Stress and torque reducing tool
A stress and torque reducing tool has a plunger that reciprocates inside of a body. The tool is connected between the pump and the sucker rod string and reduces stress transmitted therebetween. The body and plunger have longitudinally extending surfaces located at the plunger upper end portion, which surfaces cooperate and limit rotation of the body with respect to the plunger. An upper fluid port is located in an upper end of the body, while one or more lower fluid ports are located in a lower end of the body. |
| US07950448B2 |
Combined FTC support system
A combined system for treating an oil or gas well is provided which includes a truck, having a truck bed attached thereto and a fracturing support unit and an iron skid mounted on the truck bed. The fracturing support unit includes well head control equipment, and the iron skid includes a manifold having an arrangement of valves for controlling the flow of fluid to the well. The iron skid may be advantageously articulated off the truck bed and onto the ground for unloading the iron components used to treat the well. |
| US07950447B2 |
Heat dissipation module
A heat dissipation module includes a cooling base, at least a guide heat pipe and a cooling fin set. The cooling base provides at least a circular recess and at least a receiving groove. The guide heat pipe is placed in the circular recess. The cooling fin set is joined to the cooling base and provides a lower folding side at each cooling fin thereof and the folding side has at least a concave upward portion corresponding to the circular recess. The receiving groove is disposed at two end sides of the circular recess for receiving solder, soldering paste, solder club or bonding agent. Therefore, when the cooling fin set and the guide heat pipe are joined to the cooling base, the receiving groove is capable of speeding up the joint and preventing abnormal phenomena such as incomplete soldering, creating clearance and excessive solder. |
| US07950442B2 |
Die casting design method and software
A method for designing the location, surface temperature, flow rate, length and type of cooling lines within a mold for a casting process. The method allows the user to optimize each value for each individual cooling line of the mold. The method can utilize one or more parameters of the casting process and the heat load to be carried by each of the cooling lines in designing the mold. |
| US07950438B2 |
Doorway screening apparatus
A screen closure for a garage doorway has a plurality of screened panels movable from an elevated, stored position in which such panels are side-by-side to an extended, operative position in which the panels extend vertically a distance sufficient to close the doorway. Those panels which are at eye level and below when the panels are in their extended position are substantially coplanar. |
| US07950437B2 |
Window covering
A window covering is disclosed that includes a first rail, window covering material adjacent the first rail, at least one lift cord extending through the window covering material to the headrail, a plurality of pulleys positioned adjacent the first rail, at least one spring motor adjacent the first rail, at least one spring motor cord extending from the one or more spring motors and a rigid connector attached to one or more spring motor cords and one or more lift cords. The connector and one or more spring motor cords are configured to pass along at least one of the pulleys during movement along a cord path defined by one or more of the pulleys. The connector should have a length that is not greater than ⅙ of the circumference of at least one of the pulleys the connector passes over during extension of the window covering material. |
| US07950436B1 |
Room darkening system and method
A room darkening screen apparatus includes a shade roll. A shade with a first end and a second end is provided wherein the first end is connected with the shade roll and the second end is connected with a bottom bar. A header is connected with the shade roll and a folding rod is connected with the header such that the folding rod, when released from the header, folds the shade. |
| US07950426B2 |
Tread blocks having reduced edge stiffness
A tire comprising a circumferential tread including at least one tread block having at least one edge. The tread block includes at least one void provided therein not more than about 4 millimeters from the edge of the tread block. Exemplary voids include sipes, such as one-end open sipes, two-end open sipes, and internal sipes, and cutouts, such as internal cut-outs and edge cut-outs. |
| US07950419B2 |
Condensate draining pipe for a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning system and method for assembling a condensate draining pipe
A condensate draining pipe is provided for a heating system, a ventilating system, and/or an air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes, but is not limited to a condensate feed portion and a condensate drain portion. The condensate feed portion and the condensate drain portion are connectable to one another by a press-fit coupling assembly comprising an O-ring seal. |
| US07950410B2 |
Gate valve with replaceable inserts and method of refurbishing same
A gate valve includes a valve body having a cylindrical passage defining a flow path through the valve, a gate for controlling fluid flow through the valve and a replaceable wear-resistant flow-path liner for in the flow path. The flow-path liner includes a plurality of replaceable wear-resistant inserts, including wear sleeves lining ports of the valve body, valve seats and a gate insert for a flow path bore through the gate. Each replaceable valve seat has a wiper ring for cleaning the gate when it opens and closes. By regularly inspecting and replacing worn-out inserts, the service life of the gate valve can be prolonged and the expense associated with replacing or rebuilding the valve body is avoided. |
| US07950409B2 |
Rupture disc assembly that withstands much higher back pressures than actuation pressure
An activation rupture disc unit is provided that is capable of withstanding a substantially higher back pressure than its burst activation pressure. The unit includes a tubular housing having a fluid passage. Tapered wall structure defines at least a portion of the passage with the fluid outlet thereof being of greater area than the fluid inlet. A rupture disc is carried by the housing and has a central bulged section in fluid-blocking relationship to the passage. A tapered, self-releasing solid plug is positioned in and conforms to the tapered portion of the passage. The plug has a curved surface conforming to and positioned in full supporting relationship to the central section of the rupture disc. The plug is of sufficient mass to prevent rupture of the central section of the disc under a back pressure substantially greater than the activation pressure of the disc. |
| US07950408B2 |
Pressure relief vent devices
A pressure relief device is disclosed that is designed to open in response to a pre-determined pressure differential. The pressure relief device includes a panel member, and at least one release mechanism. The release mechanism has a first end, a failure portion configured to fail upon experiencing a predetermined load, and a second end. The at least one release mechanism is configured to hold the panel member against a frame prior to experiencing the predetermined pressure differential. |
| US07950402B1 |
Contoured eye shadow applicator system and make-up method
An applicator system for applying eye shadow is provided that includes flexible body, which may be a bundle of bristles, having a proximal end secured to a handle, and a distal end having a concave shape that is substantially complementary to a portion of a closed eye lid. The concave shape is asymmetrical so that one end of the bristle bundle extends farther out than the other end to facilitate the application of make-up under the brow region and in the corners of the eye area. Eye make-up is preferably applied to the concave brush by a convex-shaped pad of eye shadow in the shape of a cylindrical section having a convex profile that is complementary in shape to the concave profile of the distal end of the bristle bundle. |
| US07950391B2 |
Dispenser and dosing subassembly for dosing of a medium
A dispenser for a liquid or pulverulent, in particular a pharmaceutical medium with a medium reservoir, is provided for single-handed operation. The dispenser includes a dosing opening and is bounded in some sections by wall sections of flexible design, and by a dimensionally stable holding plate, which is provided as a handle for the application of actuating forces to the medium reservoir. |
| US07950390B2 |
Packaging and delivery of pharmaceuticals and drugs
A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs. |
| US07950389B2 |
Inhaler
An inhaler (1) is disclosed. It comprises a housing (2) to receive a strip (6) of blisters (6a) each having a puncturable lid (6c) and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user and, an actuator (3) operable to sequentially move each blister into alignment with a blister piercing member (7, 9). The actuator is also operable to cause the blister piercing element to puncture the lid of a blister such that, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, an airflow through the blister is generated to entrain the dose contained therein and carry it but of the blister and via the mouthpiece into the user's airway. |
| US07950385B2 |
Disposable warmer and bag member for the same
A disposable warmer of the present invention has a bag including a bag member (A) and a bag member (B); a heater; a heat-sealed portion where the bag member (A) and the bag member (B) are heat-sealed; and a portion with the heater sealed therein. The bag members (A) and (B) are heat-sealed with each other to form the bag, the bag member (A) includes at least a layered structure with a porous film and a nonwoven fabric layer, and the bag member (B) includes at least another layered structure with a stretchable film and another nonwoven fabric layer. The disposable warmer comprises two or more of the portions with the heaters sealed therein independently, and a slit in at least the porous film constituting the bag member (A) of the bag members (A) and (B) in at least one region between the adjacent portions with the heaters sealed therein. |
| US07950384B2 |
Dual gas compatible cooking appliance
Cooking appliance having an external and control panel equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ is equipped with various peripheral openings for supplying a flow Q. According to two embodiments of the cooking appliance, for the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob or a bezel disk in the external panel are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ for the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix in the control knob guided in a slide groove on the control panel of the appliance, or a tongue on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG. |
| US07950383B2 |
Ventilating kitchen range subframe
A kitchen range subframe includes air channels for passively directing air to and/or from an element enclosure within the kitchen range, and a range component shelf that is configured to mount one or more range components to the kitchen range subframe. The kitchen range subframe provides improved ventilation for the kitchen range, and mounting locations for range components such as gas lines and kitchen range controls. |
| US07950381B2 |
Magazine ejector structure for air gun
A magazine has a magazine body provided with a rotary clip, and the magazine body comprises an ejector member capable of movement, an ejector elastic member provided on the ejector member and being capable of expansion and contraction, and an engagement indent section capable of being engaged with a magazine catch at the time of loading the magazine into the air gun body, and the air gun body has a magazine ejector structure with the magazine catch that is urged by a catch elastic member to the magazine holding section and capable of engaging with the engagement indent section of the magazine, and a stopper that is capable of pressing part of the ejector member. |
| US07950374B2 |
Device for supplying fuel to an energy producing installation of a ship
A device for supplying fuel from an onboard energy producing installation on a ship transporting liquefied gas from at least one tank (2) of liquefied gas of said ship, comprising a pump (20) arranged in the bottom of the tank and a reservoir (23) arranged in the tank around the pump and designed to maintain a suction of the pump in a submerged state, characterized in that it comprises a liquid ejector (12) arranged in the tank so as to be able to suction the liquefied gas at the bottom of the tank, and a liquid circuit (21, 22, 24, 250) connecting an outlet of the pump to an inlet of the ejector, on one hand, and an outlet of the ejector to the reservoir, on the other hand. |
| US07950369B2 |
Internal combustion engine controlling apparatus
In a predetermined low-temperature startup state (in a rich atmosphere), in principle, over-advanced ignition control for advancing ignition timing beyond MBT and intake-synchronized injection control for causing the entire amount of to-be-injected fuel to undergo intake-synchronized injection are executed. Thus, the peak of intra-cylinder temperature increases, and the amount of port-adhering fuel decreases, whereby the emission amount of unburnt HC can be reduced. However, when the PM emission amount exceeds a PM permissible amount, instead of the intake-synchronized injection control, there is performed processing for causing a portion of the to-be-injected fuel to undergo intake-unsynchronized injection and causing the remaining fuel to undergo intake-synchronized injection. Thus, the amount of intra-cylinder-adhering fuel decreases, and the partial oxidation reaction of the intra-cylinder-adhering fuel, which is a cause of generation of PM, is suppressed. As a result, the PM emission amount decreases, whereby the PM emission amount can be suppressed to the PM permissible amount. |
| US07950366B2 |
Engine control system
An engine control device includes a governor lever, a centrifugal governor, a control lever operated to oscillate between a low-speed position and a high-speed position, and a governor spring expandedly provided between the control lever and the governor lever. An automatic choke device is connected to a choke valve of a carburetor. A play is provided between the governor lever and the governor spring. The play holds the governor spring in a free state during rotation of the control lever from the low-speed position to the high-speed position by a predetermined angle. A subsidiary spring is provided between a fixed structure and the governor lever so as to constantly urge the governor lever in a direction to open the throttle valve. A spring constant of the subsidiary spring is smaller than that of the governor spring. Thus, there is provided the engine control system with the automatic choke device, which can meticulously control an air/fuel ratio from start of an engine to under-load operation of the engine in accordance with increase and decrease in temperature of the engine. |
| US07950364B2 |
Prechamber for a gas engine
The invention relates to a device for a prechamber unit (10) of a gas engine, comprising a prechamber unit (10) in the form of an elongated body (12) arranged to be placed in an upper part of the engine's cylinder, and where the elongated body (12) comprises a prechamber gas valve (20) and an ignition means (22) arranged side by side, and one or more channels (24) for supply of fuel gas via the prechamber gas valve (20) to a prechamber (26) in a lower part of the elongated body (12). Said prechamber (26) comprises further in the axial direction, an elongated cavity (28) with nozzles (30) placed at the end for supply of ignited fuel gas to the engine's cylinder with the help of the ignition means (22). The elongated cavity (28) in the prechamber (26) is divided into several connected, and in cross-section, graduated or tapered cavities (28a, 28b, 28c), where an uppermost cavity (28a) is widest in the cross-sectional direction and a bottom cavity (28c) is narrowest in the cross-sectional direction. |
| US07950363B2 |
Air inlet system for internal combustion engine
An air inlet system for an internal combustion engine includes an air inlet duct for drawing charge air into a charge air processor, and an intake manifold system leading from the charge air processor to the power cylinders of the engine. A resonator which suppresses pressure pulses within the inlet duct is mounted to the intake manifold system, but fluidically connected to the air inlet duct, and not to the intake manifold system. |
| US07950349B1 |
Avian egg fertility and gender detection
Following exposure to an external light source, determining: 1) the fertility of an avian egg by measuring the photon intensity (photons per second) of the egg's biophoton and luminescence; and 2) the gender of an avian egg by measuring the photon spectrum of the egg's biophoton emission and luminescence. The external light source is either an incandescent, fluorescent, LED, (pulsed or continuous wave) monochromatic or dichromatic laser light source. The detector of the photon intensity is either a low light sensing photomultiplier tube (PMT), silicon based photon counting sensor, or Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode detector. The detector of the photon spectrum is a spectrometer. Following exposure to the referenced light sources, fertile avian eggs will exhibit a higher intensity of photons than that of unfertilized avian eggs, and avian eggs of the female gender will emit a different spectrum of photons than will avian eggs of the male gender. |
| US07950348B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and semiconductor device producing method
A substrate processing apparatus is provided with a reaction chamber (201), a substrate rotating mechanism (267) for rotating a wafer (200), and a gas supplying part for supplying the wafer (200) with gas. At least two types of gases A and B are alternately supplied a plurality of times, and a desired film is formed on the wafer (200). A control part (321) is provided to control a rotation cycle of the wafer (200) so as not to synchronize a gas supply cycle, which is prescribed by a period between a time when the gas A is flowed and a time when the gas A is flowed subsequently, with the rotation cycle of the wafer (200), at least for a time the alternate gas supply is performed prescribed times. The thickness uniformity of a film formed by an ALD method within the substrate plane is prevented from deteriorating. |
| US07950347B2 |
Rotatable device for holding a substrate
The invention provides a rotatable and optionally heatable device for holding a flat substrate. The device includes a supporting means for placing and holding the substrate on a supporting surface, optionally a heater, a means for rotating the supporting means and a means for applying a fluid, e.g. a solvent, onto the side of the substrate facing the supporting surface. The fluid is applied when the supporting device for supporting and holding the substrate is caused to rotate. |
| US07950345B2 |
Dispenser for liquid crystal display panel and dispensing method using the same
A dispenser for a liquid crystal display panel includes a substrate on which a plurality of image display parts is formed, a table on which the substrate is loaded, a plurality of syringes for dispensing a material on the substrate, and a plurality of supports aligning and affixing the plurality of syringes, wherein at least a first predetermined number of the plurality of syringes is affixed and aligned to at least one of the plurality of supports. |
| US07950344B2 |
Head unit, a droplet ejection apparatus, a method of manufacturing a panel from a base, an image display apparatus and an electronic apparatus
A head unit 103 for use in a droplet ejection apparatus is provided with a plurality of droplet ejection heads for ejecting some kinds of liquid materials each having a predetermined color onto a base in the form of droplets. Each of the droplet ejection heads includes at least one nozzle array constituted from a plurality of nozzles linearly aligned. The some kinds of liquid materials are adapted to be ejected through the plurality of nozzles of the plurality of droplet ejection heads in the form of droplets. The plurality of droplet ejection heads include at least two sets of two adjacent droplet ejection heads which are arranged in a consecutive manner in a first direction parallel to each of the nozzle arrays. The two adjacent nozzle arrays of each of the at least two sets of two adjacent droplet ejection heads are arranged so that the nozzles thereof are consecutive via a seam between the two adjacent nozzle arrays of the two adjacent droplet ejection heads when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. All the sets of two adjacent droplet ejection heads for ejecting the droplets of the some kinds of liquid materials are arranged so that all the seams thereof are shifted with respect to each other in the first direction when viewed from the second direction. |
| US07950343B2 |
Printer with a vibrating tray
A printer includes a driving station. The driving station includes a pair of pinch rollers between which print media can be fed. A printing station is configured to print upon the fed print media. An adhesive application station is configured to apply adhesive to the printed print media. A tray assembly includes a tray in which the printed print media can collect in a stack, and a vibrator configured to vibrate the tray. |
| US07950340B1 |
Pontoon boat
A pontoon boat having enhanced handling characteristics includes a deck, a central pontoon mounted to said deck, two outer pontoons mounted to said deck on respective opposite sides of said central pontoon, and a motor, wherein the central pontoon extends below the outer pontoons to create a V-shaped hull, and the motor is capable of causing said center and outer pontoons to plane during normal operation. |
| US07950336B2 |
Table assembly, jointed table, and method of creating a clean interstice
This disclosure relates to a table assembly, a jointed table, and a method of creating a clean interstice between adjacent tables. More particularly, this disclosure relates to the use of both male and female support connectors where the male connector includes a junction plate and the female connector includes a spacer and a holder plate to create a female connector space. In another embodiment, silicone joints and industrial grade stainless steel plate are used. A method of creating a clean joint by depositing silicone in an interstice between adjacent tables is also disclosed. |
| US07950335B1 |
Utility tray for tripod
A removable tray assembly is disclosed for use with a tripod or easel. The tray assembly includes a shelf having a back edge, a front edge, and two side edges. The tray assembly also includes a pair of support tabs spaced from the back edge of the shelf by respective slots. The removable tray is attached to two legs of the tripod, with one leg passing through each slot. The support tabs contact the side of the tripod legs opposite the shelf and thereby support the shelf in a cantilever fashion. |
| US07950327B2 |
Stamping device and a media processing device
A stamping device comprising a stamp, a drive mechanism for moving the stamp between a printing position and a standby position, and a return urging member that urges the stamp towards the standby position in order to return the stamp to the standby position if the drive mechanism becomes inoperable. |
| US07950325B2 |
Trash compactor
A side loading trash compactor, comprising a frame defining a cavity, a receptacle for containing trash, a platen movable to compress trash collected in the receptacle, a first set of linkages having a first end attached to the frame by a first simple hinge joint, the first simple hinge joint having an axis of rotation, and a second end attached to the platen by a second simple hinge joint, a second set of linkages having a first end attached to the frame by a third simple hinge joint, and a second end attached to the platen by a fourth simple hinge joint, and a drive mechanism configured to move the plate up and down, wherein the first and second set of linkages operate in intersecting planes. |
| US07950322B2 |
Plunger assembly
A plunger assembly including a pony rod adapter, a plunger releasably attached to the pony rod adapter, and a pony rod being releasably attached to the pony rod adapter. The pony rod adapter has a first cylindrical body and a number of apertures penetrating the first cylindrical body for receiving a lever. A first helically threaded pin is affixed to the first cylindrical body and projects from one of its ends. A second helically threaded pin is affixed to the first cylindrical body and projects from the other of its ends. The plunger has a second cylindrical body for reciprocating within a pumping chamber. The second cylindrical body has a first outer end with a first helically threaded bore for threadably receiving the first helically threaded pin. The second cylindrical body also has a first inner end with a polygonal socket for receiving a plunger key. The pony rod has a third cylindrical body for reciprocating into, and out of, the power end of a pump. The third cylindrical body has a second inner end with a second helically threaded bore for threadably receiving the second helically threaded pin. The third cylindrical body also has a second outer end. A peripheral flange is affixed to, and extends outwardly from, the second outer end. The peripheral flange is provided with a number of holes through which an equal number of threaded fasteners are extended for connecting the pony rod to the power end of a pump. |
| US07950318B2 |
Driver for a twin cutting device with counter-rotating blades
The invention relates to a driver (1) for a twin cutting device (2), which comprises a first blade (4), which is non-rotatably arranged on a drive shaft (11) to be rotated about an axis of rotation (r) in a first direction, and a second blade (3), which is non-rotatably arranged on a drive socket (15), which encloses the drive shaft (11), to be rotated about the same axis of rotation (r) in a second direction opposite to said first direction. The drive shaft (11) constitutes a driving central shaft in a gear (10), which comprises a sun wheel (24), which is non-rotatably arranged on the drive shaft (11) to be rotated by the same, at least a first planet wheel (25), which meshes with the sun wheel (24) and is rotatable about an axis (p) parallel to the axis of rotation (r), at least a second planet wheel (29), which is arranged to rotate simultaneously with the first planet wheel (25), and a gear rim (30), which with internal teeth meshes with the second planet wheel (29) and is non-rotatably mounted on the drive socket (15) to rotate the same. |
| US07950316B2 |
Automated system for precision cutting short pieces of lumber
An automated saw system, including a saw head movable in a cutting stroke and rotatable in angle to perform miter cuts and a lumber feed conveyor to feed lumber to be cut to the saw head. The short lumber member conveyor has a floating gripping assembly that is shiftable along a substantially linear path that is substantially parallel to the lumber long axis whereby a short lumber member cut from the lumber is supported by the short lumber member conveyor during at least part of a cutting process and, after the cutting process is complete, is conveyed from the vicinity of the saw head to an out-feed area for removal. |
| US07950314B2 |
Method of cutting sheet materials
At the time of cutting stacked sheet members, a knife or a punch pierces the sheet members at positions such as along a cutting line, in a region outside the cutting line, or in a seam allowance inside the cutting line. By moving the knife or the punch vertically, heat is applied to the sheet members such that the seam members are welded (i.e., fused) together vertically. Even if at the time of cutting stacked sheet members having low air permeability, it is possible to prevent warpage or slippage of the sheet members, and cutting is performed accurately. |
| US07950313B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing boiler tube stubs
A rotary milling head removing all but a shell of a boiler tube stub and a plug to punch out from the boiler drum the remaining boiler tube stub. |
| US07950308B2 |
Hammer for breaking polycrystalline silicon
The hammer for breaking polycrystalline silicon is provided with a handle portion extending along a center axis and a head portion extending in a direction intersecting a direction of the center axis at the leading end of the handle portion. The head portion is provided with a head main body connecting with the handle portion, a striking part installed at one end of the head main body via a coupling shaft portion, and a counter weight portion installed at the other end of the head main body. The head main body, the coupling shaft portion, the striking part and the counter weight portion are formed integrally from a hard metal. A round-raised striking surface is formed at the striking part. |
| US07950307B2 |
Bicycle brake and shift operation device
The bicycle brake and shift operation device is a device mounted on a drop handle of a bicycle, and includes: a bracket, a lever member, a winding body, a positioning mechanism, and a shift position display portion. The bracket is mounted on the drop handle. The lever member is a member that is pivotally supported by the bracket. The winding body is mounted to be rotationally movable on a support shaft provided on the lever member, and engages with a shift cable. The positioning mechanism, supported by the lever member, is a mechanism for positioning the winding body to positions that correspond to a plurality of shift positions of a rear derailleur. The shift position display portion is mechanically interlocked with the rotational movement of the winding body to display shift positions. |
| US07950306B2 |
Manipulator
A manipulator, such as for use in medical procedures, is provided. The manipulator includes a body and a first actuator system connected to the body at a first attachment point and capable of moving the first attachment point with at least three degrees of freedom. A second actuator system is connected to the body at a second attachment point and capable of moving the second attachment point with at least three degrees of freedom. A third actuator system is integrated with the body and is capable of moving at least a portion of the body with at least one degree of freedom. |
| US07950305B2 |
Toothing system of a gearwheel having involute roller toothing
In the toothing system (1) of a gearwheel having a plurality of teeth (2, 3; 19) whose tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22) have involute form above a tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23) of the tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22), the tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23) of the tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22) that, as viewed in normal section, extends between a root useful point (15, 16, 17; 23) and a root point (F) has elliptical shape, tangentially adjoins the involute region of the tooth flank (4, 5, 6; 22) at the root useful point (15, 16, 17; 24) and tangentially contacts the root circle (FKS) at the root point (F). In its tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23), the tooth flank (4, 5, 6; 22), as viewed in normal section, substantially follows a partial section (B) of an ellipse (10, 11, 12; E) whose semiaxes (a, b) have different lengths, one semiaxis (a, b) of the ellipse (10, 11, 12; E) being inclined at an ellipse tilting angle alpha larger than 0° and smaller than 90° relative to a radial (R) through the root point (F). Furthermore, the tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22) of the teeth (2, 3; 19) of the toothing are symmetric to one another across a symmetry plane (A) that divides the respective tooth (2, 3; 19) in axial direction. |
| US07950298B2 |
Motorized bracelet assembly for moving sensor modules around a pipe
A motorized bracelet assembly for ultrasonic crack detection in a pipe. The bracelet has a motorized frame adapted for installation around the pipe and a sliding arrangement slideably mounted onto the frame. The sliding arrangement guides a displacement of sensor modules in periphery of the pipe. A first driving device controllably drives the sliding arrangement and thereby displacing the sensor modules in periphery of the pipe at desired operating positions. The bracelet comprises biasing devices for biasing the sensor modules against the pipe and a second driving device for controllably driving the frame along the axial direction of the pipe at a desired operating position. |
| US07950297B2 |
Nondestructive inspection heads for components having limited surrounding space
An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, Θ, and Φ-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms. |
| US07950295B2 |
Handheld torque and linear force meter
A handheld torque measuring meter adapted to measure the downward thrust and torsional force required to apply or remove a screw type closure from the threaded neck or finish of an associated container is disclosed, the handheld meter having a first portion graspable a user, a member adapted to receive a portion of a closure of a container, means connecting said main body to said member including a load cell, and a means for displaying a measurement adapted to receive the output signal from the load cell and indicate one of the torsional force and the linear force required to effect a movement of the closure relative to the associated container. |
| US07950291B2 |
Instrument housing
An instrument housing comprising a first portion having a wedge form, a third portion having a wedge form, a second portion between the first portion and the third portion, a first hinge portion between the first portion and the second portion, the first hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, a second hinge portion between the second portion and the third portion, the second hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, and the second portion having a portion for receiving an instrument. |
| US07950290B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining failure mode in a shear or pull test device
A method and apparatus for determining a mode of failure of a bond between an electrically conductive ball deposit and a substrate when breaking the ball deposit off of the substrate. The method and apparatus utilize tool force and displacement values to plot a force/displacement curve. The force/displacement curve is used to calculate the energy necessary to break the ball deposit off of the substrate. The energy value of a portion of a force/displacement curve is selected by reference to a peak force. In one preferred embodiment, this energy value is compared with a predetermined reference energy value to indicate a mode of failure. The peak force is preferably the maximum peak force, in the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus distinguish between a ductile failure mode and a brittle failure mode. |
| US07950289B2 |
Damage sensors
A damage sensor comprises a probe track, a sense track, and a signal generator operable to input a probe signal to the probe track. The probe track and the sense track are electromagnetically coupled by a structure on which they are provided, such that the probe signal induces, in dependence on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the probe track and the sense track, a sensed signal in the sense track. The magnitude, phase and frequency of the sensed signal can be analysed in order to determine whether and where damage has occurred to the structure. |
| US07950280B2 |
Balance ring and method for balancing a rotating component
A balance ring for a component (1) rotating about a rotation axis (3), for example a tool holder for a rotating tool or else a machine spindle or the like, is proposed. The balance ring has an annular body (11) which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry, a guide arrangement (13) guiding the annular body (11) in a radially movable but axially fixed manner on the component (1) with an axis of rotational symmetry essentially parallel to the rotation axis (3) of the component (1), and a plurality of adjusting elements (21) arranged in the circumferential direction of the annular body (11), preferably at equal angular distances from one another, radially supported between the annular body (11) and the component (1) and having a variable radial supporting length. The guide arrangement may be designed as an axially extending spring link arrangement or else as spring webs extending in the circumferential direction. Instead of the adjusting screws (21), electrically controllable actuators, such as, for example, piezoelectric elements or nanotube elements, may also be provided. |
| US07950277B2 |
Apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler
An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356). |
| US07950273B2 |
Engine misfire and rough road detection systems and methods
An engine misfire system comprises a rough road detection module and a misfire detection module. The rough road detection module selectively generates a rough road indicator based upon a transmission output speed of a vehicle. The misfire detection module selectively diagnoses engine misfire and selectively generates a misfire indicator based on diagnosed engine misfire and the rough road indicator. |
| US07950272B2 |
Apparatus for detecting sealability of lithium ion cell
An apparatus for detecting the sealability of a lithium ion cell comprises a container which is filled with a detecting liquid, a clamp and a high-pressure-gas joint member. The clamp can carry a lithium ion cell to be detected and put it into said container. One end of the high-pressure-gas joint member is connected to an injecting hole of the lithium ion cell to be detected and the other end is connected to a high-pressure gas supply. The detecting apparatus also comprises an elevator which can move the lithium ion cell into and out the detecting liquid within the container. |
| US07950271B2 |
Gated beta-molybdenum oxide sensor
An apparatus for sensing an analyte gas is provided. The apparatus may include a signal amplifier that may include a thin film transistor that may include a semiconducting film that may include a metal oxide capable of chemical interaction with the analyte gas, such as carbon monoxide. The apparatus may be tuned for detecting the analyte gas by varying the gate voltage of the transistor. |
| US07950270B2 |
Method and device for detecting volatile analytes in air samples
The invention relates to a method and a device (16) for detecting volatile analytes in air samples, where a masssensitive sensor (20) with at least one sensor area (21) which is equipped with a surface layer with selective sensitivity for the analyte(s) to be detected is brought into contact with the air sample to be analyzed, the mass change of the surface layer is detected in the form of electrical signals and the electrical signals are evaluated. It is provided in accordance with the invention that the sensor signal is already evaluated at a point in time at which the maximum sensor signal for the analyte concentration in question is not yet obtained. |
| US07950268B2 |
Vehicle rollover test fixture
A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a movable sled surface employs a cradle to support and rotate the test vehicle. A suspension assembly is attached to each end of the cradle for vertically supporting and dropping the cradle. A gantry has a cross beam supported by a first telescoping column for support of a first of the suspension assemblies and translationally supported by a second telescoping column for support of a second of the suspension assemblies to position and releasably hold the suspension assembly. Roll control arms rotate the cradle and a trigger assembly releases the cradle and test vehicle from the cross beam for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the sled. A brake assembly then arrests vertical motion of the cradle. |
| US07950266B2 |
Method and apparatus for fluid pressure testing
A method and apparatus for testing the functionality of automatic air valves positioned at high points of a pipeline system are provided. The invention generally provides a testing flange and a process for performing various fluid pressure tests to determine whether automatic air valves are properly releasing and/or stabilizing air within a pipeline system. |
| US07950264B2 |
Disposable measurement arrangement and method of testing and/or calibrating it
A measurement arrangement comprising a flexible disposable container and a disposable measurement probe for measuring an analytical property of a medium. The measurement probe is mounted on an inside wall of the disposable container and comprises a sensing element extending into the container, which is ready to use and which produces reliable measurement results. The disposable measurement arrangement comprises a closed capsule containing a buffer solution and a tether connecting said capsule to said probe. The container, the measurement probe, the capsule and the buffer solution are sterilized. The sensing element is inserted in the buffer solution during storage and the capsule is removed from the sensing element during measurement operation. |
| US07950263B2 |
Can body manufacturing method, can body and can body manufacturing apparatus
A can body manufacturing method has a barrel section of the can body held between first and second rotation bodies. The first body has at a first recess in its outer surface, and the second body has a second projection on its outer surface. The bodies are brought together so the barrel section is pressed radially inward by the second projection and fits into the first recess. When the holding of the barrel section by the rotation bodies is released, that portion of the barrel section corresponding to the first recess and the second projection is caused to restore elastically radially outward. As a result, the outer surface of that portion of the barrel corresponding to the projection and recess is caused to position more outside than the rest of the outer surface of the barrel section. |
| US07950261B2 |
Method and apparatus for press forming sheet material
A press forming apparatus comprises an upper die provided with an upper drawing die, a punch, an upper movable blank holder, and a trimming member and a lower die provided with a lower drawing die, a die, an outer periphery drawing die, and a lower movable blank holder. The upper die is lowered with respect to the lower dye, and the outer periphery portion of a blank is held by the trimming member and the upper blank holder. The central portion of the blank is drawn by the upper and lower drawing dies. The outer periphery portion of the blank is trimmed by the trimming member and the outer periphery drawing die, and drawing of the outer periphery portion of the blank is started by the upper drawing die and the outer periphery drawing die. |
| US07950259B2 |
Method and apparatus for trimming a can
A trimming turret including a first trimmer head including a first pilot. The turret is configured to receive a stress induced plastically deformed container having earing about a respective opening in the container, and at least one of (i) direct the container to the first trimmer head so that the pilot becomes located inside the opening, and (ii) direct the first trimmer head to the container so that the pilot becomes located inside the opening. The turret is configured to trim off the earing from the container with the first trimmer head. |
| US07950257B2 |
Steam generator and washing machine therewith
A dryer or a washing machine includes a cabinet which forms an exterior of the dryer or the washing machine. A drum is rotatably mounted in the cabinet and a steam generator is provided outside the drum to supply steam to the drum, where the steam generator includes a water chamber to hold water, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water. The steam chamber is provided above the water chamber to hold steam generated as the water is heated, where the steam chamber has a steam discharge opening for discharging the steam, where the steam discharge opening is provided with a separator for isolating a steam discharge area from other areas and where the water chamber has a vertical direction length relatively greater than a horizontal direction length. |
| US07950256B2 |
Washing machine capable of measuring surface properties of liquids, and process for detecting such surface properties
A washing appliance, particularly a laundry washer or a dishwasher, comprises a tank (2) for loading washing liquor and items to be washed and control means adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. It further comprises an inclined drain surface (2a) for collecting a portion of the washing liquor and means (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for assessing properties of such liquid on the basis of the drainage behavior thereof. |
| US07950255B2 |
Tangling detection for an automatic washer
A method and apparatus for determining the degree of tangling of fabric items during a wash process based on at least one of the motor speed or motor current. |
| US07950253B2 |
Molding device and method for setting up mold
A molding device includes an upper mold 10 (first mold), a lower mold 20 (second mold) and a body mold 30 that aligns axes of the upper and lower molds 10, 20 with each other by being fitted to an exterior of the upper mold 10 and an exterior of the lower mold 20 with the body mold 30 straddling the upper and lower molds 10, 20. The lower mold 20 is supported by a support member 50. The support member 50 can support the lower mold 20 with the lower member 20 being in a floating state. |
| US07950251B2 |
Piece of jewellery comprising a mobile part
The piece of jewellery comprises at least two rings (2, 4) that can nest inside each other and have different diameters. These rings are assembled to each other so as to pivot relative to each other. The piece of jewellery can thus pass from a configuration wherein the rings are tilted to a configuration wherein they are nesting, such that the surface of the smaller ring (2) is concealed. The piece of jewellery further comprises indexing means (26, 11c) comprising a stud (26) secured to one of the rings (2, 4) and which is arranged for cooperating with the edge (30) of an elongated aperture (11c) made in another ring (4), so as to immobilize the rings selectively in a plurality of relative positions. |
| US07950250B2 |
Jet ejector system and method
According to one embodiment of the invention, a jet ejector method includes providing a primary jet ejector having a primary inlet stream, coupling one or more secondary jet ejectors to the primary jet ejector such that all of the jet ejectors are in a cascaded arrangement, bleeding off a portion of the primary inlet stream and directing the portion of the primary inlet stream to the secondary jet ejector that is closest to the primary jet ejector in the cascaded arrangement, and directing a motive fluid into the secondary jet ejector that is farthest from the primary jet ejector in the cascaded arrangement. The method further includes, at each secondary jet ejector, receiving at least some of the portion of the primary inlet stream and at least some of the motive fluid to create respective mixtures within the secondary jet ejectors, and at each secondary jet ejector, directing at least a portion of the respective mixture to adjacent jet ejectors in the cascaded arrangement. |
| US07950249B1 |
Ice cubes cooled container
A portable insulated cooler has a bottom space adapted to hold ice cubes. A removable perforated panel suspended over the bottom space separates the bottom space from a central cooled storage area. A removable frame suspended above the central cooled areas holds ice cube containing flasks. Each flask has a large closable opening in its upper broad flat face to easily receive ice cubes. The lower broad face of the flask forms a cooling upper margin of the central cooled area so that the contents of the area are cooled from both top and bottom. The flasks have a flange around the upper face to rest upon the frame, while most of the flask is below the frame. This enables the insulated cooler top to close. By cooling from both top and bottom, the central area is more uniformly cooled. Opening the cooler top to access the central area creates less heat gain than with prior art devices. |
| US07950247B2 |
Refrigerator related technology
A refrigerator, in which a guide member is arranged at an inlet of a cold air generating compartment that houses an evaporator. The guide member uniformly distributes cold air introduced into the cold air generating compartment to upper and lower portions of the evaporator. |
| US07950245B2 |
Refrigerator related technology
In a refrigerator, cold air discharged from a cold air fan is guided by a guide member such that it flows directly to an evaporator. The guide member reduces flow of air through a gap between an inner surface of a cold air generating compartment and the evaporator. The guide member also includes a drainage portion configured to guide defrost water generated at the cold air fan to a position beneath the evaporator. |
| US07950243B2 |
Carbon dioxide as fuel for power generation and sequestration system
An integrated energy production system and carbon dioxide reaction system for enhancing the energy efficiency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions of thermally activated power production methods. The system utilizes heat of reaction from the carbon dioxide reaction system to directly reduce the fuel requirements of the thermally activated power production method. The system, when utilizing a reverse fuel cell, achieves concurrent carbon dioxide sequestration resulting from the fuel combustion. |
| US07950239B2 |
Method for operating a gas turbine plant
A method for operating a gas turbine plant utilizing sequential combustion is provided. The gas turbine plant includes a compressor for compressing inducted combustion air, a first combustion chamber for combustion of a first fuel by utilizing the compressed combustion air, with a first turbine which is connected downstream of the first combustion chamber, and a second combustion chamber for combustion of a second fuel by utilizing the gases which emerge from the first turbine, with a second turbine which is connected downstream of the second combustion chamber. The method provides quick running up with simultaneously low emissions and homogeneous distribution of the turbine inlet temperature is achieved by the second combustion chamber being completely shut down for achieving a low partial load mode of the gas turbine plant. |
| US07950235B1 |
Jet engine
A jet engine is constructed of a fanjet; a plurality of ramjets provided around said fanjet; a plurality of air flow spaces between said fanjet and said plurality of ramjets; and a cooling jacket provided around said plurality of ramjets. |
| US07950234B2 |
Ceramic matrix composite turbine engine components with unitary stiffening frame
Aspects of the invention are directed to a ring seal segment having a base portion and a frame portion. The base portion and the frame portion are a unitary structure. The frame portion is made of four unitary side walls: a forward wall, an aft wall and a pair of transverse side walls. The side walls can be arranged in a rectangular configuration. At least a part of the base portion can be coated with a thermal insulating material. A ring seal segment according to aspects of the invention is well suited to withstand the expected operational loads in the turbine section. The transverse side walls can provide bending strength to the base and can strengthen the forward and aft side walls. Transition regions between the side walls and the base portion are strengthened by three perpendicular planes that cooperate to provide structural strength to the ring seal segment. |
| US07950233B2 |
Combustor
A combustor is provided having one or more apertures adapted to asymmetrically introduce air adjacent the fuel nozzles to reduce smoke resulting from unburned hydrocarbons in a gas turbine engine combustion system by impeding escape of unburned hydrocarbons. |
| US07950231B2 |
Low emission turbo compound engine system
A diesel or HHCI engine has an air intake and an exhaust for products of combustion. A pair of turbochargers receive the products of combustion in a series relationship and an exhaust aftertreatment device receive the products of combustion from the downstream turbine. A power turbine receives the output from the exhaust aftertreatment device and an EGR system of the power turbine passes a selected portion of the output to a point upstream of the upstream turbocharger compressor. A device adds fuel to the aftertreatment device to regenerate the particulate filter and the power turbine recoups the additional energy. The power turbine may be used to drive accessories or the prime output of the engine. |
| US07950230B2 |
Waste heat recovery apparatus
A waste heat recovery apparatus including a Rankine cycle which includes a heater for heating an operation fluid by waste heat from a heat-generating device, an expansion unit for converting energy of expansion of the operation fluid flowing out from the heater into mechanical energy, and a condenser for condensing and liquefying the expanded operation fluid, a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the operation fluid on the inlet side of the expansion unit, a pressure detector for detecting inlet-side pressure of the expansion unit, a pressure detector for detecting outlet-side pressure of the expansion unit, and a control unit. The control unit controls a command rotational speed of the expansion unit based on superheated degree information at the inlet of the expansion unit obtained from the operation fluid temperature and the inlet-side pressure, and pressure information in which the outlet-side pressure is considered. |
| US07950228B2 |
Turbo charge system of an engine
A turbo charge system of an engine minimizes energy loss of exhaust gas as a consequence of a crossover pipe that connects exhaust manifolds respectively mounted to cylinder heads at both sides of the engine with each other and that is mounted in each cylinder head, and the crossover pipe is formed as a double pipe structure. The turbo charge system of the engine may include a pair of exhaust manifolds respectively mounted to cylinder heads at both sides of the engine; a pair of turbo chargers connected respectively to the pair of exhaust manifolds and increasing intake air amount by using energy of exhaust gas; and a crossover pipe connecting the pair of exhaust manifolds with each other, wherein a crossover pipe is mounted in each cylinder head. |
| US07950226B2 |
LNT-SCR system optimized for thermal gradient
In an exhaust aftertreatment system, two LNTs having differing compositions are configured in series downstream from an inline fuel reformer. The downstream LNT is adapted for desulfation at higher temperatures than the upstream LNT. During desulfation, the system develops temperature gradients with the temperatures increasing in the direction of exhaust flow. The ordering of the LNTs is designed utilize these gradients. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes two SCR catalysts having different compositions. The SCR catalyst with a composition adapted to tolerate higher temperatures is located nearer the downstream end of the system. |
| US07950215B2 |
Sequential combustion firing system for a fuel system of a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine combustion system for a turbine engine is disclosed. The gas turbine combustion system may include a plurality of combustor baskets positioned circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the turbine engine, at least one firing nozzle extending into each of the plurality of combustor baskets and a fuel delivery system in communication with each of the at least one firing nozzles and in communication with at least one fuel source. Each combustor basket may include a fuel flow control device of the fuel delivery system inline with each of the at least one firing nozzles in that combustor basket such that fuel flow to some of the combustor baskets can be shut off while fuel flow to firing nozzles in other combustor baskets remains unobstructed, thereby permitting some combustor baskets to remain non-fired while other combustor baskets are firing to reduce CO emissions. |
| US07950214B2 |
Method of and apparatus for pressurizing gas flowing in a pipeline
The present invention is directed to auxiliary apparatus for augmenting the pressure head of a gas flowing in a pipeline that may be provided by at least one gas turbine running a first pressure augmenting means, said auxiliary apparatus comprising: a vapor turbine operatively connected to a second pressure augmenting means; first connection means for providing fluid communication between said pipeline and said second pressure augmenting means; second connection means for providing fluid communication between said first pressure augmenting means and said second pressure augmenting means; and heating means for vaporizing a working fluid of said vapor turbine. In one embodiment, a bypass means for said pipeline having a bypass conduit and shut-off valve system are provided for connecting said first pressure augmenting means to the downstream portion of said pipeline via a bypass conduit. In a further embodiment, the vaporizer of the working fluid utilizes the heat of an intermediate fluid. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for augmenting the pressure head of a gas flowing in a pipeline for transporting natural gas in a natural gas pipeline transmission system. |
| US07950212B1 |
Cutterbar support for a crop harvesting header
A system for supporting a cutterbar of a crop harvesting header includes a first arm pivotably secured to the header. The first arm includes a first portion configured to support the cutterbar. The first arm includes a second portion including a torsion device having a mass of elastic material connected to an adjustment assembly. The second portion is configured to be pivotably rotatable about an axis by the adjustment assembly to selectably increase or decrease a force appliable to the first portion in order to raise or lower the first portion with respect to the header. |
| US07950210B2 |
Flywheel for timed knife drive
A cutter bar drive system for a draper header has a cutter bar disposed at a leading edge of the header to cut crop. A cutter bar gear box in operative engagement with the cutter bar is mounted on a forward portion of the header with a drive train mounted on the header to drive the gear box and cutter bar. An external flywheel is mounted along the drive train remote from the gear box and is engaged with the drive train to reduce vibration in the cutter bar and gear box from a remote, external position. |
| US07950206B2 |
Pill dispenser with canisters having electronically readable/writeable identification
A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters, each having a machine-readable canister identifier. The device for dispensing pills further includes a reader adapted to read the machine-readable canister identifier and a selector interfaced to the reader. An active pill canister from the plurality of pill canisters is selected by the selector using data from the reader to determine which of the plurality of pill canisters is at a target location. A control is provided for releasing a desired quantity of pills from the selected pill canister at a target location into a target package. |
| US07950203B2 |
System for metering a length of duct from a flexible container retaining the duct in a longitudinally compressed state
A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes disposing a strap about a closed flexible container enclosing a longitudinally compressed duct to circumferentially restrict a circumferential dimension of the flexible container and a corresponding circumferential dimension of the longitudinally compressed duct intermediate a first end of the longitudinally compressed duct and a second end of the longitudinally compressed duct. The method further includes opening an end of the flexible container to allow expansion of the longitudinally compressed duct intermediate the opened end of the flexible container and the strap. |
| US07950201B1 |
Underdeck drainage
Drainage under a deck can be performed by a structure that includes hanging components and corrugated panels. For example, a hanging component can have connected first and second portions, with the first portion being connected to hang from one of the joists and extending downward to where it connects to the second portion, which is below the joist. The second portion can be connected to support of at least one of the panels from above. The upper surfaces of panels are sloped so that drainage occurs from a high part to a low part. The direction of slope and the direction of corrugations are not perpendicular, and can be approximately the same. The hanging components can, for example, be L-shaped brackets, U-shaped, or inverted T-shaped, and can be integrally formed by extrusion of plastic or can be metal. The panels can be corrugated plastic or metal sheets. |
| US07950200B2 |
Multi-purpose anchoring apparatus and method
An apparatus is disclosed which includes a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end, at which a point is located and a second end which is connected to a first end of the tube. The apparatus also includes an insertion bar having a first end inserted into the tube and a second end at which a latching device is located. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set. The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The apparatus may include a handle which can be inserted into the insertion bar for rotating the insertion bar, tube, and drilling device to drill the drilling device into the ground. |
| US07950194B2 |
Plastic spacer stock, plastic spacer frame and multi-sheet unit, and method of making same
A corner key for joining ends of spacer sections to form a corner of a spacer frame of a multi-sheet unit includes an elongated body having a first end and an opposite second end and a cut out between the ends of the body. The body is bendable to decrease spacing of the cut out to form a corner of the spacer frame. |
| US07950193B1 |
Decorative security panels for doors and windows
A decorative security panel assembly for insertion into an opening of a door or an opening of a window. The assembly can include a polymer security with a low-moisture content of no more than five wt %, such that the polymer security grille does not produce condensation within the assembly. A seal can be disposed about the polymer security grille. A translucent panel can be disposed over each side of the polymer grille and engaged with the seal. An air space can be formed between the two translucent panels, with the polymer security grille disposed within the air space. A first frame can be engaged over one of the translucent panels, while a second frame is engaged over the second translucent panel, forming a frame assembly. The frame assembly can be inserted into an opening of a door or an opening in a structure. |
| US07950189B1 |
Modular in-wall medical services unit
A modular in-wall medical services unit for medical care facilities. A frame supports a cabinet with a cover panel providing electrical and/or gas outlets. Built-in electrical and gas conduits are included. A junction box and ends of the gas conduits near the top of the frame are accessible after wallboard is applied. Thus, wallboard can be installed before or after wiring is completed and gas connections are made. The self-aligning cover panel is “floatingly” supported on the frame so that a bead of sealant can be applied around the edge before the cover panel is “snugged up” to the wall and secured. The trim flanges on the cover panel include vertical equipment mounting tracks. Manufacturing is simplified by making the height of the frame adjustable; the same frame elements can be used to assemble units for different ceiling heights, decreasing the number of required parts in inventory and expediting assembly. |
| US07950184B2 |
Two-action gate requiring two steps to open
To open a two-action gate, a sliding of a latch and a lifting of the gate to disengage a double stop is required. Performing one step without the other fails to open the gate. The gate is engaged in a frame which may in turn be engaged in a partition or doorway. Via a thumb tab, a portion of the latch can be slid out of the frame. Then the gate is lifted to lift the double stop up and clear of a lower portion of the frame such the gate is swingable. The gate is journaled to a vertically running frame member which serves as the swinging and sliding axis for the gate. |
| US07950183B2 |
Methods of producing a synchronized population of conifer somatic embryo germinants
In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of producing a synchronized population of conifer somatic embryo germinants in preparation for transplantation. The methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) culturing conifer somatic embryos on sterile germination medium for a sufficient period of time to produce germinants comprising a visible, well-defined epicotyl stem of a desired length; (b) selecting a plurality of germinants having an epicotyl stem of the desired length; (c) storing the selected germinants having an epicotyl stem of the desired length produced in step (a) while still on the sterile germination medium from step (a) in a cold environment in which the temperature is in the range of 0.5° C. to 10° C. for a time period up to six months; and (d) transferring the germinants stored according to step (c) from the germination medium into water for a time of up to about four weeks at a temperature of about 0.5° C. to about 5° C. prior to planting the selected germinants into growth medium. |
| US07950181B2 |
Apparatus and methods for production of biodiesel
A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided. |
| US07950178B1 |
Rifle striking mechanism for semi-automatic operation
A striking mechanism for the semi-automatic operation of a cartridge firing firearm includes a receiver, a barrel attached to the receiver and providing a breach, an op rod assembly, and a bolt adapted for reciprocating movement within the receiver and engagable with the breach of the barrel and the face of a cartridge chambered therein. The bolt carries a primary firing pin, and a bolt lock means is pivotally connected to the bolt for selectively locking the bolt within the receiver. A bolt link assembly is pivotally connected to the bolt lock means and to the op rod assembly. The bolt link assembly provides a bolt link transfer pin. An op rod transfer pin is carried by the op rod assembly and can engage the bolt link transfer pin. A linear hammer can engage the op rod transfer pin such that, when a cartridge is chambered and the primary firing pin, the bolt link transfer pin and the op rod transfer pin are in alignment, the force of the linear hammer engaging the op rod transfer pin is transferred through the op rod transfer pin, the bolt link transfer pin and the primary firing pin to strike the primer of a cartridge chambered within the barrel. The striking mechanism is incorporated into prior art fully-automatic firearms to convert them to semi-automatic operation, and methods for such conversion are included. |
| US07950177B2 |
Bolt action firearm
A bolt action firearm includes a bolt assembly with a bolt body having an outer surface defining a longitudinal guide channel extending along a length of the bolt body from a rearward end to a forward end. A receiver defines a central longitudinally extending bore for accommodating the bolt body. A bolt guide is configured to be coupled to the receiver. The bolt guide includes a projection configured for traveling in the guide channel when moving the bolt body in the receiver so as to ensure that the bolt body is at a predetermined correct angular orientation within the receiver. |
| US07950175B1 |
Attachable single fold double wall track with sliding tab
A folded folder track with sliding tab either writable and/or channel tab which travels along the folded track area of the folder whereby the user can position the tab wherever it is needed along the top horizontal edge of the folder. This allows every tab in the filing system to be moved into a convenient, viewable position. Also, the user will be able to maintain the files in alpha numeric order without the tabs being hidden behind other tabs or without hiding other tabs which provides for quick and efficient retrieval of folders and the filing of folders. This folded folder track and writable tab will be of various lengths and colors to be of greater value for the user with multiple identification needs. |
| US07950169B2 |
Contoured fluid-filled chamber
A fluid-filled chamber may be incorporated into footwear and other products. The chamber is formed from a polymer material that defines a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a sidewall surface extending around a periphery of the chamber and between the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of bonds are spaced inward from the sidewall surface and join the first surface and the second surface, and the bonds are distributed to form a regularly-spaced array, such as a hexagonal array. In some configurations, the first surface and the second surface may define elliptically-shaped structures between the bonds. In addition, the bonds may be formed to have a slope that is an average of slopes of the first surface and the second surface in areas proximal the bonds. |
| US07950168B2 |
Adjustable footwear sole construction
A sole construction includes a cushion insert that is installable in the sole at different orientations to vary the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole. The sole construction may include a midsole defining a receptacle configured to receive the cushion insert in different orientations. The sole may be inserted into low-profile footwear having an outsole with a receptacle for retaining a corresponding differentiated heel portion of the sole. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole portion capable of bending or pivoting to provide access to the cushion insert for adjustment thereof. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole that defines an opening, through which the cushion insert may be accessed and manipulated. The cushion insert may include at least one channel that varies in depth about the insert so that different regions of the insert provide different support/cushioning characteristics. |
| US07950166B1 |
Simplified energy-return shoe system
A simplified energy-return shoe system includes an energy-return shoe system is disclosed including a shoe portion for containing a user's foot with an upper sole having an upper toe sole area and an upper heel sole area. The upper sole is affixed to a bottom surface of the shoe portion and the upper sole is bendable at a point between the upper toe sole area and the upper heel sole area. A lower sole has a lower toe sole area and a lower heel sole area. The lower sole is bendable at a point between the lower toe sole area and the lower heel sole area. A heel suspension mechanism links the upper heel sole area to the lower heel sole area whereas the upper heel sole area is held in a parallel relationship to the lower heel sole area and the upper heel sole is allowed to move backwards in relationship to the lower heel sole. A device such as a spring is provided for pushing the upper heel sole area away from the lower heel sole area. |
| US07950156B2 |
Power tools
A power tool is provided with a perforated material remover to remove perforated material from power tool cutting implements. The power tool also includes a rip guide which has a long guide edge and two attachment points to the shoe/base of the saw. The rip guide is attached to the base/shoe via a pair of L-shaped openings that accept L-shaped support arms of the rip guide. The rip guide can also be folded for compact storage. The power tool also includes dual bevel scales for quickly and easily setting the bevel angle on the power tool. |
| US07950154B2 |
Method for forming a taper roller bearing assembly
An assembly of a pair of roller bearings in which the inner bearing rings are axially spaced apart by a first member and the outer bearing rings are spaced apart by a second member with one of the inner or outer ring of each bearing being an axially outer bearing ring spaced axially further from the outer bearing than the other ring of that bearing. The method comprises forming an assembly of the two members and bearings in which one of the axially outer bearing ring is a loose fit on one of the first and second members, and then axially moving the axially outer bearing ring of the one bearing which is loose fit in a direction towards the other bearing to create a pre-load, and then increasing the degree of pre-load to effect elastic deformation of that ring and thereby create a shrink fit type interface load. |
| US07950152B2 |
Method of mounting a bearing block on a mounting plate
A method is described for the mounting of a bearing block of a coupling plate on a mounting plate, with the bearing block having a bridge-like shape, being provided with bores at its opposite front and rear ends to accommodate fixing screws and being kept in place on the mounting plate by means of the fixing screws, and the coupling plate engaging with the bearing block in a central area, with the attachment of the bearing block to the mounting plate comprising at least one additional form fitting element. The invention was based on the task of providing a secure attachment of a self-supporting bridge-like bearing block to a mounting plate even under the extreme operating forces that are to be expected. The task is solved in accordance with the invention by means of a method in which by tightening the fixing screw together with the at least one form fitting element causes a deformation of the mounting plate. |
| US07950151B2 |
Method of making integral sun gear coupling
A method of constructing an integral coupling system containing a sun gear is disclosed. An integral sun gear is provided that has a sun gear component and a connection shaft. A first straight flat inner edge is machined on a first diaphragm to use as a datum point, and then the straight flat edge is fixtured. A tapered outer edge is machined on the first diaphragm, and the first diaphragm is welded to the integral sun gear. The flat inner edge is generally perpendicular to a central axis of the connection shaft. |
| US07950146B2 |
Co-forged steel rotor component for steam and gas turbine engines
A method of forming a rotor for a turbine engine such that the rotor is formed of two materials including: an outer ring formed from a first steel material, and a disk formed from a second material, such as a low alloy steel, having a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the first material forming the inner disk. The ring may include an inner aperture having a conical shape, and the disk may have an outer surface with a conical shape and a diameter with a portion that is larger than a portion of the ring. The ring may be heated such that the aperture expands to a size greater than the largest diameter of the inner disk. The ring may be positioned over the disk and allowed to cool to allow the ring to be attached to the disk. The ring and disk may then be co-forged. |
| US07950139B2 |
Method of making a deposit on an SiC-covered substrate
The invention relates to a method of depositing a coating on a part having its surface made of silicon carbide. The method comprises the following steps: a) applying laser treatment to the SiC surface by superposing laser impacts for the purpose of increasing the roughness of said surface; and b) depositing a coating on the SiC surface by atmospheric thermal spraying. The invention also provides a device for measuring deformation, which device comprises a first alumina coating obtained by atmospheric thermal spraying onto the silicon carbide layer covering the substrate of the part after it has been treated by superposing laser impacts, a free filament strain gauge placed on the coating, and an additional alumina coating obtained by atmospheric thermal spraying onto the strain gauge. |
| US07950137B2 |
Method for manufacturing a magnetic write head
A method for manufacturing a write pole for perpendicular magnetic recording for accurately defining a side shield throat height and write pole flare point. The magnetic structure includes a write pole portion and first and second side shield portions. The side shields portions are magnetically connected with the write pole portion in a region in front of an intended air bearing surface plane (e.g. in the direction from which lapping will progress). The side shields portions are each separated from the write pole portion in a region behind the intended air bearing surface plane by notches that terminate at a desired location relative to the intended air bearing surface plane and which open up in a region behind the intended air bearing surface plane. |
| US07950136B2 |
Process of making an improved AP1 layer for a TMR device
A process to manufacturing a TMR read head with improved voltage breakdown is performed by laying down the AP1 layer as two or more layers. Each AP1 sub-layer is exposed to a low energy plasma for a short time before the next layer is deposited. This results in a smooth surface, onto which to deposit the tunneling barrier layer, with no disruption of the surface crystal structure of the completed AP1 layer. |
| US07950135B2 |
Manufacturing method of magnetoresistive effect element
A manufacturing method of an MR element in which current flows in a direction perpendicular to layer planes, includes a step of forming on a lower electrode layer an MR multi-layered structure with side surfaces substantially perpendicular to the layer lamination plane, a step of forming a first insulation layer on at least the side surfaces of the formed MR multi-layered structure, a step of forming a second insulation layer and a magnetic domain control bias layer on the lower electrode layer, and a step of forming an upper electrode layer on the MR multi-layered structure and the magnetic domain control bias layer. |
| US07950133B2 |
Method of resin sealing permanent magnets in laminated rotor core
A method comprising: a first process of placing a laminated rotor core in a preheating device to preheat the laminated core; a second process of removing the preheated laminated core from the preheating device and disposing the laminated core between upper and lower dies of a resin sealing apparatus; a third process of pressing the laminated core by the upper and lower dies and liquefying resin material in resin reservoir pots by heating; and a fourth process of ejecting the liquefied resin material from the pots into the magnet insertion holes by plungers inserted and moving vertically in the pots and thermally curing the resin material. The method improves efficiency of resin sealing the permanent magnets in the laminated core. |
| US07950126B2 |
Simplified method and apparatus for making cored wire and other tubular products
Improved cored-wire fabrication replaces multiple roller pairs with one or more dies. In the preferred embodiment, flat stock is pulled through a single cylindrical die including an upper tab to ensure and orient the formation of a gap to receive internal powders. Once the powders are introduced, a cylindrical die is used for closure though again, one or more rollers may be used between the powder feed and the die used for closing. In the preferred embodiment, however, a single gap-forming die is used before the powder feed, and a single closing die is used after the powder feed, replacing numerous rollers and other moving parts, thereby dramatically simplifying the apparatus and method of manufacture. |
| US07950124B2 |
Method for producing metal strips
The invention relates to a method for joining cathode metal sheets to form crude strips that can be coiled and rolled and for the production of metal strips of a constant thickness from crude strips that have been produced from cathode metal sheets of varying thicknesses. The aim of the invention is to produce metal strips of a high purity that are devoid of non-metallic inclusions. The method can be used whenever highly pure and/or inclusion-free metal in strip or foil form is required in large quantities. The application of said method is only limited by the fact that the metal is deposited electrolytically on cathodes, and if permanent cathodes are used, must be separated from said cathodes without fragmentation. This is possible with the following metals: lead, zinc, tin, copper, nickel, cobalt, cadmium, iron and gold. |
| US07950123B2 |
Transporter shaft coupling and uncoupling
Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft. |
| US07950122B2 |
Pool cue clamp
The pool cue clamp is a spring squeeze clamp having sturdy, flexible fingers extending therefrom for holding pool cues. The fingers are rotatable within the clamp and can be configured to comply with horizontal, vertical or angular surfaces. The pool cue clamp holds up to five cue sticks in a vertical position. |
| US07950119B2 |
Battery pole plate grid producing method, and battery producing method
The method of producing a grid for a battery electrode plate is characteristic in that in producing a grid formed from a sheet by means of a rotary expander equipped with the disk cutter cluster with disk edge disk cutters, there is a notch that penetrates the outer periphery of the said edge disk cutter in the thickness direction of the said edge disk cutter. |
| US07950117B2 |
Broken heart necklace-urn
A complementary pair of broken heart shaped urn pendants, each having an access port, magnet, jagged inner surface, curved outer surface, clasp, front vertical wall, and rear vertical wall, and means for removably securing the pair together. |
| US07950116B2 |
Cantilevered tray clip with aperture
A cantilevered clip is provided for holding a stack of at least one tray and tray cover. Stack compressive forces applied by the clip are substantially limited to tray and cover edge portions. The clip has a channel base with left and right side walls attached for restricting movement of a stack in left and right directions. Pressure members are positioned orthogonal to at least one wall. An aperture is located adjacent to each pressure member and partially extends into each wall. Protrusions above the base extend inward towards the walls of the channel for captivating the stack in an upward direction. |
| US07950114B2 |
Self-adhering device and method
A self-adhering device connects two portions in a surface-to-surface interfaced juxtaposition by resiliently interspersing undercut nodules within corresponding receptors. At least one portion is generally flexible. The device may be configured in diverse configurations including alternative geometries, double-sided embodiments, and embodiments with no greater thickness when attached than when unattached. The method of use includes application of a relative compressive force to the portions which may be optionally provided by a sliding mechanism. |
| US07950108B2 |
Castor that is braked and positioned simultaneously
A castor includes a suspension unit, a castor body, a wheel unit, and a brake unit. The suspension unit includes an upright fixing bolt and a locking member. The wheel unit includes two rollers. The brake unit includes a positioning block, a sliding block, a biasing member, a drive member, and a braking pin. Thus, when the drive member of the brake unit is pressed, each of the rollers of the wheel unit is braked by and locked onto the castor body, and the castor body is locked onto the fixing bolt simultaneously, thereby locking the castor exactly and stably. |
| US07950106B2 |
Squeegee assembly for a floor cleaning machine
The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism. |
| US07950105B2 |
Cleaning apparatus with motorised endless belt
A motor-driven endless absorbent belt on an apparatus may be used for scrubbing or polishing surfaces, or removing liquid from surfaces. The belt is located about a cleaning head demountable from a housing for replacement of the belt, a roller mounted to the head and cooperating with a roller mounted to the housing to squeeze liquid and contaminants from the belt into a first reservoir in the housing. A driven roller mounted on the removable cleaning head preferably encloses a rotary motor, the belt being pinched between the driven roller and the housing-mounted roller. |
| US07950103B2 |
Portable cleaning system
A portable vacuum cleaning system includes a portable vacuum unit for cleaning debris. The vacuum unit is powered by a self-contained first battery and may be carried with a strap in backpack-fashion. The system also includes a cart defining a receptacle for receiving the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may be used when supported by the cart or when carried by an operator. A second battery is supported by the cart and electrically connectable to the vacuum unit for charging the first battery when the vacuum unit is supported by the cart. Further, when disposed in the cart, the vacuum unit is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees allowing for ease of movement of the cart. |
| US07950100B2 |
Oral care implement
An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells. |
| US07950098B2 |
Support unit for a scraper and method for positioning the support elements of a scraper
The present invention provides a device and a method for positioning components (3) of a scraper moved through laid pipelines along the inner pipeline wall, the components (3) being located on radially expandable support elements (2) in such a way that with the same spacing between the components and pipe wall for different pipe diameters there is a uniform coverage of the pipe circumference by the components (3). For this purpose in each case at least two support elements (2) succeeding one another in the pipeline circumferential direction are pivotably interconnected by at least one connecting member (4) articulated thereto, so that the support elements (2) are equidistantly spaced in each expansion position. |
| US07950097B2 |
Cleaning apparatus for a preferably planar surface
A cleaning apparatus is provided for a preferably planar surface, in particular a window pane, and has a wiping device and a plunger which keeps the wiping device in contact with the surface and also, by way of an open side, bears against the surface and seals it around the edge. A suction device generates a negative pressure in the plunger. The plunger is provided with driving rollers, which are actuated by motor, for moving the plunger together with the wiping device. The suction device has at least two fans which are each provided with their own outlet opening. |
| US07950093B2 |
Tension member for structures and method for manufacturing the same
A tension member is provided for structures, in particular a cable stay for a cable-stayed bridge, in which one or more tension elements, such as steel rods, steel wires, or stranded steel wires, run inside a tubular sheath. The tension elements fill only a portion of the cross-section of the tubular sheath, so that a remaining unoccupied area is left. In order to prevent the tension elements from moving in the transverse direction with respect to the tension member, there is arranged in the remaining unoccupied area of the tubular sheath a filler body that extends over a limited longitudinal section of the tension member and includes a deformable sheath, which tightly encloses a hollow space that is delimited on all sides and can be filled with a filler medium. The invention further concerns a method for producing such a tension member, in which, after an axially delimited longitudinal section has been established, an empty filler body is introduced into the remaining unoccupied area between the tubular sheath and the tension elements, and, finally, the filler body is filled with a filler medium until the remaining unoccupied area is filled in the region of the selected longitudinal section. |
| US07950091B2 |
Cleated article of footwear and method of manufacture
A cleated article of footwear includes a chassis assembly having a sole plate having a plurality of bosses extending from a lower surface thereof. A heel counter extends upwardly from a heel portion of the sole plate. An outer assembly is secured to the chassis assembly and includes a sole portion and an upper secured to the sole portion. A plurality of cleats extends downwardly from a lower surface of the sole portion. Each of a plurality of apertures extends downwardly into a corresponding cleat and receives a boss. |
| US07950088B2 |
Method of indicating operational information for a dispensing system having both single use and bulk dispensing
A user interface of a cleaning appliance and the method of operation for a cleaning appliance having a single dose treating chemistry dispenser and a bulk dispensing system. |
| US07950084B1 |
Multi-layer mattress with an air filtration foundation
A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress. |
| US07950076B2 |
Spa cover lifter
A spa cover lifter for use with a spa cover. According to various embodiments, the spa cover comprises a first section and a second section pivotably connected to the first section at a hinge interface. The spa cover lifter comprises a drive system, a first cable connected to the drive system, and a post assembly. The post assembly is extendable from a retracted position to an extended position. Also, the first cable is routed by the post assembly. In various embodiments, the spa cover lifter is configured to connect to the spa cover. |
| US07950075B2 |
Protective cover for preventing spilled liquids from flowing into drains or holes
A protective cover for drains and other holes is provided which prevents spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective cover includes a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer adjacent a portion of the durable backing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. The pliable, tacky sealing layer can have a periphery inside the periphery of the durable backing layer. |
| US07950074B2 |
Hard hat outer shell having clear acrylic construction and internal illumination
A hard hat which includes an outer shell constructed entirely of clear acrylic that is additionally provided with a means to internally illuminate the clear acrylic outer shell. |
| US07950072B1 |
Reversible belt with slide buckle
A reversible belt with a slide buckle. One end of the reversible belt is thick enough to prevent the slide buckle from sliding there off so as to be retained thereon without looping the one end of the reversible belt. The other end of the reversible belt is thin enough to allow the slide buckle to slide there off so as to be replaceable on the reversible belt without compromising the structural integrity of the reversible belt, thereby allowing the slide buckle to be slide there off, the reversible belt reversed, and the slide buckle slide back thereon so as to allow the reversible belt to be reversible without looping of the one end of the reversible belt and without compromising the structural integrity of the reversible belt. |
| US07950069B2 |
Pants having body-shaping function
Provided is pants having a body-shaping function including; an elastic fabric included in the pants, and having a boundary that is partially fixed on the pants to elastically support hips of a wearer; and a hip-up band fixed on the elastic fabric to push the hips up so as to make contours of the hips more voluminous or compression bands on lower side portions of the elastic fabric in order to compress thighs of the wearer so as to make the thighs look thin, or a pair of pads having predetermined thicknesses and disposed on the elastic fabric to make the hips of the wearer look more attractive. Therefore, since the elastic fabric is integrally fixed in the pants for shaping the hips, the conventional girdle is not required. In addition, since the girdle in the pants only compresses the hips, it does not affect blood circulation around the belly, and is easily wearable. Also, the contours of the hips look more attractive due to the pads. |
| US07950067B2 |
Clip-on protective kneepad
A kneepad includes connectors (32 and 34) at its lower side edges (30 and 31) below the position of articulation of the joint. The connectors are biased toward a plurality of ribs (40) integrally formed in the external side surface of the outer hard shell (22) for trapping the side seams of the pant leg against the ribs and holding the kneepad firmly in place. |
| US07954163B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing network security using role-based access control
A method and apparatus for providing network security using role-based access control is disclosed. A network device implementing such a method can include, for example, an access control list. Such an access control list includes an access control list entry, which, in turn, includes a user group field. Alternatively, a network device implementing such a method can include, for example, a forwarding table that includes a plurality of forwarding table entries. In such a case, at least one of the forwarding table entries includes a user group field. |
| US07954162B2 |
Transmitter, signal transfer method, data distribution system and method of same, data receiver, data provider and method of same, and data transferer
To enable usage of content at a receiver which does not have a copying function even if copyright protection is provided. Model names of receivers not having a function enabling copying of content are held in an authentication processing circuit (151) of a transmitter (10). When a model name obtained from a connected receiver (40) is held, regardless of whether the content is copyright protected, a signal selection circuit (122) selects a terminal a side, a switch (123) is turned on, and an unencrypted signal is transmitted. When a change of the receiver (40) is detected by a hot plug detection function or a plug and play function at a processing circuit (152) during the transfer of a signal of copyright protected content without providing copyright protection, the selection circuit (122) is made to select a terminal b side or the switch (123) is turned off to suspend the transfer of the non-copyright protected signal. The information indicating the receiver is held in a tamper-proof updateable manner. |
| US07954160B2 |
Computer security intrusion detection system for remote, on-demand users
An intrusion detection system, and a related method and computer program product, for implementing intrusion detection in a remote, on-demand computing service environment in which one or more data processing hosts are made available to a remote on-demand user that does not have physical custody and control over the host(s). Intrusion detection entails monitoring resources defined by the on-demand user (or a third party security provider) for intrusion events that are also defined by the on-demand user (or security provider), and implementing responses according to event-action rules that are further defined by the on-demand user (or security provider). An intrusion detection system agent is associated with each of the data processing hosts, and is adapted to monitor the intrusion events and report intrusion activity. If there are plural intrusion detection system agents, they can be individually programmed to monitor and report on agent-specific sets of the intrusion events. An intrusion detection system controller is associated with one of the data processing hosts. It is adapted to manage and monitor the intrusion detection system agent(s), process agent reports of intrusion activity, and communicate intrusion-related information to the on-demand user (or security provider). The responses to intrusion events can be implemented by the intrusion detection system controller in combination with the intrusion detection system agents, or by any such entity alone. |
| US07954158B2 |
Characterizing computer attackers
The present invention provides a system, method, and program product for characterizing computer attackers by obtaining attack pattern information about computer attacks performed over time and generating an attacker signature for each attacker based on the attack pattern information. |
| US07954153B2 |
Secured coprocessor comprising an event detection circuit
A coprocessor includes a calculation unit for executing at least one command, and a securization device. The securization device includes an error detection circuit for monitoring the execution of the command so as to detect any execution error, putting the coprocessor into an error mode by default as soon as the execution of the command begins, and lifting the error mode at the end of the execution of the command if no error has been detected, an event detection circuit for monitoring the appearance of at least one event to be detected, and a masking circuit for masking the error mode while the event to be detected does not happen, and declaring the error mode to the outside of the coprocessor if the event to be detected happens while the coprocessor is in the error mode. Application in particular but not exclusively to coprocessors embedded in integrated circuits for smart cards. |
| US07954151B1 |
Partial document content matching using sectional analysis
Monitored content is classified to determine partial matches with fragments of documents. A set of redundant keys, or sliding sectional fingerprints, are computed for every possible alignment of the documents with respect to the monitored content. The keys are stored in repositories according to the classification of the corresponding documents. Sectional fingerprints are computed for the monitored content, and the repositories are searched. If a match is found in a repository corresponding to public content, then the monitored data section is classified as public. If a match is found only in a repository corresponding to private content, then the data section is classified as private. Otherwise, the data section is classified as unknown. In a related aspect, a set of policies are searched for a first match in part according to the classifications of the monitored data sections, and a designated action taken if the first match is found. |
| US07954148B2 |
Encryption and authentication systems and methods
Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for, among other things, passphrase input using secure delay, passphrase input with characteristic shape display, user authentication with non-repeated selection of elements with a displayed set of elements, document authentication with embedding of a digital signature stamp within a graphical representation of the electronic document wherein the stamp comprises digits of a digital signature, and sub-hash computation using secure delay. |
| US07954147B2 |
Method for securely enabling dynamic instrumentation
A method is provided for securely enabling dynamic instrumentation. The method includes categorizing probes, upon creation, into one or more classes, providing lists of permissions for activating the probes and associating users with the permissions for activating the probes, such that certain users have permissions for activating certain probes. Users are associated with permissions by mapping classes of probes to permissions and mapping users to permissions, mapping classes of users to probes, or mapping users to at least one of classes of probes and classes of capabilities. |
| US07954146B2 |
Implicit population of access control lists
Communication applications may include lists of users with which a user of the application communicates. If two users of a communications application each include the other user on their user lists, an implicit trust may be established between the users. For example, if user A includes user B in her list and user B includes user A in his list, then it may be determined that each user knows and/or trusts the other user. As a result, a connection or communications pathway may be automatically created between the client devices of the users to facilitate communications between the users based on the implicit trust. |
| US07954142B2 |
System and method of resolving discrepancies between diverse firewall designs
A system, computer-implementable method, and computer-usable medium for resolving discrepancies between diverse firewall designs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a firewall design manager receives at least two designs for a rule-based system and computing at least one functional discrepancy between the at least two designs utilizing decision diagrams. |
| US07954140B2 |
Methods for persisting, organizing, and replacing perishable browser information using a browser plug-in
The invention is directed to methods for identification of users communicating with web servers by replacing or creating browser information associated with a user. In one embodiment, a local object store containing cookie values or URL data on the user's computer is accessed when a web page is rendered. The values stored in the local object store are used to recreate cookies that have been deleted from the computer's web browser or the URL data is used to identify web pages that the user has downloaded. Once recreated, the cookies may be placed back in the web browser or the URL data may be used by the web-server in targeting the user for advertisements, personalization, etc. |
| US07954137B2 |
Method and approach for linking of devices within a communication system
A method for linking of a first characteristic of a first device and a second characteristic of a second device by a server is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a first linking information and a second linking information, the first linking information matching to the second linking information, sending from the server the first linking information to the first device and the second linking information to the second device, presenting by the first device the first linking information and by the second device the second linking information, entering into the first device an indication of the matching of the first linking information and the second linking information, and based on the entered indication of the matching, sending to the server a matching confirmation for confirming the matching to the server, and associating the first characteristic and the second characteristic based on the received matching confirmation. |
| US07954135B2 |
Techniques for project lifecycle staged-based access control
Techniques for project lifecycle staged-based access control are provided. Access control rights are defined for a stage of a project's lifecycle. As requestors transition to the stage, the access control rights are enforced on top of any existing security restrictions. In an embodiment, selective resources are not visible to requesters within the stage in response to the access control rights. |
| US07954130B2 |
Network camera system and network camera control program
A network camera system that transmits video captured by a camera to a client via a network include a recording device directly connected thereto or built therein, wherein the client switches between a normal mode in which the camera transmits continuous video images and a file transfer mode in which video captured by the camera is temporarily stored as a file in the recording device and the file is transferred to the client in response to an instruction from the client. |
| US07954128B2 |
Methods and apparatus for variable delay compensation in networks
Methods and apparatus for performing dynamic compensation for delays over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes periodically or situationally assessing variable delays within the system associated with functional commands (such as “trick mode” commands), and dynamically compensating for these variable delays in order to improve the accuracy and timeliness of the user's trick mode command. This approach increases user satisfaction, and obviates the issuance of additional compensatory trick mode commands that only further degrade the performance of the network. |
| US07954126B2 |
Control system and user interface for network of input devices
Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system. The user interface, which includes a visual recognition system, enables the user to transparently control multiple input devices over a variety of protocols while operating on a single control layer of an input command device. In an alternative embodiment, the control system also enables gated signal pass-through control while avoiding signal jamming. |
| US07954116B2 |
Combination compact disk player and jewelry box
A combination compact disk player and jewelry box is disclosed having a housing, a compact disk (CD) player internally mounted in the housing with built-in compact disk storage. Mechanism for playing the CDs is provided and at least one slide out drawer is provided for holding jewelry and other trinkets therein. |
| US07954110B1 |
Observing properties associated with an object in an object-oriented programming platform
An application programming interface is provided in an object-oriented programming platform for developing applications. A method comprises registering a first object with a second object to observe one or more properties associated with the second object, the second object having a set of methods associated therewith and replacing a first implementation of a method in the set of methods associated with the second object with a second implementation of the method that automatically sends a notification to the first object. The observable objects need not explicitly invoke the observer notifications, avoiding writing of a large amount of code. These observer notifications need only be sent for objects that are actually being observed but are related objects, substantially reducing the performance overhead of needless invocations of the observer notifications without limiting binding between objects. |
| US07954107B2 |
Method and system for integrating the existing web-based system
The present invention provides a service-oriented system comprises: a service inlet for receiving a service request containing an input data set submitted by a user; a service proxy interface formed by integrating an existing web-based application, for transforming the input data set in the service request submitted by the user into input parameters recognizable by the requested service and loading a model definition document corresponding to the service according to the service request submitted by the user, the model definition document being formed by integrating the existing web-based application; and an execution engine for interacting with an external resource according to the input parameters transformed by the service proxy interface and returning the information obtained from the external resource to the service proxy interface. |
| US07954105B2 |
System for limiting resource usage by function modules based on limiting conditions and measured usage
A resource management system that manages a resource that a first function module and a plurality of second function modules that necessitates the first function module in execution thereof use. The system includes: a first resource limiting unit that limits a volume of resource that an entirety of the first function module and the plurality of second function modules uses; a resource limiting information acquisition unit that acquires resource limiting information that shows a limiting condition of the resource; and a second resource limiting unit that limits, based on the resource limiting information acquired at the resource limiting information acquisition unit, a volume of the resource that at least one of the plurality of second function modules uses. |
| US07954100B1 |
Tagged references for thread-local data
Method and apparatus for tagged references for identifying thread-local data in multithreaded applications. Embodiments may provide a dynamic mechanism that identifies thread-local objects by “tagging” references to the objects. In embodiments, in an application, if an object is to be allocated as a thread-local object, one or more bits of the object reference may be “tagged” to indicate that the object is a thread-local object. In one embodiment, the lowest-order bit of the object reference may be set to indicate that the object is a thread-local object. In embodiments, thread locality of an object may be determined by testing the reference itself rather than loading a bit or field from the referenced object or by checking address ranges. Further, embodiments do not rely on address ranges to identify objects as thread-local, and so the allocation of thread-local objects may not be restricted to thread-local heaps. |
| US07954096B2 |
Shared loader system and method
A virtual machine method and system that includes shared loader importation and selective searching. For example, shared loader is stored for importation into a loader tree by executing a shared loader process. In one exemplary implementation, a shared loader search includes determining if a class is in the cache. If not in the cache, a determination is made if the class is in the parent. If the class is not in the parent, previously imported shared loaders of the child are searched. Finally, if the class is not in the shared loaders a determination is made if the class is in a local code source. In one exemplary implementation, an annotated class not found exception is produced if the class is not in a local code source. Shared loaders are selectively imported. |
| US07954093B2 |
Load time instruction substitution
A method, computer program product, and data processing system for substituting a candidate instruction in application code being loaded during load time. Responsive to identifying the candidate instruction, a determination is made whether a hardware facility of the data processing system is present to execute the candidate instruction. If the hardware facility is absent from the data processing system, the candidate instruction is substituted with a second set of instructions. |
| US07954091B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing of business processes for web services
A method for unit testing of business processes for Web services, including steps of mapping the Web service description language (WSDL) elements of a process under test and its partner processes into equivalent Object-Oriented language (OO) elements, and performing testing on the process under test based on Object-Oriented unit testing frameworks. Each Web service interface of the process under test and its partner processes is mapped into an equivalent OO interface, partner stubs are generated on basis of the OO interfaces of the partner processes, WSDL binding and service port information are defined for the generated partner stubs, test cases are formed which contain test logic describing the service invocations between the process under test and its partner processes, and the test cases are executed, wherein the partner stub and its associated mock object collectively implement the service of a corresponding partner process. |
| US07954085B2 |
Support for multiple interface versions
Multiple interface versions including a current interface version and at least one earlier interface version are supported. A call is received at an interface version. A data structure from the current interface version data structures is retrieved. An event comprising a reference to the call is fired. Listeners for events are provided. A listener initiates the processing of a side effect of the current interface version, if appropriate to the call, wherein a side effect is a process in addition to the main purpose of the interface. |
| US07954083B2 |
System and method for specifying functional and non-functional requirements for a project
A method for modeling requirements of a product includes defining an abstract use case for each feature of said product, hierarchically decomposing each abstract use case until concrete use cases are specified for each feature, depicting every actor who would use the product as communicating with a concrete use case through a boundary, and programmatically extracting requirements from the use case diagram. Programmatically extracting requirements further includes converting use case diagrams into directed acyclic graphs, where each use case corresponds to a node of a graph and each relationship between a pair of use cases is represented by a directed edge between the corresponding pair of nodes in the graph where a directed edge points from a parent node to a child node, converting the directed acyclic graph into a tree, and searching the tree to extract the requirements. |
| US07954079B2 |
Method for compensating performance degradation of RFIC using EM simulation
Provided is a method for compensating performance degradation of a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) using an EM simulation. The method includes the steps of: (a) extracting the design specifications of the RFIC so as design and simulate a circuit; (b) designing the layout of the designed and simulated circuit, and extracting layout parameters by using the designed layout; (c) simplifying the layout and carrying out the EM simulation to extract performance parameters; (d) carrying out a circuit simulation by using the extracted layout parameters and performance parameters, and judging whether the results of the circuit simulation satisfy the design specifications of the RFIC or not; (e) when it is judged that the results of the circuit simulation satisfy the design specifications of the RFIC, performing a circuit manufacturing process; and (f) when it is not judged that the results of the circuit simulation satisfy the design specifications of the RFIC, partially removing the layout, and carrying out the EM simulation, thereby analyzing and compensating a performance degradation region. |
| US07954071B2 |
Assist feature placement based on a focus-sensitive cost-covariance field
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that determines an assist feature placement within a post-optical proximity correction (post-OPC) mask layout. During operation, the system receives a set of target patterns which represent a set of polygons in a pre-OPC mask layout. The system then constructs a focus-sensitive cost function based on the target patterns, wherein the focus-sensitive cost function represents an amount of movement of post-OPC contours of the target patterns in response to changes in focus condition of the lithography system. Note that the contours of the target patterns substantially coincide with the edges of set of the polygons. Next, the system computes a cost-covariance field (CCF field) based on the focus-sensitive cost function, wherein the CCF field is a two-dimensional (2D) map representing changes to the focus-sensitive cost function due to an addition of a pattern at a given location within the post-OPC mask layout. Finally, the system generates assist features for the post-OPC mask layout based on the CCF field. |
| US07954070B2 |
Systems and methods for navigating graphical displays of buildings
A display for identifying a floor of a building being monitored presents a plurality of groups of floors and a plurality of floors in a group. The groups can be of floors and selected plurality of floors automatically presented to identify one or more floors that are exhibiting a selected ambient condition being monitored. Alternately, a slide can be used to identify one of a plurality of floors. A zoom function can also be provided. |
| US07954069B2 |
Microscopic-measurement apparatus
A microscopic-measurement apparatus capable of displaying, on a display device, an enlarged view of a particular part of a specimen placed on a movable stage and providing optical information of a desired portion includes an observation-image display section for displaying an enlarged view of a specific part of the specimen on the display device; a thumbnail-image display section for acquiring the enlarged image of the specific part as a thumbnail image when the enlarged observation image is specified and displaying the thumbnail image together with the enlarged image on the display device; a thumbnail-coordinate storage section for storing coordinate information of the specific part, where the thumbnail image is acquired, in association with the thumbnail image; and a thumbnail jump display section for causing the observation-image display section to display an enlarged image of the position of the thumbnail image by specifying the thumbnail image. |
| US07954068B2 |
Extensible master-slave user interface with distinct interaction models
A method, computer system and computer readable medium regarding an extensible master-slave user interface with distinct interaction models is presented. A slave region is displayed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the slave region displaying a current state. A master region is displayed in the GUI, the master region displaying a previous state. When a user selects content in the slave region then the master region is removed from the GUI, a new master region is displayed in the GUI, the new master region containing a view of contents of the slave region, the slave region is removed from the GUI and the content selected by the user is displayed in a new slave region in the GUI. |
| US07954067B2 |
Parameter setting superimposed upon an image
Tools and techniques allow visual media to be edited by superimposing a parameter adjusting mechanism on the visual media itself and adjusting parameter settings based on user input detected by the parameter adjusting mechanism. In a visual media editing application, the parameter adjusting mechanism is superimposed on visual media so that the user can keep his eyes on the visual media and so that the visual media itself is unobscured by other user interface controls and windows as the user edits it. The user sets control points on the visual media that act as a fixed reference points for subsequent user input. The parameter adjusting mechanism detects subsequent user input calculates new parameter settings based on that input. |
| US07954064B2 |
Multiple dashboards
Systems, methods, computer-readable mediums, user interfaces and other implementations are disclosed for organizing, managing and presenting widgets in display areas associated with multiple dashboard environments. In some implementations, a first display area associated with a first dashboard environment is configured for displaying at least one widget from a first set of widgets. A second display area associated with a second dashboard environment is configured for displaying at least one widget from a second set of widgets. |
| US07954059B2 |
Automatic conversion of text-based code having function overloading and dynamic types into a graphical program for compiled execution
Automatic conversion of textual program code to graphical program code is performed. The method automatically translates the given functionality of a textual program code into executable graphical program code, corresponding to the same functionality. The method includes a parsing routine that generates a syntax tree and code generation routines, which create graphical program code from the syntax tree. |
| US07954057B2 |
Object movie exporter
Methods and apparatuses for compressing and/or transmitting and/or receiving data representing different views of an object. In one method according to the present invention, the method stores a plurality of frames of an object wherein each of these frames represents a view of the object. The method then assigns a reference number to each of these frames, arranges these frames in a preferred layout, divides the preferred layout into a plurality of blocks having frames sharing spatial similarities, and compresses each of these blocks separately. |
| US07954056B2 |
Television-based visualization and navigation interface
Techniques for retrieving and displaying multimedia information are provided. A television (TV) interface is provided that displays multimedia information that may be stored in a multimedia document. The interface enables a user to navigate through multimedia information stored on the multimedia document. |
| US07954055B2 |
Systems and methods for content delivery over a wireless communication medium to a portable computing device
A system which analyzes, organizes and stores electronic documents in a document object model using a common markup language. The document object model is stored on a server the content is delivered to the wireless devices in a universal content system format. By utilizing the document object model and the universal content stream with a corresponding reader on the wireless device, the electronic document is reduced to only the essential content and the necessary format information for transmission. |
| US07954054B2 |
Insertion point bungee space tool
A computer system and method for providing user feedback when creating, modifying, or editing electronic documents. An insertion point icon is placed in a document at a position for insertion and/or deletion of text, graphics, data, etc. Upon receiving a user input indicating movement, the insertion point icon is divided into two icons, one stationary at the position, and one moving with user input. When movement is complete, space contained between the icons may be deleted or inserted. The system may be used to shift handwritten text to subsequent lines on an electronic document containing handwritten text, and may be used to bring two groups of text together, deleting space in between. A connection line may be displayed between the icons to provide feedback regarding the action to be taken. |
| US07954046B2 |
Importing and exporting markup language data in a spreadsheet application document
XML data is associated with an XML schema file defining XML data types and data type definitions for applying XML data to the document. An XML data map is prepared that relates that any XML data applied to the document back to corresponding XML elements or attributes defined in the associated schema file. When the document is imported into a spreadsheet application grid, the data map is parsed to find XPATHs in the imported spreadsheet document of XML data and the user entered data. After an imported document has been edited, or after a document is created to include the application of XML data in association with a selected XML schema file, the document may be exported such that the XML data applied to the document is maintained for subsequent import and use of the document. |
| US07954044B2 |
Method and apparatus for linking representation and realization data
A method and apparatus for creating links between a representation, (e.g. text data,) and a realization, (e.g. corresponding audio data,) is provided. According to the invention the realization is structured by combining a time-stamped version of the representation generated from the realization with structural information from the representation. Thereby so called hyper links between representation and realization are created. These hyper links are used for performing search operations in realization data equivalent to those which are possible in representation data, enabling an improved access to the realization (e.g. via audio databases). |
| US07954043B2 |
Concurrent editing of a file by multiple authors
A method, system and computer program product for enabling the concurrent editing of a document containing a plurality of independent or loosely connected segments by multiple authors is described. Among other things, the invention allows assigning of editing rights for each segment to a defined set of segment authors, making available a special segment that contains metadata shared by all the segments of said documents, and providing email means private to said document, for facilitating communication between the authors of the document. |
| US07954042B2 |
Check testing of an address decoder
For checking an address decoder of a data memory, from a record of addresses of the data memory, designated as base addresses, one after another each base address is selected, and the following steps are executed for the respectively selected base address: a) determining the content of the base address; and b) selecting an address having the Hamming distance 1 from the base address, designated as the Hamming address; and then: c) changing the content of the Hamming address selected in step b); and then: d) reading the base address and detecting an error of the address decoder if the content read differs from that determined in step a); and e) recovering the content of the Hamming address. |
| US07954041B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving a signal in a communication system using a low density parity check code
An apparatus and method are provided for transmitting a signal in a communication system using a low density parity check (LDPC) code. An LDPC codeword is generated by encoding an information word at a coding rate. A puncturing pattern is generated when a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme to be applied to the LDPC codeword is an incremental redundancy (IR) scheme. An additional pattern is generated when the HARQ scheme to be applied to the LDPC codeword is a partial chase combining (CC) scheme. A signal is transmitted by applying the puncturing pattern to the LDPC codeword at an associated coding rate when the HARQ scheme to be used is the IR scheme. A signal is transmitted by applying the additional pattern to the LDPC codeword at an associated coding rate when the HARQ scheme to be used is the partial CC scheme. |
| US07954038B2 |
Fault detection
Methods and apparatus to efficiently detect faults are described. In an embodiment, an encoded value may be generated based on a portion of an instruction address and a portion of a corresponding result value. The encoded value may be used to determine whether an entry corresponding to the encoded value is absent from a screening storage unit. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US07954037B2 |
Method for recovering from errors in flash memory
Methods, devices and computer readable code for reading data from one or more flash memory cells, and for recovering from read errors are disclosed. In some embodiments, in the event of an error correction failure by an error detection and correction module, the flash memory cells are re-read at least once using one or more modified reference voltages, for example, until a successful error correction may be carried out. In some embodiments, after successful error correction a subsequent read request is handled without re-writing data (for example, reliable values of the read data) to the flash memory cells in the interim. In some embodiments, reference voltages associated with a reading where errors are corrected may be stored in memory, and retrieved when responding to a subsequent read request. In some embodiments, the modified reference voltages are predetermined reference voltages. Alternatively or additionally, these modified reference voltages may be determined as needed, for example, using randomly generated values or in accordance with information provided by the error detection and correction module. Methods, devices and computer readable code for reading data for situations where there is no error correction failure are also provided. |
| US07954034B1 |
Method of and system for protecting data during conversion from an ECC protection scheme to a parity protection scheme
A method of protecting data during transmission from an ECC protection scheme to a parity protection scheme, including reading a data word and an associated ECC from an upstream device; generating parity for the data word; generating a new ECC from the data word; computing a syndrome of the associated ECC and the new ECC; determining, based on the syndrome, if an error is present in the data word or the associated ECC; correcting a correctable error in the data word; correcting the parity for the data word; and transmitting the corrected data word and the corrected parity for the data word to a downstream device. |
| US07954031B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating expect data from a captured bit pattern, and memory device using same
Expect data signals are generated for a series of applied data signals having a known sequence to determine if groups of the data signals were properly captured. A first group of the applied data signals is captured, and a group of expect data signals are generated from the captured first group. A second group of applied data signals is then captured and determined to have been properly captured when the second group corresponds to the group of expect data signals. In this way, when a captured series of data signals is shifted in time from an expected capture point, subsequent captured data signals are compared to their correct expected data signals in order to determine whether that group, although shifted in time, was nonetheless correctly captured. A pattern generator generates expect data signals in this manner, and may be utilized in a variety of integrated circuits, such as an SLDRAM. |
| US07954030B2 |
Automatable scan partitioning for low power using external control
Scan architectures are commonly used to test digital circuitry in integrated circuits. The present invention describes a method of adapting conventional scan architectures into a low power scan architecture. The low power scan architecture maintains the test time of conventional scan architectures, while requiring significantly less operational power than conventional scan architectures. The low power scan architecture is advantageous to IC/die manufacturers since it allows a larger number of circuits (such as DSP or CPU core circuits) embedded in an IC/die to be tested in parallel without consuming too much power within the IC/die. Since the low power scan architecture reduces test power consumption, it is possible to simultaneously test more die on a wafer than previously possible using conventional scan architectures. This allows wafer test times to be reduced which reduces the manufacturing cost of each die on the wafer. |
| US07954026B2 |
TAM controller connected with TAM and functional core wrapper circuit
A device test architecture and interface is provided to enable efficient testing embedded cores within devices. The test architecture interfaces to standard IEEE 1500 core test wrappers and provides high test data bandwidth to the wrappers from an external tester. The test architecture includes compare circuits that allow for comparison of test response data to be performed within the device. The test architecture further includes a memory for storing the results of the test response comparisons. The test architecture includes a programmable test controller to allow for various test control operations by simply inputting an instruction to the programmable test controller from the external tester. The test architecture includes a selector circuit for selecting a core for testing. Additional features and embodiments of the device test architectures are also disclosed. |
| US07954024B2 |
Selecting scan test/TAP with FF receiving lock in and update-IR
A process of selecting alternative test circuitry within an integrated circuit enables a test access port. Scan test instruction data is loaded into an instruction register of a test access port TAP, the instruction data including information for selecting the alternative test circuitry. An Update-IR instruction update operation is performed at the end of the loading to output scan test control signals from the instruction register. A lockout signal is changed to an active state to disable the test access port and enable scan test circuits. |
| US07954023B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit including power domains
A scan chain configuration and a control method for the same are provided, which are optimized for the leakage current reduction technique by a vector input in SoC in which many functional blocks are mounted. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: plural power domains (Area1-AreaN) which have plural functional blocks; power switches (PSW1-PSWN) which can supply a power source for operation to the power domains; a scan chain provided for every power domain, and a memory unit (VEC) which supplies, to a scan chain, a vector to enable shifting to a low-leakage state. By re-coupling the scan chain only to a non-operating functional block, it is possible to perform shifting to a low-leakage state for a short time. |
| US07954020B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing a circuit
A system and method for testing a memory array are disclosed which may include establishing a stored data vector, including a plurality of data bits, within at least one circuit; applying one or more logical operations on the stored data vector to generate a succession of original data vectors at the at least one circuit; transmitting the succession of original data vectors through a memory array to provide a succession of exercised data vectors; comparing the succession of exercised data vectors to the succession of respective original data vectors; and determining whether the memory array passes or fails based on the comparing step. |
| US07954019B2 |
Flash storage device and method and system for testing the same
A flash storage device and a testing method and a testing system for the flash storage device are provided. The testing system includes a testing apparatus and the flash storage device. The flash storage device includes a controller, a flash memory module, a plurality of peripheral pins and at least one test pin. The flash storage device receives an enable signal transmitted from the testing apparatus through the test pin. Subsequently, the controller outputs a signal to the testing apparatus through each peripheral pin based to the enable signal. Finally, the testing apparatus verifies the signal outputted by each peripheral pin. |
| US07954018B2 |
Analysis techniques for multi-level memory
A system and method for defect analysis of multi-level memory cell devices and embedded multi-level memory in system-on-chip integrated circuits are disclosed wherein a defect data set is input into the system. When a defect data set is received, an automated test engineering system running a memory test program analyzes the defect data set to generate one or more fail bit locations and one or more fail states of the memory. The multi-level memory defect analysis system and method then classify failed bits or patterns comprising a vertical fail pattern, whereby after being classified, each memory cell failure vertical fail pattern has three data attributes comprising fail type, a number of fail bits/states, and a sequence of the fail states. The vertical fail pattern may comprise a single fail state or multi-state fail. The multi-state fail may be a continuous-states fail, discontinuous-states fail, or all-state fail. The multi-level memory defect analysis system and method may additionally enable classification of failed bits or patterns comprising a lateral fail pattern. The lateral fail pattern may be a gradual fail pattern, periodic fail pattern, or random fail pattern. |
| US07954015B1 |
Data interleaving and deinterleaving involving concatenation of words read from storage
An apparatus for producing a word of a de-interleaved sequence of bits from a sequence of bits stored in a memory is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a read circuit for selecting bits of the stored sequence and forming the selected bits into a word, and a logic network arranged to produce the word of the de-interleaved sequence by concatenating sections of a plurality of words produced by the read circuit. The technique can also be used to achieve interleaving, rather than de-interleaving, of a data sequence. |
| US07954009B2 |
Test executive system with memory leak detection for user code modules
A system and method for automatically detecting heap corruption errors and memory leak errors caused by user-supplied code modules that are called by steps of a test executive sequence. The test executive sequence may first be created by including a plurality of test executive steps in the test executive sequence and configuring at least a subset of the steps to call user-supplied code modules. The test executive sequence may then be executed on a host computer under control of a test executive engine. For each step that calls a user-supplied code module, the test executive engine may perform certain actions to automatically detect whether the user-supplied code module causes a heap corruption error and/or automatically detect whether the user-supplied code module causes a memory leak error. |
| US07954007B2 |
Detecting faulty CPU heat sink coupling during system power-up
The present invention is directed to the detection of faulty CPU heat sink coupling during system power-up. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: monitoring a slope of a CPU temperature rise from initial system power-up; determining if the slope of the CPU temperature rise exceeds an expected value; and in the case that the slope of the CPU temperature rise exceeds the expected value, indicating an existence of a possible fault (PFA) related to a heat sink coupled to the CPU. |
| US07954006B1 |
Method and apparatus for archiving data during unexpected power loss
A method and system for preventing loss of data in a computer interface board during power failure includes providing a secondary data path to a non-volatile storage element from a cache memory of the computer interface board. Components in the secondary data path, such as the cache memory and non-volatile storage element, are powered by a secondary power supply. The cache memory of the computer interface board is a volatile memory. The secondary data path with the non-volatile storage element enables reliable memory operation during both normal and power fail modes. A power failure at the computer interface board is detected. The power failure may result in incomplete transactional data within the cache memory. Upon detection of power failure, the incomplete transactional data at the cache memory is transmitted to the non-volatile storage element through the secondary data path using the power from the secondary power supply. The non-volatile storage element preserves the transactional data of the cache memory during power failure. |
| US07954002B2 |
Systems and methods for bulk release of resources associated with node failure
Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for methods and systems for improving efficiency in communications systems by, for example, bulk release of resources upon a partial node failure. Bulk release messages including, for example, at least one identifier associated with a plurality of resources, can be transmitted from a node toward other nodes to release such resources after the node failure. |
| US07954001B2 |
Nibble de-skew method, apparatus, and system
De-skew is performed on a nibble-by-nibble basis where a nibble is not limited to four bits. |
| US07953998B2 |
Clock generation circuit and semiconductor memory apparatus having the same
A clock generation circuit for a semiconductor memory apparatus includes an internal clock generation unit that receives a clock and generates an internal clock, and a clock selection unit that selectively outputs the clock or the internal clock in response to a selection signal. |
| US07953996B2 |
ACPI to firmware interface
In one embodiment a computer system comprises a processor, a basic input/output system (BIOS) including logic instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to create a virtual AML device data structure, the data structure comprising a plurality of fields to hold arguments to a native firmware function, store at least one argument for the native firmware function in a register of the AML device data structure, store an entry point and a pointer value in a register of the virtual AML device data structure, and initiate an access request to a firmware access register in the AML device data structure. |
| US07953995B2 |
Data transmitting method and electronic device using the same
A data transmitting method for transmitting a software version data from a power IC to a controlling IC is provided. Firstly, a request signal is transmitted to a second pin of the power IC from a data pin of the controlling IC. Next, an acknowledge signal is transmitted to the data pin from the second pin. Then, a first pin of the power IC is enabled by a clock pin of the controlled IC. Lastly, the software version data is transmitted to the data pin from the second pin of the power IC. |
| US07953991B2 |
Processing system and methods for use therewith
A processing system includes a processing module and a memory module for storing plurality of data. A controllable power source supplies a source voltage to the memory module in response to a target voltage. A controller module receives a temperature signal and adjusts the target voltage in response to the temperature signal. |
| US07953990B2 |
Adaptive power control based on post package characterization of integrated circuits
A method and system of adaptive power control based on post package characterization of integrated circuits. Characteristics of a specific integrated circuit are used to adaptively control power of the integrated circuit. |
| US07953981B2 |
Optimization methods for the insertion, protection, and detection of digital watermarks in digital data
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed. According to another embodiment, a method for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding digital watermarks comprises: (1) providing a digital signal; (2) providing a digital filter to be applied to the digital signal; and (3) identifying an area of the digital signal that will be affected by the digital filter based on at least one measurable difference between the digital signal and a counterpart of the digital signal selected from the group consisting of the digital signal as transmitted, the digital signal as stored in a medium, and the digital signal as played backed. According to another embodiment, a method for encoding a watermark in a content signal includes the steps of (1) splitting a watermark bit stream; and (2) encoding at least half of the watermark bit stream in the content signal using inverted instances of the watermark bit stream. Other methods and systems for encoding/decoding digital watermarks are also disclosed. |
| US07953976B2 |
Method and apparatus for pervasive authentication domains
Methods and apparatus for enabling a Pervasive Authentication Domain. A Pervasive Authentication Domain allows many registered Pervasive Devices to obtain authentication credentials from a single Personal Authentication Gateway and to use these credentials on behalf of users to enable additional capabilities for the devices. It provides an arrangement for a user to store credentials in one device (the Personal Authentication Gateway), and then make use of those credentials from many authorized Pervasive Devices without re-entering the credentials. It provides a convenient way for a user to share credentials among many devices, particularly when it is not convenient to enter credentials as in a smart wristwatch environment. It further provides an arrangement for disabling access to credentials to devices that appear to be far from the Personal Authentication Gateway as measured by metrics such as communications signal strengths. |
| US07953974B2 |
Authentication method, authentication system, and tag device thereof, data reference client, authentication server, and data server
The present invention is an authentication method for disclosing identification data of an object and authenticating when referring to data of the object corresponding to the identification data based on the identification data and can associate a tag device and data of a referring entity and authenticate that data of the tag device is referred by a proper referring entity by generating a third value by conducting a predetermined calculation with a temporary first value indicating a most recent referral to the identification data of the object and a temporary reference second value issued to a referring entity of the identification data for each referral, and authenticating a relationship between the object and the referring entity by verifying the third value. |
| US07953973B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for passively routing secure socket layer (SSL) encoded network traffic
Methods, systems, and computer program products for passively routing secure socket layer (SSL) encoded network traffic are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes passively receiving a copy of SSL encoded network traffic. Further, the method includes passively parsing the received network traffic and generating an identical copy of the network traffic such that the network traffic is not decrypted and without interfering with the network traffic. A target output network device can be selected for transmission of the identical copy of the network traffic. The identical copy of the network traffic can be transmitted from the selected target output network device. |
| US07953969B2 |
Reduction of false positive reputations through collection of overrides from customer deployments
An automated arrangement for reducing the occurrence and/or minimizing the impact of false positives by a reputation service is provided in which overrides for a reputation of an adversary are reported to a reputation service from security devices, such as unified threat management systems, deployed in enterprise or consumer networks. An override is typically performed by an administrator at a customer network to allow the security device to accept traffic from, or send traffic to a given IP address or URL. Such connectivity is allowed—even if such objects have a blacklisted reputation provided by a reputation service—in cases where the administrator recognizes that the blacklisted reputation is a false positive. The reputation service uses the reported overrides to adjust the fidelity (i.e., a confidence level) of that object's reputation, and then provides an updated reputation, which reflects the fidelity adjustment, to all the security devices that use the reputation service. |
| US07953967B2 |
Information processing apparatus and program
An information processing apparatus including: a first recording medium which stores a first program; a connection section which is capable of connecting with a second recording medium from outside; and a controller which determines, during BIOS boot-up operation, whether or not the connection section is connected with the second recording medium which stores predetermined authentication information, and if connected, boots a second program stored in the second recording medium, while if not connected, boots the first program stored in the first recording medium. |
| US07953964B2 |
Method and system for migrating information between information handling systems
A system for migrating information includes a first information handling system (“IHS”). The first IHS is for, in response to a first boot event, booting from a computer readable medium, bypassing the first IHS' user authentication requirement, and establishing a connection between the first IHS and a second IHS. The system for migrating information also includes the second IHS, coupled to the first IHS. The second IHS is for, in response to a second boot event, booting from a storage device of the second IHS, establishing the connection between the first IHS and the second IHS, and migrating information from the first IHS to the second IHS. |
| US07953963B2 |
System and method for automatically loading software components
A computer-based method for automatically loading software components is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: powering on a computer, identifying whether there is an identifier recorded in a desktop management interface (DMI) in a BIOS of the computer, and detecting that the computer is installed with a non-Windows based operating system if the DMI includes an identifier, and that the computer is installed with a Windows based operating system if there is no identifier recorded in the DMI; loading specified application software to the computer if the computer is installed with the Windows based operating system. A related system is also disclosed. |
| US07953959B2 |
Processor
A processor includes: an instruction buffer which holds a group of instructions that can be executed in parallel; an instruction decoding unit which decodes part or all of the group of instructions; and an instruction issuance control unit which detects whether or not a factor obstructing simultaneous execution of the group of instructions exists in the group of instructions and supplies the group of instructions to the instruction decoding unit by controlling the instruction buffer so that the instructions of the group of instructions are sequentially supplied when the factor exists and all the instructions of the group of instructions are simultaneously supplied when the factor does not exist. |
| US07953958B2 |
Architecture for joint detection hardware accelerator
A joint detection system is configured to perform joint detection of received signals and includes a joint detection accelerator and a host processor. The joint detection accelerator may include a memory unit to store input data values, intermediate results and output data values; one or more computation units to process the input data values and the intermediate results, and to provide output data values to the memory unit; a controller to control the memory and the one or more computation units to perform joint detection processing; and an external interface to receive the input data values from the host processor and to provide output data values to the host processor. The computation units may include a complex multiply accumulate unit, a simplified complex multiply accumulate unit and a normalized floating point divider. The memory unit may include an input memory, a matrix memory, a main memory and an output memory. |
| US07953949B2 |
Data reallocation among storage systems
The present invention provides techniques, including a method and system, for relocating data between storage systems. In one embodiment of the present invention a host collects usage information from a plurality of storage systems, and determines the relocation destination LU for data stored in the LU to be relocated. The host alters an LU logical position name table that determines matching between the logical position names of data and LUs. It also carries out data relocation between storage subsystems by shifting data stored in an origin LU to be relocated to a destination LU. In another embodiment relocation of files is provided. |
| US07953947B2 |
Creating a snapshot based on a marker transferred from a first storage system to a second storage system
A storage system and snapshot method wherein after a first processor transfers data stored in a first data area to a second storage system, the first processor transfers a first marker stored in a first marker area to a second storage system so that the first marker is stored in a second marker area of a second volume, wherein a second processor checks whether the first marker stored in the second storage area of the second volume corresponds to a second marker designated, and wherein, if the first marker stored in the second storage are of the second volume is a second marker designated, the second processor creates a snapshot of the data that is stored in the second data area, in a third storage volume. |
| US07953944B2 |
Dynamic data archiving with dynamically defined rules and dynamically defined parameter
A method and apparatus for archiving medical data in one of two or more storage modules, comprising a short time storage module with fast access and a long time storage module with slow access. The method comprises the steps of defining at least one set of rules for executing the method for archiving and defining at least one parameter for controlling the method for archiving; wherein the method depends on the at least one set of rules and/or on the at least one parameter. |
| US07953941B2 |
Data processor with memory controller having burst access operation
A data processor (1) has a central processing unit (3) and a memory controller (6) capable of controlling a memory (8) to be connected to an outside. The memory has a buffer capable of temporarily holding data within an address range corresponding to a predetermined bit number on a low order side of an address signal, and a burst operation for inputting/outputting data can be carried out by a data transfer between the buffer and the outside for an access request in which an access address is changed within the address range. When causing the memory to carry out the burst operation to give an access, the memory controller performs an access control for freely executing the burst operation of the memory continuously if it detects an access exceeding the address range. When causing the memory to carryout the burst access, the memory controller performs an access control for freely executing the burst operation of the memory continuously if it detects the access exceeding the address range. Therefore, it is not necessary to restrict the burst access exceeding the address range and to limit a burst frequency. Consequently, it is possible to enhance a data transfer performance through the burst access together with the memory. |
| US07953932B2 |
System and method for avoiding deadlocks when performing storage updates in a multi-processor environment
A system and method for avoiding deadlocks when performing storage updates in a multi-processor environment. The system includes a processor having a local cache, a store queue having a temporary buffer with capability to reject exclusive cross-interrogates (XI) while an interrogated cache line is owned exclusive and is to be stored, and a mechanism for performing a method. The method includes setting the processor into a slow mode. A current instruction that includes a data store having one or more target lines is received. The current instruction is executed, with the executing including storing results associated with the data store into the temporary buffer. The store queue is prevented from rejecting an exclusive XI corresponding to the target lines of the current instruction. Each target line is acquired with a status of exclusive ownership, and the contents from the temporary buffer are written to each target line after instruction completion. |
| US07953926B2 |
SCSI-to-IP cache storage device and method
A SCSI-to-IP cache storage system interconnects a host computing device or a storage unit to a switched packet network. The cache storage system includes a SCSI interface (40) that facilitates system communications with a host computing device or the storage unit, and a Ethernet interface (42) that allows the system to receive data from and send data to the Internet. The cache storage system further comprises a processing unit (44) that includes a processor (46), a memory (48) and a log disk (52) configured as a sequential access device. The log disk (52) caches data along with the memory (48) resident in the processing unit (44), wherein the log disk (52) and the memory (48) are configured as a two-level hierarchical cache. |
| US07953923B2 |
Double density content addressable memory (CAM) lookup scheme
The number of content addressable memory (CAM) lookups is reduced from two to one. Each side (left and right sides) of a CAM is programmed with network addresses, such as IP addresses, based on certain bits of the network addresses. These bits of the network addresses (which represent packet routes) are examined and used to determine whether the particular network address is to be placed on the left or right sides of the CAM. The grouping of certain network addresses either on the left or right sides of the CAM can be performed by examining an individual bit of each network address, by performing an exclusive OR (XOR) operation on a plurality of bits of each network address, and/or by searching for bit patterns of the network address in a decision table. Network addresses that cannot be readily assigned to a particular side of the CAM using these grouping techniques are programmed into both sides of the CAM. During packet routing, techniques similar to the grouping techniques that populated the CAM are used to determine which of the two sides of the CAM is to be searched. |
| US07953918B2 |
Service bus linking method and service bus for linking plurality of service buses together
A service bus linking method for linking a plurality of service buses together includes inputting to a service bus to be added a node identifier and a position of an existing service bus to be connected, and registering a node identifier and a position of the existing service bus in a bus node table to store identifiers and positions of the service bus to be added and an adjacent service bus; second a bus node table updating notification from the service bus to be added to the existing service bus; and registering a node identifier and a position of the service bus to be added in a bus node table of the existing table, in response to the bus node table updating notification. |
| US07953916B2 |
Dynamic, local retriggered interrupt routing discovery method
In some embodiments, the invention involves a dynamic interrupt route discovery method with local APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller) retriggering to accommodate architectures that are not PC/AT compatible. In a mobile Internet device (MID) General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are dynamically allocated and IRQs are retriggered by a GPIO driver to multiplex the requests to an appropriate device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07953912B2 |
Guided attachment of accelerators to computer systems
A method of guided attachment of hardware accelerators to slots of a computing system includes dividing a first group of hardware accelerators into a plurality of priority classes, dividing a first group of slots of the computing system into a plurality of hierarchical tiers, and attaching each hardware accelerator of the first group of hardware accelerators to a slot matched to the hardware accelerators based on comparison of a priority class of the hardware accelerator and a hierarchical tier of the slot. |
| US07953909B2 |
Storage system comprising power saving function
A storage system constituted such that power saving to an administrator-desired storage device can be performed from a management device. That is, the storage system comprises a power-saving indication receiving section for receiving from a management console a power-saving indication specifying at least one storage device of a plurality of RAID groups, a plurality of logical units, and a plurality of physical storage devices; and a power-saving controller for saving on power to one or more physical storage devices corresponding to the storage device specified in this power-saving indication. |
| US07953908B2 |
High throughput pipelined data path
Methods and apparatus to provide a high throughput pipelined data path are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include three stages to process inbound data packets, e.g., to align one or more bits of data. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US07953906B2 |
Multiple interrupt handling method, devices and software
A device, method and software for handling multiple interrupts in a peripheral device are disclosed. The disclosed method includes, upon a hardware event in the peripheral device recording the hardware event and determining an acceptable period before which an interrupt should be generated to service the event. A timer at the peripheral device is adjusted as needed to maintain a value within the acceptable period. Upon expiry of the timer a single interrupt is generated to a processor interconnected to the peripheral device. In response to the single interrupt, software code is executed on the processor to service un-serviced hardware events for which an indicator has been recorded. |
| US07953902B2 |
Negotiable exchange of link layer functional parameters in electronic systems having components interconnected by a point-to-point network
A proposal is discussed that facilitates exchanging parameters for a link layer that allows a variable number of parameters without changing a communication protocol. Likewise, the proposal allows for both components connected via the link to negotiate values for the parameters that are exchanged without a need for external agent intervention or redundancy. |
| US07953901B2 |
Distribution apparatus, image processing apparatus, monitoring system, and information processing method
A distribution apparatus includes a firmware distribution unit distributing firmware corresponding to a post-update version of firmware included in an acquisition request to an image processing apparatus; a determination unit determining whether migration of setup information stored in a storage unit in the image processing apparatus is necessary in the update of the firmware from a pre-update version currently applied to the image processing apparatus to the post-update version on the basis of the pre-update version, the post-update version, and data on the setup information in which combinations of the versions of firmware are associated with information indicating whether the migration of the setup information is necessary; and a setup-migration-program distribution unit distributing a setup migration program involved in the migration of the setup information to the image processing apparatus if the determination unit determines that the migration is necessary. |
| US07953899B1 |
Universal diagnostic hardware space access system for firmware
Numerous types of hardware devices and memory included in a computing system can be accessed with a universal interface that has common interface commands. The universal interface aids engineers and technicians working on the system. This is particularly useful in a data storage system that includes a plurality of nodes for providing access to a data storage facility. |
| US07953895B1 |
Application identification
A method may include receiving a communication from a client device and identifying a port number, a protocol and a destination associated with the communication. The method may also include identifying a first application being executed by the first client device based on the port number, the protocol and the destination associated with the first communication. |
| US07953893B1 |
Method and system for expedited HTTP communication
Disclosed herein is a method and system, in which a network entity determines that an HTTP response destined to a client station contains a markup document that references at least one object but that the HTTP response does not contain the object. In response, in addition to sending the HTTP response to the client station, the network entity will send to the client station a supplemental HTTP response that contains the object, without the client station sending a request for the object. By avoiding the need for the client station to send a request for the object, the extent of HTTP communication by the client station is reduced. In the situation where the client station is a wireless handset or other wireless communication device, the method is particularly advantageous, as the method can reduce the number of air interface communications and can thus help to conserve valuable air interface resources. |
| US07953890B1 |
System and method for switching to a new coordinator resource
Various embodiments of methods and systems for dynamically switching to a new coordinator resource are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method involves receiving information identifying a new coordinator resource for use by a cluster; detecting whether each of the nodes within the cluster is committing to use the new coordinator resource; and switching from an existing coordinator resource to the new coordinator resource, in response to detecting that each of the nodes within the cluster is committing to use the new coordinator resource. This method can be performed concurrently with normal cluster operations, and thus the cluster need not be disabled to perform the switchover. |
| US07953882B2 |
Adaptive variable fidelity media distribution system and method
A layered media stream comprising media information layers of different priorities may be adaptively distributed by transmitting at least one of the media information layers to a client on a time-windowed basis. Within each time window, the transmission of the media information layers is attempted in priority order and lower priority layers are transmitted as network conditions allow. |
| US07953878B1 |
Multi-threaded internet small computer system interface (iSCSI) socket layer
Embodiments herein provide a computer system having an operating system that implements a multi-threaded iSCSI socket software layer. The multi-threaded iSCSI socket software layer may operate in conjunction with a single-threaded iSCSI protocol software layer to process network data according to the iSCSI protocol standard. Provided are protections against operational incompatibilities between the multi-threaded iSCSI socket layer and the single-threaded iSCSI protocol layer. A unique identifier may be assigned to each iSCSI socket thread to ensure proper delivery of thread messages to the appropriate iSCSI socket thread. A separate freed list may be allocated for each iSCSI socket thread, wherein the iSCSI protocol thread adds data structures to the freed list and a single iSCSI socket thread removes and uses data structures from the freed list. The multi-threaded iSCSI socket software layer reduces processor idle time, thus increasing data processing efficiency and overall network data throughput. |
| US07953875B2 |
Distributed computer system for storing data items assigned to virtual directories
Computers store data items, each data item being assigned to one of a plurality of virtual directories. Each computer has at least one node of a virtual network for directory look-up, with linking data including addresses of other nodes associated with the same virtual directory and software that, in response to an enquiry message either replies, identifying itself or forwards the message to another node of the network, according to whether the node is or is not associated with the directory specified in the enquiry message. |
| US07953871B2 |
Secure networked system for controlling mobile access to encrypted data services
A networked system for controlling the mobile access to a data service, which may provide encrypted data, is presented. The system may include a mobile device and a mobile access control server, which controls the mobile device's access to the data service by controlling the access information required to access the data service. The system may also include a content server that provides the data service, a certification authority, and a network for enabling communication among the components of the system. To access encrypted data services, the mobile device communicates an access request to the mobile access control server, which determines whether access should be granted, and provides access information to the mobile device, enabling the mobile device to establish encrypted communication with the content server and/or to decrypt the encrypted data provided by the data service via the content server. |
| US07953868B2 |
Method and system for preventing web crawling detection
A method and system for preventing a detection of web crawling. A randomizing HTTP proxy server receives a first request from a web crawler to scan a website and forwards the first request to a randomly selected first proxy computer. The first proxy computer utilizes a first network address translation (NAT)-enabled router to forward the first request to the website. A NAT algorithm associates a first source Internet Protocol (IP) address with the first request. The randomizing HTTP proxy server receives a second web crawler-initiated request to scan the website and forwards the second request to a randomly selected second proxy computer. The second proxy computer utilizes a second NAT-enabled router to forward the second request to the website. The NAT algorithm associates a second source IP address with the second request. The web server identifies the first and second source IP addresses as being different. |
| US07953865B1 |
Using virtual networking devices to manage routing communications between connected computer networks
Techniques are described for providing managed virtual computer networks whose configured logical network topology may have one or more virtual networking devices, such as by a network-accessible configurable network service, with corresponding networking functionality provided for communications between multiple computing nodes of a virtual computer network by emulating functionality that would be provided by the networking devices if they were physically present. The networking functionality provided for a managed computer network may include supporting a connection between that managed computer network and one or more other managed computer networks, such as via a provided virtual peering router to which each of the managed computer networks may connect, with the functionality of the virtual peering router being emulated by modules of the configurable network service without physically providing the virtual peering router, including to manage routing communications between the inter-connected managed computer networks in accordance with client-specified configuration information. |
| US07953861B2 |
Managing session state for web applications
A technique for managing the session state of a web application during transaction processing. When a message is exchanged between a web client and a web server, such as a web client request or a web server response, session information therein is stored on behalf of the client. Following an interruption in session state, the session state may be recreated by using the stored session information. |
| US07953860B2 |
Fast reorganization of connections in response to an event in a clustered computing system
Techniques for fast recovery and/or balancing of connections to a clustered computing system provide management of such connections by determining a number of connections to load balance across nodes and by triggering creation of such connections. In one aspect, a notification of an event regarding the clustered computing system is received by a connection pool manager, a pool of connections to the system is identified based on the notification, and one or more connections from the pool are processed in response to the event. According to an embodiment, the notification comprises the identities of the service, database, server instance and machine that correspond to the event. |
| US07953859B1 |
Data model of participation in multi-channel and multi-party contacts
The present invention is directed to a contact center that includes a switching fabric 110, 130 operable to configure a communication session between a first customer and a first resource 138 for servicing of a first contact by the first resource and a contact tracking agent 232 operable, during the servicing of the first contact by the first resource, to (a) monitor the first contact center endpoint for at least one of (i) a change in contact state, (ii) the connection of the first resource and the first customer through a second (new) communication channel, and (iii) the addition of a party to and/or removal of a party from the communication session and (b), when the at least one of (i)-(iii) occurs, terminate a first contact part and create a second contact part. The first and second contact parts are associated with the communication session. |
| US07953852B2 |
Method and system for detecting and reducing botnet activity
A method and system for detecting and reducing botnet activity includes tracking the number of connections to a destination address over predetermined periods of time. A persistence value is assigned to the destination address based on the number of time periods during which the destination address was connected. The persistence value is compared to a threshold value and an alert is generated if the persistence value is greater than the threshold value. Known safe destinations may be entered into a whitelist. |
| US07953849B2 |
Asset monitor for fieldbus devices
A software product and method of monitoring a field device in an enterprise having an industrial process. A subscription to the OPC DA server for diagnostic data from the field device is made and a subscription to an OPC AE server for event notifications from the OPC AE server is made. The subscription to the OPC AE server is activated, but the subscription to the OPC DA server is not activated. When an event notification is received from the OPC AE server, the subscription to the OPC DA server is activated. Diagnostic data from the field device is received and device health information from the diagnostic data is generated. The device health information is displayed on a viewing monitor. The subscription to the OPC DA server is then deactivated. |
| US07953848B2 |
Problem determination in distributed enterprise applications
Problem determination is provided in an enterprise computer system in a distributed environment. Information is obtained regarding the enterprise applications, and high-level information is presented to a user, with one or more prompts are provided to the user for more detailed information. In response to a request from a user for more detailed information about the application, more detailed information is provided to the user. Several levels of more detailed information about applications, including information as to individual threads, is available. The problem determination also includes receiving instructions from an administrator to establish an account for a user, associating one or more servers with the account, and providing access to the corresponding user only to the associated servers. Searches may be conducted for strings and requests, and identified strings and requests may be sorted by a variety of criteria. |
| US07953845B2 |
Network-specific estimation in network node discovery
Network node discovery is implemented using parameters reflecting network-specific characteristics. Estimates of the number of active nodes in a network are computed based on the presence of dead time (e.g., due to clock latency, device driver delays, etc.), network topology, packet size, network capacity, a tolerable network overload threshold, and other characteristics. A network node enumeration process is therefore parameterized to incorporate consideration of such characteristics. A damping factor that incorporates dead time to set a lower bound for an estimate of remaining active nodes in a network is one example of a network-specific parameter. |
| US07953844B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing an instant messaging remote control service
Systems and methods for implementing an instant messaging remote control service are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a control point discovers a device. The control point retrieves a device description associated with the device from the device. The device description includes a pointer to a description of a instant messaging remote control service. The control point also retrieves the instant messaging remote control service description from the device. The description of the instant messaging remote control service may define one or more actions for remotely controlling an instant messaging client that is running on the device. The description of the instant messaging remote control service may also define one or more evented state variables that model a state of the instant messaging client. The device may include an instant messaging client which can be remotely controlled using the instant messaging remote control service. |
| US07953841B2 |
Monitoring an RTP data stream based on a phone call
The communication apparatus includes a VoIP phone, a VoIP gateway, a communication network, and a network analyzer. The VoIP phone is a transmitting/receiving device to transmit and receive a VoIP phone call. A plurality of VoIP phone calls are transmitted and received over the communication network via the VoIP gateway. The network analyzer analyzes and monitors the plurality of VoIP phone calls transmitted and received over the communication network. Accordingly, a respective VoIP phone call is identified from the plurality of phone calls and associated with a respective data stream to be monitored and analyzed by the network analyzer. |
| US07953838B1 |
TCP-over-TCP using multiple TCP streams
A system, apparatus, and method for managing TCP over TCP communications using multiple TCP network connections. A plurality of tunneled network connections may be established between network devices. The network devices may employ one of the tunneled network connections over which to establish a plurality of application sessions. If congestion is detected on the employed tunneled network connection that exceeds a threshold, then a reset flag may be sent to abort that tunneled network connection. At least some of the application sessions are also transferred to another one of plurality of tunneled network connections, without terminating the moved application sessions. In one embodiment, at least one more tunneled network connection may be established between the network devices. |
| US07953836B2 |
Method for executing managment operation by communication terminal and a terminal and system thereof
A method for executing a management operation by a terminal in a communications system. The method comprises the followings: The terminal receives the management operation commands that indicate the operation to target operation nodes in the device capability management object and operates them. The said operation initiates the process for executing the corresponding device capability management operation, then the said management operation transfers the device capability status. Also, the corresponding terminal and system are disclosed. The present invention can centrally manage and control the terminal capability. |
| US07953835B2 |
Network management method and network management program
Blade enclosures are connected to storage devices through FC switches, and management blades and FC switches are connected to a SAN management device. Automatic setting modular program displays an input screen on a display. A manager inputs IP addresses of FC switches so as to be associated with IP address of management blade into input screen. The automatic-setting modular program acquires the server blade information from the management blades, turns on the powers of the server blades, and acquires the FC switch information from the FC switches. The program associates the slot numbers contained in the server blade information acquired from the management blades to the port numbers contained in the FC switch information acquired from the FC switches in one-to-one relationships. The program generates records that are combinations of the server blade information and the FC switch information, and stores the generated records in connection definition table. |
| US07953828B2 |
Distributed networked data acquisition device
A distributed networked data acquisition system having distributed networked data acquisition devices based on embedded Linux development platform having an ARM9 CPU is proposed. The system is defined as one or more distributed networked data acquisition devices together with a host. The host could dynamically display data and also coordinate and control the many distributed networked data acquisition devices. Each distributed networked data acquisition device is connected with the host by means of transmission media. The distributed networked data acquisition devices adopts the distributed data acquisition network to implement multi-point data acquisition having many distributed networked data acquisition devices working together and using several UTPs to connect with the distributed networked data acquisition devices in various distribution points. Each distributed networked data acquisition device can connect with different types of sensors, and each sensor can collect different types of continuous signals. |
| US07953825B2 |
System and method for streaming of dynamic weather content to the desktop
A method, system and program product for streaming of dynamic information content over an interactive media such as the Internet. The dynamic content, such as dynamic weather data, is collected from a plurality of collection sources such as geographically distributed local weather reporting stations. The data information can be relatively static or dynamic, constantly changing data. The dynamic content is stored in databases maintained on a direct access storage device at the dynamic content server. The selection of dynamic content to be transmitted to the end user client is based on a demographic profile that is completed at the time of end user client registration and which precedes delivery of any selected content in response to end user client requests. An application resident on the dynamic content server streams selected content simultaneously to a plurality of end user client devices for each end user client request. An application resident on each end user client device generates a plurality of processing threads for a series of independent commands, each of which is transmitted to the dynamic content server at specified preset intervals and generates a server-selected response. In a weather content collection and delivery embodiment, local, real-time weather data can be received continuously from thousands of weather reporting stations, and transmitted simultaneously by the weather content server to millions of end user desktop clients, with each user receiving current weather data that is generated from a nearby weather collection station. |
| US07953824B2 |
Image sensors worn or attached on humans for imagery identification
The present disclosure relates to image capture and identification of captured imagery. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: an image sensor configured for capturing image data, said apparatus to be worn or attached on a human so that said image sensor captures image data while said apparatus is worn or attached on the human; an analyzer configured for analyzing captured image data and to determine plural-bit identifiers for one or more objects represented in the captured image data, said analyzer is also configured for correcting for distortion in the image data; an output for communicating a determined plural-bit identifier to a remotely located network resource; and an input for receiving advertizing information associated with the determined plural-bit identifier. Of course, other claims are provided too. |
| US07953819B2 |
Multi-protocol sharable virtual storage objects
A storage object such as a virtual disk drive or a raw logical volume is contained in a UNIX compatible file so that the file containing the storage object can be exported using the NFS or CIFS protocol and shared among UNIX and MS Windows clients or servers. The storage object can be replicated and backed up using conventional file replication and backup facilities without disruption of client access to the storage object. For client access to data of the storage object, a software driver accesses the file containing the storage object. For example, a software driver called a virtual SCSI termination is used to access a file containing a virtual SCSI disk drive. Standard storage services use the SCSI over IP protocol to access the virtual SCSI termination. An IP replication or snapshot copy facility may access the file containing the virtual SCSI disk drive using a higher-level protocol. |
| US07953817B2 |
System and method for supporting TCP out-of-order receive data using generic buffer
A method and system for handling received out-of-order network data using generic buffers for non-posting TCP applications is disclosed. When incoming out-of-order data is received and there is no application buffer posted, a TCP data placement may notify a TCP reassembler to terminate a current generic buffer, allocate a new current generic buffer, and DMA the incoming data into the new current generic buffer. The TCP data placement may notify the TCP reassembler the starting TCP sequence number and the length of the new current generic buffer. Moreover, the TCP data placement may add entries into a TCP out-of-order table when the incoming data creates a new disjoint area. The TCP data placement may adjust an existing disjoint area to reflect any updates. When a TCP application allocates or posts a buffer, then the TCP reassembler may copy data from a linked list of generic buffers into posted buffers. |
| US07953816B2 |
Virtual memory technique for efficiently solving connected problems in a distributed environment
Embodiments herein present a virtual memory technique for efficiently solving connected problems in a distributed environment. An exemplary method begins by selectively loading computing task segments into a first node, wherein the number of computing task segments is the maximum number of computing task segments that will fit within the first node. The computing task segments are enclosed within wrappers, wherein the wrappers are streamed into the first node at a maximum rate that a disk can read and write data. Further, the wrappers comprise priority wrappers that must be computed in order to process the computing task segments; and thus, the priority wrappers are loaded into the first node first. In addition, the computing task segments comprise computing task segment block collections, wherein the method creates a list of computing task segment block collection jobs that must be completed in order to process one of the computing task segments. |
| US07953809B2 |
Method and system for enhanced messaging
Techniques for acquiring, sending, receiving or using status information from a remote location over a network are disclosed. The status information is transmitted over the network between or among electronic devices. The status information can be provided by one or more sensors associated with the electronic device that is transmitting the status information. The status information can be transmitted with messages so as to enhance the messages. The electronic devices include at least computing devices, such as personal computers, personal digital assistants, pagers, and mobile telephones. |
| US07953808B2 |
Automatic notification system and process
Receiving a notification message by a mobile subscriber can include establishing a session with a notification service; maintaining a persistent communication connection with the notification service after the session is established; subscribing to a node hosted by the notification service, wherein the node is pre-provisioned for use by a mobile subscriber; and receiving from the notification service a notification message corresponding to the subscribed node. Further, a message can be transmitted over the communication connection to the notification service at a predetermined interval and it can be determined whether the communication connection is viable. Additionally, it can be determined that the communication connection is no longer viable if no response is received from the notification service, the period of the predetermined interval can be decreased, and another session with the notification service can be established. |
| US07953805B2 |
Methods for creating and using electronic mailing groups
A method for creating an electronic mailing group. The method is implemented via execution of computer readable program code on a processor of a computer system. A first input is stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The first input includes a first group name for distributing a first electronic mail message. The first group name is associated with a plurality of electronic mail addresses, based on a first set of received instructions. The first group name represents the addresses. After associating, information associated with the first group name is stored in the storage medium. The information is associated with each address of the addresses and designates each address of the addresses as a first recipient type selected from: To recipient, Carbon Copy recipient, and Blind Carbon Copy recipient. At least one address of the addresses is designated as a Carbon Copy recipient or a Blind Carbon Copy recipient. |
| US07953804B2 |
User interface for a handheld device
A user interface and method for composing a message to be sent over a wireless network environment using a handheld device is disclosed. According to the method, upon receipt of a user request to compose a message, a screen is displayed with an input recipient field for a recipient address, an associated label to indicate that the input recipient field is for a recipient address, and an input message body field for holding message content. The method further includes, upon each keystroke entry of text to the input recipient field, looking up entries from an address book which match the text, and displaying a selection menu representing addresses from at least a portion of the entries. |
| US07953801B2 |
Method and an apparatus to screen electronic communications
A method and an apparatus to screen electronic communications have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes extracting URLs from electronic communication and analyzing the URLs extracted to determine whether the electronic communication is of a first predetermined category. Other embodiments have been claimed and described. |
| US07953797B2 |
Method for assigning clients distributed across a plurality of networks to a server and a client for implementing the method
To assign clients distributed across a plurality of subnetworks to a server, one of the clients is first selected in a respective subnetwork. A search is carried out across the subnetworks by a respective selected client for other selected clients and for the server, whereby when it locates the server, the selected client stores server address information identifying said server and when it locates another selected client, it requests the server address information from that client and stores it on receipt. The stored server address information is transmitted by the selected client to one or a plurality of other selected or non-selected clients. |
| US07953793B2 |
Distributed preboot execution environment (PXE) server booting
A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for distributed Preboot execution Environment (PXE) server booting. The method may include receiving a PXE boot image request from a plurality of target machines and sending one or more target machines a temporary PXE server RAM image and a subset of target machines. The temporary PXE server RAM image assigns a recipient target machine as a temporary PXE server and each temporary PXE server is delegated the subset of target machines to PXE boot. The method may also include receiving a subset boot confirmation from each temporary PXE server that indicates that the subset of target machines delegated to each temporary PXE server booted successfully. Finally, the method may include sending the one or more temporary PXE servers an agent boot image in response to the subset boot confirmation from each temporary PXE server. |
| US07953792B2 |
Method and system for content distribution network performance and quality measurement
A content delivery system includes an upload module, a content delivery module, and a quality assurance module. The upload module is configured to receive content from a content provider, and generate an upload signature for the content as received from the content provider. The content delivery module is configured to receive a request for the content from a client system, and provide the content to the client system. The quality assurance module is configured to generate a download signature for the content as delivered to the client, and compare the upload signature and the download signature. When the upload signature and the download signature do not match, the quality assurance module is further configured to generate an alert. |
| US07953790B2 |
Session information inheriting method and apparatus
A method is disclosed to maintain session continuity between a browser and an initial server in a cluster when the browser is transferred from the initial server to a different server and returned thereafter to the original server. |
| US07953788B2 |
System and method for queuing data for an application server
A method for queuing data for an application server is described. The method includes creating a queue entry record corresponding to the data, storing a queue entry including the data and the corresponding queue entry record in a queue, and receiving a command regarding the data from the application server. |
| US07953785B2 |
Content synchronization in a file sharing environment
Content synchronization in a file sharing environment is described. A node in a circle share maintains a version vector that represents that node's knowledge of file synchronization events. Version vector data may be transmitted between nodes of the circle share via a presence service in the form of short notification messages. The version vector data is compared to identify one or more nodes to be synchronized. A resource-aware overlay representing the circle share is computed, and is used to initiate communication to determine which of the available nodes with which to synchronize will provide the most synchronization value to other nodes in the circle share. |
| US07953782B2 |
Digital forced oscillation by direct digital synthesis
An opportunity is apparent to develop alternative circuitry. Simplified circuitry without artifacts tied to the clock that drives a digital frequency generator (DFG) is useful in a variety of tunable electronic devices. The present invention relates to digital frequency generation. In particular, it relates to a method and apparatus for the digital generation of a pulse stream having a desired frequency relative to a reference clock signal and the ratio of two integers. The method applies generally to integers whose ratio is not an integer. The DFG as a device can be integrated onto a simple chip, without need for an off-chip filter. |
| US07953781B1 |
System and method for memory-based parallel PN generation
A system and method for parallel Pseudo-random Noise (PN) code generation is disclosed. The method includes the operation of producing a PN code sequence having a predetermined length. The PN code can be divided into L segments. At least one of the L segments can have a length less than other segments. The L segments can be distributed into an array of L digital memories. Each of the digital memories can output every Lth chip of the PN code in parallel at a selected rate. An element of the PN code can be substituted from an element substitution cache into the output of the L digital memories to compensate for segment(s) having a shorter length. |
| US07953779B1 |
Configuration representation and modeling using configuration spaces
Configuration spaces facilitate the useful presentation of data, particularly configuration data used for representing configured products. Products include features and common features can be grouped by families. For example, an automobile can include a transmission family. The transmission family could include features such as automatic transmission and 4-speed manual transmission. Configuration spaces can be achieved by consolidating selected data without loosing useful information. The degree of consolidation achieved can be significant enough to permit display of data using conventional display technology. Configuration spaces break down the “universe” of possible configurations into constituent spaces defined by groups of rules for a selected feature. Common dependencies between the selected feature and related features can be consolidated to produce a more minimal form of the data used for representing the selected features and related features. Configuration spaces can provide a useful graphical view of the breakdown of all rules written for a single feature or multiple features. The data present in this view can be analyzed to, for example, study the dependency paths of an existing configuration and better understand the impact of revising configuration relationships. Thus, configuration spaces aid in the creation and modification of configuration models. |
| US07953777B2 |
Method and system for retrieving and organizing web media
A system and method which may allow a user to drag and drop a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of a web page onto a media sink on the desktop of the user's computer to download media which may be embedded in or linked to from the web page, so the media may be saved them locally for future consumption. The system may allow a user to subscribe to a URL so that the system may monitor new media as it becomes available at the URL and automatically download the new media. The system may also analyze web media content and its metadata that a user has downloaded, infer the user's preferences, search for web media based on the user's preferences, and recommend web media to the user. The system may consider what other users have downloaded when recommending web media to the user. |
| US07953775B2 |
Sharing tagged data on the internet
People are enabled to share tagged data via the Internet. In one embodiment, an Internet site receives, via the Internet, from various different users, content items of many different content types. The site also receives a tag for each content item and maps that tag to that content item. When other users supply search query terms, the site selects tags that match the search query terms. The site presents content items that are mapped to the selected tags. Using this technique, users are able to share with each other content items of all different content types using a single Internet site, without needing to store content items of different types on different Internet sites. In order to share a particular content item with other users, the user who wants to share the content item needs only to disclose the particular content item's tag to the other users. |
| US07953771B2 |
Virtualized data storage vaults on a dispersed data storage network
A dispersed data storage system includes a plurality of slice servers. In the system, a first set of the slice servers supports a first virtual digital data storage vault and a second set of the slice servers supports a second virtual digital data storage vault. A slice server is in the first and second sets and functions to: receive a request to access a virtual digital data storage vault; determine whether the virtual digital data storage vault is the first or the second virtual digital data storage vault; when the virtual digital data storage vault is the first or the second virtual digital data storage vault, determine whether the request is valid; and when the request is valid, execute the request to generate a response. |
| US07953769B1 |
XML data packaging system and method
A method for communicating data includes selecting a portion of data for communication to a remote computer, with the data portion in device-dependent format and comprising at least an integer, a real number, or a binary value. An XML tree of values is generated from the selected data portion and the XML tree comprises the selected portion of data with each value associated with one data type. The XML tree of values is bundled into a portable buffer communicated to the remote computer for processing the data portion in a second device-dependent format. |
| US07953767B2 |
Developing applications using configurable patterns
Methods, systems, and computer program products, implementing techniques for developing applications using configurable patterns. The techniques include determining the functionality of a pre-existing application; selecting one or more patterns based on the functionality of the pre-existing application, and configuring the patterns so that the patterns execute similar functionality as the pre-existing application. The patterns comprise multiple pattern elements including prearranged user interface elements. The patterns specify predefined actions that can be performed using the user interface elements. The predefined actions match actions performed by the pre-existing application. Configuring the patterns includes importing database structure from a database used by the pre-existing application, generating a visual model of a query performed on the database by the pre-existing application, converting the visual model of a query into a query statement, and configuring the patterns to use the query statement. |
| US07953759B2 |
Simplifying application access to schematized contact data
The present invention is directed to utilizing contact data controls to simplify access to schematized contact data. Contact data controls abstract the formatting of schematized contact data from applications. In some embodiments, applications that lack the configuration to natively access schematized contact data (e.g., lack the functionality to convert between schematized and non-schematized data or are not authorized) forward requests to access schematized contact data to an external contact data control. In other embodiments, applications that lack the configuration to natively access schematized contact data forward non-schematized data, which is to be used to update schematized contact data, to an external contact data control. External contact data controls appropriately interact with the schematized data and can provide user-interface such that an application designer need not have extensive knowledge of contact schemas associated with the schematized contact data. |
| US07953758B2 |
Workflow management method and workflow management apparatus
A disclosed workflow management method includes a workflow starting step of determining a workflow based on one or more tags attached to a workflow document, attaching a status tag and a participant tag to the workflow document, and starting the workflow; and a review/approval step of requesting review and/or approval of the workflow document based on the status tag and the participant tag and updating the status tag and the participant tag after the review and/or approval. |
| US07953757B1 |
Using metadata in user interfaces
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for user interfaces. A user interface uses metadata of digital objects to navigate through a data structure that includes multiple containers to organize digital objects, such as digital images. Based on the metadata, the user interface can ignore empty containers that have no associated digital objects. The data structure can be presented without the empty containers, or the empty containers can be presented but automatically skipped when a user navigates through the data structure. For example in a calendar view, in which each day represents a container for images, days without images are automatically skipped when the user navigates in the calendar view. |
| US07953747B2 |
Enforcing domain strong typing
A centralized method for defining and enforcing strong-typing among domains in RDBMS or ORDBMS is provided to allow flexible, easy, and quick domain creation, as well as facilitating easy implementation and change control on domains. When an application requests data from the database, one or more domains are first identified in the SQL query. A determination is then made as to whether operators for each domain pair in the SQL query are authorized. A determination is also made as to whether functions in the SQL authorized. If the operators and functions in the SQL are authorized, the initial SQL request is rewritten to include a casting formula for each domain pair operation. The rewritten SQL request is then executed. |
| US07953746B1 |
Contextual query revision
Apparatus, systems and methods for contextual query revision are disclosed. A current search query is received during a search session. The current search query includes one or more current search tokens. Potentially inaccurate search tokens are identified from the one or more current search tokens. A possible replacement token is identified based upon the potentially inaccurate search token. A group of related tokens is identified from query logs, and a modified search query is generated if the replacement token is not included in the related tokens. |
| US07953740B1 |
Detection of behavior-based associations between search strings and items
A system and method are disclosed for automatically detecting associations between particular sets of search criteria, such as particular search strings, and particular items. Actions of users of an interactive system, such as a web site, are monitored over time to generate event histories reflective of searches, item selection actions, and possibly other types of user actions. An analysis component collectively analyzes the event histories to automatically identify and quantify associations between specific search strings (or other types of search criteria) and specific items. As part of this process, a decay function reduces the weight given to a post-search item selection event based on intervening events that occur between the search event and the item selection event. |
| US07953739B2 |
Automated discovery of items associated with a context based on monitored actions of users
Computer processes are disclosed for automatically refining the order and/or content of context-specific lists of items (e.g., products) based on monitored actions of users. One such process involves outputting context-specific lists of items to users together with selectable controls for initiating displays of similar items. When users opt to view similar items, the users' actions performed in connection with the similar items are recorded. If the resulting level of user activity recorded for a particular similar item is sufficiently high, the item is automatically added to the associated context-specific list. |
| US07953736B2 |
Relevancy rating of tags
A content item may be associated with metadata comprising one or more tags. A user may indicate a relevance rating associated with a tag. The relevance rating may indicate whether the user feels the tag is relevant to a particular content item. Using a plurality of user-provided relevance ratings, a tag relevance model may be established. A tag relevance model may comprise a weighted or un-weighted average and/or median relevance rating of the tag and/or a consistency of the relevance rating. The tag relevance model may be used to order or otherwise inform search results. Tag ratings may also be used to aggregate users into groups comprising users having a similar point of view relative to one or more tag ratings. In addition, users may be grouped according to content access and/or tags rated regardless of the relevance rating applied. |
| US07953733B2 |
Recording/playback apparatus, recording/playback method, program, and storage medium
This invention improves convenience in processing such as data search in a recording/playback apparatus such as a digital camera. This apparatus includes a recording unit which generates a plurality of directories DCIM and SNDR having the same directory structure on a layer of hierarchy immediately below a root directory at the uppermost level in the hierarchical structure of a recording medium, and respectively records image data and audio data in the plurality of directories. |
| US07953731B2 |
Enhancing and optimizing enterprise search
Embodiments of the invention improve the quality of search results returned for a given set of search terms based on metadata associated with the user performing the search. A search query may specify metadata elements to consider in ranking the search results. The metadata used may include bookmarks set by the user (either locally or at a social bookmaking site), group bookmarks, etc. In such a case, search results may be reordered to improve the ranking of websites that are both in the search results and in the bookmarks. |
| US07953728B2 |
Queries with soft time constraints
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with supporting queries with soft time constraints are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes logic for accepting a query having a soft time constraint. The example system may also include logic for rewriting the query having the soft time constraint into a query having a row limitation or a sample percentage limitation. In one example, the row limitation or sample percentage limitation are computed by repetitively comparing an estimated query execution time to the soft time constraint. |
| US07953727B2 |
Handling requests for data stored in database tables
Method for handling requests for data stored in database tables is provided. The method includes receiving a request for data stored in a database table, the database table including non-hash and hash columns, a hash column including hash values computed based on non-hash values in at least one non-hash column, generating database queries that are executable to retrieve data stored in the database table satisfying the request, each database query using a different combination of columns in the database table, ranking the database queries based on desirability, determining whether any of the database queries only uses indexed columns, responsive to one or more of the database queries only using indexed columns, selecting a highest ranked of the one or more database queries that only uses indexed columns for execution. |
| US07953725B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for providing web information processing services
Web information processing services are provided by scanning at least one data feed for content relevant to a first subject category and associating relevant content found as a result of the scanning with the first subject category. The first subject category is selected by a first web user. A first domain including results of the associating is created, and the first domain is associated with the first web user. The first domain is published as a syndicatable data feed over a network. |
| US07953721B1 |
Integrated search engine devices that support database key dumping and methods of operating same
Methods of operating a search engine device include repeatedly reading next keys (and associated handles) from a database within the search engine device in order to identify and transfer some or possibly all of the contents of the database to another device (e.g., command host) requesting the database contents. An operation to read a next key includes: (i) searching a pipelined database within the search engine device with a first key to identify at least one key therein that is greater than the first key and then (ii) executing a next key fetch operation in the pipelined database to identify the next key from the at least one key. The next key and a handle associated with the next key are then retrieved from the search engine device (e.g., transferred to a command host). |
| US07953720B1 |
Selecting the best answer to a fact query from among a set of potential answers
A method and system for selecting a best answer to a factual query. Possible answers to a factual query are identified. The possible answers are scored and the best scoring possible answers are compared to other possible answers to determine how well they are supported. The most supported answer is chosen to be presented to the user. |
| US07953719B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for capturing data exchanged between a server and a user
Data exchanged between at least one server and at least one user is intercepted in a capturing module that operates independently from the server and the user. A copy of the intercepted data is stored in a database. The intercepted data that is destined for the server is forwarded to the server, or the intercepted data that is destined for the user is forwarded to the user. The intercepting and storing are performed transparently to the user. Interception of data may be performed continuously, and storing of data may be performed during a predetermined time window or at predetermined time intervals. The intercepted data may include events, attributes, images, user identifications, requests, and/or responses. Only a predetermined portion of the data and/or data that satisfies predefined rules is stored. The user may be a web server or a web browser, and the server may be a web server. The data may be exchanged in the form of an Internet protocol and assembled into a web page view for the user. Interception and storing may be performed concurrently for capturing data exchanged simultaneously between a plurality of servers and the user, the server and a plurality of users, or a plurality of servers and a plurality of users. |
| US07953718B2 |
Data processing apparatus, method, and program
A UMID extracting/embedding unit 10 extracts UMID data embedded in material data. A CPU 11 updates a generation indicated by generation data in the extracted UMID data to generate new generation data when processing accompanied by a deterioration of quality is applied to the material data such as recording to a database 8. The UMID extracting/embedding unit 10 embeds the new generation data in the material data. |
| US07953716B2 |
Method for determining participation in a distributed transaction
A method and system for determining whether a plurality of participants who are participating in a distributed transaction have registered their intention to commit their part of the transaction with a transaction manager, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a message from a participant, the message comprising a character sequence identifying the participant and the part of the transaction which the participant is processing; analyzing the character sequence to determine whether the character sequence further comprises an identifier for identifying whether a subsequent message is to be received by a second participant; and in dependence on the identifier identifying that there are no further subsequent messages to be received, informing each of the participants to commit their part of the transaction. |
| US07953714B2 |
Method for maintaining parallelism in database processing using record identifier substitution assignment
In one implementation, a method for sustaining database processing parallelism of one or more parallelized processes to build one or more index pages using pseudo record identifiers (PRIDs) is disclosed. The method comprises generating one or more PRIDs for one or more respective internal record formats (IRFs), inserting said generated PRIDs into a respective index key, generating a relational index of the PRID and a predetermined record identifier (RID) respectively determined in relation to said IRF, and building one or more index pages in relation to the relational index by comparing said RID and said PRID for their respective IRF in said relational index, and determining which one of said RID or said PRID to insert into said index page. |
| US07953710B2 |
Multi-master database synchronization without loss of convergence
Tombstones can be removed from a data store without data corruption. Tombstones placed into a forgotten knowledge list can be compared against each other and/or items in a tombstone table, and deleted when tombstones representing subsequently deleted items are extant. Also, creation database version information can be kept along with database items, and databases can record database version information when they synchronize. If a synchronizing database discovers an item that it does not have, but the creation database version information associated with the item reflects that the synchronizing database “should” have the item, then it can be inferred that the item was subsequently deleted, and item resurrection can be prevented. |
| US07953696B2 |
Real-time synchronization of XML data between applications
One or more data stores are maintained separately from a primary presentation storage within a document for storing, relating and for allowing use of arbitrary data that is associated with a computer-generated document between multiple data consumers. The data store exposes application programming interfaces (APIs) to the various pieces of data in the data store for allowing different data consumers to access and operate on one or more of the data pieces in real time. Multiple data consumers may access and edit the same piece of data concurrently, and any conflicting changes to a given piece of data are resolved. Each data consumer may accept or reject the change as well as make additional side-effect changes as a result of the original change. In this way, the data may be synchronized in real time across the data consumers. |
| US07953694B2 |
Method, system, and program for specifying multidimensional calculations for a relational OLAP engine
Provided is a system, method, and program for specifying multidimensional calculations. Selection of a subset of a cube model metadata object that is generated from a facts metadata object and one or more dimension metadata objects is received. The facts metadata object references one or more measure metadata objects. A statement is generated for retrieving multidimensional information using metadata in the cube model metadata object and the measure metadata objects, wherein each of the measure metadata objects specifies one or more aggregations. |
| US07953688B2 |
Method and system for facilitating a compliance audit using a rule set
In an embodiment of the invention, a method related to conducting a compliance audit, including accessing a database, the database including a rule set formulated from at least one requirement, wherein the database includes a knowledge base, accepting input regarding circumstance data, the circumstance data regarding a subject of the at least one requirement, applying the rule set to the input regarding circumstance data, and generating a compliance audit report based on applying the rule set to the input regarding circumstance data. In addition, other method, system, program product, and apparatus aspects are described in the claims, drawings, or text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US07953684B2 |
Method and system for optimal parallel computing performance
A system and method that optimizes reduce operations by consolidating the operation into a limited number of participating processes and then distributing the results back to all processes to optimize large message global reduce operations on non power-of-two processes. The method divides a group of processes into subgroups, performs paired exchange and local reduce operations at some of the processes to obtain half vectors of partial reduce results, consolidates partial reduce results into a set of regaining processes, performs successive recursive halving and recursive doubling at a set of remaining processes until each process in the set of remaining process has a half vector of the complete result, and provides a full complete result at every process. |
| US07953682B2 |
Method of driving a display using non-negative matrix factorization to determine a pair of matrices for representing features of pixel data in an image data matrix and determining weights of said features such that a product of the matrices approximates the image data matrix
This invention generally relates to methods, apparatus and computer program code processing digital data using non-negative matrix factorisation.A method of digitally processing data in a data array defining a target matrix (X) using non-negative matrix factorisation to determine a pair of matrices (F, G), a first matrix of said pair determining a set of features for representing said data, a second matrix of said pair determining weights of said features, such that a product of said first and second matrices approximates said target matrix, the method comprising: inputting said target matrix data (X); selecting a row of said one of said first and second matrices and a column of the other of said first and second matrices; determining a target contribution (R) of said selected row and column to said target matrix; determining, subject to a non-negativity constraint, updated values for said selected row and column from said target contribution; and repeating said selecting and determining for the other rows and columns of said first and second matrices until all said rows and columns have been updated. |
| US07953676B2 |
Predictive discrete latent factor models for large scale dyadic data
A method for predicting future responses from large sets of dyadic data includes measuring a dyadic response variable associated with a dyad from two different sets of data; measuring a vector of covariates that captures the characteristics of the dyad; determining one or more latent, unmeasured characteristics that are not determined by the vector of covariates and which induce local structures in a dyadic space defined by the two different sets of data; and modeling a predictive response of the measurements as a function of both the vector of covariates and the one or more latent characteristics, wherein modeling includes employing a combination of regression and matrix co-clustering techniques, and wherein the one or more latent characteristics provide a smoothing effect to the function that produces a more accurate and interpretable predictive model of the dyadic space that predicts future dyadic interaction based on the two different sets of data. |
| US07953670B2 |
Biometrically secured identification authentication and card reader device
An intelligent Caddy-Pilot for facilitating biometric verification. The device works as a single sign-on device for an internal VPN or network or in conjunction with a central data network and may act as a card reader for various Safe Card and traditional credit cards to perform secure transactions and other objective functions, or as an; instantaneous standalone biometric authentication and identification device. The Caddy-Pilot generally comprises a Credit Card-sized housing defining an end-wise card insertion port, a USB connection port, a magnetic card strip reader head, an internal infrared receiver/transmitter, a fingerprint scanner, LCD display screen, LED indicator lights, and a programmable microprocessor and memory. At issuance, an initial scan of the user's fingerprint is completed and a portion of the digitized fingerprints scan is stored locally on Caddy Pilot along with an image of the user for later authentication. The user may then employ the Caddy-Pilot by connection to any available USB port on a web enabled device to initiate both a local biometric-secure authentication sequence as well as a network biometric authentication single sign-on sequence to fully authenticate the user. Once authenticated the user is permitted access to requested resource or data. |
| US07953669B2 |
Information processing apparatus
A system is provided with which a user of an information processing apparatus is requested to pay only the license charges of the necessary functions of the pre-installed software and an information processing apparatus vendor or the like is also not requested to pay unwanted license fees to the licensors. An information processing apparatus, which has pre-installed at least one software providing a plurality of functions to which each license fee is charged respectively and enables selection of use or no use of the relevant functions, comprises a software storage unit for storing the pre-installed software, a function selection processing unit for executing only the function selected from the stored software, and a network communication unit for transmitting, via the network, the selected function information including the information indicating correspondence between the software name and selected function. |
| US07953665B2 |
Method and system for delivering content to and locking content in a user device
A method for delivering content to be locked in a user device is provided. The method includes receiving a content selection. A device identifier that is operable to identify a specified user device is received. A lock message is generated based on the content selection. The lock message is sent to the user device identified by the device identifier. |
| US07953660B2 |
Method and system for payment processing
The present invention provides a method, system, and article of manufacture for providing payment services on a network. Information identifying a network user is received. The network user is assigned a payer status. A request to make a payment to a payee on behalf of the network user is received. If a first payer status is assigned to the network user, the payment will be made no matter the identity of the payee. If a second payer status is assigned to the network user, the payment will only be made if the payee is one of a group of payees that is not determined by the network user. With the second payer status, the network user can only direct payments to the group of payees. The payer status can be changed from one payer status to another payer status. |
| US07953657B2 |
System and method for event driven virtual workspace
A system and method for an event driven virtual workspace are described. According to one example method, a trader can define a plurality of windows to be associated with a virtual workspace. Also, the trader could define one or more triggering events, the combination of which may be used to activate the virtual workspace. In such an embodiment, when the system detects the one or more triggers, the system can attempt to activate the virtual workspace. According to the example method, the trader may place a number of limiting conditions before any states of the currently displayed windows are modified such that the triggered virtual workspace could be displayed. If no limiting conditions are detected, the system can display the triggered virtual workspace. |
| US07953655B1 |
Reverse auction method and system for non-commodity goods, services and systems
A reverse auction method and system are provided for non-commodity goods, services, and systems. A purchaser creates a description of goods, services and/or systems required by the purchaser and sends the description to a number of potential vendors. In response, the vendors prepare an offer template provided by the purchaser showing the components and services proposed by each vendor and prices associated therewith for supplying the required goods, services or systems. The proposal/offer from each vendor is adjusted to ensure that the offer from each vendor will produce a similar and acceptable result. A downward bidding increments session sets downward bidding that is allowed by the vendor during a subsequent auction process. Each vendor executes a contract that is binding on the vendor if the vendor's bid during a subsequent auction process is accepted as the lowest bid. An auction is held in which each vendor bids against other vendors using the pre-negotiated downward bidding increments. |
| US07953653B2 |
System and method for combined reconciliation of co-branded card promotion and settlement of private label card accounts
A system and method for combined reconciliation of co-branded card promotion and settlement of private label card accounts are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method may include (1) establishing a first relationship with a merchant for promotion of a credit card, the first relationship including at least one merchant compensation term; (2) establishing a second relationship with the merchant for the administration of the merchant's private label credit card transactions, the second relationship including at least one issuer compensation term; (3) receiving a first financial information related to the first relationship; (4) receiving a second financial information related to the second relationship; and (5) determining an account balance for the merchant based on at least one of the first information, the second information, the at least one merchant compensation term, and the at least one issuer compensation term. According to another embodiment, the system may include a server in communication with an issuer, a merchant and a bank card network. The server may receive a first financial information related the merchant's promotion of a credit card and a second financial information related to the merchant's private label credit card transactions. The system may further include a database that stores merchant compensation terms and issuer compensation terms. The system may also include a processor that determines an account balance for the merchant based on the first information, the second information, the at least one merchant compensation term, and/or the at least one issuer compensation term. |
| US07953652B1 |
Profit model for non-execution services
Methods of pricing non-execution services provided by a firm comprising an execution service provider and a non-execution service provider. The methods may comprise the steps of accruing a payment for execution and non-execution services from an external client and allocating a first portion of the payment to an execution service provider and a second portion of the payment to a non-execution service provider. The methods may also comprise the steps of calculating a cost of providing the non-execution services, and calculating a profit of the non-execution service provider considering the cost of providing the non-execution services and the second portion of the payment. |
| US07953648B2 |
System and methods for generating virtual clothing experiences
A system for generating a virtual clothing experience has a display for mounting with a wall, one or more digital cameras for capturing first images of the person standing in front of the display, an image processing module for synthesizing the first images and for generating a display image on the display that substantially appears, to the person, like a reflection of the person in a mirror positioned at the display. The cameras capture second images of a garment with the person; the module synthesizes the second images with the first images to generate the image that substantially appears, to the person, that the reflection wears the garment. A home version of the system may be formed with a home computer and a database storing garment images in cooperation with a manufacturer. |
| US07953646B2 |
System and method for automated auctioning of web services
An automated auctioning system includes a customer, a web services register server (such as an Extended Markup Language (XML)-based registry server like an Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) registry) and a number of web service providers. Automated auctioning processes of a web service desired by the customer are undertaken between the potential customer and the web service providers. The potential customer issues a bid request, and each web service provider determines whether the value of a bid in response to the bid request is below a value warranted by market demand and issues the bid if the value is higher. The potential customer assesses the bid, creating a bid assessment score. The potential customer performs an iteration on the bid assessment score using a new bid request if the score has improved since a last iteration, while engaging the web service if the score has not improved. |
| US07953645B2 |
System and method for managing recurring orders in a computer network
A recurring order management system and method for a computer network is disclosed. The system receives a request to suggest a recurring order for one or more products or services. The system generates a profile which stores the suggested products or services, the suggested recurrence for those products or services and the suggested quantities to deliver upon each recurrence. The order then automatically recurs one or more times according to the specified recurrence. |
| US07953642B2 |
On-line payment transactions
A computer-implemented method includes generating on a user terminal a merchant web site associated with a merchant with code for a merchant web page, transmitting a product selection request for the user to a remote open payment system that is separate from the merchant, and displaying purchase information responsive to the product selection request using the code for the merchant web page. |
| US07953641B2 |
Method for listing goods for sale by telephone
A method for using a telephone to list a seller's good for sale on a website including the steps of receiving good-identifying information from a seller via a telephone and presenting the good for sale on a website. The good-identifying information may be received as a series of tones generated by depression of keys of a telephone. The tones may optionally be used to navigate through a voice prompt system or to provide information about the good, such as the good's UPC code, ISBN number and/or characteristics of the good. The seller's provision of a standard identification code allows the marketeer to retrieve information relating to the good from a database and to use such information to present the good for sale. Such information, and/or the characteristics provided by the seller that are specific to the good may optionally be used to set or recommend a price for the good. |
| US07953640B2 |
Method and system for determining a value of a portion of content
There is provided a method for use by a computing device for determining a value of a portion of content selected by a user. The content can be, for example, a movie or a television program that includes approximately 30 frames per second. Then, data defining a beginning and an ending of the portion of content is received from the user. Metadata associated with at least one frame included in the portion of content selected by the user is processed by the computing device. For example, the metadata can include information describing the subject matter included in the frame or information indicating various attributes of the frame. Thereafter, one or more frame values are determined using the metadata. The value of the portion of content is then determined using the one or more frame values. |
| US07953636B2 |
System and method for providing customized sales-related data over a network
A system and method for providing sales-related data over a network. The method includes the steps of receiving a request for sales-related data from a user, receiving request-related information from the user and generating the sales-related data based on the received request-related information. The request may be from a user at a broker address. The method further includes the steps of accessing broker information from a broker information database based on the broker address and displaying at least a portion of the broker information with at least a portion of subsequent information presented to the user. |
| US07953635B2 |
Merchandise sales data processing apparatus and computer readable medium
Articles are placed in a commodity placement area thereby to acquire figure images of the articles, based on stored data acquired from wireless tags respectively attached to the articles. The acquired image forms are developed and displayed in X-axis and Y-axis directions in a display area of a display. A commodity registration screen that enables the choice of each article by an operation at a touch panel, e.g., a registration method selection dialogue, a voice registration dialogue, selection candidates, etc. are displayed on the display. |
| US07953634B2 |
Direct currency conversion
This invention concerns direct currency conversion, that is automatic currency conversion at point of payment for card transactions. In particular it concerns a method for operating equipment associated with a financial transaction. The method includes the steps of: Presenting a card related to a customer's account. Recording a card number from the card. Applying all or part of the card number to a tree structure, and automatically processing that number by the tree one bit at a time to arrive at an end node of the tree coded with information related to the currency of the customer's card account. Determining the currency of the customer's card account. Comparing the currency of the customer's card account with one or more currencies predetermined for the equipment. Where the comparison indicates different currencies, providing direct currency conversion services. In other aspects it concerns the equipment itself, and a method of preparing a tree structure for use by the equipment. |
| US07953632B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing food products in quick serve restaurants
A product management system for quick serve restaurants that displays to the staff what to cook on a main control unit 1 is programmed with a sales forecast through the office computer 14. The main control unit communicates to the product hold timers 3, 4, 5 to calculate when product is used and when products are cooked. The main control unit 1 monitors each instruction request, and if it is not followed, the main control unit 1 stores an error and sends the error to the manager unit 6 and grade display unit 8. A slave unit 10 displays cook information at an alternate cook station. |
| US07953631B1 |
Paid inclusion listing enhancement
The subject invention provides for systems and methods that visually enhance paid inclusion listings to facilitate offering a clear and substantial value to paid inclusion advertisers while retaining ordering rights to keep listings relevant to users. More specifically, the systems and methods allow paid inclusion listings to be visually modified at the discretion of the advertiser, the user, and/or the search service provider (e.g., publisher of search results) to facilitate differentiation among advertisers, companies, and the like. The ordering of the enhanced paid inclusion listings is not compromised based on the number or type of enhancement selected by the paid inclusion customer. A search service provider or search result publisher (“service provider”) can offer a plurality, or at least one, of different types of enhancements to paid inclusion customers (“advertisers”) to affect the rendering of any paid inclusion listing to the user. |
| US07953626B2 |
Systems and methods for assessing and tracking operational and functional performance
Methods and systems for assessing and tracking operational and functional performance can include compiling performance data for an entity (e.g., an entire enterprise, a corporate business unit, a particular operational region, a particular position, a particular employee, etc.) corresponding to a plurality of indicators corresponding to at least one goal category. The method may further include weighting the performance data corresponding to the plurality of indicators for the entity and generating a performance score for the entity based on the weighted or un-weighted performance data. Another method for assessing performance of at least one entity can be based on a first set of indicators and a second set of indicators reflecting performance of the entity. The method may also include generating goal achievement data for the first set of indicators and the second set of indicators and, based on the generated goal achievement data, generating a summary or composite goal achievement data for the first set of indicators and the second set of indicators by weighting the generated goal achievement data. |
| US07953625B2 |
Available resource presentation
A computer-implemented method of representing the availability of resources allocated to an entity includes receiving a planned resource description describing how resources were expected to be consumed by the entity, receiving a consumed resource description describing how resources are actually being consumed by the entity, and generating a graphic representation indicating a correlation between the planned resource description and the consumed resource description. |
| US07953624B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating delivery of consulting services
A method for providing consulting services includes assembling a plurality of solutions or recommendations designed to promote cost savings and improved operational efficiency of a business enterprise, categorizing at least a subset of the plurality of solutions or recommendations into groups, selecting client-relevant solutions, recommendations or groups from the plurality of solutions, recommendations or groups based on information received from the client, prioritizing the client-relevant solutions, recommendations or groups into a prioritized list of client-relevant solutions, recommendations or groups, and successively presenting to the client, over a predetermined amount of time, each of the client-relevant solutions, recommendations or groups from the prioritized list of client-relevant solutions, recommendations or groups. The consulting service is preferably subscription based where the delivery of the recommendations are parsed out to the client over the course of months or years so that the client can easily adopt the recommendations one at a time. |
| US07953622B2 |
Implementing meeting moderator failover and failback
A method, apparatus, and computer-usable medium for scheduling a meeting, determining a set of policies for selecting a replacement meeting moderator if an original meeting moderator is not present in the meeting, specifying the a set of policies for reestablishing control of the meeting to the original meeting moderator when the original meeting moderator rejoins the meeting, deciding whether to implement a default policy or a custom policy as the set of policies. The default policy includes examining a user directory, establishing a hierarchy ranking of a collection of meeting members, where the original meeting moderator holds the highest rank, and designating a member of the collection of meeting members as a replacement meeting moderator, where the member holds a next highest rank in the hierarchy ranking. |
| US07953618B2 |
Transport system
A transport system having commuters with identification and/or vehicles with identification (“identifiers”) authorizing them to take part in the transport system, at least one vehicle park in which authorized commuters may park vehicles and/or take on board authorized commuters who may or may not have parked vehicles and transport them to a specified destination and/or for set down near the specified destination, a hub at which vehicles of authorized commuters or others may take on board authorized commuters and transport them to the or a said vehicle park, optionally near the specified destination, at least one pickup point from which authorized commuters may be transported back to the hub, and a benefit sharing system involving the use of the identifiers at the vehicle park(s) and/or said hub whereby an authorized commuter, when a driver of authorized commuter(s) leaving and/or returning to or arriving at the vehicle park(s) and/or hub, benefits at some detriment to each carried commuter. |
| US07953616B2 |
Collateral damage coverage
A method for marketing, underwriting, and adjusting damages that are associated with insured loss events but that are not covered by traditional insurance policies. This method permits the marketing of loss expense coverage, underwriting, and claim adjustment processes of insurance to be performed by reference to the loss payments that are made by a specified insurance policy. By referencing insured loss payments, which both a buyer and a seller understand, this method provides an easy way to communicate and transact something that is otherwise difficult or impossible to define or measure. |
| US07953614B1 |
Smart placement rules
A smart placement module determines components of received medial data, such as medical reports and image montages, to forward to one or more secondary location, such as an EMR system, based on smart placement rules that are established by a user that receives the medical data, such as a referring doctor. Thus, the smart placement module decreases or removes the need for the receiving user to manually select and transfer certain medical data for storage at the EMR system. Accordingly, the receiving user, and other authorized EMR system users, may have prompt access to the medical data via their respective connections to the EMR system. In one embodiment, the smart placement module transmits a patient identification file that is usable by the receiving EMR system to allow the EMR system to associate received medical data with other data regarding a respective patient. |
| US07953613B2 |
Health maintenance system
Disclosed is a health maintenance system for comprehensive health assessment, abnormality detection, health monitoring, health pattern and trend detection, health strategy development, and health history archiving. The health maintenance system comprises a subscriber segment and a system segment, communicatively coupled. The subscriber segment acquires subscriber personal and health data from at least one subscriber, analyzing the data; identifies specific health abnormalities; prescribes at least one customized subscriber health product, instructs the subscriber on the implementation of the prescribed health product, compiles and preserves the subscriber's health history data—including abnormalities and prescribed health products, and performs monitoring of subscriber health conditions. The subscriber segment acquires subscriber data from the subscriber segment, stores and maintains the data, facilitates retrieval of data by the subscriber and emergency medical personnel analyzes subscriber patterns and trends, develops new health products and modifies existing health products, and monitors the effectiveness of health products. |
| US07953611B2 |
Method of incentivising members of a disease management programme to comply with the programme
A method of incentivising members of a disease management program to comply with the program by splitting the program into general program areas and specific program areas. The general program areas are relevant to all of the diseases with which members of the program are stricken while the specific program areas are only relevant to some disease managed by the program. Members of the program are awarded points for taking part in and achieving certain levels within all of the general program areas and within the specific program areas associated with the disease with which they are stricken. The points are accumulated and members are rewarded if their points reach a predetermined level. Furthermore, bonus points are awarded to the members for achieving certain levels in all of the program areas associated with their disease. |
| US07953610B2 |
Managing patient bed assignments and bed occupancy in a health care facility
An integrated health care delivery network with enabling software and network technology to maximize bed resources, manage varying census levels, and avoid patient diversions through real-time monitoring, automation and communication, is disclosed. Preferably, the present invention is embodied in a bed management system that interfaces with and complements existing Admission/Discharge/Transfer (ADT) systems. The bed management system is an easy-to-use business intelligence application that is designed to allow administrators, clinicians and managers to easily access, analyze and display real-time patient and bed availability information from ancillary information systems, databases and spreadsheets. It enables users to see trends and relationships in hospital (bed) management data directly from their desktop personal computers. |
| US07953604B2 |
Shape and scale parameters for extended-band frequency coding
An audio encoder performs frequency extension coding that comprises determining one or more shape parameters using a displacement vector that corresponds to a displacement of an even number (e.g., an even number of sub-bands between a sub-band in a baseband frequency range and a sub-band in an extended-band frequency range). The shape parameters can be determined on a per-audio-block basis. Restricting a displacement to an even number (in frequency extension coding or in other signal modulation schemes) can improve the quality of reconstructed audio. An audio encoder also can perform frequency extension coding that comprises determining one or more scale parameters at one or more audio blocks, and determining one or more anchor points for interpolating the one or more scale parameters. |
| US07953602B2 |
Digital video reproducing apparatus for recognizing and reproducing a digital video content
Character information recognition means extracts, through a character recognition process, character information from a selection button included in an index image. Based on text data having been outputted from the character information recognition means, index dictionary creation means creates an index dictionary usable for a speech recognition process performed by speech recognition means. The speech recognition means performs the speech recognition process by using speech data retrieved through an ADC and the index dictionary stored in storage means. Based on a result of the speech recognition process performed by the speech recognition means, reproduction control means performs reproduction control of a chapter. Thus, a desired button can be selected by speech, from chapter selection buttons displayed on a chapter selection image of a DVD video. |
| US07953599B2 |
System, method and computer program product for adding voice activation and voice control to a media player
A media player system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, an utterance is received. A command for a media player is then generated based on the utterance. Such command is utilized for providing wireless control of the media player. |
| US07953595B2 |
Dual-transform coding of audio signals
Methods, devices, and systems for coding and decoding audio are disclosed. At least two transforms are applied on an audio signal, each with different transform periods for better resolutions at both low and high frequencies. The transform coefficients are selected and combined such that the data rate remains similar as a single transform. The transform coefficients may be coded with a fast lattice vector quantizer. The quantizer has a high rate quantizer and a low rate quantizer. The high rate quantizer includes a scheme to truncate the lattice. The low rate quantizer includes a table based searching method. The low rate quantizer may also include a table based indexing scheme. The high rate quantizer may further include Huffman coding for the quantization indices of transform coefficients to improve the quantizing/coding efficiency. |
| US07953592B2 |
Semantic analysis apparatus, semantic analysis method and semantic analysis program
A semantic analysis apparatus includes a data obtaining unit that obtains data in which an item name and an item value belonging to the item name are represented in a predetermined data format; an item value extracting unit that extracts the item value from the data based on the data format; a concept storing unit that stores a concept which is a semantic notion to be attached to the item name and an instance which is specific data of the concept in association with each other; a concept specifying unit that specifies the concept, which is stored in the concept storing unit and which is associated with the instance which at least partially matches with a character string of the extracted item value, as the concept for the item name; and an associating unit that associates the concept with the item name. |
| US07953588B2 |
Method and system for efficient emulation of multiprocessor address translation on a multiprocessor host
A method (and system) for emulating a target system's memory addressing using a virtual-to-real memory mapping mechanism of a host multiprocessor system's operating system, includes inputting a target virtual memory address into a simulated page table to obtain a host virtual memory address. The target system is oblivious to the software it is running on. |
| US07953587B2 |
Method for designing and optimizing drilling and completion operations in hydrocarbon reservoirs
A method is disclosed for generating a wellsite design, comprising: designing a workflow for an Earth Model; building an initial Earth Model based on the workflow adapted for modeling drilling and completions operations in a hydrocarbon reservoir; calibrating the initial Earth Model thereby generating a calibrated Earth Model; and generating the wellsite design using the calibrated Earth Model. |
| US07953585B2 |
Integrated reservoir optimization
A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir. The method includes: (a) generating an initial reservoir characterization, (b) from the initial reservoir characterization, generating an initial reservoir development plan, (c) when the reservoir development plan is generated, incrementally advancing and generating a capital spending program, (d) when the capital spending program is generated, monitoring a performance of the reservoir by acquiring high rate monitor data from a first set of data measurements taken in the reservoir and using the high rate monitor data to perform well-regional and field-reservoir evaluations, (e) further monitoring the performance of the reservoir by acquiring low rate monitor data from a second set of data measurements taken in the reservoir, (f) assimilating together the high rate monitor data and the low rate monitor data, (g) from the high rate monitor data and the low rate monitor data, determining when it is necessary to update the initial reservoir development plan to produce a newly updated reservoir development plan, (h) when necessary, updating the initial reservoir development plan to produce the newly updated reservoir development plan, and (i) when the newly updated reservoir development plan is produced, repeating steps (c) through (h). A detailed disclosure is provided herein relating to the step (a) for generating the initial reservoir characterization and the step (b) for generating the initial reservoir development plan. |
| US07953582B2 |
Method and system for lithography simulation and measurement of critical dimensions
A method and system for lithography simulation is disclosed. The method and system specify a subject region of a lithography image with a CD marker, specify a threshold intensity over the lithography image, specify a gradient to a threshold value of the threshold intensity, and calculate a sensitivity or ratio of change of an image boundary of the lithography image to lithography process variation. |
| US07953579B2 |
Jittery signal generation with discrete-time filtering
The computer-implementable method allows for the fast creation of a multi-unit interval data signal suitable for simulation. The created signal represents the output of an otherwise ideal Discrete Time Filter (DTF) circuit, and the quick creation of the signal merely requires a designer to input the number of taps and their weights without the need of laying out or considering the circuitry of the DTF. A matrix is created based on a given data stream, and the number of taps and weights, which matrix is processed to create the multi-unit-interval data signal. Noise and jitter can be added to the created signal such that it now realistically reflects non-idealities common to actual systems. The signal can then be simulated using standard computer-based simulation techniques. |
| US07953569B2 |
On die thermal sensor of semiconductor memory device and method thereof
An on die thermal sensor (ODTS) includes a thermal sensor for outputting a first comparing voltage by detecting a temperature of the semiconductor memory device; a comparing unit for outputting a trimming code by comparing the first comparing voltage with a second comparing voltage and increasing or decreasing a preset digital code in response to the comparing result; and a voltage level adjusting unit for adjusting a voltage level of the second comparing voltage by determining a maximum variation voltage and a minimum variation voltage based on the trimming code and a temperature control code. |
| US07953567B2 |
Defect inspection apparatus and defect inspection method
A defect inspection apparatus includes: stages each mounting an inspecting object on which a circuit pattern having a group of parallel lines is formed, and each running perpendicular or parallel to the group of lines; an illumination optical system which illuminating a surface of the inspecting object with a slit beam being slit light so that a longitudinal direction of the slit beam is substantially perpendicular to the running directions of the stages, and which has a first inclined angle formed by the direction of the group of lines and a projection line, of an optical axis of the slit beam, to the inspecting object; a spatial filter that shields or transmits reflected and scattered light of the inspecting object according to a difference in distribution of orientation; and a detection optical system that detects the reflected and scattered light transmitted through the spatial filter by image sensors. Moreover, the illumination optical system illuminates the inspecting object with another slit beam from a direction opposite to an incident direction of the slit beam on a plane. |
| US07953566B2 |
Electromagnetic interference reduction calculation method, device, and program, and its electronic circuit
A calculation method of electromagnetic interference reduction through spectrum diffusion that is for reducing the electromagnetic interference, in which, when a center frequency of a measurement bandwidth is changed so that a spectrum having the maximum amplitude is included in the measurement bandwidth, of a plurality of spectra generated from the frequency spectrum of an electromagnetic interference signal through the spectrum diffusion, the amplitudes of all spectra included in the measurement bandwidth are added up and the maximum total sum of the amplitudes is divided by the amplitude of the electromagnetic interference signal, hence to estimate the electromagnetic interference reduction. |
| US07953562B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring the stress or strain of a portion of a ferro-magnetic member
A method and apparatus for measuring stress or strain in a portion of a ferromagnetic member is disclosed in which advantage is taken of the fact that the magnetic properties of a ferromagnetic member change with applied tensile or compressive stress. A magnetic hysteresis loop is measured in a portion of a ferromagnetic member and a model of a magnetic hysteresis loop is fitted to the measured magnetic hysteresis loop by varying at least one stress or strain dependent model variable and the fitted at least one variable is used to determine the stress or strain of the portion. The particular model disclosed is a predator/prey pursuit model wherein the prey is the applied field and the predator is the flux density. |
| US07953558B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining gas flux
Disclosed embodiments of the present invention provide means to obtain correct gas density and flux measurements using (i) gas analyzer (open-path, or closed-path gas analyzers with short intake tube, for example 1 m long, or any combination of the two); (ii) fast temperature or sensible heat flux measurement device (such as, fine-wire thermocouple, sonic anemometer, or any other device providing fast accurate gas temperature measurements); (iii) fast air water content or latent heat flux measurement device (such as, hygrometer, NDIR analyzer, any other device providing fast accurate gas water content measurements); (iv) vertical wind or sampling device (such as sonic anemometer, scintillometer, or fast solenoid valve, etc.) and (v) algorithms in accordance with the present invention to compute the corrected gas flux, compensated for T-P effects. In case when water factor in T-P effects is negligible, the fast air water content or latent heat flux measurement device (item iii in last paragraph) can be excluded. |
| US07953556B2 |
Geophone noise attenuation and wavefield separation using a multi-dimensional decomposition technique
Methods and apparatus for processing dual sensor (e.g., hydrophone and vertical geophone) data that includes intrinsic removal of noise as well as enhancing the wavefield separation are provided. The methods disclosed herein are based on a decomposition of data simultaneously into dip and frequency while retaining temporal locality. The noise removed may be mainly coherent geophone noise from the vertical geophone, also known as V(z) noise. |
| US07953555B2 |
Seismic measurement system including GPS receivers
A system for determining positions of fixed-position satellite signal receivers that have restricted views of the sky includes a data recording control center, and one or more base satellite signal receivers with associated antennas that together have substantially unrestricted views of the sky. The system batch processes range information provided by the fixed-position receivers over an extended period of time, determining the three dimensional position of a given fixed-position receiver using range data from at least three relatively short time intervals associated with different sky positions in which the receiver is tracking any two or more satellite signals simultaneously. |
| US07953551B2 |
Method and apparatus for moving in minimum cost path using grid map
A method of moving in a minimum cost path using a grid map, and an apparatus to perform the method, the method including calculating a move cost to a goal, from each of a plurality of cells comprises in a space in which a mobile home appliance moves, and planning a movement path to the goal according to the move cost; determining one or more via points at which a direction changes on the movement path; planning the minimum cost path from the movement path by selecting one or more shortest-distance via points from the via points; and moving from a first shortest-distance via point to a second shortest-distance via point. |
| US07953548B2 |
Location-based information determination
Techniques are described for determining and providing location-based information, including based on decomposing a geographic area into numerous smaller areas and using one or more layers of polygons to represent various of the smaller areas. In some situations, location-based information for a geographic area is determined efficiently and accurately to reflect actual travel distances and/or times, such as for use in identifying one or more points of interest that are sufficiently proximate to an indicated location (e.g., a current location of a user), and/or to determine actual travel distances and/or times between two or more indicated locations of interest. The location-based information determination may in some situations be performed in a realtime or near-realtime manner after a request is received from a user, such as to interactively provide results to the user that include or are based at least in part on the determined location-based information. |
| US07953546B1 |
Traffic surveillance system and process
A traffic control system to control passage of objects through of an intersection. The system can include a means for viewing for capturing images having a pixel with sensors for detecting at least four points in the frequency spectrum. The system can include a marker means for determining a location and field of view of the means for viewing. The system can include a computer with algorithms to process images to provide information about objects. Parameters of the objects can be used to for determine a protocol for allowing objects to pass through the intersection. The invention also relates to a process for regulating movement of bodies including: capturing images, comparing captured images to a known image to determine information about bodies, determining a protocol for allowing the bodies to pass through the intersection, and operating a control signal to allow the discrete bodies to pass through the intersection. |
| US07953544B2 |
Method and structure for vehicular traffic prediction with link interactions
A method and structure for predicting traffic on a network, includes a receiver which receives data related to traffic on at least a portion of a network. A calculator calculates a traffic prediction for at least a part of the network, the traffic prediction being calculated by using a deviation from a historical traffic on the network. |
| US07953543B2 |
Device and method for communication between a control system for small internal combustion engines and an external computer
By incorporating digital control systems for ignition of, and to some extent for fuel injection in, small internal combustion engines, opportunities have been created for the connection of external computers, in order thereby to be able to change the characteristics of the control system, as well as to be able to read operational data from the same. The operational data may be e.g. operating time and trip meter. The method according to the invention means that a combined communication port and stop entry is created, which will result in a cost-effective implementation of the communication interface when a stop entry with an associated transient protection already exists. |
| US07953540B2 |
Air intake control device of V-diesel engine
An intake passage of a V diesel engine 10 has a pair of distributing lines 19L, 19R connected to corresponding banks 11L, 11R, a converging line 16 that connects the distributing lines 19L, 19R to each other, and a pair of branch lines 15L, 15R branched from the converging line 16 and extending upstream. Boost pressure changing mechanisms 50L, 50R, air intake throttle valves 51L, 51R, and exhaust flow rate adjusting valves 52L, 52R are provided in correspondence with the branch lines 15L, 15R and inlet lines 13L, 13R. A control section 41 controls operation of each of these actuators in accordance with a common target control value. |
| US07953535B2 |
Drive line torque perturbation for PTO mode shifting
A method of controlling a machine drive having a driveline PTO establishes a driveline torque perturbation via conversion of internal inertia through two transmission neutral conditions. In an example, when a request is received, e.g., from an operator, to shift the driveline PTO from a first mode to a second mode, the transmission is automatically modulated between its first neutral condition and its second neutral condition while the driveline PTO is shifted from the first mode to the second mode, thus minimizing torque lock and facilitating mode changes. |
| US07953534B2 |
Vehicle integrated-control apparatus and vehicle integrated-control method
The invention relates to a vehicle integrated-control apparatus and method that sets a final control target by coordinating a control target primarily set based on an input of a driver with instruction values from the control systems; and that causes a drive control system to control a drive source and a stepped automatic transmission to achieve the final control target. With this apparatus and method, at least one of the control systems, which provide instruction values to be coordinated with the primarily set control target, is notified of a range of control targets that can be achieved at a current shift speed; a range of control targets that can be achieved by changing the current shift speed to a currently achievable shift speed; and a range of control targets that can be achieved without changing the current shift speed to another shift speed. |
| US07953533B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A vehicle control apparatus includes an input member; a driving force transmission mechanism that transmits a rotational driving force of the input member to an output member; a mechanical pump that operates by using the rotational driving force of the input member; an electric pump that operates when a rotational speed of the mechanical pump is less than a predetermined operation threshold; an oil pressure control apparatus that performs control operations for the driving force transmission mechanism by supplying operating oil, which is supplied from the mechanical pump and the electric pump, to the driving force transmission mechanism; and a controller that detects a state of the electric pump. |
| US07953530B1 |
Vehicle diagnostic tool
An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range. |
| US07953529B2 |
Determination of abnormality of an intake air system of an internal-combustion engine
The present invention provides a scheme for determining an abnormality of an intake air system with higher accuracy in an engine an intake air amount is controlled by adjusting a lift amount of an intake valve. A throttle opening area is determined based on a current intake air amount. A feedback correction is performed on the throttle opening area. The feedback correction includes determining a correction amount of the throttle opening area such that the gauge pressure inside the intake manifold converges to a desired gauge pressure and then adding the correction amount to the throttle opening area. A feedback control is performed on an air-fuel ratio. The feedback control includes determining a correction amount of the air-fuel ratio based on a detection value of an air-fuel ratio detecting means provided in an exhaust manifold. An abnormality of the intake air system is determined during an idling operation based on the correction amount of the throttle opening area and the correction amount of the air-fuel ratio. |
| US07953524B1 |
Navigation through reception of a remote position fix via data link
A method of navigating a mobile platform. A reflectable electronic signal is transmitted. A reflection of the reflectable signal is received. A position of the mobile platform is determined based upon the reflection of the reflectable signal. A platform position signal is transmitted to the mobile platform. The platform position signal provides the mobile platform the determined position of the mobile platform. The mobile platform is navigated based upon the platform position signal. |
| US07953523B2 |
Active control of soft hybrid isolation systems
Apparatus, Systems, and Methods are provided for controlling motion of a spacecraft. One apparatus includes a non-contacting actuator and a passive mechanical system coupled in parallel with one another. A system includes a payload, a bus, and a hybrid actuator including a non-contacting actuator and a passive mechanical system coupled in parallel, and coupled between the bus and the payload. The system also includes an inertial actuator configured to maneuver the bus to maintain a relative position and/or attitude of the bus with respect to the payload. One method includes receiving a signal instructing a first controller to change the position and/or attitude of a payload and utilizing a hybrid system to change the position and/or attitude of the payload. The method also includes receiving the signal at a second controller and utilizing a system to change a position and/or attitude of the bus independent of the payload. |
| US07953520B2 |
Cooling fan controller for controlling revolving fan based on fluid temperature and air temperature
A cooling fan controller is provided for controlling the revolving speed of a cooling fan that introduces outside air as a cooling wind to cool a fluid being cooled; in order to optimally control the revolving speed if the cooling fan in accordance with load, and to suppress noise caused by the cooling fan. The cooling fan controller includes a fluid temperature sensor 40 for sensing a temperature To of the fluid, an air temperature sensor 30 for sensing a temperature Ta of the air, and a control 20 for calculating a difference between the fluid temperature To sensed by the fluid temperature sensor 40 and the air temperature Ta sensed by the air temperature sensor 30, and setting a target revolving speed Nf of the cooling fan in accordance with a magnitude of the calculated difference. |
| US07953519B2 |
Energy usage monitoring and balancing method and system
A monitoring method and system. The method includes monitoring by a monitoring apparatus, a power configuration for electrical devices and a status for power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus re-balances a power usage for the electrical devices. The monitoring apparatus generates a first report indicating current loads associated with the electrical devices. The monitoring apparatus transmits the first report to the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus generates a group of reports indicating power consumption associated with the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus transmits each report of the group of reports to an associated power supplier entity of the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus generates a second report indicating updated power consumption associated with the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus stores the second report. |
| US07953515B2 |
System and method for carrier identification in a pneumatic tube system
A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination. |
| US07953510B2 |
System and method for semiconductor identification chip read out
A system and method for semiconductor identification chip read out is presented. A user uses a stand-alone handheld device to extract product data, which includes manufacturing process attributes, from a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device couples to the hand held device through a subset of pins, such as a power pin, a ground pin, a clock in pin, and a data out pin. When coupled, the handheld device provides a clock signal to the semiconductor device. In turn, on chip logic within the semiconductor device detects the clock signal and gathers internal product data. Once gathered, the on chip logic provides the product data to the hand held device through the data out pin for a user to view. As a result, the user may track semiconductor devices more efficiently. |
| US07953508B2 |
Quality control system and method thereof
A quality control system and method for monitoring an assembly operation is provided. The method can include: (1) providing an assembly line having a plurality of machines being assembled thereon; (2) providing a tool for performing an assembly operation; (3) performing a plurality of the assembly operations with the tool; (4) measuring a measurable parameter indicative of the performance of the tool for at least a subset of the plurality of assembly operations; (5) storing the measured values in an electronic format with a data collection device; (6) analyzing the measured values; and (7) providing a signal based on the analysis with the signal indicative of at least satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance of the tool. In some instances, the data collection device can provide for storing additional information and/or data with any particular stored measured value. |
| US07953505B2 |
Digital filter device
A digital filter device that filters a digital sound signal input to an input terminal and outputs an output digital signal from an output terminal, has a peak value controlling circuit compares a first gain multiplier value and a second gain multiplier value with each other, and replaces a filter coefficients stored in a first coefficient register with a new filter coefficients stored in a second coefficient register at a timing when the gain multiplier value applied to a gain multiplier becomes zero or becomes closest to zero for the first time during shifting the gain multiplier value from a first gain multiplier value to a second gain multiplier value if said first gain multiplier value and said second gain multiplier value are different in sign. |
| US07953503B2 |
Method for operating a process plant, process plant and computer program product
A method for operating a process plant, in which a number of alarm notifications for indicating non-compliant operating events of the process plant are generated at process level. Alarm notifications which can be generated during the operation of the process plant are defined. At least a number of the generatable alarm notifications are assigned, in each case at least a first value or a second value as a dependency value. A current process state of the process plant is determined and depending on the determined process state, those alarm notifications to which the first value was assigned as a dependency value are not indicated. |
| US07953502B2 |
Position control method, position control device, and medium storage device having disturbance suppression function
In a position control device having a disturbance suppression function, loop gain is calibrated without stopping disturbance suppression control. The position control device has, for disturbance suppression control, a feedback controller for changing the loop characteristic, a table for storing a target gain according to a disturbance frequency, and a gain calibration section for calibrating open loop gain. The gain is calibrated using a target gain in the table according to the change of the loop characteristic of the feedback controller. Open loop gain can be calibrated without interrupting the disturbance suppression control, so the open loop gain can be accurately calibrated without being affected by disturbance, and accurate position control is possible. |
| US07953499B2 |
Drug-eluting electrode
An apparatus includes an electrical lead comprising a lead body and an electrical conductor, and an electrode coupled to the electrical conductor, wherein the electrode includes a coating on at least a portion of a surface of the electrode, the coating including two or more layers, with a first layer adjacent the surface of the electrode comprising an insulative material and a second layer adjacent the first layer comprising at least one pharmacological agent. |
| US07953496B2 |
Implantable lead with isolated contact coupling
An implantable lead for a medical device with an isolated contact connection for connecting a conductor to a contact reduces the opportunity for conductor material to migrate to a contact or into a patient. The implantable lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one conductor, at least one contact carried on the proximal end, at least one contact carried on the distal end, at least one coupling. The lead has an exterior surface. The conductor is contained in the lead body and extends from the lead proximal end to the distal end. The conductor is electrically insulated. The contact carried on the proximal end is electrically connected to the conductor. The coupling has a conductor coupling and a contact coupling. The conductor coupling is placed over the conductor and attached to the conductor. The contact coupling exits the lead body and has a weld to connect the contact coupling to the contact. There is an isolation space created between the conductor and the contact to prevent the weld from containing conductor material. |
| US07953489B2 |
Multiple electrode vectors for implantable cardiac treatment devices
The implantable cardiac treatment system of the present invention is capable of choosing the most appropriate electrode vector to sense within a particular patient. In certain embodiments, the implantable cardiac treatment system determines the most appropriate electrode vector for continuous sensing based on which electrode vector results in the greatest signal amplitude, or some other useful metric such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The electrode vector possessing the highest quality as measured using the metric is then set as the default electrode vector for sensing. Additionally, in certain embodiments of the present invention, a next alternative electrode vector is selected based on being generally orthogonal to the default electrode vector. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the next alternative electrode vector is selected based on possessing the next highest quality metric after the default electrode vector. In some embodiments, if analysis of the default vector is ambiguous, the next alternative electrode vector is analyzed to reduce ambiguity. |
| US07953487B2 |
Heart stimulating device
An implantable heart stimulating device for indicating congestive heart failure (CHF) has a processor, an activity sensor that generates an activity signal indicative of a patient's activity, and a blood temperature sensor that measures blood temperature inside the heart of the patient and generates a temperature signal indicative of the measured temperature. From the activity signal and the temperature signal, the processor identifies a characteristic dip in the temperature signal related to a predetermined increase in the activity signal. The processor determines a CHF indicator value indicating the degree of CHF based on the magnitude of the temperature sensor dip for at least two increased activity levels. |
| US07953485B2 |
Therapy control based on the rate of change of intracardiac impedance
A system comprising a medical device that includes an impedance measurement circuit adapted to be coupled to implantable electrodes to obtain an intracardiac impedance signal between electrodes, a therapy circuit operable to deliver a therapy to a subject, and a controller circuit coupled to the impedance measurement circuit and the therapy circuit. The controller circuit determines a time rate of change of the intracardiac impedance signal and adjusts at least one parameter related to therapy in a manner that alters the rate of change. |
| US07953481B1 |
Anti-arrhythmic device and a method of delivering anti-arrhythmic cardiac therapy
A cardiac contractility modulating (CCM) device (30) includes an anti-arrhythmic therapy unit (38) for detecting a cardiac arrhythmia in a heart (2) of a patient based on processing electrical signals related to cardiac activity sensed at the heart, and for delivering anti-arrhythmic therapy to the heart. The device includes a cardiac contractility modulating (CCM) unit (40) capable of delivering cardiac contractility modulating (CCM) signals to the heart for modulating the contractility of a portion of the heart. The device (30) includes a power source (165). The device may be an implantable device or a non-implantable device. A method for delivering anti-arrhythmic therapy to a heart. The method includes applying one or more non-excitatory cardiac contractility modulating electrical signals to said heart. |
| US07953480B2 |
Atrial pacing therapy for treating mitral regurgitation
A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating mitral regurgitation with electrical stimulation. By providing pacing stimulation to the left atrium during ventricular systole, a beneficial effect is obtained which can prevent or reduce the extent of mitral regurgitation. |
| US07953478B2 |
System and method for presenting defibrillator status information while in standby mode
A video display coupled to an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and capable of full-motion video can support added functionality of the AED. One advantage of the video display is that it can be used to present standby status information of the AED quickly to an AED operator while the AED is in a low power standby mode or non-operative state. The video display may present status information in response to touching the display or activating a button while the AED is in a non-operative state. When the AED is in an operative state, such as during a rescue, the display may comprise a graphical user interface that may be navigated using touch-screen technology or buttons built into the AED. During a rescue, the video display may present live or stored electrocardiograms (ECGs) and instructions for operating the AED. |
| US07953475B2 |
Preprocessing for cardiac mapping
A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the endocardium surface; and (iii) determining physiological information at multiple locations of the endocardium surface based on the measured signals and positions of the electrodes with respect to the endocardium surface. Related systems and computer programs are also disclosed. |
| US07953474B2 |
Apparatus, method and optical sensor module using a tilter for body fat measurement
An apparatus, method and optical sensor module for body fat measurement includes at least one light source, a tilter to control an irradiation angle of the light source to radiate light from the light source into biological tissue at a predetermined angle, and an optical detector to detect an optical signal scattered from the biological tissue, and transform the scattered optical signal into an electric signal to acquire more accurate body fat information about a deep body fat layer. |
| US07953470B2 |
Method, device and navigation aid for navigation during medical interventions
The invention relates to one or several navigation aids whose position can be used to maintain the recorded state of at least one partial structure of a non-bone structure. The navigation aid(s) is/are inserted into the non-bone structure. |
| US07953467B2 |
Method for non-invasive cancerous tissue diagnosis and tomography using terahertz imaging
The primary objective of the present method and apparatus is to provide a portable and new diagnosis system for quickly and reliably examining tissue conditions. The method uses the most advance miniaturized micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) for generating a rapid variable optical delay line capable of generating wideband terahertz pulses. The method detects and analyzes cancerous tissues by comparing a plurality of spectrum resolved images of suspected tissue without applying harmful agents into the tissue to facilitate interaction with illumination sources. The method employs non-evasive, real time terahertz imaging systems and techniques to diagnose tissue for detecting the presence of cancer. A map showing, which tissue is healthy and which is cancerous can aid in the accurate removal of cancerous tissue. |
| US07953466B2 |
Superconducting cable
A superconductive cable is provided which upon normal state, restricts flowing of electric current to a former to the maximum extent to thereby keep a cryogenic state in the superconductive cable stable. The superconductive cable includes a former surrounded by a superconductive layer and a cryostat provided at the outside of the superconductive layer, wherein the former includes a metal wire-wound part around which a plurality of wires is wound and an eddy-current prevention layer provided on the outer face of the wire-wound part, and the metal wires and the eddy-current prevention layer are made of a copper alloy. |
| US07953465B2 |
Mobile communication terminal
A mobile communication terminal is provided. The mobile communication terminal includes a first body, a second body slidably moveable between a first position and a second position, a plate located between the first body and the second body, the plate being connected to one of the first body and the second body, a slider supported by the plate to be slidably moveable thereon, the slider being connected to the other of the first body and the second body. An elastic supporter may be located on at least one of the plate and a first surface of the slider. A buffering part may be located on the slider. Alternatively, the buffering part may be located on one of the first body and the second body. |
| US07953464B2 |
Sliding-type portable terminal
A sliding-type portable terminal is provided. The sliding-type portable terminal includes a first housing, a second housing sliding in a longitudinal direction of the first housing while facing the first housing, and an elastic member including a helical coil and free ends. The free ends extend from the coil in a direction away from each other and the elastic member provides an elastic force in a direction to move the free ends away from each other, in which the coil is interposed between the first housing and the second housing. An end of one of the free ends is rotatably supported on a first face of the first housing, and another of the free ends is extended toward the inside of the second housing and rotatably supported on an inner surface of the second housing. The sliding-type portable terminal has an advantage in that each of the free ends is located in one of the housings, by which the thickness of the terminal can be easily reduced and a space for a flexible printed circuit is easily ensured. Also, since sliding guides may be mounted to the first housing slidingly support the rear cover of the second housing, the terminal allows simple assembly, a reduced number of parts, and a slimmed profile thereof. |
| US07953463B2 |
Portable device
According to the portable device of an aspect of the present invention, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are brought into movable linkage between the first position where the silhouettes of the first enclosure and the second enclosure are overlapped and the second position where the second enclosure is moved in parallel from the first position. In addition, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are rotatably and movably linked between the first position and the third position where the second enclosure is rotatably moved from the first position at a predetermined angle. |
| US07953459B2 |
Low power warning in a portable communication device based on predicted device utilization
A system and method for providing a low power warning in a portable communication device based on predicted device utilization. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise monitoring power utilization for a portable communication device. A power utilization profile may be determined based, at least in part, on the results of the power utilization monitoring. Power availability for the portable communication device may be determined. Future power need for the portable communication device may be predicted based, at least in part, on the determined power utilization profile. The predicted future power need and the determined power availability may be analyzed to determine whether to generate a warning indicating a potential future power shortage. If it is determined that a potential future power shortage warning should be generated, such a warning may be generated. Such a warning may, for example, be generated in accordance with user specifications. |
| US07953453B2 |
Integrated mobile phone ring scheduler
A mobile telephone comprises a ringer to provide an audible alert of an incoming telephone call. The mobile telephone has a ringer control schedule. The ringer control schedule indicates times at which a parameter of the ringer is to change. The mobile telephone further comprises a ringer controller to automatically change the parameter of the ringer according to the ringer control schedule. |
| US07953452B2 |
Cellular multiscreen system
A cellular multiscreen system forms an image which can be a frame of a video or still image, divides that image into a number of parts, and sends each part to a different cellular telephone. The cellular telephones which receives the images collectively can display the images so that one can see the original image by looking at the multiple different cellular telephones. A game can also be played by determining which of the cellular phones receive which portion of the image. |
| US07953447B2 |
Voice-controlled communications system and method using a badge application
A communication system has a control computer, one or more concentrators and one or more access device each having a badge application that communicates wirelessly with the one or more concentrators. The access device with the badge application provides the user with a communications device that permits the user to initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment. |
| US07953446B2 |
Antenna systems with common overhead for CDMA base stations
Systems and methods for use in CDMA antenna systems are provided in which signals each having a common overhead component are transmitted on a set of adjacent beams of a sector with a micro-timing offset between signals transmitted on adjacent pairs of beams which is large enough that destructive cancellation substantially does not occur between the pair of beams. |
| US07953445B2 |
Multiple subscription subscriber identity module (SIM) card
Embodiments of the invention include a multiple subscription subscriber identity module (SIM) card. The SIM card includes a plurality of sets of subscription parameters from which to select and activate a single set of parameters. The sets of subscription parameters each contain various information, e.g., information such as an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and are based on various criteria, e.g., different service regions of use for the electronic device on which the SIM card is installed. A set of subscription parameters is selected for a particular region of use either manually or automatically. The SIM card, which can include a software interface that provides a list of available sets of subscription parameters, is activated by updating the selected set of subscription parameters. Alternatively, a default set of subscription parameters is selected unless a different set of subscription parameters is selected manually from among the plurality of sets of subscription parameters. According to alternative embodiments of the invention, the selected set of subscription parameters can be deactivated and a different set of subscription parameters can be selected and updated to in the SIM card. |
| US07953442B2 |
Method and system for processing wireless digital multimedia
A transmit digital processing system for wireless transmission of HDMI and/or DVI data using an FPGA. The FPGA converts the data into two data streams and includes a front end component multiplexing video data with control data. A complementary receive FPGA is also disclosed. |
| US07953439B2 |
Voice-data-RF integrated circuit
A Voice-Data-RF IC includes a baseband processing module and an RF section to process voice and data separately, depending on which mode, voice or data, the IC is currently in. An interface disposed between the baseband processing module and the RF section controls which of the voice or data signals are conveyed, depending on the voice or data mode of operation. In one instance, a baseband processing module and a RF section are utilized for voice mode of operation and separate baseband processing module and RF section are utilized for data mode of operation. |
| US07953438B2 |
Common circuits and user interfaces for shutters and electro-optical components
Disclosed are circuits and user interfaces of a mobile communication device that include a light source and a shutter that are driven by at least one common voltage line. Also disclosed are circuits and user interfaces of a mobile communication device that include a sensor and a shutter that are driven by at least one common voltage line. Further disclosed are circuits and user interfaces that include a light source, a sensor and a shutter that are driven by at least one common voltage line. The shutter may be divided into a plurality of segments so that one segment may be in optical alignment with a light source and another segment may be in optical alignment with a sensor. A shutter may be part of the same circuit as a light source and/or a sensor without needing its own circuit and driver. |
| US07953433B2 |
Data storage device and data storage device tracing system
A data storage device tracing system includes at least one container configured to maintain at least one electronic data storage device, a two-way radio coupled to each of the container(s), and a network including a network coordinator configured to transmit to and receive data from the two-way radio. In this regard, the two-way radio communicates real-time container location data to the network coordinator to enable real-time tracing of the container(s) and the electronic data storage device(s). |
| US07953417B2 |
Methods and apparatus for selecting and signaling a preferred link among a plurality of maintained wireless communications links
Methods and apparatus for maintaining, selecting and indicating a preferred communications link with an access node, e.g., base station, are described. |
| US07953416B2 |
Process for dynamic routing of customer contacts to service providers in real time
A dynamic contact routing system includes establishing a plurality of service provider accounts. The service providers submit bids for a per-contact charge. A contact list is created wherein the service providers are ranked from the highest bidder to the lowest bidder. A contact received from a potential customer is routed to the highest ranked bidder service provider on the contact list. If the contact is not responded to or rejected, the contact is rerouted to the next highest ranked service provider on the contact list. The service provider's account who has received the contact is charged the pre-contact amount by that service provider. |
| US07953404B2 |
Method to decentralize the counting of abnormal call release events on a per cell base in digital cellular communication networks
In one aspect, a method to collect performance measurements a digital cellular communication network is provided. Radio links of the active set are set up both inside the serving cell and towards one or more adjacent cells belonging to adjacent clusters controlled by respective radio network controllers. Controllers are connected to one another in order to act either as master of the active set in communication with the core network or slave for managing directly controlled radio resources and executing requests from the master devoted to radio link set up or deletion. The master radio controller, when calling a slave for requesting a specific radio link deletion from the active set, also sends to it some information about the cause of that deletion. The slave radio controller when receives the cause information increments a performance measurement counter associated to the specific cause and to the specific cell the radio link deletion is requested for. Operatively, the 3GPP RNSAP Radio Link Deletion Request message is upgraded to include an Element used to specify the “Cause” of the deletion. Periodically the network operator recovers the counters to associate the specific radio link failure events to the specific cells. |
| US07953402B2 |
Remote activation system
A method for remotely activating an event over a telecommunications network, said method comprising: providing processing means connected to a telecommunications transceiver and having an output for activating an event; and connecting the transceiver to the network, such that it is able to receive a connection request from a user; the processing means and transceiver being configured to: receive a connection request; wait for a predetermined time period; refuse the connection request; and activate the event.Also provided is a device for enabling an event to be remotely activated over a telecommunications network, said device comprising: processing means connected to a telecommunications transceiver and having an output for activating the event; wherein the transceiver is operable to receive a connection request from a user, and wherein the processing means are operable, on receipt of a connection request, to: wait for a predetermined time period; refuse the connection request; and activate the event. |
| US07953400B2 |
Automatic pairing method for Bluetooth®-enabled mobile terminal
An automatic pairing method for a Bluetooth®-enabled mobile includes checking whether automatic authentication information has been received from a Bluetooth®-enabled appliance in response to an automatic pairing command, receiving pairing information from the Bluetooth®-enabled appliance and registering the Bluetooth®-enabled appliance as a slave if automatic authentication information is received, and establishing a Bluetooth® connection to the Bluetooth®-enabled appliance registered as a slave. |
| US07953399B2 |
Network-initiated service change from speech to multimedia
A method, apparatus and system for initiating a service change in a wireless system, the wireless system including an originating side and a terminating side. The invention includes initiating a modification request in a wireless system, wherein the modification request is a service change from a first mode to a second mode. The invention further includes modifying a terminal from a first mode to a second mode if the modification request is accepted by the terminal, and completing a radio bearer assignment after the modification request is accepted. |
| US07953393B2 |
Method and apparatus for message management in portable communication system
Provided is a method and apparatus for altering a stored message into a single unified message and controlling a capacity of a message box in a portable communication system. The method includes checking an available capacity of a message box; and when the available capacity is less than a critical value, creating and storing a unified message, which is a unification of a plurality of messages stored in the message box, into a single message. |
| US07953388B2 |
Retrieving jurisdiction information from home location register
Calls to a wireless telephone number that are to be redirected by a gateway switch to another number can be properly billed, even if the wireless telephone number is ported to another service provider by billing the wireless telephone number subscriber for the charge that would have been incurred by placing a call to the forwarded number from the mobile telephone located in its home service area. |
| US07953386B2 |
Bill per card print
A method of printing content on a print medium and charging using a mobile telecommunications device, comprising the steps of: identifying the content on the mobile telecommunications device; printing, using a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device, the content on the print medium; and transmitting, using the mobile telecommunications device, billing information to a billing server. |
| US07953375B2 |
Communication module with dual systems and method for defining operating mode thereof
A communication module with dual systems for processing a first RF signal and a second RF signal that belong to different communication systems is provided. The communication module includes a first connection port and a signal distribution circuit. The first connection port is coupled to an external circuit, and the signal distribution circuit is coupled to the first connection port and between a first system path and a second system path inside the communication module. Regardless whether the external circuit is composed by an dual-band antenna or two uni-band antenna, the signal distribution circuit controls the first RF signal transmitting along the path between the first connection port and the first system path and controls the second RF signal transmitting along the path between the path between the first connection port and the second system path. |
| US07953374B2 |
Scheduling methods and systems for wireless multi-hop relay communications
A scheduling method for a wireless multi-hop relay communication system, wherein the communication system includes a base station dominating a plurality of relay stations, the scheduling method including separating the plurality of relay stations into N groups, N being a natural number, dividing a period for providing a service by the base station into N phases, wherein N is the number of the groups of the relay stations, serving the relay stations in a jth group during an ith phase by the base station, wherein 1≦i, j≦N, and serving a user or a subordinate relay station within service areas of the relay stations not in the jth group during the ith phase by the relay stations not in the jth group. |
| US07953372B2 |
Directional antenna sectoring system and methodology
Methods and systems for packet-by-packet directional mobile wireless transmission utilizing plurality of directional antenna sectors, such that, the transmission of each packet is performed by at least one selected antenna sector. The direction of transmission is selected responsive to the direction in which the best electromagnetic signal reception was received. For each plurality of data packets, the transmission direction is selected again. Switching logic is coupling the out going transmission signal to selected ones from the plurality of the antennas responsive to the motion of the mobile user. The antenna design in this invention is aimed at increasing the gain and minimizing the interfering signals with respect large number of mobile users who are concurrently and continuously tracking and communicating with their access points, and consequently, increasing the bit rate of each transmission and the aggregate capacity of the wireless system. |
| US07953371B2 |
Local wireless communication module combined with antenna and mobile terminal having the same
A mobile terminal having a local wireless communication module combined with an antenna is disclosed that eliminates the inconvenience of carrying a data cable for connecting of a mobile terminal to a computer and enabling easy connection of the mobile terminal to a computer whenever necessary. A local wireless communication module combined with an antenna for a mobile terminal Is provided that is usable as an RF communication antenna when joined to a USB socket of the mobile terminal or as a local wireless communication module for executing local wireless communication between the mobile terminal and a computer when detached from the mobile terminal and joined to a USB socket of the computer. |
| US07953369B2 |
System and method for inductive power supply control using remote device power requirements
An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast. |
| US07953368B2 |
RFIC chip, and position recognition system and security system using the same
Included are: a circuit unit having a non-volatile memory; a circuit unit having a volatile memory; a read-write circuit for reading data from, writing data into, the non-volatile memory, and for reading data from, writing data into, the volatile memory; an antenna and an RF amplifier which are first power supply means for receiving a first radio wave, and for supplying power to the circuit unit; and an antenna and an RF amplifier which are second power supply means for receiving a second radio wave whose frequency is different from that of the first radio wave, and for supplying power to the circuit unit. |
| US07953366B2 |
Signal transmission on a coaxial cable
A receiver that can receive several initial signals modulated in a same initial frequency band and/or distinct initial frequency bands and generate a signal modulated in a transmission band to be transmitted on a coaxial cable, comprising a selector that can select several signals from among the received signals; for each selected signal, a mixer capable of transforming the selected signal into a signal at least partly in the transmission band, and a filter capable of extracting from the transformed signal a signal associated with a portion of the transmission band from among several at least partly distinct portions of the transmission band; and means for forming the signal modulated in the transmission band from signals associated with the transmission band portions. |
| US07953365B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting a relay mode in a multihop relay broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for selecting one of a plurality of relay modes in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes checking a channel state between a Mobile Station (MS) and each of at least one Relay Station (RS), selecting the relay mode for supporting a relay service using the determined channel state between the MA and each of the at least one RS, and providing the relay service to the MS using the selected relay mode. Thus, system throughput and outage performance can be enhanced by using the appropriate relay mode based on the MS distribution or the channel condition. |
| US07953363B2 |
Lubricant applicator and image forming apparatus including same
A lubricant applicator includes a solid mold lubricant, a lubricant application roller, and a flicker member. The lubricant application roller scrapes and applies the lubricant to an image bearing member. The flicker member removes a powder substance adhered to the surface of the lubricant application roller and is disposed upstream of the solid mold lubricant in a direction of rotation of the lubricant application roller. The lubricant application roller, the flicker member, and the solid mold lubricant define a sealed space therebetween. A lubricant applicator includes the solid mold lubricant, the lubricant application roller, the flicker member, and an adherence prevention member that prevents the substance removed by the flicker member from adhering again to the lubricant application roller. A lubricant applicator includes the solid mold lubricant, the lubricant application roller, and a lubricant receiver that receives the scraped lubricant from the lubricant application roller. |
| US07953359B2 |
Apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material
An image heating apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material, including a heating unit having a heater and a flexible sleeve to be rotated in contact with the heater; an elastic roller for constituting a nip portion, in cooperation with the heater and through the flexible sleeve, for heating the recording material under pinching and conveying; and a frame having a roller supporting portion for supporting the heating unit and the elastic roller; wherein the frame has a guide portion for mounting the heating unit on the frame; and the roller supporting portion of the frame is positioned, in a conveying direction of the recording material, in a downstream position of an imaginary line passing through a center of the guide portion. |
| US07953356B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a first roller; a second roller; a belt tensely provided between the first roller and the second roller; and a guiding member for guiding an edge of the belt. Further, the belt has an edge surface having a step portion of equal to or smaller than 0.05 mm and a ten-point mean roughness (Rz) of equal to or smaller than 5.0 μm. |
| US07953352B2 |
Movable metering skive for a development station of a reproduction apparatus
A magnetic brush development station for a reproduction apparatus has a housing forming, at least in part, a reservoir for developer material; a developer roller mounted within the housing for delivering developer material to a dielectric support member in a development zone; a transport mechanism for transporting developer material from the reservoir to the developer roller; a metering skive for establishing a developer material metering gap; and a mechanism for selectively moving the metering skive to an operative position relative to the developer roller and to a position remote from the developer roller, wherein a build up of contamination at the metering gap between the metering skive and the developer roller can be substantially prevented. A method of removing a skive blockage from a metering skive in a magnetic brush developer station is also disclosed. |
| US07953350B2 |
Developing device for developing latent images to toner images
A developing device including a development part for developing latent images to toner images. The developing device also includes an agitation part that agitates developer, and a controller, which controls an agitation strength of an agitator in the agitation part. The developer circulates between the development part and the agitation part. |
| US07953347B2 |
Retaining devices and methods for retaining a developer unit of an image forming device
The present application is directed to retainers and methods of retaining a developer unit within an image forming device. One embodiment may include positioning a retainer attached to a frame at a first position with a second end of the retainer positioned away from the developer unit. A toner cartridge may be inserted into the image forming device in a vertical direction and contact against retainer. The toner cartridge may laterally move the retainer relative to the frame from the first position to a second position with the second end positioned to prevent removal of the developer unit from the frame. Another embodiment features a system to retain a developer unit in an image forming device. The system may include a frame configured to receive the developer unit and the toner cartridge. A retainer may be movably attached to the frame and include a first end with a ramped surface, and a second end spaced away from the first end. The retainer may be movable between a first position prior to insertion of the toner cartridge with the second end positioned away from the developer unit, and a second position after insertion of the toner cartridge with the second end positioned to prevent removal of the developer unit from the frame. |
| US07953340B2 |
Process cartridge having electrical contact and image forming apparatus having electrical contact in urging member
A process cartridge detachably is mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus of an image forming apparatus including an urging member and a positioning portion. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum; a positionable portion positioning the cartridge by engaging the positioning portion when the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus; first and second urgable portions being urged respectively, by first and second urging portions of the urging member to urge the positionable portion to the positioning portion during cartridge mounting; and an electrical contact, provided between the first and second urgable portions with respect to a horizontal direction crossing an axis of the drum, for connecting electrically to an electrical contact portion in the urging member, when the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus. |
| US07953339B2 |
Image forming device and cartridge being electrically connected by terminals
An image forming device according to an aspect includes: a main body; and a first cartridge configured to accommodate a developer and detachably attached to the main body. The first cartridge includes: a rotation body rotatably provided in the first cartridge; a memory device configured to store information concerning the first cartridge; and a first terminal electrically connected to the memory device. The main body includes: a driver configured to rotate the rotation body; and a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal. The first terminal is provided at a position where a torque produced by rotation of the rotation body acts in the first cartridge. |
| US07953331B2 |
Developer carrying device, developing device, process unit, and image forming apparatus
A pressing wall is provided in a part of the entire area of the first carrying chamber in which a first screw member is housed. The area is opposed to a bottom wall of the first carrying chamber on the lower side in the gravity direction of the first screw member and opposed to the side walls of the first carrying chamber on both lateral sides orthogonal to a rotation axis direction of the first screw member. In the area, a toner concentration of a K developer being carried is detected by a K toner concentration sensor. The pressing wall comes into contact with, from above in the gravity direction, the K developer, which moves from a lower side to an upper side in the gravity direction according to the rotation of the first screw member, and presses the K developer downward in the gravity direction. |
| US07953330B2 |
Cartridges, such as developer cartridges, for an image forming apparatus, such as a printer
A cartridge includes an engagement gear which includes a first engaging portion and is configured to selectively rotate. The cartridge also includes a rotational body which includes a second engaging portion, and a center axis of the rotational body is aligned with a center axis of the engagement gear. Moreover, the cartridge includes an extension portion which is positioned offset from a center of rotation of the rotational body. The engagement gear and the rotational body are configured to selectively be positioned in one of a first state in which the second engaging portion and the first engaging portion are separated from each other, and a second state in which the second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion. The rotational body is configured to rotate with the engagement gear when the engagement gear rotates and the engagement gear and the rotational body are in the second state. |
| US07953329B2 |
Optical communication apparatus and optical add/drop apparatus
An apparatus comprising an optical modulator modulating a light in accordance with a modulation signal and an operating point of the optical modulator, to thereby output a modulated optical signal; and a controller controlling the operating point in accordance with a branched portion of the modulated optical signal and a detected intensity of the modulation signal so that the operating point is kept stable when the detected intensity falls below a predetermined value. |
| US07953325B2 |
System and method for communicating optical signals between a data service provider and subscribers
An optical fiber network can include an outdoor laser transceiver node that can be positioned in close proximity to the subscribers of an optical fiber network. The outdoor laser transceiver node does not require active cooling and heating devices that control the temperature surrounding the laser transceiver node. The laser transceiver node can adjust a subscriber's bandwidth on a subscription basis or on an as-needed basis. The laser transceiver node can also offer data bandwidth to the subscriber in preassigned increments. Additionally, the laser transceiver node lends itself to efficient upgrading that can be performed entirely on the network side. The laser transceiver node can also provide high speed symmetrical data transmission. Further, the laser transceiver node can utilize off-the-shelf hardware to generate optical signals such as Fabry-Perot (F-P) laser transmitters, distributed feed back lasers (DFB), or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). |
| US07953324B2 |
System and method for data synchronization in passive optical networks
System and method for data synchronization in Passive Optical Networks. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing upstream data synchronization in an optical communication network. The method includes sending data from an Optical Network Unit. The data includes a first data frame, which includes a header sequence, a synchronization segment, and a data segment. The synchronization segment includes 66 bits, which includes a first number of bits having nonzero values and a second number of bits having a value of zero. The first number is different from the second number. The method further includes receiving at least the first data frame by an Optical Line Terminal. The method also includes processing the first data frame. The method additionally includes selecting a first segment of the first data frame, the first segment including 66 bits. |
| US07953318B2 |
Imaging apparatus and focusing method
Unless a release button is pressed halfway to input a command to prepare for capturing a still image, a focus lens is moved at predetermined intervals to focus roughly on a subject. When the release button is pressed halfway, the present position of the focus lens is detected. If the position of the focus lens is closer to a lens terminal on a short shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the short shooting distance side toward a lens terminal on a long shooting distance side. If the position of the focus lens is closer to the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side toward the opposite lens terminal. When an in-focus position is detected while the focus lens is being moved, the focus lens is immediately set at the in-focus position. |
| US07953315B2 |
Adaptive video processing circuitry and player using sub-frame metadata
Video player circuitry used with encoded source video and a display. Decoder circuitry receives encoded source video and decodes the encoded source video to produce a sequence of full frames of video data. Pre-processing circuitry, pursuant to sub-frame information, generates a plurality of sequences of sub-frames of video data from the sequence of full frames of video data, a first sequence of the plurality of sequences of sub-frames of video data having a different center point within the sequence of full frames of video data than that of a second sequence of the plurality of sequences of sub-frames of video data. Post-processing circuitry, pursuant to supplemental information, modifies the plurality of sequences of sub-frames of video data to produce an output. Interface circuitry that delivers the output for subsequent presentation on the display. |
| US07953314B2 |
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. |
| US07953313B2 |
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. |
| US07953311B2 |
Fiber optic cable control clips and enclosure assemblies and methods incorporating the same
An enclosure assembly for use with a fiber optic cable, the cable having a lengthwise cable axis and including a plurality of optical fibers and a jacket surrounding the optical fibers includes an enclosure housing and a cable control clip. The enclosure housing defines a chamber to receive the cable. The cable control clip is configured to be inserted through the cable to extend radially between the optical fibers and the jacket to limit contact between the optical fibers and one or more other components of the cable, and to limit displacement of the enclosure housing relative to the cable when the cable control clip is disposed in the chamber. |
| US07953296B2 |
Image resolution conversion with error detection
This invention detects an area where image quality greatly changes upon resolution conversion. For this purpose, a block segmentation unit extracts a tile having Tw×Th pixels from a buffer, and stores the tile in a tile buffer. A two-colors ratio calculating unit counts the number of times the number of colors included in a surrounding pixel group positioned near a pixel of interest becomes two during raster scanning of the tile buffer, and calculates a two-colors ratio Cr. A continuous pixel ratio calculating unit calculates, as a run ratio Rr, a ratio at which pixels having the same color continue during scanning of the tile buffer. A difference calculating unit calculates a resolution conversion error Dt when an image of the tile is converted to ½ the resolution. A determination unit determines based on Cr, Rr, and Dt whether a tile of interest is suitable for resolution conversion. |
| US07953295B2 |
Enhancing text in images
Methods, systems, and apparatus including computer program products for enhancing text in images are provided. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of images each image including a corresponding version of an identified candidate text region and aligning each candidate text region from the plurality of images to a high resolution grid. The method also includes compositing the aligned candidate text regions to create a single superresolution image and performing character recognition on the superresolution image to identify text. |